If you talk to professional photographers, particularly those who specialize in weddings, you'll hear of an interesting development in the industry. Engagement photos sessions are now seen as an essential part of your wedding photography, and there is just as much effort put into good quality shots as there will be in capturing the actual wedding event. For thousands of couples, the beauty and romance of the Cape Cod area is the ultimate place for their wedding day, as well as their engagement, and in both instances, it calls for great photos.
I suggest the following top 10 locations in Cape Cod for an engagement photo session.
1. Woods Hole
Described by most who visit as everything that defines a Cape Cod village. It is a charming, seaside location with a classic village, a ferry, waterfront shops and cafes, plenty of docks with colorful boats and a long stretch of iconic beachfront. Whether the engagement is a surprise or already done and you simply want a Cape Cod themed photo shoot, starting out in Woods Hole is the perfect way to get all of those classic Cape Cod, New England seashore images.
2. Rock Harbor
This is another location that offers the iconic Cape Cod images. Little wooden shingled beach shacks, a charming port and harbor area full of brightly painted boats and an amazing bay beach with lots of tall marsh grass and gorgeous sunsets make it a perfect engagement backdrop.
3. Nobska Lighthouse
This is near to the Woods Hole area and is a fantastically romantic spot for an engagement photo shoot. The lighthouse is surrounded by large areas of classic Cape Cod beachfront, but the grounds of the picturesque lighthouse are also an ideal spot. Lots of sky, sun and appealing vignettes are possible in this one charming spot.
4. Sandwich Heritage Museum
This is an amazing spot to visit and even more so to have engagement photos. This is because it has dozens of beautiful gardens on the extensive grounds and is close to the Sandwich Boardwalk, which is a fun spot to extend the photo shoot. Go during the flower season and you will have a tough time choosing just which area to use as your backdrop.
5. The Knob
This is part of the Salt Pond Area Bird Sanctuary and is also close to Woods Hole. In fact, it is between Woods Hole's Steamship Authority and the downtown district of Falmouth. It is a historic property and is famous for its stunning sunsets. You follow a forest path to the stunning beach and it is so popular that it can get quite crowded around sunset, so plan on setting up a bit early to keep strangers out of your shots!
6. Sunset in Wellfleet
The harbor in Wellfleet is one of the most photogenic locations in all of Cape Cod, and yet its beauty is boosted even more by the impossibly orange, pink, purple and deep blue sunsets that seem to appear here almost year round. Find a cozy corner of the Wellfleet harbor and you'll be sure to capture stunning backgrounds in a classic marsh grass and waterfront area.
7. Chatham Lighthouse
Another highly recommended lighthouse for wedding engagement photography in Cape Cod, it has no options for booking a wedding event, but dozens upon dozens of couples get their pre-wedding photos and engagement shots here.
8. Sandy Neck Beach
Tucked into the coast in Sandwich, this is considered one of the best sunset beaches in all of Cape Cod. However, its openness, beauty and extensive and curving lines also give you plenty of spots for a private and beautiful engagement photo shoot. Go a bit early to ensure you get the lovely, golden light changing as it paints its way over the dunes and the sands.
9. Harwich Port Harbor
If you love the seafaring life and want a good assortment of actual sailboats as your backdrop, this area is the best way to capture such imagery. It is one of the more popular harbors for small boats and yachts and features plenty of gardens to serve as backdrops for your classic Cape Cod romance.
10. Falmouth Beaches
This is the perfect spot if you pay a visit around sunset and make sure you are facing west – towards the sunset. Not only are some areas of the beach backed with wild roses and marsh grasses, but you will also find those iconic wooden fences and paths that will enhance even the most casual images.
Though I promised ten spots, there are so many other spots worthy of mentioning that I can't just end the list there. While planning out your photo shoot, don't forget to consider some of the area's most famous and unique locations, too. They are just as scenic and appealing though not instantly recognizable as the Cape. For example, I strongly suggest the Province Lands areas outside of Provincetown as they have those amazing sea views, the stunning trails and the elegant balance of golden sand and grass against dazzling blue skies.
There is also Uncle Tim's Bridge in Wellfleet – especially at sunset any time of year – as it is simply stunning and picturesque from every angle. Old Silver Beach in Falmouth is another stunner, and it can be a rare location on the Cape in which enormous and powerful waves crash along the shore. If you prefer a sunrise photo session, or just want to kick off a day of photography in a stunning beach, the LeCount Hollow beach area in Wellfleet is a truly remarkable spot all year round. The boardwalk that takes you over the White Cedar Swamp outside of Wellfleet is also a good one for classic New England seaside imagery and the couple who loves nature.
There you have more than ten spots to enjoy during your Cape Cod engagement photo session. Each offers that classic Cape Cod look and appeal but each is also entirely unique and beautiful in its own way.
