Why Prospect Park is the Perfect NYC Engagement Spot | Mari & Julian’s Brooklyn Love Story

When Mari and Julian began planning their engagement session, they knew they wanted a location that truly reflected their life together in Brooklyn. With their home nearby, Prospect Park felt like the perfect place—not only because of its natural beauty but also because it offers plenty of private, scenic backdrops without the tourist crowds of Central Park.

We captured this winter engagement session on a surprisingly warm day, allowing them to shake off the cold and dream about their upcoming summer wedding. Their goal? A mix of editorial-style portraits and timeless shots that could be used for save-the-dates, wedding stationery, and their wedding website.

Why Prospect Park is One of NYC’s Best Engagement Shoot Locations

While many couples default to Central Park or even consider Brooklyn Botanical Gardens (which requires a permit fee for professional photography), Prospect Park offers an incredible mix of nature, architecture, and privacy—for free!

What Makes Prospect Park a Top Choice?

📍 More Privacy & Less Tourists – Unlike Central Park, Prospect Park allows you to capture intimate moments without a hundred people in the background.🌳 Diverse Scenery – Whether you love open meadows, historic bridges, hidden pathways, or waterfront views, Prospect Park has it all.💰 No Photography Fees – Unlike NYC Botanical Gardens and other private venues, you don’t need to pay extra for a professional photoshoot.📸 A True Brooklyn Feel – If you want photos that reflect your love story in NYC without feeling overly touristy, Prospect Park gives an authentic, editorial look.

Creating the Perfect Engagement Session Plan

Mari & Julian had a few locations in mind, and I helped them refine their choices based on:✔️ Best time of day for lighting✔️ Natural backdrops that fit their style✔️ Spots that offered a mix of editorial & traditional shots

One thing I always ask my couples? How will these images be used? If you're planning to use engagement photos for wedding invitations, save-the-dates, or a wedding website, I’ll make sure to compose shots with space for text, clean backgrounds, and a variety of portrait + landscape orientations for design flexibility.

📅 Planning an engagement shoot? Let’s make sure you get the perfect mix of editorial & functional images!

Mari & Julian’s Engagement Session: A Blend of Digital & Film Photography

To create a timeless feel, we shot using a mix of digital and film photography—capturing vibrant, modern edits alongside nostalgic, grainy film images.

One of my favorite aspects of film photography is how it brings out emotion in a way digital sometimes can’t replicate—the softness, the texture, and the imperfections all make the images feel that much more real.

💡 Want film photography for your engagement session? Let’s make it happen!

Thinking About a Prospect Park Engagement Shoot? Here’s What to Know

If you’re considering Prospect Park for your NYC engagement session, here are a few pro tips:

✅ Best Time to Shoot:

• Early morning or golden hour gives you the best light and avoids park crowds.

• Fall & Spring are the most picturesque seasons, but winter can bring a moody, editorial vibe.

✅ Best Locations in Prospect Park for Photos:

• The Boathouse – A stunning architectural backdrop with water reflections.

• Lullwater Bridge – A classic NYC engagement photo spot.

• Meadow & Wooded Areas – Perfect for dreamy, nature-filled shots.

✅ What to Wear:

• Consider neutrals and earth tones to complement the park’s natural colors.

• Flowy dresses, cozy coats, and layered textures look amazing in an outdoor setting.

  
  

FAQs About Engagement Photography in NYC

1. Why choose Prospect Park over Central Park for an engagement session?

Prospect Park offers a more private, intimate setting while still delivering gorgeous backdrops. Central Park is iconic, but it can be crowded—making it hard to get those natural, candid moments.

2. How long should an engagement shoot be?

Most couples book 1.5–2 hours to allow for multiple locations and outfit changes.

3. What’s the best time of year for an outdoor engagement session in NYC?

Spring and fall are the most popular seasons, thanks to blooming trees and golden foliage. However, a winter engagement session (like Mari & Julian’s!) can have a chic, editorial feel.

4. Should we do digital or film photography?

Why not both? Digital gives you crisp, modern images, while film adds a nostalgic, timeless feel. If you love vintage aesthetics, film is the way to go.

5. How far in advance should we book our engagement session?

For the best availability, I recommend booking 2-3 months in advance—especially if you need the photos for wedding-related materials.

📅 Ready to book your Brooklyn engagement session? Let’s talk!