Where to Take Engagement Photos in Upstate New York
The Capital Region is full of Upstate New York engagement photo locations. Whether you’re looking for a more natural, urban, or historical setting, this list has it all.
My Top 7 Upstate New York Engagement Photo Locations
On the hunt for the perfect location for engagement photos in Upstate New York? Jump right to my favorite spots here and around in the Capital Region!
- Adelphi Hotel
- Downtown Saratoga Springs
- Hall of Springs
- Downtown Albany
- The NY State Capitol
- Downtown Troy
- Sagamore Resort
Before Your Session: Engagement Styling
Deciding on the perfect location can be difficult. Do you choose the place you met? The spot where you got engaged? At home where you binge-watch Netflix together? The options are endless.
One of my favorite parts of every engagement session is the preparation. As part of every wedding photography package, I offer an engagement session with complete styling for my couples. Like your wedding day, this session is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—and the perfect excuse to let someone else handle all the details!
Before the session, I work with my couples to coordinate color palettes, outfits, and style preferences to fit their overall aesthetic. A huge part of this is making sure their location is the perfect fit for their vision.
Plan a Meaningful Experience
It’s easy to worry about not feeling comfortable in front of the camera. But you will feel so much more confident in an environment that feel natural or somewhere that’s meaningful to you.
So do something personal! If your engagement session is somewhere you’ve never been before, fill the session with things you love instead of just standard poses and forced smiles. Try out craft beers at a downtown pub, have a romantic picnic in the park, or visit a destination for the historic architecture.
And you can do all of these things and more in my top 7 Upstate New York engagement session locations!
Ready to Plan Your Upstate Engagement Session or Wedding Photography Experience?
If your ready to make that wedding pinterest board come to life, then let’s start planning! Learn all about the Molli Photo Experience or reach out to me with all of your details. You can also find me on Instagram posting all these dreamy couples (and the occasional frenchie pup).
7 Places for Engagement Photos in Upstate NY
Saratoga Springs Engagement Photo Spots
1. The Adelphi Hotel
The Adelphi Hotel is a classic for elegant engagement photos. In the late 1800s, Saratoga Springs was the nation’s top resort for horse racing, gambling, and luxury… and all things glam. Now, the newly-renovated hotel plays up its connection to Victorian-style luxury with marble fireplaces, original furnishings, and brass lighting.
My engagement session at the Adelphi with Laura and Dan was so sophisticated and chic. Check out some of my faves below or see all the details over on their featured blog post.
2. Downtown Saratoga Springs
If you prefer to be outdoors for your session but still want the upscale city vibe, then downtown Saratoga Springs is the perfect location. Broadway Street is home to art galleries, stylish boutiques, and historic buildings. Or you can explore the scenery at Congress Park if you want a more natural feel to your engagement photos.
I’ve captured too many downtown sessions to choose a favorite!
3. Hall of Springs
Another option for gorgeous outdoor photos is the Hall of Springs in Saratoga Spa State Park. Capture the classic architecture in the backdrop surrounded by mineral springs and trails.
I met up with Sarah and Isaac (and their sweet pup!) here during golden hour for some engagement session magic!
Albany Engagement Photo Locations
4. Downtown Albany
When discussing outdoor locations in the 518, downtown Albany is a favorite of mine. From the famous views of Corning Tower to the reflecting pools along the Empire State Plaza. With the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception to the historic steps of the NY State Museum. Downtown Albany offers so much architecture and history for engagement photos.
Aleya and Brandon strolled through the streets of Albany and brought along some bubbly. And the results did not disappoint.
5. New York State Capitol
Architectural masterpieces like the State Capitol showcase the glamour and history of New York. With high-arched ceilings and intricate light fixtures, this landmark flaunts sentimental luxury. It’s the perfect location if you’re looking for some upscale, indoor engagement photos.
Check out some of Amalia and Ryan’s engagement session below or see all of the dreamy details on their featured blog post.
6. Downtown Troy
Troy is often overlooked for its neighbor, Albany. But this charming city is full of chic boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. Over the last decade, it’s undergone a lot of modernization, but it still retains its Victorian glow.
I met up with Emily and Evan to stroll through the alleys of Troy and play foosball at the neighborhood bar. Their downtown Troy session looks like it’s straight out of a magazine!
Lake George Engagement Photo Locations
While Lake George isn’t in the Capital Region, it’s too close (and beautiful) to leave out of this list! Just 30 minutes north of Saratoga Springs, Lake George is one of my favorite locations for outdoor sessions.
7. Sagamore Resort
Located on its own island on Lake George, the Sagamore Resort is all things luxury and refined. It offers 70 acres of garden and lake views, with the heart of the Adirondack Mountains also in the backdrop.
I have too many lakeside faves to choose just one Lake George engagement session!
Upstate New York Engagement Photo Locations
I’ve been an Upstate New York photographer for years, and I’m still not sure what my favorite part of the job is—getting to meet fun couples and hear their incredible stories or getting the opportunity to explore all the beautiful parts of New York.
Whatever location you choose, my best advice is to simply make it you. Pick a location meaningful to you and your story. Treat your session like a date (and I’ll be there to third wheel). Whatever vision you have in mind, I would love to document it here in Upstate New York!
LOOKING FOR AN UPSTATE NEW YORK WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
Each wedding captured holds a piece of my heart. Helping couples preserve memories from their day purely and honestly is a privilege. But more than anything, I hope to give couples images to look back on to relive all of the joy over and over again!
READY TO CROSS “WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER” OFF OF YOUR TO-DO LIST.
Then reach out over here!
Or want to see more dreamy engagement or wedding content (plus more). It’s all here on the blog!
