Princeton University’s campus in Princeton, New Jersey, is one of the most beautiful and timeless places for an engagement session. Its historic architecture, ivy-covered walls, and romantic pathways create a setting that feels like stepping into a European city. For couples, it offers an elegant backdrop with both grandeur and intimacy.
Recently, I photographed an engagement session here, and it showcased everything that makes Princeton so magical. My couple brought incredible style—she in a red velvet dress that popped against the stone and greenery, and he in a sharp blue suit that added polish and sophistication. Together, they fit right in among Princeton’s historic architecture, which elevated their portraits to feel timeless and cinematic.
Here’s a guide to some of the best photo locations on campus, featuring some favorites from this session below.
As the centerpiece of campus, Nassau Hall is a must for engagement portraits. The stone facade, massive wooden doors, and tall windows bring a sense of history and sophistication. I photographed the back of the building as it has an open lawn with great light and ivy-covered facade—the red velvet gown contrasting beautifully against the ivy. I had the couple run back and forth in the open lawn for playfulness. Nassau Hall is perfect for couples who want a touch of grandeur in their images.
Across from each other on Cannon Green, Clio Hall and Whig Hall are two neoclassical landmarks that immediately take you back to another time. With their grand white columns, balanced facades, and graceful staircases, they are among the most scenic spots on campus.
During this session, the couple’s outfits paired perfectly with the architecture. The deep red velvet dress stood out against the creamy tones of the columns, while his blue suit added contrast and balance. Whether posed at the base of the steps or framed between the soaring pillars, these buildings add an unmistakable touch of formality and romance to engagement portraits.
If there’s one spot on campus that feels truly cinematic, it’s the arches at Rockefeller College. These Gothic-style stone archways create natural frames for portraits, making couples look like they’ve stepped into a fairytale. The play of light and shadow through the arches is a true Chiaroscuro look. I love the drama of these portraits
Beyond Rockefeller College, Princeton has no shortage of hidden archways and quiet courtyards. These tucked-away corners are perfect for sweet, candid portraits. They’re especially magical when bathed in warm evening light, offering couples a quieter, more intimate atmosphere in the midst of the grand architecture.
While we did not have time to get across campus, another highlight of Princeton is the University Chapel, one of the most breathtaking examples of collegiate Gothic architecture in the country. With soaring arche
s, intricate stone carvings, and glowing stained glass, it adds a dramatic, romantic touch. Even if you don’t step inside, the exterior archways create stunning frames for engagement portraits.
Here are some examples from Kelly and Will's engagement session. There is a hybrid of both digital and some black and white film:
001Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
004Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
006Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
007Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
008Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
009Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
010Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
011Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
012Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
013Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
014Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
015Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
016Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
017Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
018Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
019Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
021Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
022Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
023Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
024Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
025Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
026Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
027Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
028Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
029Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
030Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
031Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
032Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
033Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
034Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
035Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
036Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
037Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
038Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
039Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
040Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
041Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
042Engagement session by Heather Fowler Photogrpahy at Princeton University
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