New York City is filled with picture-perfect spots, but if you’re looking for a unique and cozy vibe for your engagement photos, why not consider some of the city’s most Instagrammable cafés? Cafés in NYC aren’t just places to grab a latte—they’re beautifully designed spaces that combine aesthetic interiors, great lighting, and delicious treats, making them ideal locations for your engagement photo shoot. Here’s a roundup of NYC’s most Instagrammable cafés for engagement photos, where you can capture the perfect mix of romance and style.
Maman
Location: Multiple locations across Manhattan (SoHo, Tribeca, Nomad, etc.)
Maman is famous for its French country-inspired interiors, with rustic wooden tables, vintage décor, and soft lighting. With its quaint charm, Maman offers a warm, intimate atmosphere perfect for romantic, close-up shots. The pastel color palette and floral patterns lend themselves beautifully to effortlessly chic photos. Pair that with a cup of their signature coffee or a pastry, and your engagement photos will feel like a cozy afternoon in Paris.
Why It’s Instagrammable:
- Warm, vintage interior design
- Pastel tones and floral details
- Cozy, intimate spaces for close-up shots
Felix Roasting Co.
Location: 450 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10016
If you’re looking for a spot with luxurious, opulent vibes, Felix Roasting Co. is the place to go. The lush velvet seating, colorful tiles, and elegant marble accents create a unique backdrop for engagement photos. Felix Roasting Co. is designed with incredible attention to detail, making every corner of the café Instagrammable. Whether you’re posing in front of the patterned wall tiles or capturing a moment by the chic bar area, this space offers an elevated, artistic setting.
Why It’s Instagrammable:
- Luxe velvet seating and marble accents
- Gorgeous tile work and rich colors
- Artistic, high-end atmosphere perfect for unique photos
Cha Cha Matcha
Location: Multiple locations (Nolita, Flatiron, Nomad)
Cha Cha Matcha is the perfect spot for couples who want bright, playful, and colorful engagement photos. Known for its bold pink and green décor and tropical vibes, this café feels like a mini vacation in the middle of the city. The neon signs, palm-print wallpaper, and pastel accents add a vibrant energy to your photos, making them pop with color and fun. For couples who want a more laid-back and whimsical vibe, Cha Cha Matcha offers a trendy and unique space.
Why It’s Instagrammable:
- Fun, colorful décor with pink and green tones
- Palm-print walls and neon signs
- Playful, tropical aesthetic for vibrant photos
Bluestone Lane
Location: Multiple locations (West Village, Upper East Side, Bryant Park, etc.)
For a café with a minimalist, airy vibe, Bluestone Lane is a top contender. Known for its Australian-inspired coffee culture, Bluestone Lane features a sleek, modern design with bright, open spaces and plenty of natural light. The clean lines, soft hues, and stylish seating areas create a relaxed, sophisticated backdrop for engagement photos. Whether you’re capturing a candid moment over coffee or a more posed shot, Bluestone Lane offers versatility in its aesthetic appeal.
Why It’s Instagrammable:
- Bright, open spaces with natural light
- Minimalist, modern design
- Relaxed yet stylish backdrop for photos
Sézane L’Appartement
Location: 254 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012 (Nolita)
Technically more of a retail store and café hybrid, Sézane L’Appartement is the epitome of French chic and Parisian elegance. The Nolita location is gorgeously styled with light pastel tones, fresh flowers, and vintage-inspired furniture, making it an absolutely perfect spot for romantic, dreamy engagement photos. The café area inside is quaint and offers a beautifully styled space to sip coffee while capturing charming moments with your partner.
Why It’s Instagrammable:
- Romantic Parisian-inspired design
- Soft pastel colors and vintage accents
- Cozy, intimate corners for sweet, close-up moments
Remi Flower & Coffee
Location: 906 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10017
Remi Flower & Coffee is a hidden gem for couples who want something truly unique. This flower shop and café hybrid offers stunning floral displays and arrangements that are perfect for photo backdrops. The minimalist café space blends beautifully with the bright, colorful flowers that adorn the space. It’s a great choice for couples who want to incorporate nature and florals into their engagement photos without going to a traditional park or outdoor location.
