Princeton University is one of the most iconic and picturesque engagement session locations in all of New Jersey. The campus is filled with timeless architecture, elegant archways, stone courtyards, and tree-lined walkways that make every photo look like it belongs in a classic romance film. No matter the season, Princeton offers an incredible mix of natural beauty and historic charm that photographs beautifully from every angle.
What makes Princeton University so special for engagement photos is its variety. You can start in front of the grand Nassau Hall, wander through ivy-covered pathways, and end your session by the fountains or along the quiet, cobblestone-style streets surrounding campus. Every corner has something unique to offer — golden sunlight filtering through the Gothic arches, warm stone walls at sunset, or the vibrant fall foliage that completely transforms the look of the location.
The atmosphere at Princeton is calm, elegant, and full of history, which adds so much character to every photo. Whether you’re looking for classic, romantic images or something more modern and playful, the campus provides endless creative opportunities. It’s one of those places that just feels magical — perfect for couples who want a setting that’s refined, timeless, and uniquely New Jersey.
Quick Facts:
• Location: Princeton, New Jersey
• Style: Historic, elegant university campus with timeless architecture and manicured grounds
• Best Times for Photos: Early morning or late afternoon for soft, golden light
• Photo Highlights: Nassau Hall, Blair Arch, ivy-covered walkways, fountains, and seasonal foliage
• Perfect For: Couples who want a romantic, classic engagement session surrounded by history and natural beauty
Contact Information:
• Website: princeton.edu
• Address: Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544
• Phone: (609) 258-3000 (general info)
• Permit Info: Photography is typically allowed for personal use; professional sessions may require permission from the Office of Communications or Public Safety
• Hours: Open daily to the public (best to visit during daylight hours)
Notable Details:
• One of the most photogenic campuses in the country, featuring a mix of Gothic and modern architecture
• Offers a wide variety of backdrops within walking distance
• Located right in downtown Princeton with easy access to shops and cafes for additional photo spots
• Beautiful year-round — cherry blossoms in spring, golden foliage in fall, and rich tones year-round
• Ideal for both romantic & editorial-style engagement sessions
Sayen House & Gardens is one of the most beautiful and peaceful engagement session locations in New Jersey. Nestled right in the heart of Hamilton Township, this hidden gem is filled with vibrant flowers, charming bridges, winding garden paths, and scenic ponds — making it the perfect backdrop for romantic and timeless engagement photographs.
What makes Sayen Gardens so special is its natural variety. In spring, the grounds explode with colorful azaleas, tulips, and cherry blossoms. During summer, everything feels lush and green, while fall brings rich golden tones and reflections across the pond that create stunning images. Even in winter, the stone bridges, rustic pathways, and evergreen trees make for gorgeous, moody portraits.
The property features multiple picturesque spots, including the white footbridge, the waterfall area, and the gazebo surrounded by flowers — all within walking distance. It’s easy to move from one setting to another, creating a diverse collection of images without ever leaving the park. Couples love how peaceful it feels, and the light filtering through the trees adds a dreamy glow to every photo.
Sayen House & Gardens offers the perfect balance of natural beauty and convenience — easily accessible, beautifully maintained, and ideal for couples who want a classic outdoor setting filled with color, warmth, and charm.
Quick Facts:
• Location: Hamilton Township, New Jersey
• Style: Scenic botanical gardens with bridges, waterfalls, and landscaped flower beds
• Best Times for Photos: Spring for blooms, fall for color, or golden hour for soft natural light
• Photo Highlights: Wooden bridges, ponds, gazebos, waterfalls, garden pathways, and floral backdrops
• Perfect For: Couples who love nature, vibrant colors, and a romantic garden atmosphere
Contact Information:
• Website: hamiltonnj.com/Sayen-Gardens
• Address: 155 Hughes Drive, Hamilton Township, New Jersey 08690
• Phone: (609) 890-3874
• Permit Info: Professional photography is allowed; however, Hamilton Township may require a photography permit for scheduled sessions — it’s best to confirm in advance
• Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
Notable Details:
• Free and open to the public year-round
• Bursting with flowers and color in spring and summer
• Multiple picturesque photo spots within walking distance
• Peaceful, well-maintained gardens perfect for relaxed sessions
• Central location in Hamilton Township, close to major highways and parking
• Excellent natural light and reflections for romantic golden-hour portraits
Cross Estate Gardens is one of the most enchanting and romantic engagement session locations in New Jersey. Nestled in the beautiful Somerset Hills, this historic garden estate offers a peaceful, timeless atmosphere that feels straight out of a classic storybook. From the moment you arrive, you’re surrounded by natural beauty — stone pathways, towering trees, vine-covered arches, and blooming gardens that change with every season.
The property is part of the Morristown National Historical Park and features both formal and wild garden areas, giving you an incredible range of photo opportunities within one location. Couples love the long pergola covered in climbing vines, the stone mansion backdrop, and the wide open fields nearby that glow beautifully during golden hour. Every part of the gardens feels authentic, rustic, and full of character — perfect for capturing both romantic and editorial-style portraits.
One of the best things about Cross Estate Gardens is how peaceful it is. It’s rarely crowded, which makes it easy to take your time and create a relaxed, comfortable session experience. Whether you’re surrounded by vibrant spring blooms, summer greens, or the warm hues of fall, this location always delivers stunning, timeless images.
Cross Estate Gardens is the perfect choice for couples who love nature, history, and understated elegance — a truly magical hidden gem in Bernardsville that always photographs beautifully.
