When orchestrating a Boston wedding, a critical aspect involves deliberating over the ideal setting for your wedding photographs. The array of options for such locales is vast, yet from a photographer’s standpoint, it’s prudent to opt for the most convenient one that complements your chosen Boston wedding venue. Opting for a conveniently located spot not only minimizes the potential stress associated with navigating through traffic but also affords you extra time to engage with your guests. This decision hinges on several factors, including the allocated time for photography sessions and your specific preferences for the images.
To assist you in this endeavor, I’ve curated a list of the most sought-after locations for wedding photos in Boston. Each of these spots includes detailed directions, parking information, handy tips, and a rundown of nearby Boston wedding venues for your consideration.
Boston Public Library: A Timeless Backdrop for Your Wedding Sessions
Location: Nestled at 700 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
Parking Details: SP + Parking is conveniently located at 149 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116, a short walk away from the library.
Nearby Boston Wedding Venues: A wealth of elegant venues surrounds the area including Fairmont Copley, Boston Public Library itself, Westin Copley, Lenox Hotel, and the delectable SRV Restaurant.
Expert Tips:
- The Boston Public Library is beautifully perched at the junction of Dartmouth and Boylston;
- Its position makes it an outstanding location for late afternoon shoots due to the provision of shade, uplifting the quality of your photos;
- The location is highly versatile. It’s ideal for first look captures, family portraits, wedding party snapshots, and intimate couple photos. It’s a one-stop spot for detailed wedding shoots.
Commonwealth Avenue: A Scenic Spot for All Day Wedding Photos
Location: Situated at the quaint corner of Commonwealth Avenue and Arlington Street
Parking Details: You can find ample parking at the Newbury Street Garage, located at 4 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116.
Nearby Boston Wedding Venues: The location is surrounded by a host of stylish wedding venues such as the Boston Public Library, Lenox Hotel, Westin Copley, Fairmont Copley, and the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel and Ritz Carlton.
Expert Tips:
- Commonwealth Avenue is a gem for wedding photographers, offering stunning light at any time of day;
- The public gardens across the street add natural beauty to your photos;
- It is a perfect location for a first look due to its photogenic surroundings;
- The Avenue allows you to cover a lot of ground in your photo session without the need for excessive travel;
- During the holiday season, the Christmas lights in the trees add a magical touch to night-time photos.
Beacon Hill: Quintessential New England Charm for Your Wedding Photos
Location: Intersection of Beacon and Charles Streets
Parking Information: TARP, located at 77 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114
Prime Boston Wedding Venues Nearby: Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Liberty Hotel
Extraordinary Features and Recommendations:
- Beacon Hill exudes classic New England charm with its cobblestone sidewalks, narrow streets adorned with American flags, and vintage-style gaslights;
- To capture pictures free from tourist interaction, consider exploring a side street off Charles Street;
- The area’s compact nature and summertime crowds make it less suitable for larger group photos such as family or bridal party shots;
- Beacon Hill, however, creates an enchanting backdrop for intimate couple photos, offering a memorable Bostonian flair.
Acorn Street: A Quaint Spot for Memorable Couples Shot
Location: Situated between Mount Vernon Street and Chestnut Street
Parking Information: 61 Chestnut St Parking, located at 61 Chestnut St, Boston, MA 02108
Adjacent Boston Wedding Venues: Liberty Hotel, Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton
Unique Features and Recommendations:
- Acorn Street offers a unique and quaint backdrop, ideal for a few memorable couple shots;
- Given the street’s narrow width and lighting demands, it might not be the best choice for a full-fledged wedding photograph session;
- Unless you’re already in the Beacon Hill area, considering its traffic and limited space, it might be prudent to explore other locations.
John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse: A Spacious Option for Large Wedding Groups
Location: 1 Courthouse Way, Boston, MA 02210
Parking Information: Public Parking available at 21 Liberty Drive, Boston, MA 02210
Nearby Boston Wedding Venues: Artist For Humanity, Exchange Conference Center, Westin Boston Waterfront, Renaissance Seaport, Seaport Hotel Boston
Distinctive Features and Recommendations:
- If your wedding or reception is in the Seaport District, the back lawn of the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse is an excellent location for your wedding photo session;
- The site’s expansive lawn can comfortably accommodate large groups, making it ideal for family shots or bridal party photos;
- The large open area and structure’s positioning ensure good light availability throughout the day, supporting a flexible shooting schedule.
Angelic Willow Trees of Boston Public Gardens
Location: Encompassing the Lagoon area
Parking Information: Boston Common Garage, situated at 0 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116
Adjacent Boston Wedding Venues: Hampshire House, Boston College Club, 9OFS, Boston Harbor Hotel, Hotel Commonwealth, The Fairmont Copley Plaza
Unique Features and Recommendations:
- The willow trees at Boston Public Gardens offer a serene setting for mid-afternoon couple portraits;
- The trees provide a perfectly balanced light for photography, devise intriguing compositions, and create an intriguing layer to shoot throug;
- The location is best used during late spring, summer, and fall months, when the trees are lush and full;
- In the winter months, while the trees may appear somewhat barren, they add a stark, minimalist beauty to photos.
