Choosing the right location for your engagement photos can completely shape how your photos feel! Jersey City and Hoboken really offer some beautiful locations for your session. Whether you’re looking for dreamy sunset spots with sweeping Manhattan skyline views to cozy neighborhood bars, we really have it all.
As a Jersey City and Hoboken-based photographer, I am here to help you find locations that feel natural and comfortable to you as a couple. Below are some of my favorite engagement session locations in Jersey City and Hoboken, all chosen for beautiful light and gorgeous atmosphere to get you exactly the vibe you’re looking for.
JERSEY CITY
Liberty State Park
In my experience, Liberty State Park is the most popular location for engagement sessions and wedding day portraits. Liberty State Park is over 1,200 acres but because of it’s iconic New York City skyline view, couples typically gravitate towards this area. With it’s skyline view, historic train station, orchard-like trees, and secret garden vibes (if you know where to look) you can can really have a little bit of everything for your engagement photos.
Van Vorst Park & Hamilton Park (Downtown Jersey City)
Van Vorst Park and Hamilton Park are classic choices for engagement sessions in Downtown Jersey City. Both parks offer tree-lined streets, stunning historic brownstones, and treat us with beautiful foliage during cherry blossom season as well as fall. These parks are the perfect place to set up a picnic, or something more simple like a coffee and pastry together.
Colgate Clock
The Colgate Clock is an iconic Jersey City engagement photo location with instant visual impact. Sitting right along the waterfront, this spot combines industrial history with unbeatable Manhattan skyline views.
Riverview Park & Ogden Ave
Having lived in the Jersey City Heights for almost a decade, I can tell you all the cutest little nooks and crannies of our neighborhood. Riverview Park is one of the most charming spots in Jersey City for engagement photos. This park offers lovely gardens, a fountain, and a sweeping view of New York City. Ogden Avenue adds a quaint feel with quiet streets, beautiful homes and plenty of space to move around during our engagement session.
Paula’s Hook
Another perfect location for those looking for that historic brownstone, West Village feel. This is also incredibly close to Exchange Place, which has the closest view of One World Trade you can get in Jersey City and Hoboken.
HOBOKEN
Hoboken, aptly named The Mile Square, is one mile long – this may sound limiting, but we have so many options for engagement session locations throughout this small but mighty city. Hoboken offers multiple piers, wide streets, parks galore, and endless breathtaking Manhattan views.
The Piers
Of course, Hoboken is stacked with Piers of all kinds: Pier A, Pier B, and Pier C, along with a pristine tree-lined waterfront walkway. Pier A and C boast lots of open space, and Pier B is newly refinished with greenery and cozy seating. If you want my opinion, Pier B is my favorite since it’s a little unique in construction, and has views of the Hoboken Train Station.
Uptown Hoboken
Uptown Hoboken is a favorite for engagement sessions thanks to its quieter streets and easy access to waterfront views, so we can easily add in multiple locations when photographing up here. The mix of brownstones, tree-lined sidewalks, and open river views creates a clean, polished look that works beautifully for engagement photos. And don’t even get me started on the intersection of Garden and 11th. Iconic.
The Ferry
Hear me out: Everyone loves the ferry, including me! Let’s grab a ticket, jump on the top deck, and have some fun with water, skyline, and wind!
…AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST
Local Bars, Coffee Shops, or Quick Service
A great way to make your session feel a little more relaxed and personal is to swing by one of your favorite haunts during our session. Whether it’s sharing a drink at your favorite bar, picking up coffee and a pup-cup from your go-to spot, or splitting a slice, these moments give your engagement session a cute, fun feel. Or, hear me out: we can even grab a bottle of champagne and head to the skyline!
At-Home
And finally, we’re back at home! Having your session in the comfort of your own home is such a wonderful way to bring some intimacy and personality to your photographs. Photographing you in your own space, whether thats playing a card game or video game, lounging on the couch, or cooking together can create images that are honest and unique to you and your partner.
