Sunrise Engagement Photoshoot at Bethesda Terrace | Central Park by Allison Taylor Creative

There’s nothing quite like experiencing New York City at dawn, and this sunrise engagement session at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park was the perfect blend of intimacy, stillness, and magic. As the sun slowly rose over the iconic arches and the soft morning light reflected off the Bethesda Fountain, it felt like the entire city paused just for us.

I’m always drawn to locations that carry a sense of history and romance, and Bethesda Terrace truly delivers. With its grand staircases, the beautifully tiled Minton ceiling, and peaceful views of the Lake, it’s one of my favorite spots for couples planning a destination wedding in NYC or wanting to capture engagement photos in a location that feels cinematic and timeless.

At sunrise, the usually busy park is calm and quiet, creating space for real connection and emotion to unfold without distraction. Whether you’re visiting New York for a destination engagement session, planning a Central Park elopement, or simply dreaming of photos that capture the magic of the city in its most peaceful moments, I’m here to tell your story in a way that’s warm, candid, and beautifully real.

As a destination wedding photographer, I love capturing natural moments in iconic locations, and this morning at Bethesda Terrace was the kind of session I’ll never forget.