Beach engagement photos are hands down some of my absolute favorite! They fit seamlessly with my documentary style because of all the open space we have to work with — allowing for that cinematic and creative touch to flow effortlessly. There’s this fun-loving innocence that comes with beach shoots, especially when couples opt to wear flowy, casual outfits which allow for tons of movement. I feel super inspired and creative during beach sessions which is why I’m sharing my top 3 locations for beach engagement photos in Massachusetts.
Beach Engagement Photos in Massachusetts: My Go-To Locations
1. Singing Beach, Manchester-by-the-Sea
Just a short 40-minute drive from Boston, this beach holds a special place in my heart for countless reasons. Fun fact — it’s called Singing Beach because the sand actually squeaks when you walk on it. A quirky little charm that never fails.
As a photographer who’s all about capturing real moments in a documentary and authentic way, having plenty of wide-open spaces to play with is key for me. Singing Beach totally delivers on that front. It’s super spacious, giving the freedom to get creative and snap photos from all sorts of unique angles, which I absolutely love. Also, there’s a huge cluster of rocks on the left side of the beach that adds a nice touch and almost feels like you’re no longer in New England. And the cherries on top? The parking is easy to find, it’s a breeze to walk to the beach, and dogs are allowed to run around in the off-season.
2. Plum Island, Newburyport
Honestly, Plum Island Beach is like a secret paradise tucked away along the Massachusetts coast, not too far from Boston. It’s my top pick for couples looking to capture their beach engagement photos with the sun dipping below the horizon. What makes it so great? Well, first off, there’s this super long stretch of sandy shoreline that’s just perfect for romantic strolls and playful moments by the water. Then, there’s a rustic boardwalk that adds a touch of character to your engagement photos. And the best part? There’s plenty of room to roam around and find that perfect spot for your shoot.
3. Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester
Good Harbor beach is definitely another solid choice for documenting beach engagement photos in Massachusetts. It’s actually one of my go-to spots for photo shoots. (Plus this beach will always hold a special place in my heart because it’s where I grew up going!) There is an entire street that runs right along the water that is only a quick two-minute drive — that’s where we captured these amazing shots of Kelly and Ross standing on the rocks below! Personally, I’m a huge fan of this beach because there’s so much space to play around with and get really creative with our shots.
When it comes to planning a beach engagement photoshoot in Massachusetts, my top recommendation is to opt for a sunrise session. I know — the wakeup can definitely be a struggle — but trust me, it’s totally worth it. A sunrise session usually means that the beach will be empty, giving us plenty of room to let our creativity run wild without a bunch of eyes on us. Especially if you’re more of an introverted couple, this can also help with feeling more comfortable in front of the camera! Plus, here in Massachusetts, the sun rises over the ocean, painting the sky with gorgeous yellow and pink hues that cast a magical glow over the water. Capturing that sunrise during your engagement photos will make the early wake-up call totally worthwhile!
Boston Film-Inspired + Documentary Style Photographer | Maddy Bethune Photo
Hey! I’m Maddy, a film-inspired + documentary style photographer based in Boston. I love the unconventional and encourage couples to do something that feels like them when it comes to their session! I’m inspired by film photography, vibrant color palettes, and couples who don’t take life too seriously. I’m here to tell YOUR story just as you remember it (no fake smiles and laughs here), and to transform your most precious moments into tangible art that’ll hang on your walls for years to come. Ready to create together?? Get in touch with me here!
