I’ve had many couples ask for recommendations for engagement session locations in Boston, I’m really glad they turned to me for suggestions. I believe that engagement sessions are more than just pretty locations and outfits, they should speak who you are, hold a special place in your heart, or somewhat relatable to who you are or what you do. For instance, if you proposed/got proposed at a park, or if you have your first date there, you might want to do your engagement session there as well. That being said, there are other factors that should be considered before we decide if it’s a picture-worthy location. Lighting is a major factor. Depending on the weather, if it’s a hot sunny day, somewhere with lots of open shades would be awesome. If it’s overcast, most places are fine. I find open areas like beaches work especially well on overcast days. One more thing to consider is how comfortable you are with public display of affection. If you feel uncomfortable when people watch you in a busy area, then we can try somewhere more private. The goal is to make things work to your advantage and you feel 100% yourself so I’m able to capture who you are, not just where you are.
I’ve compiled a list of my favorite engagement session locations in Boston. They are in no particular order of preference.
1. Esplanade
If I can only pick one as my top favorite location for engagement sessions, it would be the Esplanade right in the heart of Boston and along the Charles River. It’s also very close to the Boston Common and Boston Public Garden, which are awesome locations too. A word of caution, The Esplanade, Boston Common, and Boston Public Garden are very popular tourist attractions so it would make more sense to do your engagement session on the weekdays as oppose to the weekends. If you do decide to do your engagement session at the Esplanade, you may also want to head over to Beacon Hill by the Boston Common.
2. Carson Beach/Castle Island
Carson Beach is one of my most favorite beaches in Boston. It’s clean, rarely crowded, and conveniently located by the JFK stop on the red line. I used to go to Castle Island a lot, which is a small walk from Carson Beach. The sunset there is spectacular – perfect for romantic engagement sessions. Like I mentioned above, beaches work especially well on overcast days. Don’t believe me? Go see it for yourself and check out Ben & Justin’s engagement session at Castle Island.
3. Arnold Arboretum
If you’re a nature lover, Arnold Arboretum is right for you. It’s a gigantic park with lots and lots of trees, I mean it’s so big you can’t explore the whole place in one day. I’ve been there several times and I still get lost. Expect to excise those calf muscles of yours because there’s a lot of walking. If your engagement session happens to be in the fall, this place is even prettier with golden orange and red leaves. You must take a look at Erin & Pat’s engagement session at the Arnold Arboretum.
4. New England Aquarium waterfront
There’s pretty much everything you can find in the North End, from awesome Italian restaurants to famous tourist attractions, there’s nothing not to love about this place. One of my absolute favorite places to hang out in the North End is the New England Aquarium waterfront. There are so many fun things to do there you can never get bored of this place. Lizzie & Neil’s engagement session at the New England Aquarium waterfront was the perfect example.
5. ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art)
The ICA is perfect if you like contemporary arts and films. The first time I was there was in middle school when I took a summer film-making class. We were assigned to make a short film in the surrounding areas and I instantly fell in love with that place. Also, because of the way the buildings are structured that provides big open shades, there’s awesome natural light no matter what time of the day or year. Take a look at Melissa & Jan’s Boston ICA engagement session to see it for yourself.
6. Harvard Square/Harvard University campus
Harvard square can be a little busier than other places listed below, especially on the weekends, but you can always find somewhere picture-worthy. For starters, there are many great cafes and restaurants to start the session with a drink or two – great way to loosen up, especially for guys. Harvard campus is right next to the Harvard Square T stop. It’s terrific for young, hip, and fun couples. Sometimes there are music festivals on campus and you can bust out a few moves. Check out some photos from Christina & Dave’s Harvard Square engagement session.
7. MIT
MIT is my favorite indoor location in Boston for engagement sessions and possibly weddings. There aren’t too many great indoor locations if the weather doesn’t cooperate (rain) on the day of your session or wedding. MIT allows photography inside its buildings. The Boston Public Library used to allow photography too and was my top favorite indoor location, but they stopped allowing it recently. MIT is known for its beautiful architecture. I’ve brought couples to do their engagement sessions at MIT and they always loved the place. The State Center, which is very close and within walking distance is also an interesting and great location for engagement sessions.