Cherry Blossom Engagement Pictures – When Where and How to get the best photos with the Beautiful Cherry Blossoms in NJ!
Hi friends!!! Today I am sharing about the coveted Cherry Blossom Engagement Pictures!! Nearly all the couples I work with mention these blooms and wanting to be photographed in front of them – around them – in them! I mean who wouldn’t?!! They’re gorgeous!
ONE THING THOUGH – they are difficult to time and require some flexibility in the when – where and how to get the BEST Cherry Blossom Engagement Pictures! Read on to grab all my tips and tricks from photographing these beauties year after year!
Where to have your Cherry Blossom Engagement Pictures done in New Jersey?
The Branch Brook Cherry Blossom Festival is for sure the largest grouping of these trees in bloom with thousands within the park limits! It is a huge annual event, drawing people from far and wide to witness the breathtaking beauty of thousands of cherry blossom trees. Everyone mentions these – but I either CAUTION you to choose another location or prepare you for TONS of people to be positioning themselves in any and every tree whether you are near it or not!
When do the Cherry Blossoms bloom in New Jersey?
Well, it depends is the most honest answer! Weather, the type of winter we’ve had, and location in the state have the biggest say in when the cherry blossoms will bloom in New Jersey!
Southern and central Portions of the state bloom earlier than Cherry Blossoms in Sussex County. Branch Brook Park’s Cherry Blossom Festival is Typically the second week in April. Sussex County and locations more north can expect mid to late April for the blooms to show their beautiful faces.
How to plan for your Cherry Blossom Pictures.
The age old saying April Showers bring May flowers could not be more true. Be flexible. In New Jersey we often experience very rainy springtime weather. It can also be cold and windy. When scheduling your Spring Engagement Pictures in Cherry Blossoms do your best to remain flexible.
LOCATION : When trying to photograph in the blooms you are at the mercy of the bloom schedule. Location changes may be needed depending on which Cherry Blossom trees in NJ are blooming and when. Keep and open mind and don’t worry – all cherry blossom trees are beautiful. Just one tree will result in amazing Spring Blossom engagement photos!
SCHEDULING: We may come up to your planned blossom photo shoot date but the blooms are not ready yet, or it may be raining. It’s always a good idea to schedule backup dates and adjust as needed due to weather and bloom schedule. I always open up a few dates and options for my clients.
BE QUICK: The blooms don’t last long! Once bloomed trees hold blossoms for about two weeks. If you are dreaming of pictures in the cherry blossoms reach out in February or March to schedule with your NJ Photographer!
TIPS FOR BRANCH BROOK PARK CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL 2025 –
- Go Early in the season- as soon as they start to bloom! Even if most have not yet popped – be the first ones to head to the park to avoid some of the crowds.
- Go Early in the day – No joke – meet me at SUNRISE! This is your best bet for having the park as empty as it will be. AND the lighting will also be the very best!
- Choose a weekday morning – It may be more difficult to meet me on a weekday morning, but promise it is worth taking a half day and going in late to work. This is your absolute best bet for the least amount of people.
- Embrace the chaos – If you must go on a weekend evening – be prepared for chaos. Leave early to try and get parking – be prepared to be around lots of people and make the most of it!
- All of these photos on this post were taken on a Saturday evening peak bloom! Amidst the bustling crowd, we carved out our own little corner at sunset, finding secluded spots to have so much fun and share so many laughs!
More beautiful Locations for Cherry Blossom Engagement Pictures in New Jersey
If you prefer to avoid Branch Brook Park I don’t blame you! There are many other locations around New Jersey that make for the perfect Cherry Blossom Session backdrop!
Hurd Park Dover
Horseshoe Lake Roxbury
Central Park of Morris
And more! Reach out so we can chat about a spot just right for you!
Check out another NJ Cherry Blossom Engagement Session
Ashley - Renee Ash Photography
Ashley Schneider is a Sussex County NJ Master Family & Newborn photographer.
She offers maternity, lifestyle newborn, and family photography in her natural, joyful style. Clients love that not only do they get digital files from their session but artwork to display in their home. She loves to design custom wall art to show off your favorite photos!
Ashley serves Sussex county, Morris County, Sparta, Vernon, Lake Mohawk, Morristown and beyond!
