The New Iconic: Best NYC Locations For Your Engagement Session
When I got engaged, I was living in Southern California. While I cherish my engagement session photographs, I’ve always been a little jealous of the couples who get engaged in New York City. There’s really nowhere like New York. Manhattan itself is only 22 square miles. Fortunately, no city packs more into a small space than New York. Every year, my husband and I take anniversary photos at different spots around the city. And I’ve photographed couples hundreds of times in the City. Over the years, I’ve found that these are among the absolute best spots for beautiful engagement sessions in New York.
Central Park
You can’t go wrong with New York’s most iconic destination. What makes Central Park magical is how versatile it is. You could take photos there every day for a year and not repeat any spots. Here are a few of my favorite locations:
Bethesda Fountain was designed by Emma Stebbins in 1868. She was the first woman to receive a public commission for a major work of art in New York. And her work has endured the test of time.
Bow Bridge is the definition of Central Park romance, and you can even catch some rowers on The Lake — or get in a boat yourself.
The Mall offers beautiful, shady trees and bustling sidewalks.
South Central Park gives your photos the right balance between nature and the midtown skyline.
The Conservatory Gardens overflow with elegance and offer you the chance to step over to museum row before or after, too. *Note this is one of the only places in Central Park that requires a permit.
Greenwich & West Village
Once upon a time, most of New York’s streets were cobblestone. Rediscover their romantic charm in Greenwich, and explore one of New York’s liveliest neighborhoods with a walk through the West Village.
The Met
Besides the skyscrapers, The Met is New York’s best known landmark for a reason. Photos there feel cultured, and the steps out front are perfect for sharing some laughs and kisses.
Soho
A constantly changing neighborhood for two centuries, it’s now home to fun happenings and high fashion.
Top of the Rock
Find the best views of the midtown skyline here. You will have to purchase tickets to get the top, but the view is well worth it. (photos
The Highline.
One of New York’s great park projects, come to the Highline for great architecture and scenic views.
Seaport Street
Tucked away in the bottom corner of Manhattan, this hidden gem has cobblestone streets, views of the water and a timeless charm.
Battery Gardens
Enjoy a leisurely walk by the water with lots of greenery and views of One World Trade Center in the same location.
Brooklyn Bridge
Built in 1869, the Bridge has inspired artists and writers ranging from Georgia O’Keeffe to Andy Warhol to Ken Burns.
Dumbo & Jane’s Carousel
Come here for the best skyline views of Manhattan, great architecture, and glowy views of the carousel.
Upper East Side
A great way to show friends and family that New York is your home is to wander the stoops and doorways of New York’s classic neighborhood.
