As a Westchester wedding photographer, we have had the pleasure of working with thousands of couples in hundreds of locations across the tri-state. To help you with your planning I have put together a list of a few of the Most Popular Places for Engagement Photos in Westchester & the Hudson Valley to help you with your search for Engagement Session Locations.
Whether you’re looking for engagement session locations or the best season for the shoot these elements will become the foundation of your pictures so together they play a big part in what the pictures can be. It will be worth it if you choose a location that fits your personality and feels natural to you as a couple. All these locations offer lots of extras like great outdoor decorations, gorgeous backdrops, and architecture which will all be useful while creating unique and beautiful portraits for engagement sessions or wedding day pictures.
Best Locations for Engagement Photos in Westchester & the Hudson Valley
Bear Mountain State Park
located in the Hudson Valley Highlands Bear Mountain State Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. With its stunning views of the Hudson River and surrounding mountains, the park offers a breathtaking backdrop for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Visitors can enjoy hiking on the park’s scenic trails or relaxing by the picturesque lake. Additionally, the park’s large stone tower provides panoramic views of the area, making it a popular spot for sightseeing and photography.
Glen Island Park
Nestled on Long Island Sound, Glen Island Park is a picturesque destination that offers stunning waterfront views. Visitors can soak up the sun on the beach, enjoy a picnic with family and friends, or explore the park’s many scenic trails. Notably, the park’s castle-like structure provides a unique and majestic backdrop for photos, making it a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts.
Rockwood Park & Rocafeller preserve
Located in Sleepy Hollow, Rockwood Park is a hidden gem that seamlessly blends natural beauty with a rich history. The park’s breathtaking gardens and tranquil waterfalls offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Additionally, the park’s majestic mansion, with its stunning architecture, serves as an ideal backdrop for photo shoots. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the park’s many trails, relaxing by swan lake, and taking in the beauty of their surroundings.
The Vanderbilt Mansion
Situated in Hyde Park, the Vanderbilt Mansion is a National Historic Site that is not to be missed. The mansion’s stunning gardens and architecture, dating back to the Gilded Age, offer a glimpse into the opulence and extravagance of the past. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion and learn about the Vanderbilt family’s rich history and their significant contributions to American society.
The Kensico Dam
This dam is located in Valhalla and has beautiful views of the surrounding area. It features a large park with picnic areas at the foot of the dam with plenty of stone architecture for photos. From the top, you can also view the Kensico Reservoir for waterfront pictures.
Croton Gorge/Dam
This dam is located in Cortlandt and has beautiful views of the surrounding area. It features hiking trails and picnic areas that can be used as backdrops for photos.
Untermyer Gardens:
These gardens are located in Yonkers and have a mix of natural beauty and historic architecture. They feature gardens, water features, and a Persian-style garden that can be used as a backdrop for photos.
Hudson River towns: Cold Springs, Beacon, Peekskill, Ossining & Tarrytown Waterfront:
These waterfront areas are located on the Hudson River and have beautiful views of the river and surrounding areas. They feature parks and historic buildings that can be used as backdrops for photos, along with train stations, and unique architecture that can be fun
Rye Playland:
This amusement park is located in Rye and has a vintage charm. It features a boardwalk, beach, and amusement rides that can be used as backdrops for photos
Constitution Marsh – Garrison NY
It’s a place to have low-light photos with a beautiful background. This features the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley because this is a very visible part of it. There are a lot of other places you can go that also offer these types of pictures.
Rockland Lake:
This lake is located in Congers and has beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. It features a beach and picnic area that can be used as backdrops for photos.
Indian Brook Falls – Garrison NY
Indian Brook Falls is a very popular spot to take pictures. The water here cascades over some rocks, making it a great background for engagement photos. It’s a beautiful location for photographs because of its beautiful terrain.
Poet’s Walk – Red Hook, NY
This trail is within the Hudson Valley and near Rhinebeck, NY. It offers scenic views of the Hudson River. This place attracts many people who like to have pictures taken of themselves or their friends, couples, or families.
Boscobel House
This house has a lot of great natural settings for pictures. It’s very popular for engagement photos because there are many different places to take them. You can go outside or inside and get the scenery you need for your engagement photo shoot.
Long Dock Park – Beacon NY
This is a great location for pictures because it’s a rare spot for many people to go to. This is the perfect location that you can use as a backdrop in the background of your engagement photos or even have the couple hold each other up against the trees and trees behind them.
Pier in Piermont
This pier is located on the Hudson River and has beautiful views of the river and surrounding areas. It features a park and historic buildings that can be used as backdrops for photos.
In conclusion, the Most Popular Places for Engagement Photos in Westchester & the Hudson Valley offer a wide range of stunning backdrops that are perfect for capturing unforgettable moments. Hopefully, this guide has given you some great ideas for where to take your engagement photos. However, if you need more tips and guidance, be sure to check out our engagement session tips for additional ideas and timing. Additionally, you can view our highlight gallery to see some of the couples we have worked with in the past. We are excited to work with you to create fun memories and breathtaking images in your favorite location. Thank you for considering us for your engagement photos!
Fantasy Flash is a wedding photography & videography company that opened in 1992. For over 32 years we have specialized in capturing your special day unobtrusively and naturally while holding your hand throughout the entire process. Our goal is to document your wedding day through beautiful photographs and videos that tell your unique story and showcase the unfolding of your day. We believe in letting things happen naturally, being a friend to everyone, and enjoying each celebration of your love and life together. Together we will create a visual story that reflects the true essence of who you are and your wedding day. Our wedding prices start at $2399 for wedding photography, $2199 for wedding videography, and $1899 for wedding DJs and entertainment and can be customized to include a variety of enhancements to make your wedding dreams come true.
