Fall in New England is a truly magical time of year! Rich colors completely paint the tree-lined streets and parks. This time of year, the city is filled with picturesque fall foliage engagement locations full of warm palettes, cozy vibes, and natural romance. Here are the best spots to capture the charm of the season.  

Best Places in Boston for Fall Foliage Engagement Photos

Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

Arnold Arboretum is one of my favorite locations in all of Boston for a fall foliage engagement session. Part of the city’s Emerald Necklace, this park feels like a peaceful oasis filled with a diverse variety of trees. This 281-acre escape features gentle trails you can wander along, with trees labeled throughout, adding a fun and informative touch. While it’s a beautiful engagement session location year-round, during peak foliage, the entire preserve is blanketed in warm, vibrant colors. There are no nearby lots, but street parking is available by several of the park’s entrances. When you’re done exploring, I recommend heading to the top of the nearby hill for magical views of the city skyline. 

Location: 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130

Cost to enter: Free

Permit required: No

Dog-friendly: Yes, on a leash

Boston Public Garden

The Boston Public Garden is a classic and popular destination to enjoy the fall colors with your partner. With lots of trees and lush greenery, it offers plenty of beautiful backdrops during peak foliage. As the first botanical garden in the country, it still embraces traditional Victorian gardening styles, lending a timeless and elegant feel throughout the garden. The lagoon, fountains, and city views add to the romance, and ample public parking makes it convenient to explore. At the Boston Public Garden, your fall session will be filled with enchantment and elegance.

Location: 4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116

Cost to enter: Free 

Permit required: No

Dog-friendly: Yes, on a leash

Charles River Esplanade

If you’re dreaming of a fall foliage engagement session along the water, you’ll want to consider the Charles River Esplanade. This park stretches for three miles along the river and features stunning autumn colors on both sides. Even more, you’ll get to experience charming sailboats drifting on the water and picturesque city views. No matter where you are, you’re guaranteed a beautiful backdrop. In the fall, the sun sets right behind the river, which makes the already cozy scenery even more magical!  

Location: 47 David G Mugar Way, Boston, MA 02108

Cost to enter: Free

Permit required: No

Dog-friendly: Yes

Best Places Outside Boston for Fall Foliage Engagement Photos

World’s End

Just outside of Boston in Hingham, MA, is World’s End, another one of my favorite fall foliage engagement photo locations. Nearly every view is stunning, with plenty of trees and a coastal vibe for an enchanting, peaceful visit. As you hike along Hingham Harbor, you’ll gaze upon lovely views of the city from the South Shore. If you want a fall engagement session with coastal charm and views of the city skyline, then World’s End is a great choice. 

Location: Martin’s Ln, Hingham, MA 02043

Cost to enter: Free to $15

Permit required: Yes. Costs range from $100 during the week to $150 on weekends and holidays. For more information and where to apply, visit the Trustees’ website. 

Dog-friendly: Yes, on a leash

Walden Pond State Reservation

Literary lovers looking to experience the fall colors will love visiting Walden Pond State Reservation. Not only does the landscape fill with gorgeous red and orange hues in autumn, but author Henry David Thoreau also once called this place home. Over two years, he lived in a simple one-room house, documenting the natural beauty around him. Today, you can visit a replica of the home and explore the pristine scenery throughout the park.  

Location: 915 Walden St., Concord, MA 01742

Cost to enter: $8 for vehicles with MA plates, $30 for out-of-state vehicles

Permit required: Yes. Permits cost $45. For more information and where to apply, click here.  

Dog-friendly: No

Minute Man National Historical Park

Minute Man National Historical Park is not only where the Revolutionary War began, but also a premier area close to Boston for fall foliage engagement photos. You’ll love walking through historical sites like the Lexington and Concord battlefields and visiting the exhibits throughout the park. There are also stunning displays of foliage, making it a beautiful and storied backdrop to capture the fall colors.  

Location: 210 N Great Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773

Cost to enter: Free 

Permit required: No

Dog-friendly: Yes, on a leash

Tips for Your Boston Fall Foliage Engagement Session

Check for Permits or Other Required Paperwork

While many locations throughout Boston are free to photograph at, a few require special permits for things like engagement sessions. You’ll want to double-check whether permits are needed and how far ahead to apply. That said, I know that the permit process can feel overwhelming. As your engagement session photographer, I’ll handle the heavy legwork of obtaining any necessary paperwork. That way, you can fully enjoy this special moment in your story.

Choose a Location with Diverse Backdrops

I always recommend that couples choose locations with a variety of backdrops. I love taking couples to places around Boston with beautiful fall foliage alongside views of the coast or the city skyline. That way, you’ll have options to move around, find the perfect vibe, and create especially memorable photos! 

Pay Attention to the Timing of the Changing Fall Foliage

Of course, the Boston fall foliage arrives at slightly different times depending on the weather. While I’ll help you track the changing colors, in general, you can expect mostly green and yellow leaves in early October. Peak foliage usually arrives around mid to late October, when the landscape bursts with warm reds, oranges, and golds. By early November, the leaves begin to fall, blanketing the ground for a playful, nostalgic feel. 

Bring a Second Outfit and Comfortable Footwear

I always encourage couples to bring a change of clothes. Even if we don’t end up using them, it’s nice to have the option if the vibe calls for it! Also, choose shoes you’re comfortable walking in, as we might wander around on uneven surfaces. 

Plan Your Boston Fall Foliage Engagement Session for Golden Hour

Golden hour is undoubtedly the best time for your fall engagement session. The soft, warm light makes the already rich colors pop even more. At some spots, like the Charles River Esplanade, the sunset creates a magical moment that you don’t want to miss! 

These Boston fall foliage locations are some of my favorite spots for engagement sessions in the city. They’re cozy, elegant, and showcase the best the city has to offer. If you’re thinking about an engagement session this season, I would love to help you plan an engagement session that feels like you. Contact me to inquire!