Engagement Photo Locations in NJ are everywhere if you know where to look and what to look for!
First thing first Not all Engagement Photo Locations in NJ are for everyone and for every style of photographer. As a NJ wedding photographer myself I have worked throughout the state for the last 13 years gathering the best Engagement Picture spots in mostly Northwest NJ where I live and work.
Before going down the rabbit hole of the very best photo shoot spots that NJ has to offer consider what you are looking for in your images. Ask yourself some questions…
What do you and your partner love? Are you adventurous and outdoorsy or does the extent of your outdoor activities involve sipping wine on a patio by the pool? Do you like to go to the mountains, the beach, or downtown for getaways and date days? Are you beer pizza and wings people, or fine wine and cheese pairings with a charcutterie board type? Once you’ve established who you are consider your options for your engagement photo shoot locations.
Garden Engagement Photo Shoot
PERFECT for those who love a little romance, some beautiful blooms, manicured landscapes and paved walkways to not ruin your new heels on. These are also great for picnics and those who like to do a date with a book and a blanket.
New Jersey has a whole bunch of garden locations for family and engagement photos and even great garden locations for your wedding party photos if your venue doesn’t have great grounds to have your Wedding Party and portraits done.
Most of these locations require advance notice and/or permits to photograph on the property. Your photographer may already have a permit for some of them so be sure to ask! I personally have permits for the ones in North and Central NJ for my families and couples to use.
Downtown Photography spots in Northern and Central NJ
Perfect if you love to spend a date night at a cool local restaurant, grab a drink and stroll the street looking in all the shop windows, getting some ice cream and listening to the local music scene emanating from the restaurants and bars.
Northern and Central NJ have no shortage of quaint and fun downtown areas! No need to travel into NYC for the fun downtown vibe! BONUS we can meet up for drinks and some appetizers for the start of the session and make a whole date night or even family night out of it! Plan some fun activities or just plan around food and drinks! Pizza, wings, beers, Ice cream, strolling through town, bike riding, picnicing, etc and heading to a park or the ocean to end it off is PERFECTION!
Some cute NJ beach towns that make great locations for this: LBI beaches – Holgate, Beach Haven and Barnegate Light are AMAZING! Red Bank/Sea Bright, Cape May, Spring Lake, and Ocean Grove!
And if the beach isn’t your vibe, Warwick NY is PERFECT for strolling the cute streets filled with shops and then heading to the many Parks, lakes, orchards and breweries within minutes! Pennings Cidery, Warwick Vallery Winery, and Drowned Lands Brewery are all within 10 minutes of downtown Warwick NY!
The Shore Engagement Photo Locations in NJ
What says Jersey summer better than a session at the shore?! The Beach can take on a number of vibes but do be warned most NJ wedding photographers would LOVE for you to dip at least your toes in the cool waters of the NJ shore, myself included!
Meet up with your photographer at one of the shore towns, stroll the cute downtown areas of Red Bank or Cape May. Grab a pizza slice, a seltzer and a Kohrs bros ice cream! Then head on down to the beach just as the sun is setting to dip your toes in the water and stroll the shore line! – maybe even get in the water at the end?! SO FUN!
Lake and River & trail Photography locations in NJ
Nothing says summer photo shoot like a lake or a river! There are many options for adding water into your New Jersey Engagement photos in Sussex county. We will chat about which spot is best for you! Pro tip – bring a change of clothes so we can play IN the water during those hot summer nights!
BONUS – If you like boating, paddle board, and kayaking we can incorporate that right into your session! Kids involved? Let’s splash and play!
Appalachian Trail and Nature fields
Sussex County NJ is home to many trails and walking paths including this gorgeous one which is a part of the Appalachian trail system. Enjoy an easy hike up through some trees to a big open field. Or hop on over in a quick car ride to the Boardwalk and stroll along the boards at sunset! The best part here is you can easily do both and get two completely different looks!
(This spot if not recommended for small children or families)
Mountain Top Photography Locations in NJ
Sussex County New Jersey and New York have no shortage of stunning mountain top vistas perfect for portraits of all kinds! Engagement, family, maternity and even high school senior portraits go so well with these mountain top views!! If this is the look you’re going for – bank of meeting your photographer at an ideal time at sunrise or sunset for those beautiful pink skies!
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!
