Okay, so you’re ready to get engaged to your other half?! Congratulations!!!!

Now comes the hard part- where and how? If you’re lucky enough to live in New Jersey you may already be thinking of a few spots that are really popular for engagements and proposals, but I am about to give you a few that maybe you haven’t heard of. 

When you think of New Jersey you might think of the cast of Jersey Shore, trashy (but incredibly entertaining TV shows like Real Housewives, and Atlantic City. But as a New Jersey Photographer, when I think of it- I think of gorgeous open fields and farmlands, the New York City skyline, and small quaint towns no one has ever really heard of. 

I have photographed my fair share of proposals from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Boston, but New Jersey Proposals are by far my favorite! Because this is home and for so many of my couples it’s their home too. 

If you’re from New Jersey then you know how beautiful it truly is. And you might even be wondering about some of the secret little nooks that you can ask the most important question of your life to the most important person of your life.

So as your go-to New Jersey Engagement Photographer, I am here to give you allllllll of the best proposal ideas that are low key but romantic enough to pop the question.

1. The New Jersey Botanical Garden in Ringwood

It is all around stunning for a New Jersey Proposal. From flowers to greenery to a gorgeous mansion- you can’t get any more picture perfect.

It also gives your proposal photographer plenty of places to go into stealth mode so your other half can’t scope them out.

Go for a nice nature stroll, enjoy the scenery, and then get down on one knee- it couldn’t be more perfect! There are also more than a few spots to do photos afterwards and places to explore so take some time before and after to really soak in the beauty of this place.

There is the State Park and the Botanical garden that are on the same road but about a half a mile away from each other so make sure you know which one you are going to.

(One pro tip: they do require a photography permit so make sure your photographer is aware and can take care of this for you!) 

2. Greenwood Gardens in Short Hills, New Jersey

This place, although only open on weekends, is so picturesque and serene.

It is such a beautiful place to get engaged I can’t recommend it enough. I love the gorgeous fountain, the symmetry between the beautiful stairs, gardens, and grounds- it offers just the right backdrop for a proposal.

It isn’t a far drive from New York City or from Northern New Jersey so it is a great middle ground. It’s also close to some great romantic restaurants to celebrate afterwards. And like the Botanical Garden, this spot also offers nice nooks for your photographer to hide out in so your other half doesn’t suspect a thing.

I recommend going in the morning or right before it closes at 7pm to have the best light and least amount of people. This location does not require a photo permit as of now, but it is always good to have your Proposal Photographer check out their website to updates just in case. 

3. Stairway to Heaven in Vernon, New Jersey

This next spot is for my hikers and adventure seekers that want to incorporate that into their proposal to make it feel more true to them as a couple.

This New Jersey proposal idea is one that I always recommend to my couples.If you haven’t been, GO!

It is absolutely gorgeous in every way (plus you can close your move ring on your apple watch in no time). It’s a great workout, but more importantly it’s a beautiful scenic place to say “YES!”.

After a bit of a hike, you’ll reach some gorgeous views at the mountain top and will pass some great little areas along the way as well if you decided you wanted a more private off the beaten path proposal and then continue all the way to the top

Again, this area is very open to the public so does not require a permit for photography, but be mindful of timing and when the least amount of people will be present there. 

There you have it folks- the top three best places to get engaged in New Jersey. If you’re still on the fence just go ahead and look at some of the breathtaking pictures online- that should make your decision a little easier.

And before you go, don’t forget to look at opening + closing times, permit rules, and other regulations beforehand so that you’re fully prepared and nothing pops up last minute that your Photographer or yourself cannot handle. But at the end of the day make sure to choose something that feels authentic to you both as a couple.

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to travel to all of these gorgeous locations in New Jersey for my engagement couples and beyond. There is no other place that I would rather call home than this state.

If you’re interested in capturing the big moment, click below for details on my photography packages.