Carolyn and Zach spent a late June afternoon working their way through downtown Cape May before finishing the evening on a quiet stretch of beach as the sun set over the water. Documenting Cape May engagement photos for these two lovebirds felt like walking through the set of a Hallmark movie, but with sand instead of snow.
For their coastal engagement session, we split time between local storefronts, the lawn outside historic Congress Hall, and the dunes near the beach — shooting a good portion of it on film. Between quiet alleyways, golden light, and lots of laughter, they made every corner feel like their own little world!
A Brief History of Cape May
Cape May is fondly known as the “Queen of the Seaside Resorts” due to its elaborate Victorian architecture and pristine beaches. In 1976, the entire city was declared a National Historic Landmark, designating Cape May as the oldest seaside resort in the country. Possessing one of the country’s largest collections of 19th-century seaside wood-framed buildings, the historic district features a stunning variety of architectural styles from the Victorian era.
Cape May’s history runs deeper than its postcard views, too — the town is also home to Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, the Coast Guard’s only enlisted training center in the country, so there’s a real sense of meaning underneath all that charm.
Downtown Cape May Photoshoot
Walking through downtown Cape May with a couple always reminds me a little of Stars Hollow — ivy climbing over porches, vintage storefronts, hidden alleyways that don’t lead anywhere in particular except somewhere pretty.
Carolyn and Zach moved through their session joyfully, stopping wherever the light or the moment felt right. Between the historic buildings, patriotic bunting, and manicured gardens, every backdrop gave us something different to work with. As a couple, Carolyn and Zach just fit together perfectly. Their palpable chemistry, their color coordinated outfits, even their heights!? These are the type of film engagement photos every Cape May photographer daydreams about!
A Sweet Break at King’s Ice Cream Parlor
Stopping at King’s Ice Cream Parlor gave us the perfect opportunity for a sweet treat break and the chance to grab some unique photos and poses. Posing becomes second nature when you actually have an activity to do or something to hold onto. I love encouraging my couples to get comfortable in front of the camera with a fun shared activity or a little drink or dessert break mid-session! I love building a reset like this into your engagement photos; the photos that come out of it always feel a little more like you. One order of Cookie Dough and Vanilla waffle cones later, we were back to exploring…
Engagement Photos at Congress Hall
From there we made our way to the lawn outside Congress Hall, Cape May’s grand old seaside hotel and one of my favorite backdrops in town. The butter yellow exterior, towering pillars, and courtyard full of flowers just scream summer to me!
We shot these Cape May engagement photos in late June, right when the gardens are in FULL bloom. The greens were especially vibrant against a sky that stayed overcast most of the afternoon. That’s typically the kind of forecast that makes a photographer nervous, but overcast light means even light. We didn’t have to deal with any pesky shadows or squinting. Just soft, consistent color in every frame no matter which direction we were facing.
Photography Policy in Cape May, NJ
Something I’m often asked by couples considering this location is “do you need a permit for Cape May engagement photos?”
At the moment, a permit is not required to capture engagement photos in Cape May. Cape May MAC, a non profit organization that has hosted tours and events in the area since 1970, provides an extensive photography policy for outside vendors on their site. The permit lists some examples of projects requiring a permit such as:
• Advertising products or services;
• Using talent, models, props, crews or sets;
• Have the potential to disrupt site activities or visitors;
• Using more than just hand-carried equipment;
• Requesting access to closed or restricted areas;
• Requesting access outside of normal public hours;
While I have not come across any permitting hurdles, it’s always a good idea to look into the most recent policies posted to the Cape May MAC website before your session.
East Coast Engagement Photos on Film
I shot a large portion of Carolyn and Zach’s Cape May engagement photos on film, which felt just right for a place like this. Cape May doesn’t change much year to year, and film has that same quality of feeling a little outside of time — the grain, the softness in the highlights, the way the color sits on the negative. It’s an altogether different feel than digital, and it’s become one of my favorite ways to document a session like this one! If you love a film-heavy gallery, don’t miss Meredith and Patrick’s Rehoboth Beach engagement session.
Cape May Beach Sunset Photos to Close It Out
We ended the evening on a quiet stretch of beach tucked into town, walking the sandy paths between the dunes before settling onto the sand and rocks as the light dropped low. The waves were soft, the sand was still warm, and the last bit of light caught them right as they kissed — the kind of ending you can’t really plan for, even when you’re hoping for it.
Cape May Engagement Session at a Glance
| Detail | Notes |
|---|---|
| Season | Late June |
| Locations | Downtown Cape May, King’s Ice Cream Parlor, Congress Hall lawn, the beach & dunes |
| Light | Overcast skies, soft golden hour light all afternoon |
| Coverage | Digital + 35mm film |
| Styling | Two color-coordinated outfit changes: white and soft neutrals |
If you’re planning your own Cape May engagement session, looking for beach engagement photo ideas, or are drawn to the timeless feel of film photography, I’d love to help you create something that feels effortless, intentional, and true to your story.
Art isn’t about perfection; it’s about feeling—especially during seasons of anticipation and becoming. Let’s memorialize your most heartfelt moments into a photo time capsule you’ll cherish forever.
Samantha Jay Photo captures intentional, organic heirloom-quality images for couples who value tangible memories. Check out her Philadelphia & Delaware engagement and wedding photography portfolio. Now booking 2027 wedding dates—inquire here!
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