Marina & Adam Engagement New Jersey Ringwood Botanical Garden
Escape the City: A Serene Engagement at Ringwood Botanical Garden
There’s something magical about the hustle of New York City, but when it comes to your engagement photos, sometimes you just want to breathe. If you’re looking for a location that feels a world away without the five-hour flight, let me introduce you to one of my favorite "hidden" gems: The New Jersey Botanical Garden (NJBG) at Skylands Manor.
Located in Ringwood, NJ, this stunning estate offers everything a couple could want—serenity, history, and over 96 acres of manicured beauty.
Why It’s the Perfect Quick Getaway
For my NYC couples, "destination" usually sounds like a logistics nightmare. But Ringwood is just a 60-minute drive from Upper Manhattan. It’s the ultimate quick getaway that trades skyscrapers for stone manors and sirens for birdsong.
The moment you pull into the park, the energy shifts. The air is crisper, the light is softer, and the pace slows down—which is exactly what you need to feel relaxed and natural in front of the lens.
The Grounds: A Photographer’s Dream
The variety at Ringwood is honestly unmatched. Whether you’re looking for something "Enchanted Forest" or "European Estate," we can find it here:
Skylands Manor: A 1920s Tudor revival mansion that looks like a castle straight out of a fairytale. Its stone walls and leaded glass windows provide a timeless, sophisticated backdrop.
The Perennial Gardens: From blooming peonies in the spring to vibrant foliage in the fall, there is always a pop of color.
The Reflection Pool: A long, elegant water feature lined with trees that creates perfect symmetry for those classic, wide-angle "wow" shots.
Wooded Paths: If you want something more organic and rustic, the winding trails offer a lush, natural vibe that feels intimate and private.
If you’re dreaming of an engagement session that feels peaceful, romantic, and effortlessly beautiful, Ringwood Botanical Garden is waiting for you.
