Charles River Esplanade Engagement Session

Sydney and Jake’s Charles River Esplanade Engagement Session was the perfect embodiment of summer in Boston. In the warmer months, the Esplanade becomes alive with people flocking outside to enjoy the fresh air and endless waterfront views. The winding paths along the river are ideal for running, biking, and leisure walks, while the iconic docks stretching out over the water fill with locals soaking up the sunshine and watching sailboats, paddlers, and rowers glide along the Charles.

The Charles River Esplanade is easily one of Boston’s best engagement session locations. It offers sweeping views of the Boston skyline, an abundance of flowering trees, and a blend of scenic architecture: granite staircases, charming bridges, peaceful docks, and wide-open waterfront spaces. The Esplanade is stunning year-round: cherry blossoms in the spring, rich greenery in the summer, vibrant foliage in the fall, and crisp city views in the winter. Its mix of nature and urban charm makes it a dream backdrop for couples seeking photos that feel both romantic and authentically Boston.

One of my favorite things about this location is how easy it is to incorporate an activity into your Charles River Esplanade Engagement Session. These activities can include bike riding, kayaking, picnicking, or even grabbing a drink at the Beer Garden overlooking the water. The only challenge is the crowds. On warm weekends, the Esplanade is bustling. For a quieter, more intimate atmosphere, a sunrise engagement session is the best option.

Stretching three miles along the south bank of the river, from the Museum of Science all the way to Boston University, the Charles River Esplanade is a beloved community space. It hosts countless events, including concerts at the Hatch Shell, festivals, community gatherings, and of course, Boston’s iconic Fourth of July fireworks. Created to preserve natural green space in the city, the Esplanade was officially designated a Boston landmark in 2009 and continues to serve as a cultural and recreational hub for locals and visitors alike.

Having just moved to the city, Sydney and Jake were excited to explore one of Boston’s most beloved outdoor spaces. We planned their Charles River Esplanade Engagement Session during golden hour, the last hour before sunset, when the light is soft, warm, and gently glowing on the water. The sun filtered through the weeping willows, creating a dreamy glow that felt like pure summer magic.

We wandered along the riverside paths, eventually making our way to my favorite spot of the entire session, the granite steps that lead right down to the water’s edge. The lily pads floating in the river and the trees lining the background framed Sydney and Jake in the most perfect symmetry. The composition felt like something straight out of a painting. And just when we thought the evening couldn’t get any more magical, a rainbow appeared on the horizon, an unexpected, fleeting moment now beautifully preserved in their photos.

As the sun dropped lower, we made our way to the iconic Esplanade docks—one of the best vantage points for taking in the Boston skyline. The sky shifted into soft pastels and warm golds, reflecting off the river and creating the dreamiest backdrop. Sydney and Jake wandered playfully along the dock, laughing, twirling, and taking in the summer air as the city glowed behind them. With the city stretching out behind them and the evening light settling in, the setting felt peaceful and unmistakably Boston. As the colors deepened into those rich late summer hues, they settled into a cozy snuggle at the edge of the dock, savoring the last golden moments of the August evening.

To end their Charles River Esplanade Engagement Session, we stopped by the Night Shift Beer Garden near the Hatch Shell for a celebratory drink. As big fans of craft beer, they loved incorporating a few fun cheersing shots into their gallery. This was a perfect, laid-back way to wrap up the evening. 

Sydney and Jake’s summer Charles River Esplanade Engagement Session was the perfect way to celebrate their new chapter in Boston— summer light, city views, and genuine connection. 

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