The Most Popular Places for Wedding Photos in Boston, MA

TL;DR — How To Edit Wedding Photos

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• Updated September 25, 2025

A part of planning every Boston wedding is deciding where you should take your wedding photos. There are endless locations for your wedding photos, but as a photographer my professional opinion is that you pick the most convenient one for your Boston wedding venue. Selecting a convenient location will eliminate the possibility of the stress of driving around, getting stuck in traffic, and giving you more time with your guest. Also, it comes down to a couple of things, such as how much time we have for your pictures and what you want in them. I have put together the most popular places for wedding photos in Boston. Each Boston wedding photo location includes how to get there, where to park, a few tips, and what Boston wedding venues are nearby. 

What are the best Boston wedding photo locations (by vibe)?

Use this shortlist to pick the right feel, then keep travel light. The deeper notes below keep your page’s original tips (addresses, parking, nearby venues) but make them scannable. Boston Wedding Photographer

Architecture & iconic Boston

• Boston Public Library (BPL) — 700 Boylston St. Ideal late afternoon shade; first look + family portraits work well. Nearby: Fairmont Copley, Lenox, Westin Copley, SRV. Parking: SP+ 149 Newbury St. Permits: Interior use must be coordinated; confirm with BPL events.

• Copley Square — Quick hop to BPL; best later in the day or on cloudy days. Parking: SP+ 149 Newbury St. Nearby: BPL, Fairmont Copley, State Room.

• Old City Hall — Classic stone + columns. Note: Confirm on‑site photography guidelines.

Garden & greenspace

• Public Garden: Willow Trees — Soft, even light mid‑afternoon; best spring–fall. Parking: Boston Common Garage. Nearby: Hampshire House, Boston Harbor Hotel, Hotel Commonwealth, Fairmont

• Public Garden: Lagoon & Bridge — Big, scenic frames with city peeking through; aim late afternoon. Parking: Boston Common Garage. Nearby: Park Plaza, Omni Parker House, Alden Castle (short drive).

• Charles River Esplanade — Water + skyline + trees; late afternoon for warm light; shade options. Parking: Charles St Garage (confirm).

Streets & texture

• Commonwealth Ave Mall — Good light most of day; across from Public Garden. Great for first looks and holiday lights.

• Beacon Hill — Narrow, cobblestoned charm; avoid large groups and peak‑tourist times. Acorn Street is a quick add‑on (often crowded).

Waterfront & skyline

• Fan Pier / Harborwalk (Seaport) — City backdrop + glassy reflections near sunset.

• Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park — Shaded nooks for parties/family; mid‑day can be harsh. Confirm park guidelines with the City/Friends group.

• Moakley Courthouse lawn (Seaport) — Large lawn for groups; works any time; perfect if your day is in the Seaport.

Historic overlook

• Bunker Hill Monument (Charlestown) — City views; bright mid‑day, trees offer shade. Note: On NPS property.

Best Boston wedding photo locations — vibe, timing, rain cover, permits, and proximity.

Location	Vibe	Best time	Rain cover nearby	Permits?	Close to
BPL (exterior)	Beaux‑Arts, grand	Late afternoon	Hotel foyers / BPL interiors	Interior use: confirm	Fairmont Copley
Public Garden (Lagoon)	Green, scenic	Late afternoon	Nearby hotels	City park: confirm	Park Plaza, Back Bay
Comm Ave Mall	Leafy, classic	Any / holiday nights	BPL foyers	No formal use typically; confirm	Back Bay hotels
Fan Pier / Harborwalk	Skyline / water	Golden hour	Seaport lobbies	Some areas private; confirm	Seaport hotels
Columbus Park	Vines / arches	AM or late PM	Nearby hotels	City park: confirm	Downtown venues
Esplanade	River + trees	Late afternoon	Hotel interiors	State / DCR: confirm	Back Bay / Beacon Hill

Notes: Permits and access can change—confirm with the venue or park (City of Boston, DCR, or NPS) before your date.

Where To Take Wedding Photos In Boston

1. Boston Public Library

2. Commonwealth Ave

3. Beacon Hill

4. Acorn Street

5. John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse

6. Copley Square

7. Willow Tree - Public Gardens

8. The Lagoon - Boston Public Garden

9. Fenway Park

10. Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park

11. Charles River Esplanade

12. Charlestown Monument

13. Seaport District

14. Boston Waterfront

15. The South End

16. Piers Park East Boston

17. Post Office Square

18. Old City Hall

19. Fan Pier on Harbor Walk

20. Boston Harbor Hotel

Rain plan ideas close to popular spots

• Hotel lobbies/foyers near Back Bay venues, The Liberty Hotel, and Fairmont Copley Plaza both have large lobbies for a couple quick photos.

• Covered arcades/foyers The Omni Parker Seaport Hotel, and World Trade Center have large over hangs perfect for a rain photo location on your wedding day.

• Boston Public Library does not allow couples to take photos there on rainy days.
  Pro tip: Even on wet days, the Public Garden paths and tree cover can work for couple portraits—bring clear umbrellas.

