Engagement Session Ideas in NYC
Congratulations, you’re engaged!
You’ve had an inkling of what was coming but wasn’t quite sure when. It came as a complete surprise, as intended.
Now that you’ve had time to let it soak in and realize that yes, that is a physical symbol of what’s to come on your finger, you want to share it with the world!
Below you’ll information on iconic locations with information on what to expect.
THESE PHOTOS ARE TO CELEBRATE YOU.
Much like your wedding day in the future, this too, is part of your story for you to remember.
Dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable. Those shoes that you’ve been saving for a special occasion? This is it. It’s not every day you have a professional photographer take your photos and engagement sessions are a great way to get use to having a camera around for the wedding day and to feel more comfortable with your photographer so you feel relaxed on your wedding day.
START BY THINKING OF THINGS YOU ENJOY TOGETHER.
The speakeasy where you two first met? The park where your dogs befriended each other and led to you getting to know each other? An observatory overlooking the city full of all the places you frequent together? Or even a space where it just feels like you’re meant to be there, from the quiet nooks and crannies in Central Park to the spaces with beautiful architecture sprinkled throughout the city.
Here are some location ideas and activities to get you started:
476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018About the location:
The official name of the NYPL next to Bryant Park is the Schwarzman building. Its beaux-arts design is inspired by Roman and Greek architecture, with towering columns and marble foundations. Also made of marble are the two lions that greet visitors outside, named Patience and Fortitude.
What to expect:
Once inside, visitors go through a security check.
From there, you can admire the building itself, with its symmetrical features allowing photographers to get creative with photographing you in unique ways that are representative of you and your story. The ornate lighting and mouldings on the walls are a statement that add to each photo. Depending on the time of day, you may need to wait a few moments to snap away at a particular location. As with many places in NYC, people come and go in waves.
Stepping into the Rose Reading Room is like taking a step into history, surrounded by smell of aged books and a calming quietness in the midst of a busy city. Photos are not allowed in this room, but you can sit and admire the mural of hefty clouds above and tall, windows around the room. It’s a great space to take a break after your engagement session and just be present.
Suggested for:
Avid readers with an appreciation for stories, studies, and calm in beauty. Also for lovers of history and neoclassical architecture.
Central Park
About the location:
Spanning 51 blocks from the south end to the north end, Central Park is expansive and is familiar to daily runners and photographers alike at its many picturesque locations. Host to many movie scenes and shows as well, it’s the only place in Manhattan that features dense greenery and minimal access to vehicles.
Some well-frequented locations within the park include:
Bethesda Terrace — a central location year-round. The fountain is operational typically in April until the end of October, depending on the weather. From here, it’s a short walk to Loeb Boathouse, Naumburg Bandshell, Bow Bridge, and Cherry Hill. For the most intimate moments and the cleanest shots with no interruptions, I highly recommend going no later than 8:30AM, as crowds start to gather by then and vendors start setting up shop around the fountain.
Loeb Boathouse — The Loeb Boathouse is a good stop to grab a coffee, a quick bite, a meal after your session. On the walk from Bethesda to the boathouse, you can see the San Remo/El Dorado apartment building in the background with some rowboats, which also makes for lovely photos!
Just the two of you on a boat, surrounded by nature with a peek of the skyline, is such a unique and romantic experience that you’ll remember for years to come. I’ll be capturing photos in a rowboat of my own, of course.
Boat rentals start at $25 per hour.
Lines can get long when the boathouse is open (spring, summer, and early fall), so be sure to go early or expect to wait in line for up to an hour.
Belvedere Castle — Belvedere Castle is only open from 10AM to 5PM, which may be prime time for crowds throughout the day. The castle is purely ornamental, so it is possible to climb up there. For photos, having it taken from the outside would work out just as well, if not better. There is no fee to enter the castle.
Cherry Hill is a frequent stop for horse carriage rides and is also one of the spots within the park that hosts the best cherry blossom views in the springtime. A picnic idea under the trees would be another idea; just be sure to bring blankets and extra layers if needed!
Bow Bridge — from Cherry Hill, you can see the iconic Bow Bridge. It just reopened earlier this year (2024) after repairs. The detail in the carvings and the curves of the bridge add to the romantic vibe, making it a favorite choice for proposals, elopements, and engagement sessions alike.
Suggested for:
Couples who enjoy strolls with a variety of sceneries. With so many different options, you can work in an outfit change to take advantage of mix of the cityscape and natural views. One idea is to start with a casual outfit to get comfortable then change into something more formal.
Tip: bring comfortable shoes to walk in! There is a lot of ground to cover. As an example, Bethesda Fountain to Belvedere Castle would be just shy of 15 minutes of walking.
As your photographer, I map out the locations in order of convenience and with your outfit(s) in mind, taking that stressor off your plate.
