If you’ve been dreaming of wedding portraits inside the Met Cloisters, I get it. The medieval architecture, the arched stone walkways, the gardens—it looks like something out of another world. But as of now, the museum does not allow portrait sessions inside. That includes wedding photos, engagement sessions, or any other styled event.
No exceptions, no permits available. If you’re hoping for those dramatic stone interiors, unfortunately, it’s not currently an option.
That said, all is not lost.
What You Can Do at the Cloisters
You can still photograph outside the Met Cloisters, including the surrounding paths and the parking lot. And while “parking lot” might not sound glamorous, hear me out—the spot right in front of the museum offers a fantastic view of the building’s facade. You’ll get those towering stone walls, the turrets, and the gothic arches in the background without needing access to the inside. The light here is clean and directional, allowing you to work without interruption, especially on weekdays.
What If You Don’t Want to Travel?
If your wedding is nearby or you don’t have the time to travel far between events, other portrait spots within a 10–15 minute drive keep the same atmosphere. Inwood Hill Park is one of them. It’s rugged, forested, and quiet—less landscaped than Fort Tryon, with sweeping trails and stone outcrops that look and feel removed from the city. It’s one of the only places in Manhattan that still has a natural forest.
Isham Park is even closer. It’s smaller, but it’s elevated and has lovely stone walls and open green spaces. If you’re working with a tight schedule and still want outdoor variety, it’s an easy stop.
And then there’s Fort Tryon Park itself. It surrounds the Cloisters and is a gem in its own right. There are wooded paths, stone staircases, scenic overlooks, and places where the trees part just enough to catch soft, natural light. The Heather Garden, with its winding pathways and lush, layered greenery, offers a timeless, romantic setting that feels natural yet refined. From the upper pathways down to the Linden Terrace, you’ll find a range of looks—some areas feel almost like private gardens, others more like dramatic overlooks.
Where Else Can You Go With a Similar Vibe?
If you’re drawn to the Cloisters for its historic, dramatic aesthetic, other spots in and around New York offer a similar energy, stone, texture, and a bit of mood.
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights boasts incredible architecture and often doesn’t require a permit for portraits taken outside. It’s one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, and its front steps and entryways make a strong visual impact.
The College of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx offers stone buildings and a campus that feels tucked away. It’s often quiet, and the light near the chapel and library is especially good late in the day.
Wave Hill in the Bronx is a little more manicured, but it balances views of the Hudson with stately structures and gardens. You’ll need a permit, but it’s straightforward to secure.
If this is for an engagement session, and you’re open to traveling a bit, the grounds at Princeton University are spectacular—Gothic arches, historic stone, and a stillness that photographs beautifully. Again, no interior access, but the exteriors do a lot of the heavy lifting.
Final Thoughts
The Cloisters might be off-limits inside, but if you’re drawn to the look, there are still ways to get what you’re after. We can use the exterior architecture and nearby park for rich, layered portraits—and if you want something even more immersive, I can recommend several alternatives that keep the same aesthetic without sacrificing light or flexibility.
If this style resonates with you, I’d be happy to help create a location plan that suits your aesthetic and aligns with your timeline. There’s always a workaround. You just need someone who knows where to look.
