We, at Abella Studios, have shot thousands of engagement shoot sessions throughout the NJ area and have noticed a pattern, as we continue to return to the same locations time and time again. We thought it may be helpful to provide you with a list and sample images from some of our favorite engagement shoot locations.
ASBURY PARK BOARDWALK
If you're in love with beach pictures, but you want something a little bit different, something funky and fun, then Asbury Park Beach and Boardwalk is the place for you. Asbury Park offers wide open beaches, fun graffiti walls, and a rustic, seemingly abandoned boardwalk that just cannot be beat. Take a stroll on the boardwalk, smooch under the rustic gate, write your names in the sand, and even walk into the water if you dare.
ALLAIRE STATE PARK
If you love fall vibes as much as we do, Allaire State Park is the way to go for your engagement photos. Simple in its beauty, Allaire State Park offers countless photo-ops from rustic buildings to nature trails: and they even have a train museum too! It's the perfect combination of train tracks, vibrant wooded areas, and beautiful rustic buildings. Grab your picnic basket, a bottle of Moet, and let's have some fun.
CENTRAL PARK
In our area, I don't think anything is as diverse as Central Park. Lakes, gardens, fountains, castles, fields, wooded pathways, and city streets galore! This park remains a very popular choice for an engagement shoot because of it's unique and diverse features -- the only spot where you can mix New York City vibes with nature trails. Any time of year is great for pictures in New York City's Central Park!
HAMILTON PARK
If you are looking for a view of New York City in your engagement photos, this is one of the best around! Hamilton Park lies just north of the Lincoln Tunnel on a cliff overlooking the NYC skyline. This small park has manicured landscaping and unique features, giving you a garden setting, with a city view. Schedule an engagement shoot in Hamilton Park and you will be thrilled with your engagement photos.
THE SKYLANDS BOTANICAL GARDENS
The Botanical Gardens in Ringwood is one of the largest and varied landscapes in the area. Over a dozen formal gardens surround The Botanical Gardens at Skylands Manor, which was built in the 1920s. No two photo shoots are the same here because of the enormous variety these gardens have to offer. Visit this state park spring through autumn for a gorgeous engagement shoot backdrop.
FRANK SINATRA PARK
Views on views. Frank Sinatra Park offers a view of the New York City skyline that just cannot be beat. But that's not all. Frank Sinatra Park is rich in photo-ops. From the Hoboken streets to wooded trails, Frank Sinatra Park has it all -- except for the beach, of course. A late day engagement shoot will provide perfect lighting and mood. Hoboken is the birth place of Frank Sinatra, and this park is dedicated to his memory. It's located on Pier A, at 1st Ave and Sinatra Drive, stretching out into the Hudson River.
VERONA PARK
Verona Park is located on the corner of Bloomfield Ave. and Lakeside Ave., it's close and easy to get to, which makes it one of the most popular parks for engagement and wedding photography in the area. Verona Park's beautiful lake is surrounded by fields, trees, beautiful bridges, and long winding pathways. Take a walk around the Verona Park, or rent a paddle-boat and head out onto the lake!
BRANCH BROOK PARK
Located in Newark and Belleville, Branch Brook Park has the largest collection of Japanese cherry trees in the United States. With over 360 acres, and 4,000 cherry blossom trees, this park offers endless opportunities for engagement photographs. The perfect time to visit Branch Brook Park is in mid April, when the trees are in bloom, the beautiful pink and white blossoms will make a perfect background for your engagement pictures.
LAMBERT'S CASTLE
Built by business tycoon Catholina Lambert in 1892, Lambert's castle is one of the area's most popular places for engagement and wedding day pictures. This small but versatile location offers unique architecture, surrounded by beautiful trees and an excellent view of New York City. This location is great for any time of the year, visit in the summer for lush green scenery, or come in the winter time and have a snowball fight!
SPEEDWELL PARK
Take a walk off the beaten path and into the woods of Speedwell Park in Morristown. Summer time here offers a lush green canopy, which changes to a vibrant, colorful background in the fall. Trails run through the park's 1100 acres, and make for a fun and unique engagement photo shoot. Bring your hiking boots!