Nassau County is filled with beautiful sites to make your engagement photos special.
Once you start to come down from your high of getting engaged, it will be time to start thinking about wedding planning. Why not extend that excitement a little bit with engagement photos?
Usually, when you hire a photographer, they will offer engagement photos as part of their packages, or they’ll offer you a discount. This is the perfect opportunity to not only get used to taking professional photos, but also get used to the photographer and see how everyone will work together.
But deciding where to take these photos may leave you with even more stress! If your photographer doesn’t have a suggestion and you have no idea where to pick, don’t worry – Nassau County is filled with hidden gems and beautiful grounds. From parks to fields, below are seven of the best places to take engagement photos in Nassau County.
Sites That Require a Permit
Old Westbury Gardens
This property in Old Westbury is a beautiful backdrop with several areas for great photos. You can choose from the walled garden, the rose garden, the cottage garden and more! A permit is required and can be found here. There is a fee for 90 minutes of time. All photos must be taken before 5 p.m.
Planting Fields Arboretum
These picturesque grounds are located in Oyster Bay and would be the perfect location for your engagement photos. A permit is needed and costs $100. Photos inside the Camellia House, which is extremely limited, run $300. There is also a parking fee. You can find more information here.
Sands Point Preserve
The former Guggenheim Estate in Sands Point is the perfect backdrop for your photos, but can be a bit pricey. Outdoor photography, with approved locations ahead of time, runs $350 for a two-hour session, while indoor photography at the historic Hempstead House is $450 for a two-hour session – this also includes a third hour for outdoor photos. Click here for more information and to contact the preserve.
Sites Do Not Require a Permit
Bethpage State Park
This park is famous for its golf courses, but it’s also a beautiful backdrop for your photos. Call ahead to see if there is a fee. But you should just have to pay a parking fee if you don’t have an Empire pass. Click here for more information.
Clark Botanic Gardens
This luscious 12-acre garden is a hidden gem in Albertson. Off the beaten path it’s home to native spring wildflowers, conifers, roses, perennials, daylilies, wetland plants, rock garden plants, herbs, butterfly plants, medicinal plants and over a dozen collections of particular plant families. The garden is free to enjoy, but donations are suggested. Call ahead for the best time to take photos. Find out more here.
Hempstead Lake State Park
Another beautiful park on the South Shore in West Hempstead. It features plenty of trails and locations, including a lake and historic carousel, for picturesque engagement photos. There could be an entrance fee. Find out more here.
Jones Beach State Park
Miles of sandy beach, a beautiful boardwalk and the famous water tower, this could be the perfect backdrop to your engagement photos. Since it’s a state park in Wantagh you shouldn’t need a permit, but there may be a parking fee. You can click here for more information.
If you’re still at a loss, or don’t want to pay a fee or get a permit, you can get creative. Perhaps you or a family member or friend have a large yard. Maybe you live near a park or trail that you can take photos in. You could even check with your wedding venue and see if you can use their grounds during off hours for your engagement photos.
No matter where you go, remember to just have fun and enjoy this time together!