My Top 10 Favorite NYC Locations for Engagement Photos & Micro Weddings
Listen, I'm obsessed with micro weddings and tiny creative ceremonies here in New York. And honestly? I think they're so popular because New York itself becomes a guest of honor, a backdrop, and an actual fairy tale all rolled into one. When you get married in New York, you're not just celebrating your love—you're celebrating this incredible, chaotic, beautiful city too.
So in honor of fun tiny wedding locations, epic engagement photo spots, and celebrating love in MY FAVORITE CITY, here are my 10 top picks for capturing your love. And these aren't just random addresses—I'm giving you the best times of day, route tips, and all my insider secrets. Let's go!
1. Brooklyn Bridge: The Early Bird Gets the Empty Bridge
Start on the Manhattan side at sunrise, and I promise you—NO ONE will be on the bridge. Just you, your person, and those iconic cables with the most dreamy morning light. The city waking up behind you? Chef's kiss. Worth setting that early alarm, I swear.
2. TWA Hotel: Retro Dreams Come True
If you're into that vintage, mid-century modern vibe (and honestly, who isn't?), the TWA Hotel is IT. The retro aesthetic is unmatched, and they even have a special spot behind the hotel with an actual airplane that's basically made for posing. It's groovy, it's fun, and your photos will look like they belong in a magazine. No flash photography though so keep it dreamy natural light.
3. Dene Summerhouse at Central Park: Mini Ceremony Perfection
This gazebo is criminally underrated. It's perfect for a mini ceremony—intimate, romantic, totally swoon-worthy. And right next to it? These big rocks that overlook Central Park and the city skyline. The contrast between nature and cityscape is everything, and your photos will have that dreamy, NYC editorial feel.
4. Bethesda Fountain & Boat Ride: Classic Romance
Bethesda Fountain is that classic NYC moment you've seen in a million movies, and guess what? It's classic for a reason. The architecture, the angel statue, the terrace—it's all stunning. And if you really want to up the romance factor, add a boat ride on the lake. There's something about being on the water in the middle of Central Park that just hits different. I would time this for just before sunset. Doo the boats first, to avoid missing the closure period, then sunset at the fountain.
5. Washington Square Park: Chaos in the Best Way
The arch, the vibe, the absolutely WILD NYC ambience—Washington Square Park is pure energy. You've got musicians playing, people watching, and that iconic arch framing you perfectly. Your photos here will feel alive and distinctly New York. Fair warning: it's never quiet, but that's exactly the point. I did my after-ceremony group pics here- we were all dancing, there was a DJ. It will forever be a favorite memory. If you dont want anyone around go before 8 am.
6. My Upper East Side Engagement Photo Walk: The Full Experience
Okay, this one's a whole journey, and I love it. Start at Hunter College on 68th Street, make your way to Park Ave (hello, classic NYC elegance), then head into Central Park for the Bandshell and the lake. End at the subway because honestly? Some of my favorite candid moments happen on those steps and platforms. This walk gives you variety, sophistication, and real New York life all in one session.
7. The Met Museum: Culture Meets Romance
The steps? Iconic. The inside? Breathtaking. But here's my pro tip that'll change your life: on Saturday mornings between 9-10 am, they have a members-only hour that's closed to the public. If you can snag access through a cardholder (me), you get all the Met with none of the tourist crowds. It's like having a private museum for your shoot, and the light in those galleries is absolutely gorgeous.
8. DUMBO: The Full Brooklyn Experience
Start at the iconic Washington Street view (you know the one—Manhattan Bridge framed perfectly between the buildings), head over to the Brooklyn Bridge VIEW from pebble beach, and then end with ice cream and coffee at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. This route gives you everything: views, romance, and a sweet treat to celebrate. Plus, DUMBO's cobblestone streets and waterfront are endlessly photogenic.
9. New Jersey Palisades Interstate Park: Your Secret Escape
Just over the George Washington Bridge, there's this precious park right on the Hudson River that feels like you've left the city entirely. Hiking trails, an old log cabin, a little waterfall—you feel like you're in Outlander, y'all. If you want something completely different from the typical NYC vibe, this is your spot. Nature, romance, and that feeling of adventure? Yes, please.
10. NYC Courthouse to the Library
From the steps with those iconic lion statues to the incredible interiors, the NYPL is peak New York elegance. Here's how I like to do a full session: start at the Federal Buildings near City Hall after your ceremony, hop on the 6 train to Grand Central (and yes, we're snapping pics on the train because those candid moments are gold), grab a coffee at Grand Central, use those nice restrooms (always thinking ahead!), and then walk over to the library. It's a whole New York narrative in one shoot. The images on the entrance stairs (inside and outside are THE MOST ICONIC.)
So there you have it—my tried-and-true favorite spots for capturing love in New York City. Whether you're planning a micro wedding, want unforgettable engagement photos, or just want to celebrate your relationship against the best backdrop in the world, these locations deliver every single time.
New York is more than just a setting—it's part of your story. And I'm here for every magical, chaotic, beautiful moment of it.
Ready to make some magic together? Let's talk about bringing your vision to life in this incredible city! 📸❤️