Congratulations, newly engaged couple! The countdown to the altar is officially ON. Engagement sessions are so valuable in preparing you for what to expect from your wedding photographer on the big day. Engagement sessions help you by:
- Getting comfortable and confident being in front of the camera
- Learning popular poses & prompts to make taking professional pictures feel more natural
- Meeting me in person so we already feel like besties on your wedding day!
Whether you plan to use your engagement photos for your wedding website, save-the-dates, in a guest book, or to fill the frames around your home, consider this one of the only other times in your life where you get extra special photos of just the two of you and your love.
That said, choosing a location can be tough! There are so many beautiful spots around New Jersey and I’ve got the pictures to prove it. When deciding on your engagement session location, consider the following:
- What types of settings speak most to your personalities?
- What colors are you most drawn to? (If filling your frames with these photos, what colors are prominent in your home decor?)
- Where holds a special place in your relationship? (For example, your first date spot, annual vacation spot, place you met, alma mater)
- How far are you willing to travel for your engagement session?
- Do you plan on bringing any props or pets?
- Are you OK paying a permit fee if your desired location requires it?
Scroll down to see the best engagement session locations in NJ I recommend for your engagement session and click into some sample galleries!
By the Beach
Fisherman’s Cove, Manasquan
Also referred to as the Manasquan Dog Beach, this is the perfect beach to photograph at if you plan on bringing your pup! Nestled on the west side, it makes for a scenic sunset. With couples here I typically explore the walking paths, sand dunes and by the water. View Michele & Alex’s Fisherman’s Cove engagement session.
Sea Bright Beach
A quaint and classy northern NJ beach town, Sea Bright beach has a small boardwalk, sand dunes, the water, and an adorable town with a fun Sea Bright mural for an engagement session.
Bay Head Beach & Twilight Lake
The best thing about heading to Bay Head for your session, is also having the option of the west-facing Twilight Lake (the same lake that the delicious Charlie’s of Bay Head is on) for some golden sunset photos. View Samantha & Luke’s Bay Head engagement session.
Sea Girt Beach
Sea Girt is one of my favorite beaches for photographs because of easy access to the dunes, the large white lifeguard stands, and gorgeous opportunities for twilight hour photos when the sun starts to go down!
Lavallette Beach
A popular NJ shore destination spot located near Toms River, Lavallette offers a clean beach with sparkling blue waters and dunes. There is also the Lavallette Gazebo park area, which provides a stunning sunset on the dock since it’s on the western side!
Asbury Park
A quirkier beach community known for its vibrant restaurant scene, rock and roll shows and colorful art murals, Asbury Park is a super fun place for an engagement session. There is the old carousel building and casino, mural lined boardwalk, convention hall, Wonder Bar, and an abundance more of spots to choose from here! View Rishi & Jill’s Wonder Bar & Stone Pony engagement session.
Belmar
Easy to get to off of I-195, my favorite spot in Belmar (beside from 10th Avenue Burrito) is near the wildlife sanctuary area by the inlet. There is a little area filled with pine trees that is pretty to use for shade before heading down to the jetty and the large structured dock that holds the Fisherman’s Club of Belmar!
Divine Park, Spring Lake
Several blocks from Spring Lake beach is this gorgeous park that I consider one of my favorites. There are two long wooden bridges, a scenic sidewalk that wraps around the whole pond, and in the spring, beautiful cherry blossoms! If choosing Divine Park for your engagement session, we can also do some photos on the nearby beach.
Rustic Romance
Silo Farm, Wall Township
This hidden gem is part of the Manasquan Reservoir Hiking Trail in Wall Township and makes for a cute country lovin’ location. View Brier & Hunter’s Silo Farm engagement session.
Bayonet Farm, Holmdel
One of my all-time favorite rustic locations to photograph at is Bayonet Farm in Holmdel. (I did my maternity photos here!). There are two different barns – a grey and a red – a field of long golden grass, an old blue house with a gorgeous window wall and stairs leading into a garden, plus a fence on a rocky path. If farm vibes are your thing, think Bayonet Farm! View Samantha & Logan’s Bayonet Farm portrait session.
In the Garden
Cross Estate Gardens, Bernardsville
This gorgeous garden, located in Morris County, New Jersey is a beautiful setting for those looking for pretty blooms and sunshine. Cross Estate Gardens features a historic mansion home, perfectly manicured gardens, and a giant water tower that reminds you or Rapunzel! I love coming here for the many different background options and the stunning photos that always come out! View Adrienne & Eric’s engagement photos at Cross Estate Gardens.
Laurelwood Arboretum, Wayne
For a scenic and free location in Bergen County, the Laurelwood Arboretum boasts a gazebo, scenic paths and a colorful floral garden.
Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morristown
One of my favorite spots in the Morristown area is the Frelinghuysen (say that three times fast!) Arboretum. There is a giant white mansion on the property that is just gorgeous for portraits near. There is also a Rose Garden and many other paths.
Prospect Gardens, Princeton
Also located on Princeton University’s campus is the Prospect House & Gardens. These gardens bloom in the summer with the most beautiful, lush, colorful flowers. There are walking paths, benches and a fountain. To me, the photos end up feeling more like exploring an old Tuscan villa or stepping into the pages of The Secret Garden!
Jockey Hollow, Morristown
A 1917 mansion based in Morristown, NJ with a lovely garden area, reflection pool and more. The Jockey Hollow Bar & Restaurant is located right in the heart of downtown. Not too far away is also the Morristown Green, a central park with foliage, a fountain and walking paths. View Alexis & Nick’s Jockey Hollow engagement session.
In the City
Uptown Hoboken
Uptown Hoboken offers more traditional brownstones, but both parts of this north Jersey city offer easy access to the waterfront for Manhattan skyline views. Uptown will give you better views of the Empire State Building while downtown will the World Trade Center.
Downtown Hoboken
Take a stroll down one of the last standing cobblestone streets, in and around the Hoboken train station, and get up close views of the world’s most famous skyline along the waterfront park. View Isabel & Ethan’s downtown Hoboken engagement session.
West Village, NYC
The quintessential brownstones of the West Village are one to beat! An engagement session in NYC is both romantic and luxurious looking!
Princeton University
This ivy league campus is open to the public. The gothic architecture and ivy lined stone walls make you feel like your in both old Europe and at Hogwarts. The white marble buildings provide a sophisticated and minimalistic background, while the vine lined iron fences and brown stone classroom buildings give a scholarly and affluent look to photos.
Liberty State Park, Jersey City
If you’re looking for a breathtaking background of the NYC skyline, this Jersey City park is it. The park is also home to a red and green train station building that I simply love as a backdrop alternative! View Maggie & Rob’s Liberty State Park engagement session.
Now that your location is covered, it’s time to figure out what to wear to your engagement session!