Why It’s Instagrammable:
- Beautiful floral arrangements and displays
- Minimalist, flower-filled interior
- Perfect for couples who want a nature-inspired look with an urban twist
Citizens of Chelsea
Location: 401 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001
Citizens of Chelsea has a laid-back, chic vibe perfect for couples who want a stylish yet relaxed space for their engagement photos. With its clean, modern interiors and pops of greenery, this café combines a trendy aesthetic with a touch of nature. The light-filled space and carefully curated décor make for an Instagram-worthy setting that’s both approachable and chic. Whether you’re capturing candid moments or more posed shots, Citizens of Chelsea offers plenty of variety in a single location.
Why It’s Instagrammable:
- Sleek, modern interior with pops of greenery
- Light, airy space with lots of natural lighting
- Stylish yet approachable atmosphere
Devoción
Location: 69 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249 (Williamsburg)
Devoción offers a lush, tropical oasis in the heart of Williamsburg. Known for its sprawling plants, high ceilings, and rustic wooden décor, Devoción feels like an indoor garden, making it the perfect setting for nature-loving couples. The combination of greenery and industrial elements creates a one-of-a-kind backdrop for engagement photos. Whether you want a casual photo in a cozy corner or a dramatic shot in front of their greenery wall, Devoción has plenty of stunning nooks to explore.
Why It’s Instagrammable:
- Lush greenery and natural light
- Rustic wooden décor and industrial elements
- Ideal for nature-inspired photos in an urban setting
What to Do Before Choosing a Café for Your Engagement Photos
Before you settle on one of NYC’s most Instagrammable cafés for your engagement photos, there are a few important steps to ensure the process goes smoothly and that you get the best shots possible. While cafés provide beautiful, intimate settings, they are still businesses with customers and staff to consider. Here’s a quick checklist of things to do before booking a shoot at one of these gorgeous spots:
- Get Permission to Shoot. Most cafés, especially popular Instagrammable spots, may have policies around professional photography, so it’s essential to get permission before you plan your engagement shoot. Contact the café’s management and ask if they allow professional photo sessions. Some cafés might be more flexible during off-peak hours, while others might charge a fee or require booking for photoshoots. Make sure to clarify what is allowed, how long you can shoot, and whether there are any specific rules regarding photography in their space.
- Consider the Time of Day. Cafés tend to get busy, especially during brunch and lunch hours, making capturing clean, uninterrupted shots challenging. When scheduling your engagement session, opt for off-peak hours—either early or later in the afternoon—when the café is likely quieter. This makes it easier to capture photos without people in the background and creates a more relaxed environment for your shoot. Plus, you can take advantage of natural light, which is often softer and more flattering during these times of the day.
- Coordinate Your Outfits with the Café’s Aesthetic. The aesthetic of the café should complement the style of your engagement photos. Once you’ve chosen a location, consider coordinating your outfits with the café’s décor. For example, suppose you’re shooting at a café like Cha Cha Matcha, with its vibrant colors and tropical vibes. In that case, you might want to wear bright, playful outfits that match the space, for more minimal or vintage-inspired cafés like Maman or Bluestone Lane, neutral or pastel tones might be a better fit. Matching your wardrobe to the café’s style will create a cohesive and visually pleasing look in your photos.
- Prepare for the Weather. If the café has outdoor seating or large windows that let in lots of natural light, remember the weather when scheduling your shoot. Bright, sunny days can create beautiful natural light indoors, while overcast days may result in softer, more even lighting, which can also be ideal for photography. If you plan on using outdoor seating areas, have a backup plan in case of rain or chilly weather. Some cafés with indoor and outdoor options can offer more flexibility on the day of your shoot.
By securing permission, planning the timing, and ensuring the café’s aesthetic aligns with your vision, you can make the most of your engagement photo session at one of NYC’s most Instagrammable cafés. Preparing ahead will help you avoid hiccups and ensure your photos turn out exactly as you envision.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a setting that feels cozy, stylish, and completely unique for your engagement photos, NYC’s most Instagrammable cafés offer the perfect backdrop. From the French elegance of Maman to the tropical vibes of Cha Cha Matcha, there’s a café to suit every couple’s style. Whether you’re drawn to luxurious interiors or bright, playful designs, these café spaces allow you to capture intimate, candid moments in beautifully designed environments that are sure to stand out on your Instagram feed.
