The White Mountains in New Hampshire are filled with natural beauty and an ideal location for engagement photos! Here’s details on locations, time of year, and more.
Why to Take Engagement Photos in the White Mountains, New Hampshire
Taking engagement photos in the White Mountains in New Hampshire means a backdrop filled with natural beauty. These mountains are known for their gorgeous landscapes, filled with dense forests and beautiful waterfalls. But what I love best about this area is the abundance of different, scenic backdrops, which gives your photos plenty of variety! Here are a few other reasons to consider the White Mountains for your engagement photos:
Stunning locations
The White Mountains are home to famous spots like the picturesque Kancamagus Highway, Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, and beautiful Echo Lake. All of these make equally stunning backdrops for your session!
Difference in the seasons
Each season offers something uniquely beautiful here! Spring brings blooming flowers and lush greenery, summer offers bright, long days perfect for sunset photos, fall showcases the most gorgeous foliage with vibrant colors, and winter turns the landscape into a snowy wonderland, although this is a harder time to access the area. It all depends on the vibe you’re wanting for your session!
Secluded spots
Unlike locations in the city, the White Mountains can provide more privacy and a sense of seclusion, which means not having to worry about an audience joining your session! There of course will be more crowds during peak seasons, so avoid this time of year or opt for a sunrise session instead.
White Mountains New Hampshire Engagement Photo Locations
Because the White Mountains cover such an expansive area, you have a very wide range of locations to choose from for your engagement session! Here are a few that you can consider.
Locations in North Conway, NH
- Echo Lake Beach
- The calm water and mountain views here create the most peaceful and magical spot here in the White Mountains. It’s definitely a favorite!
- Sabbaday Falls
An easy, quick walk gets you to this tucked-away waterfall, surrounded by mossy forest and wooden bridges. It really feels like you’re stepping into a fairytale! - Mount Washington Region
Whether you drive up or hop on the Cog Railway, getting to the top of Mount Washington is an unforgettable experience. The expansive views create a really unforgettable backdrop for your photos!
And there’s so many more incredible spots here!
Locations in Campton, NH
- Waterville Valley: This place has everything: easy trail walks, great hiking, streams, cross-country skiing in the winter, and tons of activities year-round. It’s super versatile and always gorgeous.
- Beebe River Falls: Just steps from the road (no hike required!), this spot is perfect if you’re short on time or don’t want to trek. But keep in mind, parking’s limited, so aim for early morning, late afternoon, or a weekday. Bonus tip: plan during the offseason for the same views and way fewer people!
- Eddy Day Use Area: this spot has a great swimming hole with gorgeous treeline views, streams, and picnic tables if you want to sit and celebrate afterwards
Locations in Kingsman Notch, NH
- Beaver Pond: This spot is peaceful, easy to get to, and has seriously dreamy mountain views, plus there’s a big pond and a boulder that’s perfect for standing out in the middle of it all. It’s a very intimate and romantic spot!
- Lost River Reservation: This is a super fun, scenic spot in the White Mountains with boardwalks, boulder caves, and forest trails that make it feel like a mini adventure tucked into the woods.
- Beaver Brook Cascades: If you want an easy-access waterfall with beautiful forest vibes, and no hike required, this is a hidden gem.
Locations in Franconia Notch
- Cannon Mountain: If you’re not feeling up for a hike, you can take the Aerial Tram and be at the top in under 10 minutes. The views are next level, and it’s such an easy way to get that elevated mountain magic for your session.
- Flume Gorge: This spot is part of Franconia Notch State Park and it’s packed with waterfalls, wooden walkways, towering cliffs, and forest trails. Honestly, it’s worth making a full day out of your visit here!
- The Basin: At the Basin there’s a massive watering hole, smooth boulders, and thick forest all around, creating a really magical setting. It’s popular though, so I definitely recommend going on a weekday or during the off-season to avoid the crowds.
- Artist’s Bluff: This is a popular location, but it’s an incredible pick if you want the breathtaking. mountain views without an exhausting hike!
When to Take Engagement Photos in the White Mountains
Choosing the time of year for your engagement session depends on the overall look you want for your photos! Do you prefer the cozy, warm colors of fall, or the fresh, vibrant backdrop of the summer season? Here’s what each time of year looks like in the White Mountains!
Spring in the White Mountains
Spring in the White Mountains means blooming wildflowers and roaring waterfalls, which makes for a pretty incredible backdrop. Some trails can still be muddy or have a bit of snow, but the quiet vibe and all of the spring flowers coming through make it such a peaceful time for photos.
Summer in the White Mountains
Summer is pretty magical with everything bright and green, and the longer days to explore everything this area has to offer. Sunrise and sunset sessions are perfect this time of year, and you can even dip your toes in a lake or stream if it gets hot. It’s the busiest season though, so weekdays or early morning sessions are your best bet for avoiding crowds.
Fall in the White Mountains
If a backdrop filled with fiery reds, oranges, and golds is more your vibe, then this is your season. Fall in the White Mountains is absolutely stunning, but also super popular, especially during peak foliage. Book early, plan for a weekday if you can, and expect a little extra traffic. Totally worth it, though; the colors are unreal!
Winter in the White Mountains
Winter turns the White Mountains into a quiet, snow-covered wonderland, but it’s definitely not the ideal time to visit the area. The temperature gets super chilly, and many spots get harder to access. So a session during this time of year would mean bundling up and a bit of an adventure!
New Hampshire Wedding Photographer
Hi, I’m Danielle, a New Hampshire Wedding Photographer serving the New England area + beyond! The White Mountains are absolutely STUNNING, filled with such a variety of backdrops to use for a session. I’m always ready to capture more magic there! If you’re ready for help planning your New Hampshire engagement photos, reach out to get started!
