Ayumi and Rahul’s engagement shoot at Stonecrop Gardens takes place on a perfect fall day. The cool seventy-degree air feels refreshing, and the soft autumn sun highlights the gardens in their best light. We begin their session by the greenhouse, where glass panels shimmer against the sky, and the lush greenery frames them perfectly. Every angle here feels cinematic, which is why we love photographing sessions in Cold Spring.
As Hudson Valley engagement photographers, we know Stonecrop offers unmatched variety. It feels like stepping into a storybook, with natural beauty at every turn. The colors of the season shine vibrantly, and Ayumi and Rahul’s joy blends effortlessly with the environment. Their laughter, ease, and connection make every frame timeless, while the scenery enhances the mood without overshadowing it. Engagement shoots here always feel both authentic and elevated, which is why we recommend this magical property often.
We then move to the historic manor for the next set of photos. The building creates a classic backdrop that balances nature with architecture, adding depth and elegance to their portraits. The autumn light softens the scene, creating a warm glow. As Beacon elopement photographers, we value spaces that feel real and natural, and this manor embodies both. Stonecrop’s seamless blend of history and horticulture provides variety couples cannot find elsewhere, making it an ideal choice for Cold Spring engagement photos.
Our favorite part of any engagement shoot at Stonecrop Gardens is the flower garden. The autumn blooms are vibrant, bees drift lazily between blossoms, and butterflies dance on the breeze. The atmosphere feels magical, as though time slows down. Ayumi and Rahul wander through the colorful rows, pausing for laughter and quiet moments. These natural pauses give us space to capture emotion honestly, and the resulting portraits feel full of life.
Stonecrop’s layout allows couples to feel both relaxed and private. Every path and corner creates intimacy, which is essential for meaningful engagement photography. As Catskills micro-wedding photographers, we appreciate venues that create privacy even within open spaces. The gardens here do exactly that, offering couples room to breathe while surrounding them with vibrant textures and colors. For Ayumi and Rahul, this environment helps their natural connection shine through effortlessly.
We continue our walk and reach the willow tree and pond. The branches sweep down to the water, creating a scene that feels dreamy and soft. Their playful moments under the willow are authentic and unposed, giving us frames filled with joy. Reflections on the pond’s surface add dimension to every photo, while the greenery provides an evergreen quality. This area is also perfect for proposals, and we love photographing surprise moments here in the Hudson Valley.
We end Ayumi and Rahul’s engagement shoot at Stonecrop Gardens with the welcome center as the backdrop. The structure feels timeless and understated, blending with the surrounding nature seamlessly. By this point, the sun sits lower in the sky, filling the space with golden light. Every image captures a balance of architecture, light, and natural interaction. The result feels both polished and deeply personal, which is exactly what we aim for in every engagement session.
As Hudson Valley engagement photographers, we love versatile spaces that transform throughout the day. Stonecrop offers endless possibilities, from quiet woodland corners to bright flowerbeds, allowing couples to experience variety without leaving the property. Whether planning a proposal, engagement session, or even a micro-wedding, this space adapts beautifully to every occasion. It remains one of the most romantic locations in Cold Spring, New York, and continues to inspire us each time we visit.
For couples considering Stonecrop, it is important to secure a permit in advance. The gardens require one for all professional photography, and contacting their office directly ensures a smooth process. Stonecrop began as the private home of Anne and Frank Cabot and opened to the public in 1992 under Caroline Burgess. Today, it stands as an inspiring combination of horticultural education and public beauty, drawing visitors and photographers alike into its enchanting world.
Stonecrop sits at an elevation of 1,100 feet in the Hudson Highlands, giving it a unique Zone 6a climate. Spanning 15 acres, it features woodland and water gardens, cliff rock gardens, raised alpine beds, and an enclosed English-style flower garden. Additional highlights include the Conservatory, Alpine House, and Pit House, each offering distinct textures for portraits. For couples, this diversity ensures every frame feels different while still tied to a cohesive story.
As Beacon elopement photographers, we appreciate locations that serve multiple purposes. Stonecrop works for intimate elopements, proposals, and engagement sessions alike. Its balance of structured gardens and wild greenery creates versatility we rarely find elsewhere. Walking through the property with Ayumi and Rahul, we are reminded how powerful an environment can be in shaping emotion and storytelling.
Hudson Valley engagement photography thrives in spaces that invite authenticity. Stonecrop embodies this perfectly, with its blend of natural beauty and architectural charm. Ayumi and Rahul’s engagement shoot at Stonecrop Gardens demonstrates how a couple’s story can merge seamlessly with a setting, creating photographs that feel timeless and genuine. Their laughter, ease, and love fill every frame, while the gardens elevate their story with quiet grandeur.
Cold Spring engagement photos always inspire us, and Stonecrop Gardens remains one of our favorite venues in the Hudson Valley. Its layout offers couples variety and intimacy, while the scenery transforms with every season. From its autumn blooms to its tranquil pond, every section of the garden feels crafted for storytelling.
Couples searching for a romantic, storybook location will fall in love with Stonecrop. It feels both intimate and grand, magical yet grounded in nature. Whether you envision an engagement shoot, a surprise proposal, or even a micro-wedding, the gardens adapt beautifully.
As Catskills micro-wedding photographers, we believe Stonecrop embodies everything couples seek in a romantic setting. It is a fairytale brought to life, offering a canvas for authentic moments, natural beauty, and timeless imagery. We leave every session here inspired, and Ayumi and Rahul’s engagement shoot at Stonecrop Gardens reminds us why we love this work so much.
$1200-2400
$5400-8500
TYPICAL PRICE RANGE
$600-900
TYPICAL PRICE RANGE
TYPICAL PRICE RANGE
Hudson Valley wedding photography capturing candid, authentic moments. Documenting elopements and wedding days in Westchester, the Catskills, and beyond. Available in Ulster County, Orange County, Dutchess County, and beyond. Wedding photographers based in Beacon, NY serving all throughout the Greater New York Area including Tarrytown, Hudson, Kingston, and more. Proudly serving LGBTQ+ couples.
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