30 Perfect Engagement Photo Locations in New Jersey

Engagement photos.

They’re the first formal introduction to you and your partner’s future life together as a married couple.

You want them to be special. You want them to tell a story. You want them to accurately represent the two of you.

But how do you choose the right engagement photo location?

Fortunately, New Jersey is brimming from top to bottom with amazing venues, vistas, and even vineyards that act as the perfect location for engagement photos. I picked 30 of the very best, but it was hard to whittle it down even that far!

 

1. New Jersey State Botanical Gardens at Skylands

Ringwood, NJ

Skylands Manor at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden provides a distinguished backdrop for couples looking to give their engagement photos a touch of classic Tudor style. The sprawling mansion, built in the 1920s, gives the look and feel of a centuries-old building, which lends an air of old-world class to your engagement photos.

Outside, the lawns and impeccably kept landscaping provide a feast for the eyes as a background to your photos, while venturing inside takes you on a journey to the past. The mansion contains all the trapping of a classic estate including a great entrance hall and staircase, library, dining room, and the aptly named GREAT HALL. If you’re looking to convey classic elegance, Skylands Manor is the right choice for an engagement photo location.

 

2. The Red Mill

Clinton, NJ

The Red Mill prides itself as an ideal venue for weddings, however, the breathtaking ten-acre property also makes for a perfect engagement photo location in New Jersey. The Hunterdon County landmark boasts a dozen historic buildings, as well as scenic views of the Raritan river that include a waterfall as well.

Engagement photos taken at The Red Mill are a feast for the eyes, as the beauty of the natural world compliment the man-made structures on the property. The lovingly cared for landscapes and awe-inspiring cliffs aren’t too shabby either!

 

3. Deep Cut Gardens

Middletown, NJ

With a rich history dating back to the 1600s, Deep Cut Gardens stands as a facility devoted to both the delight and further education of gardeners and lovers of horticulture. The sprawling garden sits on just over 54 acres of land with gardens, greenhouses and natural displays available for guests to view all year long.

Couples with a passion for the natural world will find that Deep Cut Gardens is easily one of the finest engagement photo locations in New Jersey, and will find no shortage of amazing scenes to announce their exciting news. Keep in mind, the Gardens are part of Monmout County’s park system, so you will have to check for their hours on the Park’s Facebook page before scheduling your engagement photoshoot.

 

4. Twin Lights Lighthouse

Highlands, NJ

Overlooking the coast of north Jersey, Twin Lights Lighthouse has stood tall and firm since 1828! Originally known as the Navesink Lighstation, Twin Lights Lighthouse has a rich history that is tightly intertwined with the United States. It was the place where our the Pledge of Allegiance was first publicly and was the site where the US and her allies began testing out a brand new technology that would help win World War 2: radar!

These days, the Twin Lights are recognized as a monument of pride and love – love not just for country, but for one another. This is a perfect spot in New Jersey for wedding engagement photos to be taken, especially if you’ve got a streak of patriotism running through you! Be advised, as this is a New Jersey historical site, you must schedule your engagement photo shoot at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Twin Lights Historical Society via phone. You can find that information on their website.

 

5. Art Factory Studios

Paterson, NJ

If industrial-chic is what you’re going for, there’s not too many better engagement photo locations in New Jersey than Art Factory Studios. Located just outside of New York City, Art Factory Studios is home to several indoor and outdoor spaces that appeal to couples looking for an authentic industrial look to their engagement photos. The blend of urban/industrial settings and the beauty of love captured on film really come together, as you can see in the photo above.

Art Factory studios are one of the more unique engagement photo locations on this list. You can browse the photos on their site to really get an idea of what the place can do as far as offering something truly different in the way of an engagement photo shoot.

 

6. Pier Village

Long Branch, NJ

With beachfront views, a gorgeous gazebo, and pristine beaches, Pier Village is among the most beautiful engagement photo locations in New Jersey that has so much to offer. It’s a luxurious Victorian-inspired community that sits on the beach and also features restaurants, five-star lodging, and fun things to do after you’re finished with your engagement photo shoot. This is a great place for couples looking to make a weekend out of their photoshoot.

