Planning Your Central Park Engagement Photos: A Bride’s Guide to Locations, Timing, and Style

We got engaged in May and moved from Evanston to NYC in June – Drew and I were torn on where to do our engagement shoot because we had no real attachment in New York yet. However after some thought, we agreed Central Park engagement pictures would be a great way to memorialize our time in the city. We also really wanted a lush area, and not the bustle of the city for our backdrop.

Beyond the aesthetic, we also had a specific goal in mind: these photos were going to be the focal point of our Save the Dates for our destination wedding in Italy. Scroll down to see some of my favorite shots!

The Best Time for Central Park Engagement Photos: Why We Chose Sunrise in October

We scheduled our shoot for October 9th, specifically targeting a 7:30 AM start(sunrise was at 7:00am that day). Our photographer, Larisa Shorina, also offered a sunset sessions, but her professional advice was to aim for sunrise for less crowds and she was right.

If you know Central Park, you know it’s a different world at 7:30 AM. In October, we caught the park right as the leaves were still lush but just beginning to turn. It was crisp enough to feel like Fall, but not so cold that I needed a coat. Plus, living just a 15-minute walk from the park meant we could Uber there in minutes and keep the hair and makeup intact.

Top Central Park Engagement Photo Locations: Our 3-Stop Route

To maximize the variety of our shots, we chose a route that took us through some of Central Park’s most picturesque spots:

• The Mall: We began our shoot at The Mall, with its grand, tree-lined promenade. This location provided a classic and elegant feel.
• Bethesda Fountain: Next, we made our way to the iconic Bethesda Fountain, a stunning architectural feature with a romantic atmosphere.
• Bow Bridge: Finally, we captured some of our most memorable shots on the beautiful Bow Bridge, known for its graceful curves and scenic views.

This route allowed us to capture a range of backgrounds and moods, from the formal elegance of The Mall to the romantic charm of Bethesda Fountain and Bow Bridge. 

How to Find an NYC Engagement Photographer: The Referral Strategy

Finding the right photographer in a city as saturated as New York can be overwhelming. While it’s tempting to just Google “NYC engagement photographer,” you often end up finding the people who are best at SEO, not necessarily the ones who best match your vision.

I spent a significant amount of time on Pinterest and Instagram, scrolling through hashtags to define the aesthetic I wanted. But ultimately, I found our photographer, Larisa Shorina, through a referral on an internal message board at work. Leveraging a professional network or a personal referral is my number one tip for two reasons:

• The “Real” Experience: I was able to talk to someone who had actually worked with her, rather than just reading a faceless review.
• The Full Catalog: Referrals often allow you to see a couple’s full photo gallery. Portfolios on websites are curated highlights; seeing a full catalog ensures the photographer’s quality is consistent from the first shot to the last.

Never book a photographer without a formal contract. A contract is your only recourse if something goes wrong, from delivery timelines to image rights. If they don’t offer one, that’s your signal to move on.

How Much Do NYC Engagement Photos Cost? 

Let’s talk numbers. NYC is an expensive market, and for this session, we chose to splurge on a highly sought-after professional. Here is exactly what our package included:

• We paid $1,200 total (based on 2022 pricing—keep in mind that rates for top-tier NYC photographers have likely increased since then).
• One and a half hours of continuous photography with one lead photographer.
• A minimum of 100+ retouched digital photographs in a mix of color and black-and-white. We received an online gallery with full access to print our own photos.

While you can certainly find amateur or entry-level photographers for less, we wanted something truly special for this milestone. Seeing the full catalog of a previous client through a referral gave me the confidence that the $1,200 investment would match the vision in my head.

Central Park Engagement Photo Hair and Makeup: The 6:00 AM Strategy

Many people use their engagement session as a “trial run” with their wedding day makeup artist. It’s a brilliant way to see how the products wear and how they look in high-definition photos before the big day. If your artist is available for an early morning call (or if you choose a sunset session), I highly recommend booking your trial during this window.

Because we were planning a destination wedding in Italy, I didn’t have a local hair and makeup artist to trial. Instead, I used Glamsquad to have a professional come to my apartment at 6:00 AM.

For an early morning shoot, your beauty prep has to be a military operation. I’m actually very confident doing my everyday makeup and I love my “real life” look, but the reality of professional photography is different. You’ll often hear that you need heavier makeup for it to actually show up in high-resolution photos.

I wasn’t confident in my ability to pull that off and I don’t know how to apply lashes. If you are highly skilled at professional-weight makeup, you could certainly do it yourself, but for me, hiring an artist was a necessity.

• The Risk: Using a new artist for an important shoot can feel dicey, but it was the most affordable and reliable option for a 6:00 AM call time.
• The Cost: I paid $133 total (including lashes and tip) and used a $20 off coupon for new customers.
• The Hair: I chose to do my own hair before the artist arrived, I’m the only person I trust with my curls, and it saved us 30 minutes in the chair.

What to Wear for Central Park Engagement Photos: My High-Low Style Guide

For my outfit, I wanted something classic—a flowing silk or satin dress with an open back. I was prepared to splurge and tried on countless designer dresses, but I couldn’t find the right fit. I eventually found the perfect dress at Zara. It’s no longer sold, but it’s called “open back satin effect dress” and from a quick search there’s a few being sold on Poshmark.

My advice? Don’t sleep on affordable retailers. My actual wedding dress for our DC ceremony was a $100 ASOS find. Whether it’s your engagement session or the big day, prioritize the silhouette and the “vision” over the label. Sometimes the most affordable option is the one that actually matches the mood in your head.

I wore Badgley Mischka heels that gave me terrible blisters. If you are shooting in the park, wear your heels for the photos but carry a pair of chic flats for walking between locations. Your feet will thank you.

Now that the photos were finished, it was time to tackle the invitations! You can see how we found our wedding stationery here.

Shop all my Bridal looks below

Frequently Asked Questions (Planning your NYC session)