We were barely 20 minutes into this New York engagement session when the snow began to fall. Abby and Graham walked out of Grand Central hand in hand into a winter wonderland, the likes of which I haven’t photographed in years. This December 14th session is proof that only NYC can produce a winter engagement as picture-perfect as this one! We started at Grand Central, worked our way up to The Palace, stopped at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, then ended our session at Central Park.
Why December Is Made for Winter Engagement Photos in NYC
Winter might not be your first instinct when it comes to booking a photo session. The cold tends to throw couples for a loop when it comes to what to wear and the best locations for engagement photos. But to me, December in NYC is arguably one of the best times to plan your session! Right after Thanksgiving, the holiday decor goes up, the trees get trimmed, and snow is a bonus worth planning around. Since dusk comes early, we’ll start your session earlier than we would in the summer and early fall months.
Starting at Grand Central: Christmas Tree Engagement Photos in Midtown East
We started at Grand Central Terminal to capture some indoor winter engagement photos first. This gave Abby and Graham a chance to warm up (literally) before we braved the snowy winter weather. If you feel awkward at the start of your session, that is totally normal! You will quickly find that I hype up EVERY couple, focus on capturing your preferred side, and expertly guide you into the most flattering poses.
Inside the terminal, light was still streaming through the huge arched windows, and the teal domed ceiling framed Abby and Graham’s first few portraits perfectly. Everyone around them had a train to catch and somewhere to be. We stood on a landing overlooking the information counter, and the hustle and bustle below felt like a poetic contrast to the still, quiet moment we captured of the two of them.
During every engagement session, I ask myself: how can I freeze these fleeting moments so this couple always remembers how they felt during their engagement season?
Outside, Christmas tree engagement photos were in order! The city erected a huge evergreen lit with twinkling white lights outside Grand Central Terminal. The sheer size of it gave us the perfect backdrop for these romantic Christmas engagement photos.
If you’re envisioning an indoor NYC landmark for portraits, see this engagement session at the New York Public Library for another option I love.
Christmas Engagement Photos Outside the Lotte New York Palace
From Grand Central, The Palace is an 11-minute walk or a quick taxi ride. The Lotte New York Palace has its own tree out front, which made the perfect setting for a Christmas engagement session. This tree was smaller than the one at Grand Central, but it was trimmed with red and gold foil ribbon, hundreds of ornaments, and a gold star tree topper. We took all of our Palace photos outside, right in front of the tree, with the snow still falling. Abby’s deep red dress fit right in with all that red and gold!
Across from the Palace, St. Patrick’s Cathedral gave us one more backdrop. We got a few engagement photos in New York with the cathedral behind Abby and Graham before it was time to head uptown.
Our Route: Great Places for Engagement Photos in NYC
| Stop | Area | Getting there | What we shot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Central Terminal | Midtown East / Midtown Manhattan | Starting point | Indoor portraits on a landing overlooking the information counter, and photos at the huge Christmas tree outside |
| The Palace (Lotte New York Palace) | Madison Avenue, Midtown | 11-minute walk or a quick taxi ride | Christmas tree photos outside the front of the hotel |
| St. Patrick’s Cathedral | Across from the Palace | Right across from the Palace | Portraits with the cathedral in the background |
| Central Park, W 74th Street | Sidewalk outside the park | Taxi ride | Portraits among the icicle-covered trees |
Snowy Winter Engagement Photos at Central Park
Graham hailed us a taxi, and we ventured up to the sidewalk outside Central Park at W 74th Street. The icicles on the trees formed a winter wonderland around us, with snow still coming down. It was the last stop of the session and the perfect place for winter engagement photos.
If you’re looking for a taxi cab moment, you will also love this vintage taxi engagement session in NYC!
What to Wear for Winter Engagement Photos in NYC
Winter engagement shoot outfits don’t have to include bulky coats and boots. Abby wore a stunning deep red silk slip dress with silver brooch details on each shoulder and silver stilettos. Graham wore a perfectly tailored black tuxedo and black bowtie to complement Abby’s elegant look. When we stepped outside, Abby threw on a white fur wrap for warmth, which was the perfect accessory against the evergreen trees and falling snow. What I love about their outfits is how well they complemented each other and the holiday season. The deep red and sophisticated black color palette was festive but polished and screamed Christmastime in the city!
What If It Doesn’t Snow? Winter Engagement Photo Ideas for NYC
You still have plenty of options if snow isn’t in the forecast! Winter engagement photos without snow work just as well in NYC, because the city does all the decorating for you. The indoor portraits at Grand Central and both Christmas trees would have worked with or without a snowfall. If you are leaning toward an earlier session, my guide to fall engagement photos and these 13 NJ fall engagement picture ideas are full of inspiration.
Directing a Winter Engagement Session (Even If You Hate Being Photographed)
Most of my couples tell me they are nervous about looking awkward in photos, and a snowy December day adds the cold on top of it! Starting indoors at Grand Central gave Abby and Graham a warm-up before we stepped outside. From there, I guide every pose, so all you have to do is hold hands and experience wintertime in the city, just like they did. It is also the best way to get comfortable with me before your wedding day.
Beyond grateful to Abby and Graham for spending their December 14th in the snow with me! Their equally as festive, if not much warmer, wedding day at Tribeca Rooftop was another day I’ll never forget. If you are planning a winter engagement in NYC or already dreaming of romantic wedding photos, I would love to hear about your vision! Contact us to reserve your date!
Lauren Bliss is a Philadelphia-based luxury wedding photographer capturing romantic, refined celebrations throughout PA, NYC, East Coast and beyond. She specializes in soft, timeless imagery for couples who value emotional connection, thoughtful design, and an elevated wedding experience. To inquire about wedding photography coverage with Lauren and her team, reach out here.