Boston Public Library 

700 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116

Park: SP+ 149 Newbury.

Nearby: Fairmont Copley, Boston Public Library, Westin Copley, and Lenox Hotel, SRV Restaurant

Tip: Great late‑day shade; do first look + family photos here.

Commonwealth Avenue

Arlington & Comm Ave.

Park:4 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

Nearby: Boston Public Library, Lenox, Westin, Fairmont, Four Seasons.

Tip: Works most of day; holiday lights add night portraits.

Beacon Hill

 Corner of Beacon and Charles

Park: 77 Charles St (garage).

Nearby: Ritz, Four Seasons, Liberty.

Tip: Better for couple‑only; avoid big groups at peak times.

Acorn Street

In between Mount Vernon Street and Chestnut 

Park: 61 Chestnut St Parking.

Nearby: Boston Athenaeum, Mooo Restaurant, Hampshire House

Tip: Plan a quick stop—space is tight and often crowded.

John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse

1 Courthouse Way, Boston, MA 02210

Park: 21 Liberty Dr.

Nearby: Artists for Humanity, Exchange Center, Seaport hotels.

Tip: Big groups fit; lighting flexible.

Willow Trees at The Boston Public Gardens

Surrounding the Lagoon area

Park: Boston Common Garage.

Nearby: Hampshire House, Hotel Commonwealth, Fairmont.

Tip: Best spring–fall; even light mid‑afternoon.

The Lagoon - Boston Public Garden

4 Charles St. Boston MA 02108

Park: Boston Common Garage.

Nearby: Park Plaza, Omni Parker House, Alden Castle.

Tip: Late‑day light + scenic frames with skyline peeks.

Copley Square

Dartmouth St. & Boylston St., Boston, MA

Park: SP+ 149 Newbury.

Nearby: BPL, Fairmont Copley, State Room.

Tip: Cloudy days or later in the afternoon shine here.

Fenway Park

4 Jersey Street Boston MA 02215

Park: 49 Lansdowne St.

Nearby: Four Seasons Dalton, Hotel Commonwealth, Alden Castle.

Tip: Use shaded side on game days; not ideal for big groups.

Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park

The corner of Atlantic Ave and Richmond Street

Park: Dock Square Garage.

Nearby: Boston Harbor Hotel, Aquarium, Long Wharf, State Room.

Tip: Plenty of shade pockets for families; mid‑day can be bright.

Charles River Esplanade

Frances Appleton Bridge area, Boston, MA

Park: Charles St Garage (confirm).

Nearby: Liberty, Hampshire House.

Tip: Late afternoon glow; trees offer options.

Bunker Hill Monument 

Monument Square, Charlestown, MA

Park: On‑street.

Nearby: Alove

Tip: Perimeter trees for even light; skyline views up top.

What’s a walkable Wedding Photo plan near Back Bay?

Try this Boston back bay photo loop (45 -60 minutes)

1. First look on the shaded side of the BPL facade.

2. Family + wedding party photos along the library steps (angled for shade).

3. Walk across the street to Copley Square for a wide, architectural frame.

4. Two back over there is a Commonwealth Ave Mall for leafy portraits for the couple.

5. At the end of Commonwealth Ave there is a the Boston Public Garden which has endless photo locations.

   Pro tip: Keep groups small in Beacon Hill; plan couple‑only there and do family photos elsewhere.

BOSTON WEDDING PHOTO LOCATIONS FAQ

Quick answers: Best walkable areas · Permit basics · Golden hour timing · Rain backups · Beacon Hill crowds · Family photo timing · Second shooter value · Dog‑friendly spots · Winter locations · Travel time tips

What are the most walkable Boston areas for portraits?

Back Bay: BPL → Copley → Comm Ave → Public Garden is an easy loop with variety and minimal transit.

Do we need a permit for wedding photos?

Sometimes—rules vary by location and manager (City, DCR, NPS, or private). Always confirm with the venue/park before your date.

When is the light best for Boston skyline shots?

Golden hour (last 60–30 minutes before sunset) gives warm tones and reflections—great at Fan Pier/Harborwalk or the Esplanade.

What if it rains?

Lean on hotel interiors, covered foyers, and—if arranged—BPL interiors. We’ll also carry clear umbrellas and pivot nearby.

Is Beacon Hill too crowded?

It can be on weekends and in summer. Plan couple‑only portraits there and do family photos in a roomier spot.

How much time should we budget for family photos?

Plan 20–30 minutes for immediate family if everyone is pre‑grouped. Add a 10–15 minute buffer for transitions.

Do we need a second photographer for city portraits?

Helpful with 120+ guests, split prep, tight timelines, or if you want simultaneous angles without slowing down.

Can we include our dog in photos at the Public Garden/Common?

Leashed dogs are allowed in these parks; still confirm any day‑of park advisories or event overlaps.

What locations work well in winter?

Back Bay architecture (BPL/Copley), Old City Hall, and Seaport glass lines hold up beautifully even without leaves.

How do we keep travel time under control?

Choose one hub, keep everything walkable, and add a short golden‑hour sneak‑out near your reception.

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