5 OF MY FAVORITE MASSACHUSETTS ENGAGEMENT SESSION LOCATIONS

Engagement Session Locations, Engagements, Photoshoot Tips

April 30, 2024

The thing that I love about Massachusetts is that it has almost every type of landscape to choose from for your engagement photos. From beaches & forests to historic buildings & cityscapes, it really has it all. So when my couples ask me for recommendations on where they should have their engagement photo session, I can confidently give them a list of locations that will hit the mark of the vibe their looking for.

Take a Look At My Top 5 Engagement Session Locations in Massachusetts:

1. GARDEN IN THE WOODS, FRAMINGHAM

This hidden gem is exactly how it sounds. It is an enchanting garden in the middle of the woods. Giving all the woodland fairy-tale vibes, it’s as if this location was taken right out of a storybook. You could either plan to stick to the main area around the pond or explore the short trails throughout the woods.

Parking: Parking is free. This magical spot has a pretty spacious parking lot that always has open spots, so you won’t have to worry about finding a place to park.

Admission: Entry to get into Garden in the Woods is $16 per person which is only a small price to pay to experience what is seriously beautiful within those woods. You can pay at the visitor’s center right across the way from the parking lot.

So if you’re looking for a woodland fairytale-like backdrop to showcase your love story in front of, the Garden in the Woods is 100% for you.

Engaged couple walks down the steps into the picturesque garden at Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA, capturing the romance and beauty of this enchanting location.
Happy engaged couple embraces and shares laughter amidst the scenic beauty of Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA, surrounded by lush trees, capturing their love in a natural setting.
Hand in hand, a couple explores a woodland path, their laughter echoing through the Garden in The Woods in Framingham, MA during their engagement photo session.
Picturesque engagement session in the natural beauty of Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA, showcasing the affectionate moments of a couple surrounded by verdant greenery.
Romantic engagement photography at Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA, featuring a loving couple amidst the enchanting scenery of this renowned botanical garden.
A couple stands amidst towering trees, their arms wrapped around each other, snuggling warmly at into each other.

2. CASTLE ROCK, MARBLEHEAD

Think epic cliffs along the water—yeah, stunning right? This spot is quite the tourist trap, but if you go in the off-season or during sunrise in the summer, you will be able to miss the crowd. Whether you want to stay on level ground or climb down the rocks to the shore, your photos will be magical either way. If you choose to go during sunrise, the sun rises on this side & would make for beautifully golden photographs. But going during off-season during sunset has pretty spectacular lighting as well, & the rocks you climb down create nice even lighting while the skies turn cotton candy pink.

Parking: It is free to park right across the way & it is pretty much just a public driveway to walk through to get to the spot.

So if the sound of a spot that has beachy vibes with epic views then Castle Rock in Marblehead is the perfect location for your engagement photos.

Engaged couple walks along the cliff's edge, sharing loving gazes during their romantic engagement session at Castle Rock, Marblehead, MA, capturing the breathtaking scenery and their affectionate bond
Engaged couple embraces against a rock backdrop, with the woman hugged from behind by her fiancé as they gaze in opposite directions during their engagement photo session at Castle Rock, Marblehead, MA.
Engagement photo session at Castle Rock, Marblehead, MA: A couple embraces against the scenic backdrop of Castle Rock, with the fiancé tenderly dipping his partner into a kiss, capturing their love and joy
Engagement photo session at Castle Rock, Marblehead, MA: Fiancé fishes in the ocean while fiancée and their dog enjoy watching, capturing a relaxed moment by the coast.
Engaged couple holds hands as they hike along the summit of Castle Rock in Marblehead, MA, capturing their adventure and love in this scenic location

3. CRANE BEACH, IPSWICH

Another awesome beach spot. Again, this location is better to go during the off-season or sunrise to beat the crowds although it is big enough that going during golden hour in the summer won’t be too much of a challenge to get around crowds. What I love about Crane Beach, besides the sand creating a neutral backdrop, is there are small inlets every so often with long grass and trees and a section with rocks along the shore to get creative with.

Sometimes with beaches, it can get difficult because the sun may set along the water for a good backlight but for sunrise, it would be just direct sun. With Crane Beach, you don’t need to worry about that. The direction of sunrise and sunset is perfect so no matter which time you shoot at, you’re still able to get a really awesome angle of the landscape behind you. There is also plenty of beach no matter if it is high-tide or low-tide.

The one thing I would be cautious of is greenhead season. Make sure you pack bug spray if it’s that time of year!

Parking: For extensive parking rates & information on parking permits, visit here.

For non-members of the trustees, parking is $25. It is highly encouraged to purchase your admission pass before arriving to the beach, to ensure a parking spot. You can purchase admission passes here.

4. ARNOLD ARBORETUM, BOSTON

The best thing about the Arnold Arboretum is how much variety there is in backdrop here. This location is 281 acres preserving a countless number of species of plants and trees. There’s lilac trees that bloom in the spring & a colorful rose garden, ponds, & limitless trees that I’m sure you can imagine the beauty of in the fall. It’s quite a popular photo spot but it’s so big that we can find a unique spot no matter where we go in the arboretum.

Parking: Parking & admission are free. You can park along the arborway & there are multiple entrances into the Arboretum. I typically meet my couples at the main entrance off the arborway by the visitor’s center.

Engaged couple shares an intimate moment, pressing foreheads and gazing into each other's eyes amidst blooming lilac trees during their spring engagement session at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA.
Engaged couple strolls hand in hand, sharing tender gazes amid the vibrant lilac trees during their delightful spring engagement session at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA
Engaged couple shares a cozy embrace, with the fiancée seated behind her partner, gazing into each other's eyes amidst the enchanting lilac trees during their engagement session at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA.
Engaged couple shares a joyful embrace, with the fiancé kissing her cheek as she laughs, surrounded by a field of lilac trees during their engagement session at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA

5. BORDERLAND STATE PARK, EASTON

A perfect spot for a picnic, or to feel like you’re in a fairytale. This location is home of the jaw-dropping Ames Mansion that allows for a whimsical backdrop for your photos. And if that isn’t your vibe, there are small gardens close by, or if you walk a bit further from the mansion, it is the perfect woodsy setting.

Parking: Parking is $5 for MA residents and $20 for Non-MA residents with a good amount of parking spots. This pass is good for the day, so even after your session you could walk around the grounds.

Engaged couple sits on the grass, facing each other, sharing a sweet hug in front of the charming Ames Mansion during their engagement session at Borderland State Park in Easton, MA.
Engaged couple shares a playful, joyful kiss amidst laughter and smiles during their engagement session at Borderland State Park in Easton, MA.
Engaged couple runs joyfully together, the fiancé glancing back with a smile at his fiancée, capturing their laughter and happiness during their engagement photo session at Borderland State Park in Easton, MA.
Engaged couple lies in the grass, heads resting on each other's shoulders, sharing tender gazes and gentle caresses during their heartfelt engagement photo session at Borderland State Park in Easton, MA.
Engaged couple walks side by side, exchanging affectionate glances and smiles during their spring engagement photo session at Borderland State Park in Easton, MA
Engaged couple shares a tender, passionate kiss amidst the natural beauty of Borderland State Park in Easton, MA, capturing the depth of their love during their engagement photo session

If none of these locations speak to you, I have so many other places to recommend! These are just my favorite, but we can work together to find the best place for you.

Want to book your engagement photo session at one of these places?

Reach out to Jess

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