We’ve all seen it… that gorgeous sensation when the sun begins to set between gorgeous streets of Manhattan. It’s one of the most beautiful parts of a summer in the city. But should you take engagement photos during Manhattanhenge?

What is Manhattanhenge? A Brief Explanation

Manhattanhenge is a term that was coined by Neil deGrasse Tyson, an astrophysicist. It’s when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the east-west grid of New York City streets. This happens twice a year, around the summer and winter solstice.

The Effect of Manhattanhenge on Engagement Photos

There’s no doubt that Manhattanhenge makes for some beautiful photos. If you’re looking to get engagement photos that are truly unique and will make your friends and family swoon, this is definitely a good option. That being said, you should keep a few things in mind if you’re planning on taking engagement photos during Manhattanhenge.

A Very Quick Engagement Session in New York City

First, the sun sets very quickly during this time. So you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared and have your camera ready to go before the sun starts to set. Second, because the sun sets so quickly, you won’t have a lot of time to take photos once it starts setting. So if you’re looking to get a lot of photos during your engagement session, Manhattanhenge might not be the best option.

A Good Sunset is Unpredictable When it Comes to Manhattanhenge

Manhattanhenge is a great opportunity to get a breathtaking photo of the sun setting over the cityscape. But there’s a catch – you can’t predict when the sunset will be at its absolute best. The weather forecast may call for clear skies, but that doesn’t mean the sunset will be perfect.

The Sunset May Not Always Cooperate with Your Session Date

There have been many instances where the sunset was lackluster, or even non-existent due to cloud cover. So if you’re planning on using Manhattanhenge as an opportunity for engagement photos, be prepared for the possibility that the sunset may not cooperate.

Manhattanhenge is a Wild Time in the City

In addition to being unpredictable, Manhattanhenge is also a madhouse. Thousands of people flock to the streets to catch a glimpse of the sunset, and it can be difficult to find a spot to set up your camera. If you’re planning on taking engagement photos during Manhattanhenge, be prepared for crowds and chaos.

Alternative Ideas to Engagement Photos During Manhattanhenge

If you’re set on taking engagement photos during the summer, but don’t want to deal with the craziness of Manhattanhenge, there are a few other options. First of all, we actually recommend using the gorgeous sunrise instead of the sunset. Since New York is such a crowded place, it’s much easier to find a good spot for photos during the sunrise.

Location Ideas for Sunrise Engagement Photography in NYC

If you’re thinking of having golden light in your New York engagement photos, these are some of the best places to take them! Central Park is always a classic choice, but Battery Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park are also great options. You can also get really creative and try a city exploration engagement session instead. Head over to Coney Island for a beautiful sunrise on the beach as an option as well.

How to Make the Most of Your Engagement Session in New York City

Whether you’re planning on taking engagement photos during Manhattanhenge or not, there are a few things you can do to make the most of your engagement session. First, we recommend finding a good spot to watch the sunset or sunrise the day before your session. This will help you figure out where the best light will be and how to position yourself for the best photos.

The Best Spots for Engagement Photos During Manhattanhenge

If you’re set on the idea of doing your photos then, these are some of the best spots in the city to take them:

• 42nd Street
• 34th Street
• 23rd Street
• 14th Street

Definitely make sure that you arrive early to claim your spot, as these areas fill up fast. You can track when Manhattanhenge will be with the NYC Parks website here. So, should you take your engagement photos during Manhattanhenge? It’s totally up to you, but as New York wedding photographers we recommend a less busy time in the city for a more intimate experience.