While these are some of the most popular spots, there are many more options to consider within Central Park. If you’d like to hear more or receive a guide on Central Park locations, contact me here.
Grand Central
89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
About the location:
Hub of commuters throughout the city, Grand Central is a New York landmark of busyness and opulence. With walls and stairs of marble, an iconic brass clock, and vaulted ceilings with a mesmerizing turquoise mural of the constellations, this beaux-arts building is not to be missed.
What to expect:
People. Passing bodies left and right. Passersby admiring the details in the ceiling.
Tall arches, grandeur, and unexpected pleasant surprises, such as: the whispering gallery, food (including a take out sushi spot for a Michelin-starred restaurant), the occasional busking musician, and a hidden bar reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties.
The Campbell bar is a great option to enjoy a drink after your engagement session. Depending on the day, you may be able to enjoy live jazz as well. With advance planning and a fee, it may be possible to have an engagement session at the Campbell before their opening hours. It isn’t uncommon for couples to have their engagement session at bars throughout the city before opening hours. Fees typically vary by the bar.
Suggested for:
Couples who want to incorporate the hustle and bustle of New York with grand architecture as a backdrop. After all, NYC wouldn’t be NYC without the people. The liveliness. The brisk walking.
Couples who are visiting in the colder months and are looking for an indoor location for their engagement session.
Couples who want to take a step back in time and get a glimpse of what the Roaring Twenties might’ve looked like.
Tip: The lighting situation in Grand Central is a bit different: your photographer should be adept at using flash as needed. There are some amazing shots that can be created with you as the focus and everyone passing by as a blur. It does require some patience and holding still for some time.
Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center)
30 Rockefeller Plaza, 70Fl, New York, NY 10112
About the location:
Located in Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock is one of the observatories in NYC. It also offers one of the earlier opening times (8AM) compared to other observatories, which translates to more flattering lighting for you, while taking in views of the city below. From here, you can see Central Park and the Empire State Building that New York State gets one of its nomers from.
What to expect:
Breathtaking views of New York on the 70th floor. Here, you might be inspired to belt out Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” or Frank Sinatra’s classic “New York, New York.” If you book the earliest ticket, I promise you won’t regret it. I know - getting up early is tough but trust me when I say it’ll be one hundred percent worth it.
Given the altitude, it might be a bit chillier on certain days, so bring layers just in case. You can also venture inside to warm up a bit and go back outside.
Tickets will set you back a minimum of $40 per person.
Tip: To guarantee your spot, purchase tickets in advance here.
If you opt to purchase your tickets in person, be prepared to wait in lines.
Suggested for:
Early risers who enjoy panoramic views.
Couples who are looking to add urban sophistication to their engagement photos.
Brooklyn Bridge/Dumbo area
About the location:
The most famous bridge in New York City: Brooklyn Bridge. Built during the Gilded Age, this bridge is also the oldest suspension bridge in NYC.
It takes 25 to 40 minutes to cross the bridge from lower Manhattan to Brooklyn. Once getting off on the Brooklyn side, you can head to the the intersection of Water Street and Washington Street. Here, you’ll be greeted by cobblestone streets and a view of the Manhattan Bridge. If you look closely, you can see the Empire State Building framed perfectly in between the arch of the bridge.
DUMBO stands for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.” After stopping by Water Street, a short walk away is Pebble Beach, Jane’s Carousel, and Brooklyn Bridge Park. After your photography session, you can take a break at a coffeeshop nearby (Devocion being a favorite) or have brunch at The River Cafe, with waterside views of the NYC skyline.
What to expect:
Views of the Manhattan Bridge, East River, and Lower Manhattan.
Suggested for:
Couples who want to venture outside of Manhattan and are up to an adventure walking from downtown Manhattan to Brooklyn (or vice versa).
Let’s create images that best fit your personalities and your story.
Additional ideas:
Subway or taxi shots - either in the taxi or with them in the background, your photographer will know the best spots!
Coffeeshops - there are coffeeshops and cafes with different aesthetics, with some frequently changing the decor to go with the seasons. Cafes can be a simpler, more low-key option or it can added to your photography session at the end; it’s always a bonus to have a warm cup of coffee or tea on a cold winter day.
Whether your story revolves around frequent chats over a cup of cappuccino in Rome, exploring different cafes during your travels, or doing work together at the cafe next door, engagement sessions at a coffeeshop are always cozy and intimate.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
With an immense display of art from all cultures, the Met is an amazing location for lovers of art and beauty. The works on display include Monet’s impressionist works, beautiful stained glass, Greek and Roman statues, centuries-old Stradivarius instruments, and photographic prints.
On the top floor, you will find a fine dining restaurant with views of Central Park next door, which you can enjoy post-session or as a break before continuing on to Central Park for more photos!
Tickets are $30 per person but as a member, I can bring you as guests at no extra fee.