Quick Facts:
• Location: Bernardsville, New Jersey
• Style: Historic garden estate featuring stone architecture, vine-covered pergolas, and formal gardens
• Best Times for Photos: Spring through fall; sunrise or golden hour for the best light
• Photo Highlights: Stone mansion, vine-covered pergola, blooming gardens, stone walls, and open fields
• Perfect For: Couples who love natural beauty, peaceful surroundings, and timeless, romantic portraits
Contact Information:
• Website: crossestategardens.org
• Address: 61 Jockey Hollow Road, Bernardsville, New Jersey 07924
• Phone: (908) 766-7998
• Permit Info: Photography is free and open to the public, though courtesy notification is appreciated for professional sessions
• Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
Notable Details:
• Free public gardens maintained by The Garden Club of Somerset Hills
• Features formal flower gardens and wilder natural landscapes
• Historic stone architecture provides a unique, timeless backdrop
• Plenty of privacy and space for uninterrupted photo sessions
• Beautiful year-round, with peak blooms in late spring and early summer
• Easy access and free on-site parking
The New Jersey Botanical Gardens in Ringwood is one of the most breathtaking and versatile engagement session locations in the entire state. Nestled within Ringwood State Park, the gardens are surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and stunning historic architecture — creating a setting that feels both grand and serene. Every inch of this property is photo-worthy, offering endless backdrops that change beautifully with the seasons.
The heart of the gardens is the magnificent Skylands Manor, a historic stone mansion with castle-like features, elegant staircases, and manicured lawns that photograph beautifully. Surrounding it are over 90 acres of landscaped gardens, fountains, and tree-lined paths — from formal flowerbeds to peaceful wooded trails. Couples love the romantic mix of nature and architecture here; you can move from grand stone archways to soft garden light all within a few steps.
No matter the time of year, the New Jersey Botanical Gardens deliver incredible color and texture — from spring blossoms and summer greens to the warm tones of autumn. It’s a photographer’s dream location, offering both dramatic wide shots and intimate, romantic close-ups that feel timeless and cinematic.
This location is ideal for couples who love classic beauty, peaceful surroundings, and the feeling of being completely immersed in nature. The gardens are expansive, quiet, and filled with variety — perfect for creating engagement photos that feel elegant, romantic, and authentically New Jersey.
Quick Facts:
• Location: Ringwood, New Jersey
• Style: Expansive botanical gardens with historic architecture and scenic landscapes
• Best Times for Photos: Spring and fall for color; golden hour for ideal lighting
• Photo Highlights: Skylands Manor, stone archways, manicured lawns, fountains, flower gardens, forest paths
• Perfect For: Couples who want romantic, cinematic portraits surrounded by nature and timeless architecture
Contact Information:
• Website: njbg.org
• Address: 2 Morris Road, Ringwood, New Jersey 07456
• Phone: (973) 962-9534
• Permit Info: Professional photography requires a permit; can be obtained through the NJ Botanical Gardens office or the NJ Parks Department
• Hours: Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (seasonal hours may vary)
Notable Details:
• Features the historic Skylands Manor — one of the most iconic backdrops in New Jersey
• Offers both formal gardens and natural wooded areas for diverse photo styles
• Known for incredible seasonal color and picturesque scenery year-round
• Plenty of space and privacy, ideal for relaxed engagement sessions
Divine Park and the nearby Spring Lake area are among my absolute favorite locations for engagement sessions in New Jersey. This charming coastal town offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, romantic backdrops, and classic seaside charm — all within walking distance. From the quiet serenity of the lake and footbridges in Divine Park to the breezy coastal views just a few blocks away, Spring Lake provides a variety of looks that photograph beautifully in every season.
Divine Park itself features picturesque wooden bridges, towering trees, and soft, even lighting that makes it ideal for capturing timeless engagement portraits. The lake reflections, pathways, and greenery give every photo a naturally romantic feel. Just a short stroll from the park, the Spring Lake boardwalk and beach offer a completely different atmosphere — open skies, coastal tones, and golden light at sunset that’s perfect for soft, cinematic images.
The town of Spring Lake adds even more variety. The streets surrounding the park are filled with charming architecture, well-kept gardens, and quiet corners that feel straight out of a movie. Couples love how much diversity they can get in one session — elegant park photos, casual beach moments, and classic coastal shots all in one outing.
Whether you want a relaxed, nature-filled session or something elegant and beachy, Divine Park and the surrounding Spring Lake area provide the perfect mix of beauty, romance, and variety. It’s one of those New Jersey locations that never disappoints — peaceful, elegant, and truly timeless.
Quick Facts:
• Location: Spring Lake, New Jersey
• Style: Lakeside park, charming small-town streets, and nearby coastal scenery
• Best Times for Photos: Spring through fall; golden hour for warm, glowy light
• Photo Highlights: Wooden bridges, lake reflections, walking paths, beach sunsets, and seaside architecture
• Perfect For: Couples who love natural beauty, classic coastal charm, and variety in one engagement session
Contact Information:
• Website: springlakeboro.org
• Address: 400 Ocean Avenue, Spring Lake, New Jersey 07762
• Phone: (732) 449-0800
• Permit Info: No formal photography permit required for personal or engagement sessions; be respectful of local residents and park visitors
• Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
Notable Details:
• Features iconic bridge and tree-lined walkways in Divine Park
• Just steps from the beach & boardwalk for stunning sunset photos
• Offers both park and coastal looks in one session
• Perfect for Spring, Summer and Fall engagement sessions
• Quiet, clean, & upscale atmosphere perfect for romantic sessions
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Click here to book a free consultation & receive $100 off any wedding collection. Expires 10/31/25
$100 off any wedding collection for all Police, Firefighters, EMTs, Nurses and Service Members.
Follow me on instagram to get an additional $25 off on any photography service.
From Sept - Nov, all mini sessions are now only $149 for an on-site 30 minute shoot + gallery.
Book a wedding between 1/1/26 and 3/31/26 and receive 1 free hour of extra coverage.