New York City is a city full of iconic locations for photos. If you’re scouting for the best engagement photos spot in NYC, though, the hidden gems are where it’s at.

When I was looking for a unique location for engagement photos, I stumbled across Elevated Acre. This particular spot is specifically unique because it’s the perfect combination of urban and rural; it’s a rooftop garden downtown.

ELEVATED ACRE ENGAGEMENT SESSION

The park is located at 55 Water St. in Manhattan and is up an escalator nestled in a little corridor of buildings.

Sunlight hits every spot just right when you’re there before and during golden hour. On the rooftop garden itself, you have the beautiful waterfront view, and super cool geometrical architecture all around you. Walk a little further and you’re immersed in lush greenery and colorful flowers.

In addition to being amongst the wonderfully rural landscape on the garden, you’re still just a staircase away from the streets of Manhattan.

And I’ve discovered my new favorite thing: street studio lighting. This type of lighting happens when the sun is just about to set and turns every building into amazing, unique shadows. It is almost as if the city is giving you your own, personal spotlight — see what I mean in the photos at the end.

IS IT THE BEST ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS SPOT IN NYC?

I am sure I will be making a more extensive list as I explore the city this year, but for now, I’m going to say this spot is definitely a new favorite of mine.

The combination of urban and rural landscape is one I’ll always love, and who doesn’t love the city’s magical light during golden hour?

This is a place worth spending some time — 10/10 highly recommend.