Pier Village is also one of many places on this list that also acts as a wedding venue. So while you’re there, you can tour the village’s Bungalow Hotel and see the luxurious amenities including a 24 room bridal suite and enormous lobby.

 

7. Grounds for Sculpture

Hamilton, NJ

If you’ve ever been to Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ, you’ll already know that it’s a one-of-a-kind experience. The grounds cover 42 acres of property, literally littered with contemporary art sculpture installations inside and outdoors! What’s even cooler is that Grounds for Sculpture regularly changes their displays, so there’s always something new and exciting to see.

This is a New Jersey engagement photo location fit for artists and art lovers, but the landscape of Grounds for Sculpture is also a nature lover’s dream come true as well. Obviously, you’re not allowed to touch or use the artwork on display as a prop, but think about how magnificent they’d be as a companion to your exciting announcement! As this is an art museum, it would be to your benefit if you phoned well in advance of your engagement photo shoot date to make sure you have permission to shoot here.

 

8. Historic Batsto Village

Hammonton, NJ

Beautiful, Historic, Serene – these are all words that would accurately describe Batsto Village, located in the southern stretch of New Jersey’s famed Pine Barrens. And before you ask, yes, the Jersey Devil has been known to visit Historic Batsto Village. The village also has historical roots in a much more factually sound territory as well, as it was nearly burnt down by the British for storing munitions for General George Washington’s rebel army! But Batsto Village has even more to it than the connections to the past.

The Village is one of New Jersey’s more diverse and vibrant engagement photo locations, offering many completely different types of settings for engagement photos to be shot in front of. The mansion, the sawmill, the dam, the church, the lake.. I could go on and on. And if you’re looking for something to do when you’re not having your engagement photos taken, Batsto Village has events throughout the year that attract upward of 40,000 visitors! Surely there’s something for everyone here.

 

9. The Barrow House

Clifton, NJ

Built in the style of a late 19th century barn, The Barrow House delivers all the rustic charm you can handle. The Barrow House’s barn and study parlor capture the natural light, which can make for a stunning engagement photo location. But inside the Barrow House itself is where the details come to life. Stenciling using designs from the 1700s adorn the walls of the spacious foyer, while the maple hardwood floors stretch out from underfoot and reflecting more of that natural light to make your engagement photos literally shine.

From elaborate chandeliers to ornate reclaimed fireplace mantles, The Barrow House is a living history book just inviting you to add your life’s next chapter to its pages.

 

10. Asbury Park Boardwalk

Asbury Park, NJ

Arguably the most famous landmark in New Jersey, as far as the Jersey Shore goes, the Asbury Park Boardwalk is also one of the most colorful and downright fun engagement photo locations in New Jersey. The old casino, which is now adorned with brightly colored murals, is a great backdrop that many couples take advantage of and the Convention Center offers up a beautiful photo setting with string lights and natural sunlight pouring in from the enormous wall of windows.

There are far too many photo ops to list on the Asbury Park Boardwalk, but there’s a reason folks have been coming here for years to have their engagement photos done. In fact, it’s also a hot spot for the actual engagement itself to occur. This is a city with a deep and rich history and the boardwalk is the crux of that legacy. Even more exciting is the fact that Asbury Park is on an upswing these days and features breweries, fine dining, fun activities, and shopping that extends beyond the boardwalk. You could make an entire weekend out of your engagement photo shoot!

 

11. Demarest Farms

Hillsdale, NJ

Demarest Farms is a fully functioning farm and farmer’s market that encourages visitors to come and pick their own peaches, apples, and pumpkins – season allowing, of course. If you grew up in New Jersey, you’ll know that picking your own produce right off the tree and vine is not just a tradition, it’s in our blood! That’s why Demarest Farms is the perfect New Jersey engagement photo location for you true Jersey Girls out there.

The farm is relatively new to the “I do” game, hosting their very first wedding in 2018, but they are a great homestead setting for your engagement photos. Just picture it: apple trees, peach orchards, and a big barn behind you and your better half. You can almost smell the apple cider right now.

