Best Engagement Locations in Boston, MA

Boston’s home base for us—and honestly, snapping photos around this city just never gets old. Where else can you go from classic gardens to city streets to waterfront without even finishing your coffee? Every corner’s got its own mood, and mixing it up is half the fun. If you want engagement pics that aren’t just cookie-cutter, this is the place. Some of these spots are old favorites, some are new finds, and all of them are pure Boston. Here’s where we love to shoot (and where you might just fall in love with the city a little more).

1. Beacon Hill

Let’s start strong. Beacon Hill is basically Boston’s version of a period drama. Cobblestone streets, crooked house fronts, gas lanterns—even that one fussy door on Acorn Street everyone wants in their feed. You want romance with a bit of edge and history?

Tip: Acorn Street can get pretty busy, so we might have to wait out turn. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of beautiful nooks and alleyways to snap great photos.

2. Public Garden

Duck boats gliding around, weeping willows showing off, and more florals than a wedding decorator on a caffeine binge. In spring, every corner’s an explosion of color. Give me a couple in love under that big old willow? That’s an album cover, not just an Instagram post.

Tip: We’ve photographed here across all seasons, and it looks best during the Spring and Summer months. There are only a few fall foliage trees around here so it’s best to choose a different spot if you want peak fall foliage vibes. We also recommend combining the Public Garden with Beacon Hill, it’s all within a fun walking distance.

3. Boston Esplanade

You’ve got water, boats, skyline, and somehow it’s peaceful even with half the city jogging by. The light late in the day—soft and gold—makes everything (and everyone) look better. Want to fake a sunset picnic? Pack a blanket and some flowers, and you’re basically set for those “we just stumbled here and look this happy all the time” photos.

Tip: We recommend combining this location with Beacon Hill and/or the Public Garden as it’s a short walk from both spots. It’s also best to save this spot for last for beautiful golden hour light and even some moody blue hour snaps.

4. North End

If you love candid energy, this neighborhood’s buzzing. String lights, brick alleyways, the smell of garlic bread and espresso (why not grab a cannoli mid-session?). Between the Italian vibes and the hidden side streets, you can go from bold, busy shots to secret, sunlit portraits in a snap.

Tip: Parking can be quite difficult and even expensive. It’s best to park near North Station and walk over.

5. Christopher Columbus Park

Vine-covered arches, waterfront breeze, and chunky blue hydrangeas in summer—hello, color! This park’s a low-key jackpot for that “secret garden in the city” feel. Want dynamic? Take a twirl under the arches. Want tender? Find some shade, get cozy, and let the city fade for a minute.

Tip: It’s a quick walk from The North End so you can easily combine the two locations. If not, this location alone has so much to offer from city scapes to waterfront views and even lush landscapes during the summer. There’s also a public restroom at the Marriott, making it super easy to change outfits.

6. Boston ICA

Modern, clean lines, and all the glass and steel you could want. The Institute of Contemporary Art’s over-water deck is pure drama—waves, city skyline, big sky, not a single tourist photobombing your shot. Perfect if you want something urban but still with epic natural light bouncing everywhere.

Tip: This is our go-to location during the winter months. The beautiful city buildings and crisp waters makes for a stunning location without looking cold and dreary.

7. Boston Waterfront/Fan Pier Park

Harbor views, big boats, fresh wind blowing in off the water. Sunsets here are, frankly, showing off. The city’s geometry in the background, water lapping just out of frame, gives your photos both grandeur and grit. Walk the boardwalk, find your rhythm, and let the skyline do what it does best.

Tip: Save this spot for last for stunning sunsets and nighttime photos. It’s a super quick walk from the ICA so it’s best to explore both locations together.

8. Post Office Square

Tucked between skyscrapers, this spot’s all green, all the time. It’s like someone stuck a tiny European courtyard right in downtown Boston. You get sun dappling through leafy trees, benches, and a little privacy in a usually-crowded part of town—a great spot for classic, simple portraits with a city edge.

Tip: It’s right in the financial district so on the weekend, it’s generally calm and less busy. It’s a great starting location to explore the rest of the city.

9. South Boston (Castle Island & Fort Point)

Can’t decide between urban grit and wild ocean energy? Castle Island’s got the fort, open skies, and grassy spots for kicking off your shoes. Over in Fort Point, it’s fire escapes, old brick, and warehouse windows. Bring flowers or colored confetti—these industrial textures make every pop of color shine.

Tip: While these two spots are closeby, we won’t be able to walk between them. We reccomend a car as parking is fairly easy at Castle Island. We can always Uber over to Fort Point or even drive over (parking’s not too difficult there either).

10. College Campuses

Don’t overlook college campuses—they’re full of sneaky-good spots for photos. Think: cherry blossoms, old brick buildings, leafy corners, and, yeah, the classic “laughing on the steps” moment. You don’t have to go to school there to pull it off. Just roam around, chase the good light, and maybe snap a few pics by a random sculpture or under a bunch of blooming trees. Super chill, super versatile, and always way less crowded than you’d think.

Tip: If you’re an Alumni, it’s easier to access certain areas of the campus, we might even be able to sneak in a few photos inside.