Congratulations! You’re engaged! The next step after telling your friends and family the exciting news should be creating beautiful and memorable engagement photos.
Embarking on the journey toward a lifetime of love deserves to be celebrated in the most enchanting settings. Long Island, with its diverse landscapes and rich history, offers an array of picture-perfect locations for engagement photos. In this guide, we will explore the best Long Island engagement photo locations.
Some of the Best Engagement Photo Locations Long Island Has to Offer
Garden Galore:
Are you a fan of immersing yourself in a sea of blossoms, exploring lush greenhouses, and wandering through winding vines? If it speaks to you, think about scheduling your engagement photo shoot among Long Island’s many gardens, arboretums, or preserves! Imagine taking pictures in the bright sun, with flowers in full bloom, and having the opportunity to show off your engagement ring among the gorgeous floral backdrop. Here are some of the best garden engagement locations:
Planting Fields Arboretum – Oyster Bay, NY
Planting Fields has been used as a location for numerous film, and television projects. The historic architecture of Coe Hall and beautiful gardens offer a unique and unforgettable setting for engagement and wedding photos (You must obtain a permit from the NY Parks Office).
Old Westbury Gardens – Old Westbury, NY
Tree-lined walks, lush flower gardens and the grand architecture are the perfect settings for engagement pictures. Fun fact – To prepare for the spring opening of the Gardens, over 7,000 tulip, hyacinth, daffodil and allium bulbs are planted in late fall in The Walled Garden’s Lower Terrace. Photography is by appointment only and requests must be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of permit date.
Clark Botanic Garden – Albertson, NY
Founded 50 years ago Clark Botanic Garden is a 12-acre gem located in the north shore area of Nassau County.
Bailey Arboretum – Locust Valley, NY
Bailey Arboretum provides the perfect background for engagement and wedding photos. The renowned Redwoods, Rose Arbors and lush foliage all serve to create a beautiful landscape. All professional photography does require a permit and fee.
Walled Garden at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve – Lloyd Harbor, NY
The Walled Garden is located in the scenic Caumsett State Park which is located on a beautiful peninsula extending into Long Island Sound. The gardens are a small part of the 1,520-acre park preserve.
Bayard Cutting Arboretum – Great River, NY
The Bayard Arboretum is located on the south shore near East Islip and situated on the Connetquot River with a 1920s mansion as its centerpiece. The Bayard Arboretum describes itself as a “museum of trees”. Not only can you take wonderful engagement photos here but they also allow for small outdoor wedding ceremonies.
Beach Bliss:
Long Island’s expansive coastline provides an exquisite backdrop for romantic engagement photos. From the golden sands of Jones Beach to the rugged beauty of Montauk, the beaches on Long Island offer diverse settings to capture your love story. Imagine the sun setting over the horizon as you stroll hand in hand, leaving footprints in the sand. The natural beauty of the ocean creates an atmosphere of serenity and romance that is unparalleled.
-North Shore Long Island Beach Photo Locations (from west to east)
- Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Beach, Oyster Bay
- Crab Meadow Beach, Huntington
- Sunken Meadow State Park, Kings Park
- Wildwood State Park, Wading River
- Orient Beach State Park, Orient
-South Shore Long Island Beach Photo Locations
- Lido Beach , Long Beach
- Jones Beach State Park
- Robert Moses State Park
- Fire Island National Seashore
- Smith Point
- The Hamptons
- Montauk
Historic Havens:
Long Island is home to a wealth of historic sites and mansions, each with its own unique charm. Explore the grandeur of Oheka Castle or the opulence of the Vanderbilt Mansion for engagement photos that exude old-world romance. The blend of architectural sophistication and historical significance creates a regal and timeless atmosphere. These historic sites offer a glimpse into the past while providing an elegant canvas for your engagement memories. Here are a few popular photo-friendly historic sites:
Sagamore Hill – Cove Neck, NY
Sagamore Hill was the home of President Theodore Roosevelt. The historic backdrop and well maintained property is the perfect place for some engagement photos.
Sands Point Preserve – Sands Point, NY
Also known as Hempstead House, the grounds contain two castle-like buildings; Hempstead House is the main house, and a smaller house is known as Castle Gould. The estate embodies the elegance that defines the Gold Coast period of the early 20th century.
Vanderbilt Mansion – Centerport, NY
The Vanderbilt mansion sits on a pristine 43-acres of waterfront property and is also a museum and also has the popular planetarium. The backdrop of Northport Harbor makes for some truly amazing wedding and engagement photos.
Oheka Castle – Huntington, NY
Oheka Castle looks like an elegant french chateau and the manicured gardens are a dream photo location.
Fire Island LightHouse:
The Fire Island Lighthouse constructed in 1826 is a visible landmark on the Great South Bay, just to the east of Robert Moses State Park. The beach views and surrounding dunes provide a fantastic backdrop
Quaint Villages:
Long Island’s charming villages, with their cobblestone streets and historic architecture, offer a cozy and intimate setting for engagement photos. Explore places like Cold Spring Harbor or Stony Brook Village, where the quaint storefronts and small-town charm create a timeless atmosphere. These villages provide a sense of community and warmth, making them ideal for capturing the intimate moments of your engagement.
- Sea Cliff
- Oyster Bay
- Cold Spring Harbor
- Northport
- Stony Brook
- Port Jefferson
Vineyard Views:
For wine enthusiasts and those seeking a rustic ambiance, Long Island’s vineyards are a perfect choice. The North Fork, with its renowned wineries such as Bedell Cellars and Martha Clara Vineyards, offers a picturesque setting for engagement photos. Rows of grapevines, charming tasting rooms, and rustic barns create a romantic and laid-back atmosphere. Vineyard views provide a unique backdrop that combines natural beauty with a touch of rustic charm. Here are some great vineyards to choose from:
- Palmer Vineyards – Riverhead, NY
- Macari Vineyards – Mattituck, NY
- Rose Hill Vineyards – Mattituck, NY
- Bedell Cellars – Cutchogue, NY
- Sparkling Pointe Vineyards & Winery Southold, NY
- Kontokosta Winery – Greenport, NY
Long Island’s diverse landscapes and historic landmarks provide a tremendous amount of options for capturing the magic of your engagement. Whether you prefer the sandy beaches, the lush gardens, the grand historic mansions, or the rustic charm of vineyards, Long Island has the perfect setting to tell your unique love story. As you plan your engagement photos, explore these enchanting locations to create memories that will last a lifetime.
