One of the most magical times in New York City is the springtime. Trees and florals are blossoming everywhere. It’s definitely one of the best times to do your engagement session. With the weather warming up and things looking so pretty, you can’t go wrong. As experienced Hudson Valley wedding photographers, we’re breaking down the ultimate guide to taking New York engagement photos with spring blossoms.

When Do the Trees Start to Blossom in New York City?

Before we start planning your New York engagement photos with spring blossoms, you may be wondering when the best time is to get your beautiful images. Of course, it depends on where you shoot, but generally springtime begins in mid-April. There are different courses of blooms that take place from April until May, so it’s important to figure out which aesthetic you are going for.

How to Track the Spring Blossoms in New York

The trees in Central Park will start to bloom around the first week of April. The trees in Brooklyn Botanic Garden are usually a little later, starting to bloom around the second or third week of April. Thankfully, for the BBG, they have a map of their blossoms. It’s a great guide to making sure you are following when each tree is ready for your gorgeous engagement photos in New York.

What Kind of Blooms Happen in New York?

There are quite a few trees that blossom in New York City. Of course, the most Instagrammable of the bunch is cherry blossoms. You don’t want to miss that shot! There are also some other blossoms that look equally as gorgeous. We recommend checking into these below:

• Cherry Blossoms
• Dogwood Trees
• Rhododendron Trees
• Magnolia Trees
• Flowering Plum Tree
• Crab apple Trees

If you’re looking for images that look like this, the above trees are the ones you should be checking on. The map at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden will tell you exactly what blossoms are blossoming, and when. For the other parks in the city, just take a peek into their typical blossoming times each season.

Where to Do New York Engagement Photos With Spring Blossoms

Now that we know when the trees start blooming and what they look like, it’s time to pick a location.  Don’t forget, you can always add in some Instagrammable backdrops such as water fountains, riverside paths, arches and more. These are a great way to add a little extra touch of the big apple to your spring-themed engagement images in New York City. If you’re looking for the ultimate guide to taking pictures around Brooklyn, we recommend checking out this post.

Spring Blossom New York Engagement Photos at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The first location we’re featuring is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. It’s just a short walk from Grand Army Plaza. It has beautiful blooming trees all over and some spectacular views of the city as well as New York Harbor. The garden is open every day, so it couldn’t be easier to go here for your engagement photos in Brooklyn. You’ll need a permit if you’re going to do BBG engagement photos, however. We recommend getting your permit at least a couple of weeks in advance to avoid any issues. You can find out more about it here.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Engagement Photo Permits

The permit process is a bit more complicated than most things in life, but don’t worry – we’re here to help! To secure your desired location for your BBG engagement photo shoot you’ll need at least five business days advance notice and fees commensurate with the garden’s policies.

Central Park Cherry Blossom Engagement Photos

It’s no surprise that Central Park is one of the most popular places to take New York engagement photos with spring blossoms. It’s easy to see why – the park has stunning cherry blossom trees that are picture-perfect for your special moments. The best part is that these trees start blooming in early April, so you don’t have to wait too long! Just be prepared for the crowds of people that will also be wanting to take advantage of this beautiful time in the park.

Best Spots in Central Park for Your Springtime Engagement photos

We’ve got a great list of engagement photo spots in Central Park that feature cherry blossoms. Take a peek at our list below to dive in:

• Cherry Hill
• Bow Bridge
• Bethesda Terrace
• The Mall/Literary Walk
• Shakespeare Garden
• The Ramble
• Ladies’ Pavilion

Conservatory Garden Engagement Photos in the Springtime

If you’re looking for a more intimate setting for your Central Park engagement photos, we recommend heading over to the Conservatory Garden. It’s located on the North side of the park and is home to beautiful gardens and a large pond. That being said, you must ensure that you get a photo permit prior to taking your New York engagement photos with spring blossoms at this iconic location.

