Boston offers an abundance of stunning locations for engagement sessions and wedding portraits. Curated over years of exploration, this refined collection highlights our most cherished spots, all within an hour’s drive of the city.
Have a favorite location in mind? We’re always eager to discover new destinations and expand this thoughtfully crafted list.
We typically schedule engagement sessions about two hours before sunset on weekdays for the best natural light. This timing allows for soft, even lighting without harsh shadows, creating a clean and natural look in your photos.
Iconic City Views
Fan Pier Park, boston
Fan Pier Park offers breathtaking views of the Boston skyline and harbor, making it a perfect backdrop for timeless engagement and wedding portraits. With its elegant waterfront walkways, modern architecture, and sweeping city vistas, this spot effortlessly blends urban sophistication with scenic beauty.
Boston Common + Public Gardens
The Boston Common and Public Garden offer a classic, refined setting in the heart of the city. With tree-lined paths, seasonal blooms, and historic architecture, it’s an ideal backdrop for sophisticated engagement and wedding portraits.
Beacon Hill, boston
Beacon Hill is one of Boston’s most picturesque neighborhoods, ideal for engagement photos. Its charming cobblestone streets, historic brick townhouses, and elegant window boxes create a timeless, sophisticated backdrop. Acorn street can be crowded but that view simply cannot be beat!
Commonwealth Ave, boston
The iconic Boston street Comm Ave is always a beautiful spot for wedding and engagement photos. The leading lines of the mature trees makes for a stunning backdrop, as does the brownstones. Bonus is that the magnolias and cherry blossoms bloom in mid to late April.
Boston Harbor Hotel
The Boston Harbor Hotel, with its iconic American flag arch, offers a stunning waterfront backdrop perfect for timeless wedding and engagement photos. Plus, the covered archway ensures beautiful, rain-proof shots without sacrificing the charm of the location.
North End + Christopher Columbus Park
Christopher Columbus Park in the North End offers a scenic waterfront setting, perfect for engagement photos. With its iconic trellis, harbor views, and beautifully landscaped gardens, it provides a serene yet vibrant backdrop in one of Boston’s most historic neighborhoods.
The North End provides a vibrant setting for both engagement and wedding photos, with its historic streets and lively atmosphere. It’s also a great spot to enjoy local favorites like pizza, cannolis, and craft beer, making for a relaxed and authentic experience.
The Longfellow Bridge, boston
The Longfellow Bridge provides a stunning setting for engagement sessions, with its iconic pillars and panoramic views of the classic Boston skyline. Its blend of historic architecture and scenic waterfront makes it an ideal backdrop for couples seeking a timeless, city-inspired vibe.
Langone Park, boston
Langone Park offers a beautiful mix of waterfront views and cityscapes, making it a stunning backdrop for an engagement session. The open green spaces and harbor scenery create a relaxed, natural setting for timeless photos.
Waterfront and Nature
Charles River Esplanade, boston
The Charles River Esplanade offers a scenic and spacious setting for engagement sessions. With its waterfront paths, tree-lined walkways, and views of the Boston skyline, it provides a calm, natural backdrop for couples seeking a timeless, outdoor location.
Arnold Arboretum, boston
The Arnold Arboretum provides a calm, natural setting for both engagement and wedding photos. Its diverse landscapes, tree-lined paths, and peaceful atmosphere create an ideal backdrop for couples seeking an elegant, outdoor location.
Maudslay Park, newburyport
Maudslay State Park offers a dreamy backdrop for engagement sessions, with its lush gardens, open meadows, and scenic river views. The towering pines and charming stone bridges are stunning! The best times for photos is in late May/early June when the rhododendrons bloom as well as mid October for the perfect fall foliage.
Post Office Square, boston
Post Office Square offers a sleek, urban setting for both engagement and wedding photos. With its modern architecture, manicured gardens, and open green spaces, it provides a refined backdrop that captures the essence of Boston's downtown charm. The best time to go is on the weekend when bustling Financial district crowds are away.
Elm Bank, wellesley
$75 permit fee
Elm Bank is a beautiful location for engagement sessions, offering lush gardens, scenic pathways, and tranquil spaces. Its natural beauty and varied landscapes make it a peaceful and elegant backdrop for capturing memorable moments. Wedding photos are only allowed on-site for those holding their ceremony there.