 

 

12. Auburn Road Vinyard & Winery

Pilesgrove, NJ

Located right in my backyard (go South Jersey), Auburn Road is not only one of my favorite vineyards in New Jersey, but they also boast an absolutely breathtaking backdrop for engagement photos. Auburn Road allows folks to stop by any time during business hours to take your engagement photos. They do ask that you schedule your photo shoot by calling ahead, simply so that management knows to expect you and your photographer. Their only other requirement is that you shoot outdoors only, but we’re talking about a gorgeous vineyard here, so that’s not ever going to be an issue. And if you’re curious, yes – you can shoot IN the vineyard itself as long as they haven’t sprayed that day.

One of Auburn Road’s biggest attractions is its indoor restaurant that also features live music (check the schedule!). This is a great spot to hit for wine and great food after you’ve wrapped on your engagement photo session.

 

 

13. The English Manor

Ocean, NJ

The English Manor is primarily a wedding venue, but that means it’s already built with photography in mind. Featuring a grand ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and lovely gardens surrounding the property, The English Manor is one of the best locations in New Jersey to have engagement photos taken. What’s more, The English manor is located a mere 2 miles from the Asbury Park Boardwalk, so you could mix up your engagement photo locations to include both settings!

 

14. Westmount Country Club

Woodland Park, NJ

If you’re the kind of couple who loves glitz and glamour, you can do no better than the Westmount Country Club. When you think “country club,” you’re probably thinking hoity-toity high-class decor, meticulously landscaped gardens and grounds, and incredible views as far as the eye can see. Well, you’d be 100% correct on all counts!

The Westmount Country Club is quite possibly one of the nicest places in all of New Jersey and is obviously a perfect engagement photo location. The club’s website allows you to take a 3D tour of the entire property and I highly recommend it. I’m torn between what I love more, the views of the natural world outside or the regal grand ballroom inside. Luckily for you, both are perfect backdrops for engagement photos.

 

15. Duffield’s Farm

Sewell, NJ

If you live in South Jersey, you have been to Duffield’s Farm at least once in your life. The family-owned farm is a South Jersey landmark and has a reputation for being THE place to go for apple picking, pumpkin picking, hayrides, apple cider donuts, pies, and everything under the sun. But what many people don’t know is that Duffield’s Farm is one of the best engagement photo locations in New Jersey.

According to Duffield’s, the Fall/harvest season is the most popular time for couples having their engagement shots taken. It’s required that you call in advance to get permission to shoot, however, Duffield’s welcomes newly engaged couples to use the farm’s beautiful fields and farm as a backdrop to their engagement photo session. And make sure you pick up a bag of apple cider donuts before you head home!

 

16. The Hamilton Manor

Hamilton Township, NJ

The Hamilton Manor is a luxurious manor located in Hamilton Township. The manor immediately welcomes you as you enter into the lovely foyer after arriving through the landscaped entrance. This gorgeous manor rests on 25 protected wooded acres and includes a landscaped gazebo, perfect for engagement photos.  The Rustic Barn, a new addition, is a covered and landscaped area complete with a bar with cathedral ceilings that are also a perfect spot for engagement photos.

 

17. Crossed Keys Estate

Andover, NJ

Unlike most of the places on our list of perfect places in New Jersey to have your engagement photos taken, Crossed Keys Estate only allows engagement photo shoots if you are planning on having your wedding there. But is this isn’t an issue, you’re in for a fantastic wedding and engagement experience!

The appeal of a place like Crossed Keys Estate for engagement photos is that they offer plenty of options for gorgeous backdrops. A giant stone wall, a massive weeping tree, open fields, pretty much anywhere on the 12 acres of land that make up Crossed Keys Estate would make for a wonderful engagement photo shoot. And with such diverse scenery all set in one location, you’re sure to find something that fits your theme and style.

 

18. Mountain Creek

Vernon, NJ

If you and your significant other are the active type and enjoy a physical lifestyle, Mountain Creek Resort might just be the ideal location for your engagement photos. The four season resort is equipped with ski trails, a waterpark, bike trails, tubing, snowboarding, you name it! There are myriad options for where to stage your engagement photos at Mountain Creek and you’re limited only by how far you want to take it!

