Favorite Photography Locations in New Jersey
Whether I’m capturing your engagement or your family, I love being invited into the lives you share together. And, that includes the places that hold the most meaning to you. Before each session, I always ask each couple or family to describe the locations they love the most. For some it’s a restaurant where they love to eat together, for others it’s a park set amongst a bustling city, and for others, it’s the most intimate place of all – home. Today, I thought I would dive a little deeper into my top New Jersey locations where I love to capture engagement sessions and growing families!
Lavallette Bayside and Boardwalk
AKA Lava, is a borough in Ocean County. The adorable coastal town has plenty of stroll-able streets and the mile-long boardwalk is one of the most picturesque locations in town.
Side note- if you plan to have your pet as part of your session, the Lavellette Boardwalk isn’t the best choice for a location as dogs are not allowed on any of the beaches, at any time. You are allowed to walk your dog on the boardwalk in the off-season (when there is no active lifeguard service), but this is a better safe than sorry situation!
See the full session here.
See the full session here.
Asbury Park boardwalk
There is so much to see & do in Asbury Park! Although this isn’t a traditional beach boardwalk, I love the variety. The Asbury Park Boardwalk website really describes it best, “Fantastic food, eclectic boutiques, family fun, colorful nightlife and one of the best live music scenes in the world are just some of the things we’ve got going on—all tucked neatly along a historic beachfront promenade splashed with vibrant murals. So no matter who you are, where you’re coming from, or what you’re into, there’s something for everyone at the Asbury Park Boardwalk.”
From a photographer’s perspective, the options for a variety of backdrops in one central location means we can really maximize our session time.
Verona Park
In terms of locations in the New Jersey suburbs, you cannot go wrong with Essex County’s Verona Park. I love capturing sessions here because there is plenty of open green space and beautiful trees, which look particularly stunning during the fall. The lake offers a gorgeous backdrop every time, and the fields and playground offer wonderful locations for kids to play and act like themselves. Locations that are close to home with a laidback feel allow everyone to feel at ease in front of the camera.
See the full session here.
See the full session here.
Next up are my favorite garden locations in New Jersey!
Secret Gardens
One of my favorite discoveries since moving to the suburbs are the secret gardens in New Jersey! Obviously, they’re about to be not-so-secret anymore, but the gardens in Glen Ridge and Cross Estate Gardens are beautiful. The Freeman Gardens in Glen Ridge are filled with roses, and the second garden in town has been used to inspire a classic, “The Secret Garden”. Nearby, Cross Estate Gardens offers carefully manicured spaces that are as formal as they are whimsical and wild. I have to note that the stone, greenery, and floral backdrops are particularly lovely here. A spot that’s in bloom is always a go-to for engagement and family sessions.
Freeman Gardens
For a more “traditional” garden look and feel, the Freeman Garden delivers! Located in Glen Ridge, this quaint and charming location whisks you away to a little slice of England right here in NJ! Added bonus- when the breeze blows during the spring, you get a whiff of the extra fragrant blooms too! It isn’t a super large location, so it also has a really homey, comfortable backyard feeling too.
See the full session here.
Cross Estate Gardens
Located in Bernardsville, New Jersey, the Cross Estate Gardens (part of the Morristown National Historical Park) may be most famous for their wisteria-covered pergola. This stunning focal point of the gardens is my favorite ( although the stone water tower is a contender as well). The estate is absolutely gorgeous and beautiful year-round. This location may be the most romantic on this list. It feels storybook perfect!
See the full session here.
New Jersey Botanical Gardens
Located in Ringwood, NJ the Botanical Gardens are a beautiful mix of whimsical and classic. Although another gorgeous year-round option, I have to admit that it’s especially fantastic in the late spring and fall. You’ll see subtle pops of color from the pond flowers, surrounded by lush greenery. The sprawling landscape is simply dreamy!
Your Home
The home you share together is the center of your lives. It’s the place where you feel the most at ease, comfortable, and confident. It’s also likely the spot where many of your favorite memories are made from being reminded of what it felt like to walk through the door for the first time to the holidays and everyday moments that you share inside your walls in between. For these reasons (and so many more!), I love capturing couples and families at home in their kitchens, family rooms, backyards, and more. Your home is where you live, and capturing you simply living is when you are the most yourself and the most alive simultaneously.
My In-Home Studio
Great for intimate sessions or on cold days when the above list is not a fit! Want to see some images in this space, head over here!
I hope this list sparks some ideas for you! If you’re struggling to decide, I have two pieces of advice for you: Follow your heart and/or ask your photographer to help you narrow down the choices! ;)