couple taking a pose at the Bethesda Terrace Arcade

Top 7 Romantic Spots for Your NYC Engagement Shoot

New York City is one of the most photogenic metros in the world. It offers endless possibilities for stunning engagement photos. From picturesque parks to iconic bridges and buildings, these locations will help make your e-shoots unforgettable.

If you're looking for a fantastic backdrop for your NYC engagement shoot, you'll love our list of the top seven spots.

1. Central Park

We're not going to lie - there are a thousand places in this city alone where you can take your engagement photos. But when all these beautiful spots are jammed together, that makes us MORE excited! Central Park is a world-famous park, an oasis in the middle of the city. This park features seven bodies of water and more than 50 miles of pathways and offers various scenic spots for beautiful photos.
Whether you want to take engagement photos by the lake or in front of one of the bridges, you can't go wrong with this incredible park.

romantic evening shot of couple embracing in central park

couple hugs during their engagement photoshoot taken at the central park

romantic e-session at Central Park where a couple shares a kiss

smiling couple during their Central Park E-Session

smiling couple during their Central Park E-Session

couple stands on a small bridge in central park during their engagement session

couple walking while holding hands during their central park engagement photoshoot

couple shares a kiss during their Brooklyn Bridge park e-session

night shot of the couple's DUMBO e-session

silhouette shot of couple during their engagement photoshoot in Manhattan

2. Bethesda Terrace Arcade

The Bethesda Terrace Arcade is a hidden gem in Central Park that makes for a beautiful and unique setting for your NYC engagement shoot. An impressive encaustic tile ceiling from England's famous Minton Tile Company adorns the Arcade. Initially, these elaborate tiles were used in European cathedrals and are only found in Bethesda Arcade. It's the perfect spot for a romantic stroll and some gorgeous photos.

man lifting his fiance in air during their engagement photoshoot taken at bethesda terrace in the central park

couple sits on the stairs and kissed during their e-shoot at Bethesda Terrace in new york

shot of a smiling couple's Central Park E-Session

couple taking a pose at the Bethesda Terrace Arcade

3. Bethesda Fountain

 

The Bethesda Fountain is an arched interior walkway that links the Mall to Bethesda Fountain and Central Park Lake. This popular spot for NYC engagement shoots is located in the heart of Central Park and makes a beautiful backdrop for photos.

It was the only sculpture commissioned as part of the original Central Park design. It is one of the largest fountains in New York, measuring 26 feet high and 96 feet in diameter. Exploring the surrounding area and taking photos are also great options.

central park engagement_jess and ryan-9

couple taking a pose for their nyc engagement shoot beside the Bethesda Fountain

4. Dumbo

Dumbo is a neighborhood in Brooklyn that is quickly becoming a popular spot for NYC engagement shoots. The name Dumbo refers to the area "Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass." The bridge, along with cobblestone streets and dramatic architecture left over from the area's industrial past, gives it much character.

The area offers sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge-perfect for some stunning cityscape shots. In addition, the north end of Brooklyn Bridge Park features the historic Jane’s Carousel. Plenty of cute cafes and shops in the area make great places to take a break from shooting.

the landscape view of dumbo

couple poses for their dumbo e-session

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couple poses for their dumbo e-session

couple leaning in for a kiss shot

5. Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village is one of New York’s most densely-used green spaces and a popular spot for engagement shoots. This public park, beloved by locals, is home to the iconic Washington Square Arch, which makes a beautiful backdrop for photos and plenty of green space for couples to wander and explore. There are also often street performers and exciting people to watch, which can make for some great candid shots.

6. Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park is an excellent spot for couples who want to get some shots with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge in the background. The waterfront park offers stunning views of the city skyline and the bridge, making it a perfect place for NYC engagement photos. There are also plenty of other photo opportunities, including its sweeping vistas, rich ecology, and expansive piers. Take Washington Street to Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, and cross under it if you are in Dumbo.

couple posing for their Brooklyn bridge park eshoot

couple embracing at their Brooklin Bridge Park eshoot

sunset shot of the Brooklyn bridge park

night shot of the couple's DUMBO e-session

couple embracing at Brooklyn Bridge Park

couple shares a kiss during their brooklyn bridge park eshoot

7. New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is a stunning setting for an NYC engagement shoot. The library's exterior features beautiful marble steps and columns, which make a perfect backdrop for photos. The library's interior is also incredibly photogenic and offers a variety of settings for your shoot. From the grand reading room to the stunning staircases, there are plenty of spots to explore and get some fantastic shots.

man lifting his fiance in air during their engagement photoshoot taken at bethesda terrace in the central park

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couple kisses during their engagement photoshoot taken at bethesda terrace in the central park

Final Words

NYC is a city full of romantic places to take engagement photos. Many areas are popular with tourists, so avoiding people in your shots is not always feasible. As a result, we always recommend scheduling your engagement session during a quieter time of the day. Early morning or sunrise is a more peaceful time to visit. It's worth considering having a weekday shoot instead of the weekend, as it'll always be less crowded then.

Let's Talk About Your Wedding!

If you are looking for an engagement photographer in NYC, we'd love to hear from you.

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