The Lagoon: A Natural Oasis Within Boston Public Gardens
Location: Situated at 4 Charles St. Boston MA 02108
Parking Information: Boston Common Garage, located at 0 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116
Nearby Boston Wedding Venues: Boston Park Plaza, The Row Hotel, Omni Parker House, Boston Marriot Cambridge, Alden Castle
Distinctive Features and Recommendations:
- The Lagoon, positioned centrally in the Boston Public Garden, is a popular spot often included in wedding photos;
- The area is adorned with grand trees that lend a touch of nature to your photos;
- For a stunning view of the park and the Boston cityscape, enter from the corner of Charles and Boylston and walk to the right of the Wendell Phillips Statue. This spot offers a panoramic view of the lagoon and the city;
- Consider visiting in the late afternoon when the sunlight is optimal for capturing stunning wedding images.
Copley Square: A Cultural Hub Amidst Boston
Location: Crossroads of Dartmouth and Boylston
Parking Information: SP + Parking, located at 149 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116
Adjacent Boston Wedding Venues: Boston Public Library, Fairmont Copley Plaza, Lenox Hotel, Liberty Hotel, State Room: A Longwood Venue, The Bostonian
Unique Features and Recommendations:
- Copley Square, located in the heart of Boston, is an accessible location for capturing wedding photos;
- The area once known as Art Square houses various art installations, street food stalls, and entertainment options, adding an urban flair to your photos;
- The area is ideal for overcast days or late afternoons when the lighting conditions are more favorable;
- The location acts as a two-in-one, as it’s just a short stroll across the street to the Boston Public Library. This convenience allows you to cover multiple snapshot spots without the hassle of city traffic.
Fenway Park: A Storied Spot For Red Sox Fans
Location: Nestled at 4 Jersey Street Boston, MA 02215
Parking Information: SP + Parking, residing at 49 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 02215
Adjacent Boston Wedding Venues: Four Seasons Dalton, Hotel Commonwealth, Alden Castle, Westin Copley Place
Unique Features and Recommendations:
- Fenway Park, the home field of Boston’s beloved Red Sox, is a historic landmark that adds a distinct touch to your wedding album;
- If you are a Red Sox fan and your wedding is in the Fenway area, it is a must-visit.
- The site has versatile lighting, enabling photo sessions at any time of the day as one side of the building always stays shaded;
- On game days, the venue can prove to be a bit cramped for large group photos. Hence, it is recommended to stick to solo or couple shots at Fenway Park.
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park: A Scenic Seaside Locale
Location: Junction of Atlantic Ave and Richmond Street
Parking Information: Dock Square Parking Garage, located at 20 Clinton Boston, MA 02109
Nearby Boston Wedding Venues: Boston Harbor Hotel, New England Aquarium, Boston Marriot Long Wharf, The Bostonian Boston, State Room: A Longwood Venue
Distinctive Features and Recommendations:
- Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park is an idyllic wedding photo spot for couples whose celebration takes place in the financial district;
- Though the midday summer sun can make lighting a bit harsh, the park’s abundant trees offer plenty of shaded locations optimal for both family and wedding party photographs;
- With its scenic backdrop and convenient locality, Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park allows you to cover all your wedding photo needs in one spot. From family portraits to solo snaps, the park is versatile enough to cater to all photo settings.
Bunker Hill Monument: A Nod to Boston’s Rich History
Location: Monument Sq, Charlestown, MA 02129
Parking Information: Convenient On-Street Parking
Nearby Boston Wedding Venues: Alcove Restaurant, Battery Wharf Hotel
Distinctive Features and Recommendations:
- The Bunker Hill Monument, a prominent historical fixture, provides a unique backdrop for wedding photographs;
- It is an excellent choice for couples seeking to infuse an element of Boston’s rich history into their wedding memories;
- Although this venue can be a bit bright on summer afternoons, the park is lined with trees that provide natural, even light for photos;
- Its peak offers mesmerizing views of the Boston skyline, while the surrounding streets embellished with gas lanterns and cobblestones add an old-world charm to your pictures.
Charles River Esplanade: An Urban Oasis for Wedding Photography
Location: Frances Appleton Bridge, Boston, MA
Parking Information: Charles Street Garage, located at 144 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114
Adjacent Boston Wedding Venues: Liberty Hotel, The Bostonian, Hotel Commonwealth, Hampshire House
Unique Features and Recommendations:
- Charles River Esplanade, located alongside the Charles River, is a popular spot for wedding photography with its panoramic water views, lush trees, and bustling cityscapes;
- This urban oasis is often frequented by newlyweds during the summer months due to its versatile backdrop that offers a little something for everyone;
- For the best results, consider planning your photo session for the late afternoon when the sun is lower, casting warm, diffused light along the river;
- The area is abundantly shaded by trees, providing the option for lovely, evenly lit afternoon photos.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the perfect location for your Boston wedding photos is a crucial part of the planning process. By selecting a convenient spot that aligns with your wedding venue, you can alleviate potential stressors and focus on creating memorable moments with your loved ones. With the curated list of popular Boston wedding photo locations, complete with practical details and nearby venue options, you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision that will enhance the overall experience of your special day.