Picture-Perfect Engagement Photo Locations on Long Island

Known for its stunning scenery and lush landscapes—from photo-ready beaches to tranquil woodlands—it's no wonder Long Island, New York, is such a popular destination for engagement photoshoots. While there are many settings to choose from, each seemingly more stunning than the next, the best engagement photo locations on Long Island offer an array of beautiful backdrops as unique as your love story. Once you've secured your engagement photographer on The Knot Vendor Marketplace, keep scrolling for epic location inspiration for your shoot, and be sure to check out our article on engagement photo outfit inspiration so that you come to the shoot dressed to impress.

1. Sands Point Preserve

Photo: Dariusz Gryczka | Shutterstock

With its serene waterfront setting and majestic architecture, Sands Point Preserve boasts not one, not two, but three fairy-tale-worthy castles, each with its own distinct charm and character. The grounds are equally stunning. Snap romantic photos by the tranquil pond, towering trees, landscaped gardens or the mile-long beach. The sweeping views of the Long Island Sound are the icing on the proverbial cake. With all this in mind, it's no wonder the site is considered one of the most stunning Long Island engagement photo locations! A permit is required for all professional photography—learn more here.

2. Bayard Cutting Arboretum

Spanning almost 700 scenic acres near the Connetquot River, Bayard Cutting Arboretum stands out for its landscaped grounds and various gardens, making it one of the best places for engagement photos on Long Island. Architecture enthusiasts will also appreciate that the Arboretum features original designs from Frederick Law Olmsted, considered the founder of American landscape architecture. The mansion itself is also photo-worthy with its striking Tudor-style facade (find info on obtaining a photography permit here).

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3. Old Westbury Gardens

Those searching for the perfect spot for engagement photos on Long Island need not look further than Old Westbury Gardens, a private estate turned museum featuring formal gardens and a historic mansion. The 200-acre grounds are also comprised of woodlands, ponds and lakes. Tip: Plan your engagement shoot in the springtime, when over 7,000-plus tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and alliums planted in the fall begin to bloom. Before scheduling your photo shoot, find out more about required photography permits here.

4. Wölffer Estate Vineyard

Located in the Hamptons, this stunning vineyard is prime for photo ops, with over 50 acres of vineyards. The interiors are equally spectacular, with a clean, minimalist-inspired aesthetic. Be sure to also snap some photos in the cozy-chic on-site tasting room, which has sleek wood flooring, contemporary leather seating and expansive windows looking over the vineyards to let in loads of natural light.

5. Long Beach Boardwalk

Photo: James Andrews1 | Shutterstock

This bustling boardwalk on Long Island's South Shore is perfectly perched above a serene swath of sand, serving as a postcard-worthy backdrop for your engagement photos. Be sure to also stop by Marvel (right on the boardwalk!) for some soft serve—and, of course, to capture some sweet, candid moments of you and your partner strolling hand in hand with your sweet treats. Finally, for the best views, consider a sunset shoot to capture that golden hour glow.

6. Vanderbilt Museum, Mansion & Planetarium

Vanderbilt Museum, Mansion and Planetarium is famous for its lavish mansion—the former summer home of William K. Vanderbilt II, the great-grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt—dating back to 1910. Today, to-be-weds flock here to snap pictures in front of the Spanish-Revival beauty that's since been turned into a museum. We'd also be remiss not to mention the newly redesigned, uber-romantic Vanderbilt Rose Garden, where you'll find dozens of lush flora plus a babbling fountain that serves as an idyllic backdrop for engagement shoots. Coordinate with your engagement photographer to request a permit before taking photos.

7. Sunken Meadow State Park

With breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound and Connecticut in the distance, Sunken Meadow State Park provides a tranquil, greenery-filled setting for engagement photos. The park's diverse topography—from tidal flats and lush hills to white-sand beaches—offers plenty of picturesque backdrops. Whether capturing a quiet moment by the water or strolling hand in hand through the rolling trails, this serene spot is perfect for couples looking for a mix of coastal charm and natural beauty.

8. John P. Humes Japanese Stroll Garden

The ultra-zen John P. Humes Japanese Stroll Garden looks like it's been plucked straight from Japan. Snap photos surrounded by an abundance of North American and Asian plants, a serene stepping stone path, stone lanterns, a pond and woodlands. There's also a sun-drenched Tea House (Cha-shitsu) complete with its own tea garden (roji) filled with evergreen plants.

9. Oheka Castle

Photo: Oheka Castle

You may recognize Oheka Castle from Taylor Swift's "Blank Space" music video. The historic mansion turned luxury hotel—which is situated on over 430 acres—offers photo ops at nearly every turn. Its striking French-chateaux-style facade is photo-worthy in and of itself, as are its sunken formal gardens with fountains, reflecting pools, statues and tranquil tree-lined paths. Find photography guidelines for Oheka Castle here.

10. Montauk Point State Park

For magical Montauk engagement photos, make a beeline for Montauk Point State Park, which offers panoramic ocean views. Its most iconic feature, Montauk Lighthouse—the state's oldest lighthouse—serves as a stunning and historic backdrop for engagement shoots. Couples can pose along the rugged, rocky shoreline for dramatic coastal shots or capture intimate moments with the waves crashing behind them.