Larz Anderson Park, brookline
Larz Anderson offers a refined setting for both engagement and wedding photos. Its expansive grounds, historic estate, and well-maintained gardens provide a versatile and elegant backdrop for any occasion.
Kelleher Rose Garden, boston
The Kelleher Rose Garden is a quiet, hidden gem in Boston, perfect for both engagement sessions and wedding portraits. Its rose-covered trellises, elegant fountain, and manicured paths create a timeless backdrop, especially in peak bloom.
World’s End, Hingham
(permit + $100 fee)
The World’s End while being quite physically close to Boston feels a world away. With its rolling hills, winding paths, and panoramic coastline views, this location is perfect for those with an adventurous spirit. Bonus is they allow dogs so feel free to bring your pup for the session, along with a friend to help out.
Mansions
Hammond Castle, Gloucester
($350/hr permit fee)
Hammond Castle is a stunning wedding venue that offers both elegance and history. With its medieval-inspired architecture, intricate stonework, and expansive grounds, it provides a unique and timeless backdrop for both engagement and wedding photos.
Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, ipswich
($200 permit fee)
The Crane Estate is a remarkable venue that combines history with breathtaking beauty. With its grand mansion, manicured gardens, and sweeping views of the coastline, it offers an elegant and timeless setting for both engagement and wedding photos. Be mindful that they do not allow wedding portrait sessions there. Only weddings taking place on the estate are allowed.
Beach
Eastern Point Lighthouse, Gloucester
Eastern Point Lighthouse in Gloucester offers a distinctive backdrop for both engagement and wedding photos. Its rugged coastline, historic lighthouse, and expansive ocean views create a bold and memorable setting for capturing the essence of the New England coastline.
Crane Beach, ipswich
(Permit needed)
Crane Beach offers a striking setting for both engagement and wedding photos. Its wide, sandy shoreline, dramatic dunes, and coastal views create a natural and scenic backdrop that highlights the beauty of the Massachusetts coast.
Plum Island, newburyport
Plum Island provides a picturesque setting for engagement photos. With its expansive beaches, salt marshes, and coastal views, it offers a serene beach backdrop minus the crowds found in most other beaches.
Wingaersheek Beach, gloucester
Wingaersheek Beach offers a scenic backdrop for both engagement and wedding photos. Its calm waters, smooth sand, and rocky formations create a natural setting with beautiful views of the coastline.
architectural
Fairmont Copley plaza, boston
The Fairmont is an iconic Boston hotel with a long history. It’s opulent lobby has been featured in numerous films. During Christmas time is when it really lights up with holiday cheer.
Fenway
Fenway is a great spot for sports fans looking for a distinctive backdrop for engagement or wedding photos. With its iconic ballpark and vibrant atmosphere, it offers a memorable setting that captures the spirit of Boston. Sessions depend on the season and require a permit, but it’s a perfect choice for those wanting to incorporate a love for the game into their photos.
The Insitute of Contemporary Art
The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) offers a sleek, modern backdrop for both engagement and wedding photos. Its striking waterfront location, with expansive views of the harbor and Boston skyline, provides a contemporary and vibrant setting.
The MIT Dome, cambridge
The MIT Dome offers a stunning backdrop for both engagement and wedding photos, featuring gorgeous marble columns and striking architectural details. It’s an ideal location for rainy days, as the covered area provides shelter while still capturing the elegance and timeless beauty of this iconic spot.
Museum of Fine Arts, boston
(exterior only)
The exterior of the MFA in Boston offers a stunning backdrop for an engagement session, blending timeless elegance with a touch of urban charm. The grand neoclassical columns, stately stone façade, and iconic bronze doors create a sophisticated setting, while the surrounding landscaped gardens and sculptures add a romantic, artistic flair.
Boston Public Library
(Exterior free, interior by permit only on weekdays at 8am + $750 rental fee)
The Boston Public Library offers a refined and historic backdrop for both engagement and wedding photos. With its stunning architecture, grand courtyard, and elegant stonework, it provides a timeless setting in the heart of the city. Note that portrait sessions are permitted on the exterior steps however interior sessions can only take place weekdays at 8am with a $750 rental fee.
A Place that is personal to You!
Choosing a location that’s personal to you—like your college campus, the bar where you had your first date, or your favorite weekend spot—adds a layer of meaning to your engagement session. It turns your photos into a fun, nostalgic celebration of the places that shaped your love story.
