The Best Photo Locations in Somerset County, NJ
Choosing the perfect location for your session is just as important as choosing what to wear. It helps set the tone and mood for your photos. Whether you’re dreaming of something romantic, playful, natural, or timeless, I can help you find the perfect spot.
With 13 years of experience photographing families, children, and couples throughout Somerset County, NJ, and the surrounding areas, I’ve discovered some of the best locations, and I’m happy to share my favorites with you!
In some cases photography permit fees apply.
Cross Estate Gardens Bernardsville, NJ
Visiting Cross Estate Gardens is like stepping back to a more formal time of grand country estates. It features a walled garden with several hundred different sun-loving perennials, a stone-columned pergola and, in the background, magnificent 18-foot-tall native rhododendrons. This is great location any time of year. It’s ever evolving landscape season to season is so inspiring.
Natirar Peapack, NJ
Natirar is a scenic 400+ acre park and former estate spanning Peapack-Gladstone, Far Hills, and Bedminster along the North Branch of the Raritan River. With its peaceful, tranquil setting, beautiful landscapes, and natural surroundings, it’s a stunning location for portrait sessions.
Nevius Street Bridge Raritan, NJ
The Nevius Street Bridge is a three hundred foot long pedestrian bridge spanning the Raritan River between Raritan and Hillsborough, NJ. The neighboring stone water pumping station is a beautiful backdrop.
Colonial Park Somerset, NJ
Colonial Park is a beautiful 685-acre public park in Franklin Township, offering a variety of picturesque settings for portrait sessions. From the beautifully landscaped arboretum and gardens to the charming pedestrian bridge that crosses the Delaware and Raritan (D&R) Canal, there are plenty of scenic backdrops to explore and create beautiful, timeless images.
Bayne Park New Vernon, NJ
Bayne Park is a charming local park in New Vernon, within Harding Township, centered around the picturesque Bayne Pond. The pond, graceful fountain, and surrounding stone bridges create a beautiful and peaceful setting for portraits, with a mix of natural scenery and timeless architectural details.
Pleasant Valley Park Basking Ridge, NJ
Pleasant Valley Park in Bernards Township is a beautiful spot for portrait sessions, with a peaceful pond surrounded by trees and scenic woodchip trails. It’s especially lovely in the fall, when the colorful foliage creates a gorgeous backdrop for photos. And when your session is finished, the kids can enjoy some extra fun at the playground!
Mountain Park Basking Ridge, NJ
Mountain Park in Basking Ridge is best known for its sports fields and walking paths, but it also has tucked-away wooded trails that make a beautiful setting for intimate family photos. The trails, lined with tall grasses and natural greenery, offer a peaceful, scenic backdrop for capturing relaxed and meaningful moments.
Location Permits & Planning
There are many beautiful locations throughout New Jersey, although some require a photography permit. Permit fees generally range from $100–$150 per hour, and permits often require advance notice. If you have a specific location in mind, please check with me first so I can confirm the permit requirements and availability.
A few popular locations that require a permit include:
• Willowwood Arboretum
• Frelinghuysen Arboretum
• Reeves-Reed Arboretum
• Leonard J. Buck Garden