Untermyer Gardens, located in Yonkers, New York, is a stunning destination for couples looking to capture their engagement in an unforgettable setting. Known for its beautiful gardens, rich history, and breathtaking views, Untermyer Gardens has become a sought-after location for engagement photos, offering a unique blend of nature and architecture that’s hard to find anywhere else. This serene oasis is only a short drive from the bustling city, providing a peaceful and romantic backdrop for couples seeking a timeless look for their engagement photos.
In this post, we’ll explore why Untermyer Gardens is such a popular spot for engagement sessions, what makes it a standout choice for couples, and the critical details you need to know, including why securing a photography permit is essential for your shoot.
Why Choose Untermyer Gardens for Your Engagement Session?
Untermyer Gardens offers a romantic and visually striking location that stands out from typical engagement photo settings. Its stunning combination of meticulously maintained gardens and historical architecture provides an idyllic backdrop for various photo styles. The Walled Garden, for example, is one of the most iconic spots within the park, featuring symmetrical pools, mosaic designs, and marble pillars that evoke a sense of grandeur and elegance. This garden section is inspired by Indo-Persian design, making it a unique and dramatic location for portraits.
Another highlight of Untermyer Gardens is the Temple of Love, a breathtaking stone structure atop a cascading waterfall. The temple’s romantic and almost mythical atmosphere, set against lush greenery, makes it ideal for capturing intimate moments. The various garden spaces offer a diversity of backdrops—from lush floral landscapes to grand architectural elements—all within a relatively small area. This makes it easy for you and your photographer to create various images without traveling far.
Beyond the garden’s structured spaces, Untermyer also boasts incredible views of the Hudson River and the Palisades cliffs. These expansive views provide a dramatic natural setting that contrasts beautifully with the more manicured areas of the gardens. For couples looking for a combination of nature and architectural beauty, Untermyer Gardens truly delivers.
What to Expect During Your Engagement Session
When you arrive at Untermyer Gardens for your engagement session, expect to be surrounded by beauty at every turn. The gardens are intimate and grand, creating a feeling of romance perfect for capturing the connection between you and your partner. Whether you’re posing near the intricate details of the Walled Garden or taking in the sweeping views of the Hudson River, the setting will naturally elevate your photos.
While the gardens provide a wide range of locations for your session, planning your timing carefully is essential. The best times to shoot are typically early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is soft and golden, making the gardens appear even more magical. Each season brings its unique charm to the gardens. In the spring and summer, the gardens are in full bloom with vibrant flowers, while autumn brings warm, earthy tones that create a more rustic, romantic atmosphere.
It’s also important to be aware of photography regulations at Untermyer Gardens. The gardens require a permit for professional photography sessions, including engagement shoots. This permit ensures that your session is authorized and prevents any interruptions from staff or security. You can apply for a license through the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, and it’s recommended that you do this well in advance, as availability can fill up, particularly during peak seasons.
Why the Permit is Essential for Your Session
Although obtaining a permit may seem like an extra step, planning your engagement session at Untermyer Gardens is necessary. Without a license, you may risk being asked to stop your session by garden staff, which can disrupt the flow of your shoot and limit your access to the more scenic parts of the gardens. By securing a permit ahead of time, you can ensure that your session runs smoothly and that you have access to all the best spots within the garden.
The permit fee also helps maintain this historic landmark, preserving its beauty for future visitors and couples. Supporting the upkeep of Untermyer Gardens is a small price to pay for the opportunity to capture such stunning and timeless photos.
Additionally, having a permit offers peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about being interrupted or needing to cut your session short. Instead, you can focus on enjoying your time in this picturesque setting and working with your photographer to create the perfect images.
Making the Most of Your Untermyer Gardens Engagement Session
Untermyer Gardens provides endless opportunities for capturing stunning engagement photos, but there are a few things to remember to ensure your session is a success. First, book your photographer and permit well in advance, especially if you’re planning your session during peak seasons. This will ensure you get the date and time you want and have plenty of time to plan for the best lighting conditions.
Once you’ve secured your permit, talk with your photographer about the locations within the gardens that will best suit your style. From the structured elegance of the Walled Garden to the Temple of Love’s romantic atmosphere, each garden area offers a different vibe, allowing you to create a diverse set of images. You may also want to bring a few other outfits to change up the look and feel of your photos as you move between locations.
Lastly, remember that Untermyer Gardens is a public space, so other visitors may be present during your session. While the permit helps to ensure you have access to the most photogenic spots, it’s a good idea to arrive early or shoot during off-peak hours to avoid larger crowds. Your photographer can help guide you through the timing and logistics to ensure you get the most out of your session.
Frequently Asked Questions: Untermyer Gardens Engagement Sessions
Where is Untermyer Gardens located?
945 North Broadway in Yonkers, New York — about 20 miles north of Manhattan, accessible by car or Metro-North from Grand Central to Yonkers station. It sits on a hillside above the Hudson River with views of the Palisades cliffs. More at untermyergardens.org.
Do you need a permit for engagement photos at Untermyer Gardens?
Yes — a photography permit is required for professional engagement sessions. This is non-negotiable and enforced. Confirm current permit requirements and fees directly with the gardens before booking your session. I handle permit research for every session so there are no surprises on the day.
What makes Untermyer Gardens special for engagement photos?
The combination of Indo-Persian architecture, formal garden design, and Hudson River views is genuinely unlike anything else in the greater New York area. The Walled Garden has symmetrical reflecting pools, mosaic tile work, and marble pillars. The Temple of Love sits above a cascading waterfall. The views of the Palisades from the hilltop are extraordinary. And almost nobody outside of the region knows it exists — your photos will look unlike anyone else’s.
What is the Walled Garden at Untermyer Gardens?
The centerpiece of the gardens — an enclosed garden space inspired by Indo-Persian design with symmetrical reflecting pools, intricate mosaic work, marble pillars, and a formal geometric layout that feels like it belongs in a different country entirely. It’s one of the most architecturally distinctive portrait locations in the entire New York metro area.
What is the Temple of Love?
A stone structure at the edge of the hillside, positioned above a cascading waterfall with sweeping views of the Hudson River and the Palisades beyond. The name is accurate — it’s a genuinely romantic space. At sunset, the light coming off the river and the sky behind the temple is extraordinary.
What time of day is best for an Untermyer Gardens engagement session?
Late afternoon into golden hour. The gardens face west toward the Hudson, which means the light at sunset comes directly across the water and illuminates the garden structures beautifully. The Temple of Love at golden hour specifically produces some of the most dramatic light I’ve worked with anywhere in the New York area.
What time of year is best for Untermyer Gardens?
Late spring and early summer for the gardens in full bloom — the colors are extraordinary. Fall for warm light and foliage framing the Hudson River views. The gardens are generally open May through October. Check the current season schedule before booking.
How does Untermyer Gardens compare to other NYC area engagement locations?
It’s more unusual than Central Park or DUMBO, requires more planning (permit, travel time), and produces images that look genuinely different from anything shot in the city itself. If you want something that stops people mid-scroll because it doesn’t look like any engagement session they’ve seen before, Untermyer is one of the best options in the region. For a city comparison, my NYC parks engagement guide covers in-city options in detail.
Do you photograph engagement sessions at Untermyer Gardens?
Yes — it’s one of my favorite session locations in the entire region. If you’re planning an engagement session at Untermyer Gardens, I’d love to hear about it.
Untermyer Gardens looks like nowhere else in New York. If you want to shoot there, reach out here.
