Best Locations for Engagement Photos in Central Park
Looking for the perfect location inside Central Park for you engagement photos? I’ve grown to prefer a few spots to visit with my clients year after and year and I bet you’d like them too!
No.1 - Bethesda Terrace & Bethesda Fountain: Enter Propsect Park along East or West 72nd Street and walk along Central Park Drive. You’ll soon come to the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain which are located directly in the middle of the park. You’ll see the grand staircase with all of its intricate details and unsurpassed beauty. From the steps, to the covered walkway, stone pathway to the iconic Bethesda Fountain. You simply cannot go wrong with making this your very first stop when visiting Central Park.
No. 2 - The Ladies Pavilion - Located on West Side at 57th street, this tucked away structure is a true gem. It’s perfect for your engagement photos, elopements, or for having a picnic lunch with your special someone. I love the blue tone and grey roof which stands out among all of the green inside the park. You’ll also enjoy looking at the pond while enjoying your summer rosé!
No. 3 - The Bow Bridge - I’m not sure there is a more photographic location inside Central Park than the Bow Bridge. Located mid park at 74th street, the bow bridge resembles a bow of a violin and you can sometimes find musicians playing by the bridge during the day. It’s so romantic!
No. 4 - The Loeb Boathouse - If you’ve ever seen When Harry Met Sally, then you are pretty familiar with The Loeb Boathouse. Clients can host their weddings and events inside the event space but if you just want to have it in the background of your photos, you can do that easily from the Bethesda Terrace. Also, couples can rent out row boats when they are available which makes for the sweetest engagement photos.
No. 5 - Oak Bridge - A hidden bridge off the beaten path, I stumbled on to this hidden gem during one of my engagement sessions at Central Park. It’s brown which is a stark contrast from the Bow Bridge but I love the detailing on the side and that it leads you into the heart of the park.
No. 6 - Shakespears’s Garden - Located on the West Side at 79th street, it’s a hidden garden right inside Central Park. It’s planted with flowers and herbs mentioned from Shakespears plays and poems. Spring is always my favorite time of year to go and sometimes you can even hear the live events happening right next door.
No. 7 - The Conservatory Gardens - At the tippy top of Central Park, you’ll find one of my favorite spots to visit, The Conservatory Gardens. Photography is permitted for engagement and family photos, but for wedding party’s, you will need to apply for a permit. This perfectly manicured garden is meticulous kept and when in full bloom, idealic. It’s a bit of hike to get there but the 2/3 subways stops are very close and it’s just a short walk to the iron gates to enter the Conservatory Gardens.
No. 8 - The Mall - Located at the top of the Bethesda Terrace is The Mall inside Central Park. This location is full of street vendors, local artists, and performers but if you go early enough, you can get this majestic tree covered row all to yourself for some pretty incredible engagement photos. Oh, and in the Fall, it’s absolutely stunning with the foliage!
