Bethesda Fountain is closed for the 2026-2027 season, here's a list of other awesome spots to take photos in Central Park
If you haven't heard: Bethesda Fountain and the Sailboat Pond (on the east side of Central Park, near 72nd Street) will be closed for the 2026–2027 season for a long-overdue restoration of these 100-year-old landmarks. Construction has already started, with fencing and orange barricades closing Bethesda Fountain off to the public.
If you had your heart set on a romantic photo session at Bethesda, you're not out of luck, Central Park has dozens of equally beautiful, often less crowded spots for couples' photos, and I've been photographing engagements, proposals, and weddings at many of them for years.
Below, I've broken down the most romantic photo locations in Central Park by season and time of day, so whether you're a New Yorker planning a proposal or visiting from out of town for a few days, you can pick a spot (and a time) that fits your trip. I've also put together several images so you can see exactly what each location looks like before you visit or plan your photo session.
Best places to take photos in Central Park in Summer:
Bethesda Terrace is still a romantic place to take photos, though I recommend getting there earlier in the morning to avoid crowds.
The Shakespeare Garden and Belvedere Castle are incredibly romantic and often easy to work around tourists. This garden is at it's peak in the summer and autumn seasons.
Eaglevale Bridge is probably one of my favorite bridges in Central Park to take couples to because of it's obscure location and mostly because only locals know about it.
The Conservatory Garden (You need a permit to take professional photos in this garden) has three different gardens (Italian, English, and French). The English garden has some of the prettiest flowers throughout the spring and summer and the French garden is incredibly beautiful with tulips in the spring and chrysanthemums in autumn. In the spring there are also rows of cherry blossoms in the Italian garden that are absolutely delicious.
Best places to take photos in Central Park in Spring:
The Upper West and Upper East Side reservoir walking paths have the best Cherry Blossoms in the Park (mid-to late april).
The Conservatory Garden's Italian garden and English garden has some of the prettiest cherry blossoms in the park (You need a permit to take professional photos in any of the conservatory gardens).
Cherry Hill is absolutely stunning during Cherry Blossom season, but I've found it offers a great view of the Lake and San Remo whatever season you're visiting the park.
Best places to take photos in Central Park in Autumn:
The Harlem Meer- autumn colors pop and reflect in the water, it's gorgeous.
Gapstow Bridge near the Central Park Zoo.
The Nature Preserve just on the other side of the Central Park zoo is one of my favorite little hills to take photos on.
The Promenade: These iconic benches near the Naumberg Bandshell will always feel romantic and cinematic. It's iconic year round, spring, summer, autumn, and winter. In early autumn, the Oak Trees turn a shade of yellow that absolutely stuns.
Best places to take photos in Central Park in Winter:
The Harlem Meer- Especially when there's snow, the Harlem Meer has some of the prettiest plants native to New York. It's so far removed from Midtown it's a great place to propose.
Bow Bridge
Gapstow Bridge (also known as the Home Alone Bridge) has epic city scapes behind it. I do recommend getting here early in the morning because this section of the park tends to fill up with tourists quickly because of it's close access to Midtown and the Central Park ice skating rink.
Eaglevale Bridge
Any spot near The Dairy because you get great views of the buildings in Midtown.
The San Remo Towers: These towers are as photogenic as they look. The best time of day to photograph them is around sunset or later in the afternoon.
FAQ:
Is Bethesda Fountain closed in 2026?
Yes. Bethesda Fountain and the Sailboat Pond are closed for restoration through the 2026–2027 season. The surrounding terrace is open, but currently the fountain is a pretty significant construction eye-sore.
Where can I take romantic photos in Central Park instead of Bethesda Fountain?
Some of the best alternatives include Shakespeare Garden and Belvedere Castle, Cherry Hill, Gapstow Bridge, Eaglevale Bridge, and the Conservatory Garden, depending on the season and how many people you want in the background. Central Park still feels very romantic despite the fountains closure.
Do you need a permit to take photos in Central Park?
Professional photos don't require a permit, but professional photo sessions in the Conservatory Garden — do require one. It's best to get your permit as early as you can as permit spots can fill up during busy photography seasons. I don't mind getting your permit for you and including your permit payment in your final invoice.
What's the best time of year for cherry blossoms in Central Park?
Mid-to-late April, especially along the Upper West and Upper East Side reservoir paths and in the Conservatory Garden's Italian and English gardens.
What's the best season for a Central Park engagement photo session?
I photograph proposals year round. There's always an iconic spot for photos. I will not photograph you with a Central Park carriage or horse, the only thing in Central Park I am ethically unable to take photos with. My absolute favorite photos happen during the summer to early autumn as the sun is setting or rising.
Where is a private spot in Central Park to propose to my shy partner?
This might be the question I get asked the most. You want to propose in Central Park because it's iconic, but your partner doesn't want huge crowds lingering or interfering. My top spots are 1) The top of the Nature Preserve on the Lower East side part of the park 2) The Shakespeare Garden tends to be quieter 3) Eaglesvale Bridge is not on the tourists path, but still feels incredibly romantic.
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