After years of shooting engagements, proposals, and love story sessions, I can say that photographing couples in love is by far my favorite genre of photography. Why? That’s a topic for another blog post (which is coming), but today, I want to dive into something practical: choosing the perfect location for your photoshoot. When couples I photograph discuss their upcoming shoot, the first question is inevitably: “Where should we do the shoot?” So, in this blog post, I want to talk about what I believe to be the locations in Boston to propose, do an engagement shoot, or just have a fun couples shoot!
How to Pick the Right Spot
Choosing a location is pretty simple: pick a place that means something to both of you and looks good. Besides, when you’re in a spot you know well and love, you’ll naturally feel more relaxed—that’s when the magic happens.
Baker Library at Harvard Business School.
For example, let’s say you and your partner met while studying at one of Boston’s many universities. Why not return to your old campus for a shoot? Places like Boston College’s John J. Burns Library are the perfect spot for an indoor rainy date spot. It’s so beautiful that you can do a shoot there even if you did not go to Boston College. At Northeastern, why not use The Northeastern Faculty Club on the rooftop of the EXP building for your shoot? Boston University: Marsh Plaza, Bay State Rd, BU Common Lawn, with the fountain as your backdrop and the lobby of the BU Faculty of Computing and Data Science building. Harvard Business School? Think about Baker Library, or you can never go wrong with Harvard Yard.
The Esplanade.
Thinking of an Iconic Boston Location For Your Photoshoot?
We can do that and, of course, still be original!
- Public Garden / Beacon Hill / The Esplanade is The place for your classic engagement, proposal, or love story shoot!
You can’t go wrong with these spots – it’s pure Boston magic. Some things to consider: parking can be challenging, and even the Boston Common garage can be full on a busy day—the other challenge is the crowds, especially around Acorn Street and The Public Garden footbridge. But if your heart is set on The Public Gardens and the surrounding area, we will make it work! Oh, one last thing: if The Public Garden is your “must shoot” location, we absolutely should try and incorporate the Make Way for Ducklings Statue into the shoot.
Louisburg Square on Beacon Hill.
If you want to capture Boston at its best while being just a bit different, here are a few favorite locations that are a little less obvious—but just as stunning:
My Favorite Boston Engagement Photo Locations:
- JFK Library, South Boston. One of my absolute favorites! It’s off the beaten path, with easy access and a clean, modern-looking spot that works with any light. What’s also very important is that The Library has a very photography-friendly policy. Want fashion editorial engagement photos? The JFK Library is the perfect spot!
JFK Library grounds, South Boston.
- MIT Stata Center Grounds, Cambridge. A WOW architectural vibe of a Frank Gehri building is perfect for couples who want something bold and different. (Pro tip: go later in the day for the best light and fewer crowds.)
MIT Stata Center.
- Fenway Park Grounds. Classic Boston! Not only is it the perfect spot for Red Sox fans and others it is a great location for colorful backdrops and a fun, relaxed shoot. One of the couples who I photographed, combined their love for each other, their love for the Red Sox AND their graduation photos! Now that’s pretty creative!
Fenway Park.
- Fan Pier / ICA / Seaport District. I love, love, love this location. It is sleek, modern, and right by the water, so in one shoot, we can take pictures on ICA’s stairs, on the boardwalk in front of the harbor, on Fan Pier, and in a lot of gorgeous spots in between. It’s a unique spot where you can use District Hall for outfit changes.
ICA stairs, Seaport District.
- Christopher Columbus Park / Long Wharf / The Greenway. You’ll get the Harbor views, gardens, and city skyline all in one location.
Marriott Long Wharf.
- Christian Science Plaza / Reflection Pool. Elegant, quiet, and especially beautiful around sunset.
Christian Science Plaza.
- Harvard Arboretum. Nature lovers, this one’s for you. The scenery changes dramatically with the seasons, and the place looks completely different depending on when you schedule the shoot. The best times are from late spring to fall.
Harvard Arboretum.
- North Point Park, Cambridge. A hidden gem with skyline views and wide-open spaces.
North Point Park, Cambridge.
Rainy Day? No Problem!
As the saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather in New England, wait a minute!” Of course, it’s true for Boston as well. During the busy season, spring to autumn (although I am a huge fan of winter engagement photography!), sometimes it is hard to reschedule a shoot (although I always try to accommodate); having an indoor location as a backup option is always great. Here are just a few excellent indoor options:
- View Boston. Epic skyline views from the top of The Prudential Building are perfect for a surprise proposal. (Tickets are around $40 per person—don’t forget to include your photographer!)
View Boston.
- Liberty Hotel Lobby. This stylish, historic hotel has a stunning public lobby, where photography is allowed. It’s great for a cozy, rainy-day session.
Liberty hotel lobby.
When I photograph an engagement, love story, or surprise proposal, I encourage my couples to go to more than one location and change outfits during the shoot. Both make the final photos look different and bring a lot of variety to the final result. If the shoot takes a little longer than we agreed, then it’s okay with me.
Here are some “extra” locations that can be combined with any of the above to make your Boston experience even deeper:
- Memorial Drive near MIT / Harvard Bridge The best and most iconic Boston skyline is visible from here; you can’t go wrong with this location. The area is within walking distance from both the MIT Stata building and Back Bay, including Beacon Hill, the Public Garden, and The Esplanade.
- Weeks Bridge / Harvard Square are great “Harvard-looking” locations to bring variety to your Harvard Business School or Harvard Yard photo shoot. However, the place may be crowded, especially when the weather is good, and finding a parking spot in the area is a challenge.
Weeks bridge.
- Post Office SSquare is a little green oasis in the stone jungle of Boston Downtown. The best time to shoot here is on Sundays when the area is completely deserted. A parking garage is conveniently located right in the middle of the square.
- The North End is what Boston is all about! The small streets have an Italian flair and great restaurants (you can visit after the shoot!). The North End is easily accessible from Christopher Columbus Park and Boston City Hall. Unfortunately, finding parking is nearly impossible.
North End.
- Faneuil Hall / Boston City Hall / Old State House is a great option for couples who are fans of Boston’s history. Don’t forget that, according to Business Insider Magazine, Boston City Hall is ranked one of the ugliest buildings in Massachusetts! However, the plaza right in front of it offers lots of great photography oportunities!
- Copley Plaza / Boston Public Library / Newbury Street. The spirit of Back Bay. Copley Plaza has been closed for renovation for a while, and this is the only reason why this location didn’t make my favorites list above. Beware that shooting inside the Boston Public Library is allowed only after hours and requires
In front of Trinity church on Copley square.
Of course, these are just some ideas for the perfect shoot locations. Boston is truly one of the best cities in the US for all types of photography. It has discrete spots ideal for a surprise engagement proposal or a fun love story shoot. If you have a location in mind that’s meaningful to you, I’d love to hear about it and help bring your vision to life!
I hope to see you in front of my camera soon!
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