According to the staff at Mountain Creek, they’ve had people take engagement photos on the slopes, in the bike park, and even on their sky lift! Keep in mind, there is an entrance fee as this is a fully functioning resort. But with lakes, ski lifts, and even a mountaintop patio to utilize for your engagement photos, it’s definitely worth the price of admission!

 

19. Estate at Eagle Lake

Chesterfield, NJ

The Estate at Eagle Lake stands out among many other engagement photo locations in New Jersey because what it has become today, a beautiful garden venue that sits lakeside on a white sand beach is a far cry from the Estate’s original vision and purpose. The Estate was initially meant to be a hillside underground fortress to provide security for companies such as the New York Times and PanAm. But history, as fickle as it is, eventually had other plans in store.

The 25 acres of woodlands and 6-acre lake are adorned with a lovely perennial garden, stone paths, and amphitheater specifically built to hold weddings! And yes, every year the Estate at Eagle Lake is visited by an American bald eagle or two. If there’s a more American-inspired place in New Jersey to have your engagement photos taken, I’d love to see it!

 

20. Cape May Winery

Cape May, NJ

My family is originally from Cape May, so I may have a bit of cognitive bias, but Cape May Winery is my personal favorite spot on this list. The winery encourages couples to schedule their photos during the growing season (late May through August) for the most aesthetically pleasing results. However, if you’re going for more of an Autumnal vibe, the harvest season is also a great time to have your engagement photos taken as well. Cape May Winery even decorates for the holidays and recommends having your engagement photos stages in front of their wood burning fireplace for a cozy photoset.

The backdrops are numerous  – from the port cellar, the large deck overlooking the vineyard, and even a cabernet sauvignon chandelier (!!!), the Cape May Winery is a photographer’s dream. They do request that you schedule your engagement photo session in advance so that a manager can be present. Other than that, let your creativity (and the wine) flow!

 

21. The Addison Park

Aberdeen Township, NJ

The Addison Park is far and away one of the most luxurious engagement photo locations in New Jersey. Formerly the Garden Manor and before that the Fountain Casino, The Addison Park is a massive venue that can hold up to 800 people for weddings, parties, and any event that demands a high-end look and feel. Whether you’re looking to stage your engagement photos inside in one of The Addison Park’s stunning ballrooms or cocktail lounges or outside by the fountains or meticulously landscaped grounds, there is no wrong way to go!

This is definitely the place for couples who have a penchant for the finer things in life. I could easily see The Addison Park being on the shortlist of venues for a Kardashian photo shoot!

 

 

22. Grand Cascades Lodge

Hamburg, NJ

Surrounded by mountains and sitting on three golf courses, The Grand Cascades Lodge is a towering symbol of class and luxury in Northwestern New Jersey. This wilderness-set hotel simultaneously inspires feelings of harmony and luxury and is the perfect stage for couples looking to do something a bit different with their engagement photos.

The views go on, literally, for miles and you almost have to remind yourself to catch your breath because this is truly one of the most beautiful places in New Jersey. The Grand Cascades Lodge offers so much in the way of scenic wonder, but you can also spoil yourself in the Lodge’s tropical pools, spas, and gourmet restaurants. Really, you owe it to yourself to check the place out!

 

23. Pleasantdale Chateau

West Orange, NJ

Plucked right out of a fairytale, the Pleasantdale Chateau was inspired by the architecture of northern France. If you ever dreamed of having a fairytale wedding, the perfect first step would be getting your engagement photos taken at Pleasantdale Chateau! A picture speaks a thousand words, but the one above may drive that number up a bit higher. Just looking at it invokes the feeling of warm sun on your skin as you smell freshly cut grass around you, with the chateau’s presence looming in the distance.

But inside is where the Pleasantdale Chateau really shines. The grand ballroom acts as the centerpiece of the venue and is in the shape of an octagon! How cool is that? Just think of the incredible shots your photographer will get of you and your better half, surrounded by unique and authentic architecture. This is truly one of the best engagement photo locations in New Jersey, if not the entire world!

