These beautiful sites in Suffolk County are sure to make your engagement photos special.
Long Island is filled with so many beautiful places to take engagement photos. And we know that with all of the wedding planning you’ve got going on, the thought of finding a location for an engagement shoot is the last thing on your mind.
Sometimes your photographer will have a suggestion for you. But if they don’t and you have no idea where to start, don’t worry! Long Island, specifically Suffolk County, is filled with hidden gems and beautiful grounds. From parks to fields, below are seven places to take engagement photos in Suffolk County.
Sites That Require a Permit
Argyle Park
Located in Babylon, this park has a lake and a beautiful waterfall, making for a great backdrop for all your photos. If you’re a Babylon Village resident, there is no fee. If you’re not a resident, there is a $100 fee. Either way, you need to fill out a permit application to take photos here. Call the Babylon Village Hall at (631) 669-1500 for more information.
Bayard Cutting Arboretum
This ‘museum of trees’ is filled with spots to make your photo session memorable. There is a $250 fee for 1.5 hours on the grounds. There is also an $8 fee to park. Photo sessions start at 11 a.m., with the last one starting at 2 p.m., and are first-come, first-serve. Click here to download the permit application.
Lake Ronkonkoma
The lake and view is perfect for fall photos. Since it is a Suffolk County park, there could be a fee and a permit might be required. You can find out more information here.
Sunflower Fields
The East End has great farms, so why not check out a sunflower field for your engagement photos? Waterdrinkers Farm allows photos for a small fee of $25/hour. Click here for more information.
Sites Do Not Require a Permit
Islip Grange Park
Located in Sayville, this park might be the perfect location for you. It has historic buildings, such as a church and a barn, a field and more. And the best part, you don’t need a permit and there is no fee to take photos here.
Lighthouse at Robert Moses
This western-most point of Fire Island offers almost five miles of beach, beautiful, hidden paths and, of course, the lighthouse. Since this is a state park, you shouldn’t need a permit, but you could pay parking fees. You can click here for more information.
Port Jefferson
From the small beaches to the docks and shops along Main Street, downtown Port Jeff or ‘Down Port,’ is a great place to take photos. You shouldn’t need a permit, but make sure you aren’t on private property along the shore. Click here for more info.
If you’re still at a loss, don’t want to pay a fee or don’t want to get a permit, get creative! Perhaps you, a family member or friend have a large yard. Maybe you live near a park or trail where you can take photos. You could even check with your wedding venue and see if you can use their grounds during off hours for your engagement photos. Or think back to a place where maybe you met your spouse – your favorite bar, bowling alley – and take pictures there.
No matter where you go, remember to just have fun and enjoy this time together!