If there’s one engagement photo location in NYC that we are constantly asked about as Brooklyn wedding photographers, it’s the Brooklyn Bridge. This iconic location is definitely the number one spot to get iconic and romantic engagement pictures in the big apple.
Engagement Photos on the Brooklyn Bridge
When it comes to taking engagement photos on the Brooklyn Bridge itself, it’s important to keep in mind that this is an active bridge. There are pedestrians and bikes that constantly use this bridge to get across Brooklyn and Manhattan. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to perfect Brooklyn Bridge engagement photos.
Why Take Romantic Photos in this Brooklyn Neighborhood?
You may wonder why the Brooklyn Bridge is such a special place for engagement photoshoots. This is one of the most iconic places in the city. From the Brooklyn side, you have a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline. You also have the iconic bridge architecture. This is one of the most romantic places in the big apple to take photos.
When to Take Brooklyn Bridge Engagement Photos
The most important tip we have is to start as early as you can in the morning. During the summer, the sun rises early. You’ll want to be up on the bridge for a 5:30AM or 6:00AM start time. Yes, that sounds early, but it’s one day and can make for timeless photos. In the spring and autumn, you can be a bit more flexible and get away with 6:30AM or 7:00AM depending on the sunrise time.
Get an Early Start for Your Brooklyn Engagement Session
The reason you’ll want to start at sunrise for your engagement photos on the Brooklyn Bridge is that the bridge is super busy. It’s packed with tourists, bikes, pedestrians, commuters all trying to get across one way or another. Plus, many people stop to take photos –just like you will be! The earlier you can get out there, the fewer people will be there. It can be a little colder up there outside of the summer, but it means a later start in the morning.
Can You Take Brooklyn Bridge Engagement Photos in the Evening?
We would advise against taking engagement pictures on the Brooklyn Bridge in the evening. You could potentially take them in DUMBO, but in general, we would avoid the area altogether… unless it’s for date night! The Brooklyn Bridge Park area is very crowded and unless it’s your big day, you can easily go in the morning instead of the evening.
What Season Should You Take DUMBO Engagement Photos?
When taking engagement photos in Brooklyn Bridge Park, we’d say any season is great for your photography. Whether it’s wedding photography or engagement photos, this is a gorgeous area in any season. Our particular favorite time is the spring. The sun doesn’t rise too early yet and it’s not too hot when you’re on the bridge. During March, April, and May, you can have some awesome conditions for beautiful photos.
What to Wear for a Brooklyn Bridge Engagement Photoshoot
Another important thing to consider is that the Brooklyn Bridge is made up of wooden slats. If you plan to wear heels for your Brooklyn Bridge engagement photos, consider wearing block heels. This will make it much more difficult to get your shoe stuck on the bridge. It’s a safety thing at the end of the day! Plus, you’ll want to bring a pair of comfier shoes for the walk up the bridge itself.
Where to Enter the Brooklyn Bridge for Your Engagement Photographs
Speaking of the walk up the bridge, we typically enter from the underpass at Prospect St and Washington St in DUMBO. This is the easiest and most effective way to get up to take engagement photos on the Brooklyn Bridge. You won’t want to walk a super long distance to get to the best spots on the bridge. Otherwise, you’ll be all sweaty for your engagement photography session.
Dressing Well for Your Photo Session in DUMBO
Another tip we have for chillier days is to dress in layers. You can look totally cool for your Brooklyn Bridge engagement photos by wearing longer coats. But if you want your photos to be a little less seasonal, you can dress in layers and hop in and out of your warm gear. Your comfort level is what matters most for any photography session in NYC.
Keeping the Windy New York City Environment in Mind
Next thing to note is that it gets windy on the Brooklyn Bridge. Depending on the weather that day, you may want to come prepared with hair ties if you have longer hair. It may not be totally necessary, but good to have just in case. Windswept hair also looks epic and romantic on the Brooklyn Bridge, so no stress there.
Should You Take Your Dog to the Brooklyn Bridge for Engagement Photos?
We’ve had several of our couples bring their pup along for NYC engagement photography sessions. That being said, there are pros and cons to taking your dog onto the Brooklyn Bridge. If you bring a friend or dog walker to handle the pup, that will make it much easier. Pups can be scared on the bridge because it’s quite loud from the auto traffic below the bridge. There are also lots of bikes and runners that can spook them.
Tips for the Best Engagement Photos on the Brooklyn Bridge
If it rains on the morning of your engagement photos on the Brooklyn Bridge, don’t worry. If you still want to come out, the clouds are usually pretty awesome on grey days up there. Plus, the bridge gets all shiny and glossy when you’re there on a rainy day. It’s like out of a movie for your engagement photography location.
Locations for Your Engagement Photos in DUMBO
There are so many places within walking distance for more photos. This includes the waterfront with the Manhattan skyline, the lovely Jane Carousel, the iconic Manhattan Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge as a backdrop
Iconic NYC Engagement Photos with the Brooklyn Bridge
Besides the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge Park, the iconic Manhattan skyline and the Jane’s Carousel, there are many opportunities for engagement photography within DUMBO. Not only is the Brooklyn Bridge entrance on Washington Street an iconic photo spot on the bridge, but there are plenty of other areas as well.
Where to Take Engagement Pictures in Brooklyn Bridge Park
We love exploring the surroundings with our couples, including the park, Jane’s Carousel, and the cobbled streets. If you’re looking for a classic photo of the Manhattan Bridge, you can find it on Washington Street. Another popular spot in Dumbo is Pebble Beach. It is a rocky beach area where you can enjoy the waterfront, Brooklyn Bridge, and Manhattan Bridge for engagement photos.
Stunning Spots for Brooklyn Engagement Shoots with Romantic Views
Brooklyn Heights Promenade also offers stunning views of Manhattan, the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge. If you’re not a sunrise kind of couple, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade is the perfect place for engagement photos. You can also take photos around the local brownstones and gorgeous tree-lined streets.
Take the Best Brooklyn Bridge Park Engagement Photos
No matter the time of year, the DUMBO area is great for engagement photography in NYC. We love the iconic views all throughout this neighborhood.
How Long Does a Brooklyn Bridge Engagement Photo Session Take?
When it comes to taking engagement photos in this iconic spot, we typically don’t spend more than 20-30 minutes on the bridge. Early in the morning things can pick up quite a bit in that time. Plus, you might get worn out of just shooting at that one spot. That’s why we like to switch it up and photograph couples throughout DUMBO in general, where we spend another hour or so.
Candid and Fun Engagement Photography in NYC
We know wedding planning can be a stressful process, and we don’t want to add any more onto it. That’s why we include complimentary engagement sessions with every wedding photography package. We want to make sure our couples are comfortable with being photographed on their wedding days. It’s a great way to get to know each other and get you comfortable with fun, candid prompts and poses.
Get in Touch with Top New York Wedding Photographers
We’re Megan & Kenneth, a top and trusted Brooklyn wedding photography duo. As a wedding photo and video team in New York City, we love capturing iconic locations like the DUMBO area. If you’re thinking of doing Brooklyn Bridge engagement photos, let us know! We’d love to help you learn how to get perfect engagement photos on the Brooklyn Bridge.
