I know that finding a location for your engagement photos can be a stressful time. What I tell all my couples is to think of it as the ultimate date night and not just a engagement session. It’s time for the two of you to enjoy some time together and you just happen to have a photographer with you.
The best thing to do is to find a location that means something to the both of you. That way you will be at ease and comfortable in a familiar place. So In this guide, I want to share the best engagement session locations In Connecticut that you might want to use that may even hold some meaningful value to you already.
Romantic Gardens & Parks
Elizabeth Park Rose Garden
If you’re looking for a romantic location with plenty of blooming flowers and vibrant colors, the Elizabeth Park Rose Garden is the perfect spot. This, in Hartford, is the first public rose garden in the United States and features over 15,000 rose bushes. With plenty of greenery and colorful flowers, you’re sure to capture stunning photos here.
Harkness Memorial State Park
Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, Connecticut, is perfect for a beachy and romantic engagement photo session. The park features beautiful gardens, a mansion, and a beach, which is an ideal spot for a sunset shoot. Just imagine walking hand in hand with your partner on the beach while the sun sets behind you.
See engagement shoots at Harkness Memorial State Park
Lighthouse Point
Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, Connecticut, offers stunning views of Long Island Sound and a historic lighthouse. It is a perfect spot for a beachy and nautical-themed engagement photo session. You can capture incredible shots on the beach or in the park’s charming pavilion. The lighthouse provides a unique and romantic backdrop for your photos.
Gillette Castle
Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, Connecticut, is a stunning and beautiful location for an engagement photo session. The castle, built by actor William Gillette, is a stunning backdrop for your photos. The park also has beautiful trails, a bridge, and a river that offer plenty of opportunities for gorgeous shots.
Mystic Seaport
Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Connecticut, is a perfect location for a nautical-themed engagement photo session. The seaport has a historic shipyard, museum, and village, making it a unique and charming area. You can capture beautiful photos on the docks or aboard a historic ship.
Weir Farm National Historic Site
Weir Farm National Historic Site in Wilton, Connecticut, is a stunning location for an engagement photo session. The farm is beautiful and serene, with rolling hills, gardens, and a historic home. It is the perfect spot for capturing romantic moments with your partner in a natural setting.
Bushnell Park
Bushnell Park in Hartford, Connecticut, is a beautiful location for an engagement photo session. The park features stunning architecture, a beautiful fountain, and plenty of green space. You can capture beautiful shots in front of the park’s famous arch or under the trees.
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Sleeping Giant
Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden, Connecticut, is perfect for a nature-themed engagement photo session. The park has stunning trails, a lake, and plenty of trees. You can capture beautiful shots while hiking or enjoying a picnic with your partner.
Great River Park
Great River Park is a stunning location for engagement photos located on the banks of the Connecticut River. The park features beautiful views of the river, walking paths, and plenty of greenery. This location is perfect for couples who want to capture the natural beauty of Connecticut while still being close to the city.
Wadsworth Falls
Wadsworth Falls State Park is a beautiful location for engagement photos that captures the natural beauty of Connecticut. The park features waterfalls, hiking trails, and plenty of greenery. This location is perfect for couples who love the outdoors and want to incorporate nature into their engagement photos.
Kent Falls
Kent Falls State Park is popular for engagement photos because of its stunning waterfall and natural surroundings. The park features a series of cascading waterfalls and hiking trails that offer awesome views of the surrounding landscape. It’s perfect for couples who want to capture the beauty of Connecticut’s natural landscape.
Enders State Forest
Enders State Forest is a hidden gem in Connecticut, perfect for engagement photos. The park features waterfalls, hiking trails, and plenty of greenery. If you are a couple who wants zero crowds during your session, this is the one for you!
Rocky Neck
Rocky Neck State Park is a beautiful location for engagement photos by Connecticut’s shoreline. The park features a sandy beach, rocky shoreline, and hiking trails that offer stunning ocean views.
Talcott Mountain
Talcott Mountain State Park is an amazing location for engagement photos that offers panoramic views of the Connecticut River Valley. The park features hiking trails and an observation tower that offers stellar views of the surrounding landscape and natural beauty of Connecticut from a unique perspective.
Southford Falls
Southford Falls State Park is a beautiful location for engagement photos, with a waterfall and natural surroundings. In addition, the park offers hiking trails and plenty of greenery, making it an excellent location for nature-loving couples.
Hammonasset Beach
Hammonasset Beach State Park is a beautiful location for engagement photos. The park features a sandy beach, dunes, and stunning views of Long Island Sound.
Topsmead State Forest
Topsmead State Forest is a beautiful location with sweet views of the surrounding landscape. The park features formal gardens, hiking trails, and plenty of greenery. This location is just perfect!
Lake Compounce
Lake Compounce is the oldest amusement park in the United States. Talk about a unique backdrop for your engagement photos, with its historic architecture, vintage rides, and charming midway. Whether you want to capture the rides’ excitement or stroll through the park’s beautiful gardens, Lake Compounce is perfect for couples who love fun!
Old Saybrook Point
Old Saybrook Point is located in Old Saybrook, and it’s a solid location for engagement photos if you love the ocean. The point is home to a lighthouse, beautiful views of Long Island Sound, and various marine life. You can take photos on the beach, by the lighthouse, or in any of the point’s other scenic points.