 

 

24. Boathouse at Mercer Lake

West Windsor, NJ

Owned by the folks over at Crave Entertainment Group, the Boathouse at Mercer Lake is a first class wedding venue that overlooks a gorgeous view of lush greenery. The Boathouse sits beside the namesake lake, offering numerous picture perfect opportunities for any couple looking to have the engagement photos taken here. And if you choose to take your photoshoot indoors, the Boathouse at Mercer Lake also boasts a large boatside hall that features large windows overlooking the lake.

 

 

25. Frelinghuysen Arboretum

Morristown, NJ

Originally built as a Summerhouse for the Frelinghuysen family, the Frelinghuysen Arboretum was eventually turned into a rich horticultural center by Matilda Frelinghuysen in 1964 and was later turned over to the public upon her death in 1971. Sitting on 127 acres, this is a portrait of New Jersey’s natural beauty, brought to full realization.

From the stately mansion to the gazebos, gardens, and winding paths that lead you through the ground of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum – there’s simply no bad place to have your engagement photos taken anywhere on the property! This is a nature lover’s dream come true, and your friends and family will gush over your photos – I promise!

 

27. The Cross Estate Gardens

Bernardsville, NJ

There likely isn’t a more admirable display of love for nature on this list than the Cross Estate Gardens, located in the Morristown National Historical Park. A multi-level walled garden, a stone columned pergola with kiwi vines draped throughout, large specimen trees generously planted, and gardens of native plants. That’s not to mention the hiking trails and perennial gardens. Am I painting a clear enough picture that the Cross Estate Gardens are up there with the loveliest engagement photo locations in New Jersey for nature lovers?

There’s no bad time to come here either, as the Cross Estate Gardens are cared for all year long by a group of dedicated volunteers and fellow nature lovers who meet each week to ensure that the gardens are always looking at their best!

 

28. Fantasy Island Amusement Park

Beach Haven, NJ

Fantasy Island Amusement Park has been a Jersey Shore staple since it first opened its doors in 1984. People come from far and wide to enjoy the arcade, rides, and take a spin on what has become the park’s centerpiece attraction: the old-fashioned carousel.  As a nostalgia-soaked engagement photoshoot location, you can’t do much better than Fantasy Island.

As with many of the places on this list, there are a few things you need to know before showing up with your tripod and Nikon. First, call ahead and let the park’s front desk know you’ll be having photos taken simply so they know to expect you. Second, the park operates on a seasonal schedule from June until Labor Day, opening from 4pm until close. That means you should get there when they open their doors to catch as much sunlight as possible. And Finally, Fantasy Island remains open on weekends from Memorial Day until Columbus Day. You can find more info here.

 

29. The Mansion at Mountain Lakes

Mountain Lakes, NJ

As I was doing my research for this article, I came to the realization that there are a lot of amazing engagement photo locations in New Jersey and that quite a few of them happened to be mansions or estates. It goes to show that one of the oldest states in the Union gets to revel in the fact that our ancestors built these massive, beautiful structures not knowing that one day we’d be using them to celebrate love and matrimony.

The Mansion at Mountain Lakes was inspired by this spirit, and while the building itself is relatively new construction, it celebrates the history and heritage of the community of Mountain Lakes, which was established in 1910. Couples who choose to have their engagement photos taken here will enjoy the dazzling grand ballroom as well as the beautifully designed outdoor garden which features a waterfall! As this is one of the tri-state area’s most sought after wedding venues, I urge you to call ahead and make sure it’s okay to come in and have your engagement photos taken.

 

 

30. Atlantic City Boardwalk

Atlantic City, NJ

I saved the most personal for last. My grandparents got engaged on the Atlantic City Boardwalk back in 1948 and the photo of them holding hands, my grandfather with a box of salt water taffy under his arm, hangs on the wall in my living room to this day. To me, Atlantic City is a magical place with loads of history and the vibrant spirit of the Jersey Shore. To me, there are no better engagement photo locations in New Jersey than anywhere on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

Pick your spot! On the dunes, under the boardwalk, in front of the brightly lit casinos, or with the ocean to your back. This is an endlessly photogenic spot that can tell the story of your love for one another as well as a love for one of the things New Jersey is world-famous for.