Dreaming of an engagement session at one of New York’s most iconic locations? Here’s a full guide on Brooklyn Bridge engagement photos!

Brooklyn Bridge Engagement Photos

There’s no doubt that the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most romantic spots here in the country! The iconic arches and the stunning skyline views really create the most magical setting – which makes it the perfect backdrop for engagement photos. And it’s an ideal location if you’re wanting very NYC vibes! It’s so much more than just a pretty spot though; walking along the bridge with your partner and soaking in the views at sunrise means an experience you won’t forget!

How to Access the Brooklyn Bridge

The idea of navigating New York City may feel a bit overwhelming, but I’m here to guide you through and. make it a stress-free experience! Knowing how to access the bridge for your session will help you feel more at ease. You also should have an idea which side of the bridge you prefer to be on to maximize your time and if there are other locations you’d like to visit during your session. Because you’d be surprised how long it takes to cross the bridge!

Manhattan Side

The Manhattan entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge is directly across from city hall park on Centre Street.

Brooklyn Side

To access the bridge from the Brooklyn side, I suggest using the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway. The walkway begins at the intersection of Tillary Street and Boerum Place. You can also access the pedestrian walkway via the staircase located in the underpass on Washington Street/Cadman Plaza East and Prospect Street.

When to Plan Brooklyn Bridge Engagement Photos

Planning when to have your session at the Brooklyn Bridge can not only determine the overall vibe of your photos, but will also affect the experience. So let’s go over what you should consider!

The time of day

First, consider the time of day. Do you prefer the soft glow of sunrise in the morning, when the streets are quieter and free from crowds? Or perhaps mid-day, when bold shadows create dramatic effects—though it’s also the busiest time? In the evening, you can capture the golden hour, stunning sunsets, and the city lights coming to life after dark.

Personally I’ll always recommend sunrise as you can avoid the crowds, but also have the stunning view of the sun rising over Brooklyn. From this angle, it will also put the Manhattan skyline in your backdrop, so it really couldn’t be more ideal!

The time of year

Next, think about the season. Since NYC experiences all four seasons, each one offers a unique backdrop for your photos. Winter is pretty magical—there’s a reason it’s featured in so many holiday movies—but it can be chilly. Spring brings vibrant blooms, like those in Brooklyn’s McCarren Park, creating a colorful setting. Summer has that classic NYC energy, though it’s also the hottest and busiest time. And if you’re after rich autumn hues, fall is perfect as the foliage transforms the city.

It all depends on the overall look you’re envisioning for you photos!

What to Wear for Brooklyn Bridge Engagement Photos

The Brooklyn Bridge is pretty versatile as far as what wardrobe will work stylistically. You can make a lot of things work here – anything from super casual to really formal.

The Brooklyn Bridge can get pretty chilly and windy, especially during sunrise or sunset in the colder months. If your outfit isn’t super warm, bring an extra layer to stay cozy during the walk and between shots. Layering is a great idea so you can easily adjust if you start feeling too hot or cold!

You’ll want to try to avoid wearing stilettos, as the bridge is made of planks so thin heels will slip through. A block heel is recommended if you do want to wear heels. If you want to wear stilettos, I would recommend wearing a more comfortable shoe and slipping into your heels for a quick photo. This way, you can avoid any potential injury.

Brooklyn Engagement Photos Locations

You don’t have to stop at just the Brooklyn Bridge for your session, why not explore more of this gorgeous city? I had the BEST day exploring with these two and it turned into much more of an adventure!

Near the Brooklyn Bridge

Here are a few locations close-by to the bridge that you can consider!

Brooklyn Bridge Park Waterfront

If you’re looking for amazing views of the Manhattan skyline, this is the spot. It’s usually busy, but with so much open space, it’s easy to find a space to yourselves. Plus, you’ll get the Brooklyn Bridge in the background for those dreamy shots.

Washington Street in DUMBO

You’ve probably seen this spot before—the view of the Manhattan Bridge from Washington Street is iconic! It’s just a short walk from the Brooklyn Bridge and totally worth the stop.

Manhattan City Hall

Getting married at the NYC courthouse? The Brooklyn Bridge is right nearby, making it a perfect place to snap some post-ceremony photos. Plus, the surrounding city buildings make for some seriously elegant backdrops.

Jane’s Carousel

This vintage carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park adds a really fun vibe to your photos. It’s not just a cool backdrop—it’s also a great way to mix things up and capture some playful moments!

Hop on a Ferry

For even more epic skyline shots, jump on a ferry! It’s a fun way to wrap up your session while getting some stunning views of the city and the bridge.

McCarren Park

Located between Greenpoint and Williamsburg, this Brooklyn park has tons of open green space, making it perfect for photos. It’s a popular place for rec sports, but with all the lush greenery, it’s easy to find a quiet, picturesque corner for dreamy engagement photos.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Next up, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade—one of the best spots in Brooklyn for jaw-dropping skyline views. This scenic walkway has endless spots to stop and snap romantic engagement photos. While it can get busy, the promenade is long enough that you can usually find a private spot, or opt for a less busy time of day.

Rooftops
The rooftops throughout the area are also great spots for taking Brooklyn engagement photos! This is especially ideal if you live in an aparment building with a rooftop that you can utilize!

New York City Engagement Photos Locations

If you’re open to heading outside of Brooklyn, here are some other iconic New York City locations that make stunning backdrops for engagement photos!

• Central Park: this one’s a bit obvious but you really can’t pick a more quintessential New York location and one that’s filled with natural beauty
• Grand Central Station: another favorite NYC spot and the perfect rainy day alternative with the most incredible architecture
• Washington Square Park: located in Greenwich and typically busy with NYU students, the arch and fountain here are truly iconic and create a breathtaking backdrop
• Upper East Side: the tree-lined streets and historic architecture creates the most magical setting and such a fun place to explore with your partner
• Astoria Park: this 60 acre park located in Queens is filled with unique and beautiful spots for photos along the East River

Brooklyn Wedding Photographer

Hi, I’m Taylor, a Brooklyn Wedding Photographer and the Brooklyn Bridge and the surrounding area is one of my most favorite places to explore with my couples! There are so many beautiful locations to choose from here in New York for engagement photos and I’m here to help you plan them! Inquire here and we can talk more about your dream photos!