The North Shore of Massachusetts has some of New England's best engagement photo locations. Due to the picturesque views, land formations, and the presence of the Atlantic Ocean. I recommend taking your photos at any of these locations during the last 60 minutes of sunlight which is known as golden hour. Here are 14 of the best locations for engagement photos on the North Shore of Massachusetts:

1. Castle Rock Park - Marblehead MA

   Marblehead is a harbor town perfect for couples looking for a nautical engagement photo location north of Boston. It was once known as Essex County’s fishing capital. Several boating activities meant for recreation purposes, like kayaking and sailing, can also be done here. Being a small peninsula, it is expected that there will be surrounding rock formations throughout the town's borders.

   Engagement photos at Castle Rock Park have the perfect New England backdrops. Getting a drone out in the ocean to look back at the cliffs will make for some amazing engagement photos.

2. Crane Beach - Ipswich, MA

Crane Beach is a beautiful beach engagement photo located near the Crane Estate, which resides in Ipswich. It has such a beautiful shoreline that stretches even miles. The white, soft sand and the green marshes add colors to the view as you tread along the boardwalks and trails. 

If you love the ocean and beach, Crane Beach engagement photos might be what you've been looking for. The panorama of the sea, which even covers your peripheral vision as you look out, is an ideal backdrop for couples looking for a nautical vibe. The best time for engagement photos in this location is during the last 45 minutes of the day.

3. Friendly Ship of Salem - Salem, MA

On the shores of Salem, there is a replica ship of the original 1797 East Indiaman named ‘Friendship.’  It was built in 2000 and measures 171 feet long. It functions as a stationary museum most of the time. However, it can also carry ship crews and passengers since it has certification from the United States Coast Guard.

If you prefer a 19th-century background theme and angles that appear you’re both sailing to the Atlantic Ocean, this can be a great place to pull it off your engagement photos.

4. Plum Island Beach - Plum Island, MA

If you're looking for a fantastic view of the ocean and a long beach for your engagement photos, then you’ll want to consider Plumb Island. The beach of Plum Island of Massachusetts, north of Cape Ann, reaches a length of approximately 11 miles or 18 kilometers.  It covers the shoreline of Essex County’s four municipalities and serves as a ‘barrier’ beach that shelters landforms and rivers of the areas. 

The beach has a long shore, meaning that the tides cannot reach that far horizontally, making launching boats easy. With such distance, you have a generous amount of sand to give your engagement photos a wide-open landscape.

5. West Beach - Beverly, MA

West Beach is another excellent beach location for engagement photos. It’s located in Beverly, on the North Shore of Massachusetts. This is a small private beach, a part of the sandy coastline stretching one mile long, from the rocky formations in Lees to the Prides Crossing area in Beverly. It is owned by Beverly Farms’ residents and is open all year.

6. Good Harbor Beach - Gloucester, MA

In Gloucester, Massachusetts, Good Harbor Beach can be found. It is a quiet place where it feels empty and peaceful. The beach area also covers the shallow grasslands behind the sandy shore. This location is perfect for couples who want an engagement photo location that feels exclusive.

7. The Willows - Salem, MA

The Willows of Salem, Massachusetts, is a park facing the ocean. The Willows' name was from the white European willow trees planted way back in 1801 as shades for the nearby hospital. As it became a public park in 1858, it became a popular summer destination.

Since then, the park has grown in the number of activities and places to eat. It has become a busy place and a tourist spot as well. As a location for engagement photos offer couples a blend of old arcade games and oceanfront photos.

8. Swampscott Beach - Swampscott, MA

Swampscott Essex County, Massachusetts's coastline, provides engaged couples with beautiful beaches and photo locations. Around Monument Square, the town’s centerpiece, are several small parks, ponds, and beaches. 

This town gives couples four beaches to choose from for their engagement photos. One of them is the secluded Phillips Beach. The place can be quiet and is considered one of the best engagement photo locations in the North of Boston. To see more engagement photos from Swampscott, MA, click this link.