Hubbard Park
Located in Meriden is Hubbard Park. This park is amazing for engagement photos. Hosting a beautiful lake, scenic walking trails, and a castle-like observation tower called Castle Craig. The tower provides breathtaking panoramic views of the park and the surrounding area. There are also many picnic areas, a playground, and a bandshell, which make for great photo backdrops.
Castle Craig
Castle Craig, located within Hubbard Park, is a great location that deserves its spot on this list. The observation tower stands at 32 feet tall and was built in 1900. From the top, you’ll get a stunning view of the park and the surrounding area. Sunset would be amazing here!
Devils Hopyard
Located in East Haddam, Devil’s Hopyard is a nature paradise. The park features the 60-foot Chapman Falls and potholes formed by stones moved downstream by the current.
The Book Barn
The Book Barn in Niantic is a charming, unique bookstore in a converted 19th-century dairy barn. Browse through a wide selection of used books and enjoy the rustic outdoor area, which includes gardens and seating areas. It’s a perfect spot for a unique engagement session.
Penwood State Park
This park is located in Bloomfield, Connecticut, and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. It has several hiking trails, which are perfect for engagement photos. You can take photos on the trails, meadows, or woods. Fall time is the best time here, for sure!
The Glass House
This historic house in New Canaan is made entirely of glass and offers an amazing backdrop for your engagement photos. You can take photos inside and outside of the house and take in the surrounding landscape.
Wickham Park
Another beautiful engagement photo location in Connecticut is Wickham Park in Manchester. This park features lush gardens, serene ponds, and stunning views of Hartford, making for a romantic setting for your session.
Essex Village
For those looking for that classic New England feel, the Essex Village in Essex is a sweet engagement photo location. This village is filled with quaint shops, restaurants, and New England architecture that will give your photos a timeless quality.
Chatfield Hollow
This park is known for its natural beauty. Its beautiful hiking trails, streams, and waterfalls make it a great spot for nature and photography. You can take photos by the waterfall, on the hiking trails, or even in the meadow. The park is open year-round, but it’s especially beautiful during the fall.
The Shore Line Trolley Museum
For an engagement shoot, the Shore Line Trolley Museum offers a different setting with vintage trolleys and trains as backdrops. The museum’s outdoor tracks, stations, and indoor exhibit spaces provide many options for unique and creative photos. It’s a perfect spot for couples who want something a little different in their engagement session.
Engagement Session F.A.Q.s
What is the best time of year for engagement photos in Connecticut?
Spring and fall in Connecticut are straight-up magic for engagement photos. Spring brings the vibrant blooms of Elizabeth Park Rose Garden, while fall drapes places like Sleeping Giant State Park and Kent Falls State Park in jaw-dropping foliage. The mild weather and stunning natural backdrops? A total win for capturing those romantic, real-deal moments you’ll want to frame forever.
How do I choose the best engagement session location in Connecticut?
When picking a spot for your engagement session in Connecticut, think about places that vibe with your story or mean something special to you as a couple. Love history and architecture? Gillette Castle State Park brings that old-world charm. More into sandy toes and ocean views? Hammonasset Beach State Park or Lighthouse Point Park have you covered. Chat with your photographer to nail down a location that feels just right for your vision.
Are permits required for photos in these locations?
Some locations, like Harkness Memorial State Park and Wickham Park, may require photography permits. It’s best to check with the venue or your photographer to ensure everything is arranged ahead of time. Your photographer can often handle this for you as part of their service.
Can I have my engagement session at multiple locations?
Yes, many couples choose multiple locations to add variety to their photos. For example, you can start at Mystic Seaport for a nautical vibe and finish at Hubbard Park for stunning sunset shots. Just plan for travel time and bring multiple outfits to match each setting.
What should I bring to my engagement session?
Pack essentials to ensure a smooth session:
- Comfortable walking shoes (especially for parks like Talcott Mountain).
- Water and snacks for energy during long shoots.
- Props that reflect your relationship, such as a shared hobby or keepsake.
- A small mirror, hairbrush, and makeup for touch-ups.
How do I prepare for an engagement session?
Preparation is key to capturing beautiful engagement photos. Follow these tips:
- Choose your outfits carefully: Complement each other without being overly matching, and consider the location’s vibe.
- Scout the location: Visit your chosen spot, such as Bushnell Park, ahead of time to familiarize yourself with the best photo spots.
- Communicate with your photographer: Share your ideas and must-have shots. A professional, like those at Ladman Studios, can guide you through the process for stunning results.
At the end of the day the best advice I can give you when it comes to your engagement photos location is to pick a location that means something to the two of you. It will make those engagement photos mean that much more to the both of you. It really does make all the difference when you are in a familiar place that you feel comfortable in. This will always result in photographs that look and feel like you.
And speaking of photographs, if you are here looking at engagement location ideas, I’m willing to bet you are also looking for a photographer for either your engagement photos, your wedding, or both. My name is TJ and i am the owner and photographer at Ladman Studios. I would love to have a quick chat to learn about what you are cooking up and to see If i am the right photographer for you.
ladman studios
TJ Ladzinski is a Connecticut-based wedding photographer known for blending cinematic artistry with genuine, unscripted moments. His approach strikes the perfect balance between candid and intentional creativity, resulting in photos that feel authentic yet elevated.
Recognized in top wedding publications for his craft, TJ is dedicated to capturing the heart of each couple’s story. With an laid-back and playful energy, he ensures the experience is as seamless and enjoyable as the photos themselves.