Washington Square Park Engagement Photos with Cherry Blossoms

If you’re looking for a location in Manhattan, Washington Square Park is a great option. The cherry blossom trees in the park usually start blooming in late March/early April. It’s also a great spot to take advantage of some of the iconic architecture in Greenwich Village.

What to Expect at Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park is a busy place, especially on the weekends. During the weekdays it’s less crowded, but it’s still best to arrive early to secure your spot. The park is also home to a number of street performers, so be sure to keep an eye out for them while you’re doing your photography session.

Spring Engagement Photos on the High Line in Manhattan

Another great spot for taking your engagement photos in Manhattan is on the High Line. The elevated park offers some amazing views of the cityscape, as well as a unique perspective of the Chelsea neighborhood. Best of all, the cherry blossom trees start blooming in mid-April, so you can get some great shots of your sweetheart in front of the colorful flowers.

What to Expect on the High Line When Taking Engagement Photography in New York

Since the High Line is a public park, it’s always filled with people. It can be a bit of a challenge to find an unoccupied spot, but it’s definitely worth it for the amazing views and spring blossoms. Be sure to arrive early to get the best shots, and keep in mind that the park opens at 7:00AM.

Prospect Park Springtime New York Engagement Photos with Blossoms

Brooklyn has several beautiful locations for engagement photography. One of the top spots is Prospect Park for those gorgeous blooms. The best part is that the park has a variety of different areas to choose from, so you can get the perfect shot no matter where you go.

The Best Spots for Springtime Engagement Photos in Prospect Park

There are so many amazing places in Prospect Park for engagement photos – it’s hard to narrow it down! But, we ‘ve put together a list of our favorite spots for you.

• The Ravine
• Lefferts Homestead
• The Nethermead
• The Boathouse
• Picnic House

What to Expect at Prospect Park in the Springtime

Prospect Park is always busy, but it’s especially crowded during the springtime when the cherry blossom trees are in bloom. Be prepared to share the park with lots of other couples and families who are also looking to take advantage of the natural beauty. If you’re looking for a more private setting, try heading to one of the lesser-known areas of the park.

How to Avoid Crowds in Your New York Engagement Photos with Spring Blossoms

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds in your New York engagement photos with spring blossoms, try heading to a location that’s a little off the beaten path. We recommend checking out some of the locations listed in this guide, as they offer beautiful backdrops without all the people. But, if you’re set on taking your photos at one of the more popular spots, be sure to arrive early to secure a spot.

Taking Engagement Photography at Sunrise in Manhattan

If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, try taking your engagement photography at sunrise in Manhattan. There’s just something about watching the city come to life while you capture your love that makes for a truly special session.

What to Expect at Sunrise in Manhattan

Manhattan is a busy place, and the streets are especially congested during the morning hours. So, we recommend choosing the more popular spots at these off-hours before the tourists and other photo-takers come to the area. You’ll also have the benefit of avoiding the harsh afternoon sun and getting some great shots of the cityscape as it comes to life.

Should You Take Engagement Photos on the Weekend?

We usually recommend taking weekday engagement photos in New York. This is because the parks and other locations are a lot less busy, meaning you’ll have more space to move around and take your photos. However, if you’re looking to take advantage of the springtime blooms, weekdays are definitely your best bet. Even in the early hours, be prepared for crowds and plan to arrive early to get the best spots.

Choosing the Right Beacon & Hudson Valley engagement photographers for Your Session

When taking your New York engagement photos with spring blossoms it’s important to choose the right photographers. You want someone who knows the area well and can help you find the best locations for your session. As top photographers in New York, we know all the best spots for breathtaking photos – no matter what time of year it is.

Candid, Fun Engagement Photography in Manhattan

If you’re looking for candid and fun engagement photography in Manhattan, we’re the perfect New York wedding photographers for you. Our style is relaxed and natural, and we love capturing genuine moments between couples. We’ll help you feel at ease in front of the camera and provide direction when needed, so you can relax and enjoy your session.