9. Bearskin Neck - Rockport, MA

In the harbor town of Rockport in Massachusetts, there is a popular tourist spot. It is the Bearskin Neck, and it is filled with tourist shops and restaurants. The place seems busy, but during the spring, things can get quieter than usual, making it a great engagement location North of Boson.

The charming town gives couples a classic New England coastal town background for engagement photos.

10. Turner Hill Country Club - Ipswitch, MA

The Rice Estate of Ipswitch, Massachusetts, is surrounded by establishments filled with history, class, and modernization. There are also quality residential houses in which you can own one if you can afford the lifestyle it entails. At the very center, there is a Golf Club which is said to have one of the top golf courses of today. 

The golf club is an exclusive course used for several elite golf competitions. Contact the country club to discuss your options if you are considering Turner Hill engagement photos.

11. Crane Estate - Ipswitch, MA

The Crane Estate of Ipswitch is a National Historic Landmark that has an area of 2,100 acres and it’s many photographers favorite location. Aside from Crane Beach, the center of attraction is The Great House. Castle Hill, a 165-acre of communal space, is where The Great House is situated. If you are looking for a private estate as your engagement photo location, consider the rolling hills of the lawn at the Great House. After taking a few photos at the Great House, I recommend heading to Cranes Beach for some sunset photos. 

12. Horn Pond - Woburn MA

The Horn Pond is located in Woburn, Massachusetts. It is such a large pond, with an area of 102 acres. The water is filled with different types of fish, which is excellent for slow-row boats.

Around the borders are a clear path where joggers use to run and benches where people sit down and relax. If you are considering having your engagement photos taken at Horn Pond, I recommend you take your photos during the last 45-60 minutes of the day for the best light.

13. Ropes Garden

The Ropes Garden in Salem is a beautiful and unique location for engagement photos on the North Shore of Massachusetts. Located in the heart of Salem, the garden is named after the Ropes family, prominent merchants, and sea captains in the early 19th century. The park features a stunning array of flowers, trees, and plants and a picturesque pond, gazebo, and footbridges. It's a great place to capture romantic and intimate moments and more formal posed shots. The garden is also conveniently located near several other notable Salem attractions, such as the Salem Willows Park, the Peabody Essex Museum, and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, all of which could serve as additional backdrops for your photos. Overall, the Ropes Garden is a beautiful historic location that will make for memorable engagement photos. As a bonus, it's just one of many great North shore MA engagement photo locations that you might consider for your big day.

14. The Newburyport Boardwalk and Waterfront

The Newburyport Boardwalk and Waterfront is a fantastic location for engagement photos on the North Shore of Massachusetts. This picturesque coastal town has a charming boardwalk stretching along the Merrimack River, offering beautiful water views and the historic downtown district. The path is excellent for a summer stroll and capturing candid moments, while the nearby lighthouse and marina provide additional photo opportunities. The waterfront area is also home to several charming restaurants and cafes, which can make for a lovely backdrop for your Newburyport engagement photos. Overall, the Newburyport Boardwalk and Waterfront is a stunning location that will provide beautiful and memorable engagement photos. As a bonus, it's just one of many great North shore MA engagement photo locations that you might consider for your big day.

15. The Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary 

The Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful and natural location for engagement photos on the North Shore of Massachusetts. This nature reserve in Topsfield has miles of trails through woods and wetlands, a historic mill, and a covered bridge, all of which provide a stunning and rustic backdrop for your photos. The sanctuary is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and other animals, which can make for some truly unique and memorable engagement photos. The refuge is also conveniently located near several charming towns and villages, such as Topsfield, Ipswich, and Essex, which could serve as additional locations for your photos. Overall, the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful and serene location that will provide stunning and memorable engagement photos. As a bonus, it's one of many great North shore MA engagement photo locations that you might consider for your big day.

Conclusion

The North Shore of Massachusetts has endless engagement photo locations. From charming coastal towns like Newburyport and Salem to historic estates like the Crane Estate and Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, the options are genuinely diverse and offer something for everyone. If you're planning an engagement photo shoot on the North Shore of Massachusetts, I hope this resource helped you choose the perfect location.

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