MET Cloisters, NYC Engagement Photos | Julia + Sam

Julia and Sam’s couples session was such a special one! We spent two unforgettable hours capturing their love at The MET Cloisters and Fort Tryon Park in Washington Heights, NYC. If you're dreaming of NYC engagement photos that blend timeless elegance and a little bit of that “wow, is this really New York City?”, this session is sure to inspire you! 

Julia + Sam’s MET Cloisters, NYC Engagement Photos

We kicked off the session at The Cloisters, and let me tell you, shooting here with all this incredible art was a dream come true! Julia and Sam are museum lovers, so choosing The Cloisters felt like a no-brainer. It’s been one of Julia’s favorite places for a while, and after they saw a session I did at The MET on the Upper East Side, we knew this location would be perfect.

The Cloisters’ European-inspired architecture brought a dreamy, romantic vibe to their session. The stone columns, archways, and stained glass added an air of elegance and timelessness to every shot. Julia and Sam chose outfits in neutral tones that complemented the setting perfectly. The soft, natural light highlighted their closeness and warmth, and all of it was just magical!

Fort Tryon Park Engagement Photos

Afterward, Julia and Sam switched into more casual outfits, and we wandered over to Fort Tryon Park, which is just steps away from the Cloisters. It holds a special place in Julia's heart as her favorite NYC park! The park gave us a completely different vibe and allowed us to capture their fun, laid-back personalities. And with its lush greenery, charming cobblestone pathways, and serene city views, it really had the perfect mix of nature and Manhattan.

Tips for Your NYC Engagement Photos

If we have enough time, I ALWAYS recommend visiting multiple locations and having an outfit change. Just take a note from Julia and Sam! It’s a great way to add variety and showcase different sides of your personality. 

If you’re considering The MET Cloisters for your NYC engagement photos, there’s one important thing to keep in mind—photography policies. Officially, The MET Cloisters doesn’t allow staged photo sessions like engagement or wedding shoots inside the museum or its gardens. This policy is due to a mix of reasons, including photo rights for works in the museum’s collection and ensuring other visitors have a great experience.

That said, shooting at The Cloisters is often up to the discretion of security. While some couples manage to capture moments inside by staying discreet and mindful, it’s important to know this approach isn’t guaranteed. If you decide to try, you’ll need to be quick and respectful! Honestly, there’s a little thrill in sneaking around, but it’s always good to be prepared for the possibility of being asked to stop.

The good news? Just outside The Cloisters, Fort Tryon Park is absolutely stunning and requires no permits for casual photo sessions! Plus, the park perfectly complements the timeless, European-inspired vibe of The Cloisters, so it’s a seamless addition to your session.

Kind Words

Grace was phenomenal to work with. I booked a couples shoot, and she is obviously very experienced and knows how to make you and your partner feel comfortable and have so much fun during the session. Our photos came out GORGEOUS and she gave us soooo many. Literally, not a single one we don’t like. She gave great direction and was super collaborative, and I will 100% book her again.

Ellenberg & Co | NYC Engagement Photographer

I absolutely loved capturing Julia and Sam's engagement photos at The Cloisters and Fort Tryon Park. There's something so special about blending iconic NYC locations with a couple's personal favorites. My goal is always to guide you to meaningful, beautiful experiences you can treasure forever—and this session was just that!

And if you're considering NYC engagement photos, I’d love to help you make it happen! Just reach out to me here!