Boston is a place where engagement photos feel timeless and easily romantic, with all of the history and natural beauty here.
Boston Engagement Photos Guide
Boston is one of those cities that makes engagement photos feel effortless, and turn out absolutely beautiful. With it’s gorgeous brownstone-lined streets, waterfront paths and every cozy neighborhood spot in between, there’s a location for every vibe. Photos here feel timeless, artsy, and can easily feel customized to you and your person. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about planning the perfect Boston engagement session!
Where to Take Boston Engagement Photos
The options are pretty endless here when it comes to beautiful locations for photos, which means you are sure to find a spot that fits exactly what you’ve envisioned! Here are a few of my favorites around the city.
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is classic Boston charm with its red brick sidewalks, gas lamps, and those famous brownstone-lined streets. Acorn Street is the iconic spot, but wander a little and you’ll find quieter corners that photograph just as beautifully. It’s perfect if you want something that feels timeless and romantic.
Boston Public Garden
The Public Garden gives you that lush, dreamy backdrop right in the middle of the city, and is the most perfect place to walk around and explore with your person. There’s gorgeous willow trees, swan boats, bridges, and tons of seasonal color. Sunrise here is extra peaceful if you want softer light and fewer people around.
The Liberty Hotel
The Liberty Hotel, where this session was done, offers such a cool mix of luxury and history with its restored jailhouse architecture and the stunning dramatic interior. The lobby is breathtaking with all of it’s unique details that look incredible in photos. Step outside and you also have easy access to Beacon Hill to add some variety to your session.
Seaport District
Seaport Fan Pier is one of the most photographed spots in Boston, just because it captures such an iconic view of the city. Right on the water, you have downtown Boston and the Boston Harbor Hotel as your backdrop. It’s an easily accessible location, and is the perfect spot to capture so much of the beauty Boston has to offer.
Boston Public Library
The Boston Public Library is such a stunning spot for an engagement session with its grand architecture, especially it’s incredible marble staircase that is to die for in photos. Plus, the iconic courtyard feels like a little European escape. The mix of indoor and outdoor options also makes it a great choice no matter the season.
Harvard Yard
There’s something so romantic and magical about the old, historical school buildings. The brick paths, perfectly manicured grounds, and ivy-covered buildings make the msot perfect backdrop for photos. A session will feel cozy and timeless!
Charles River
The Charles River Esplanade is an amazing spot for pictures! Not only is the river great, but also the backdrop of the city on both sides of the shore. This location is best chosen for late spring and summer shoots when the grass is green and the trees are luscious. It’s the perfect place for a long walk and some quality time with your partner. The Boston Esplanade never disappoints and is one of my favorite Boston engagement photo locations!
When to Take Boston Engagement Photos
Spring in Boston is all about fresh flowers and softer colors, especially around the Public Garden and Beacon Hill. It’s a gorgeous time to shoot, but it can be a little unpredictable with rain, so having a flexible plan is key. The vibe this time of year is airy, fresh and super romantic.
Summer gives you long, warm evenings and the most color in the city. Waterfront spots like Seaport or Fan Pier really shine this time of year, and golden hour lasts forever. Just expect more crowds, so sunrise or weekday sessions are your best friend.
Fall is absolute magic in Boston with all the changing leaves and cozy, golden tones. So many locations around the city are basically made for photos this time of year. It’s definitely the most popular season, though, so keep this in mind!
Winter can be surprisingly beautiful if you’re down for a chilly session, with snowy streets, twinkly lights, and quieter locations. The city has this calm, moody vibe that photographs really well. Just bundle up and plan for shorter shooting windows with earlier sunsets.
What to Wear for Boston Engagement Photos
When it comes to what to wear for your engagement photos, sticking to neutral tones is always a good idea. They photograph beautifully against the city’s mix of brick, greenery, and waterfront backdrops, and they keep the focus on you, rather than being distracting. You’ll also want to consider coordinating instead of matching, with colors and textures that complement each other. Layers are also super helpful with Boston’s unpredictable weather, plus they always add something extra to the photos.
You can also base your outfits off of the location! For example, for a location like the Boston Public Library or the Liberty Hotel, you can deifnitely pull off a more dressy vibe to match the elegant setting. But for somewhere like the Boston Public Garden, you can choose more casual outfits like jeans or flowy dress. Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable, as this definitely comes across in your photos!
Boston Wedding Photographer
Hi, I’m Danielle, a Boston Wedding Photographer serving the New England area + beyond! Boston is filled with history and so much natural beauty, making it ideal for engagement photos. I’m always ready to capture more magic there! If you’re ready for help planning your Boston engagement session, reach out to get started!
