about
Your wedding day should feel relaxed, joyful, and completely yours.
I’m Alex Kaplan, a wedding photographer and videographer based in New Milford, NJ, serving Northern NJ, NYC, and the Hudson Valley. For over 30 years, I’ve helped couples enjoy their day without feeling rushed — while I quietly capture the real moments, natural portraits, and genuine emotions you’ll still love decades from now.
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I just wrapped up another engagement session at Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown, NJ, and honestly? This place never gets old.
I’ve been shooting here for years, and every time I walk through those gates, I find something new to love. If you’re looking for one of the best engagement photo locations in New Jersey or Monmouth County, Deep Cut absolutely deserves a spot on your list.
It’s not fancy or overdone — it’s just beautiful. 54 acres of gardens, flowers, pathways, and quiet corners that let couples forget I’m even there with a camera.
Why I Keep Coming Back to Deep Cut Gardens
Here’s the thing about Deep Cut Gardens: it doesn’t feel staged. You’re not posing in front of some fake backdrop — you’re walking through living, breathing gardens that change with the seasons.
The light here has personality. It filters through the trees differently every hour. The colors shift from early spring pastels to bold summer blooms and warm autumn tones. And every couple I photograph here ends up relaxing — even the ones who swear they’re “so awkward in photos.”
That’s what this place does.
It lets people be themselves.
Last session, I had a couple who were legitimately nervous. They’d never done anything like this before. But five minutes into walking the stone paths, they stopped thinking about the camera entirely. He made her laugh, she leaned into him naturally, and suddenly we were getting those real moments — the ones they’ll actually want on their wall.
The Best Spots at Deep Cut Gardens
The stone pathways — perfect for those elegant overhead shots (you’ve probably seen them in my portfolio).
The formal rose garden — clean lines and soft colors that look timeless.
The wildflower paths — a totally different vibe, more natural and romantic.
The greenhouse area — great for variety, especially in cooler months.
Everything’s within a few steps, so we can create a full gallery that feels like multiple locations — without ever leaving the park.
When to Shoot at Deep Cut Gardens
If you want color and lush backdrops, plan for late May through September. June is peak rose season, and it’s incredible.
That said, I’ve shot here in every season. Even in winter, the stone and evergreen textures create a timeless, peaceful look.
Timing: About 90 minutes before sunset is ideal. That’s when the golden light hits the flowers and pathways just right — it’s pure magic.
Tip: Weekdays are quieter and more private, but weekends still work — it’s big enough to find our own space.
What to Wear for Engagement Photos at Deep Cut Gardens
Wear what feels like you.
Soft neutrals — whites, blues, creams, and light earth tones — photograph beautifully here. But if bold colors are your thing, we’ll make it work. The natural surroundings balance everything out.
We’ll be walking on grass and stone, so maybe skip the stilettos and go for something comfortable and stylish.
The Logistics (The Boring but Important Part)
📍 Address: 152 Red Hill Road, Middletown, NJ
🕓 Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk
💲 Cost: Free admission, free parking
📸 Permits: Monmouth County occasionally requires photography permits for professionals — I handle all of that for you.
How I Approach Engagement Sessions Here
No pose sheets. No awkward instructions.
We’ll walk, talk, and explore. I’ll find the light, guide you when needed, and let moments unfold naturally. The best photos happen when you forget the camera exists and just focus on each other.
Those overhead shots on the stone pathways? They’re some of my favorites. The symmetry, the texture — it just works. But what really makes them special is you.
The gardens do most of the work, honestly. My job is just catching those in-between moments when you forget you’re being photographed. That’s when the magic happens.
Proposals at Deep Cut Gardens
Thinking about proposing here? Do it.
It’s romantic, private, and visually perfect. I’ve shot several surprise proposals here. I’ll hide out with a long lens, capture the big moment without interfering, and then we can roll straight into an engagement mini-session while you’re still on cloud nine.
Want to see more proposal stories? Check out my wedding and engagement portfolio.
Beyond Engagement Sessions
You can’t host a wedding ceremony at Deep Cut Gardens, but it’s an amazing location for:
- First look photos
- Bridal portraits
- Anniversary sessions
- Day-after shoots
It’s timeless, versatile, and always delivers.
Why Deep Cut Gardens Just Works
After photographing thousands of sessions over 30+ years across Northern New Jersey and Monmouth County, this spot remains one of my favorites. My couples always say the same thing — “I felt so comfortable there.”
That’s the magic. It’s not about being fancy. It’s about helping people feel relaxed, happy, and fully present.
If you’re planning your engagement photos in New Jersey or just want portraits that feel real — not staged — I’d love to help you plan your session at Deep Cut Gardens.
Ready to Plan Your Deep Cut Gardens Engagement Session?
If you’re thinking about your own engagement session, let’s plan something relaxed, real, and beautiful at Deep Cut Gardens or another New Jersey location.
I’d love to hear what you’re envisioning.
📧 alex@alexkaplanweddings.com
📞 917-992-9097
Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Cut Gardens Engagement Photos
Q: Do you need a photography permit for Deep Cut Gardens?
A: Sometimes — Monmouth County occasionally requires permits for professional photography sessions, but I handle that part for my clients. You don’t need to worry about it.
Q: What’s the best time of year for engagement photos at Deep Cut Gardens?
A: Late May through September offers the most vibrant colors and blooms, especially June for roses. That said, I’ve shot here in every season and it’s always beautiful.
Q: How long does an engagement session at Deep Cut Gardens take?
A: Typically 60-90 minutes. That gives us plenty of time to explore different areas, get comfortable, and capture a great variety of photos without feeling rushed.
Q: What should we wear for our Deep Cut Gardens engagement session?
A: Soft neutrals like blues, whites, creams, and light earth tones photograph beautifully here. But wear what feels like you — comfort and confidence matter most. Just remember we’ll be walking on grass and stone paths.
Q: Can you get married at Deep Cut Gardens?
A: Deep Cut Gardens doesn’t host wedding ceremonies, but it’s perfect for engagement sessions, bridal portraits, first looks, and day-after sessions.
Q: How far in advance should we book our engagement session?
A: I recommend booking 2-3 months in advance, especially if you want a specific date during peak season (May-September). That said, I’m sometimes available for last-minute sessions too.
I’m Alex Kaplan, a wedding photographer based in Northern New Jersey. I’ve spent three decades capturing real moments at weddings and engagement sessions throughout NJ, NYC, Hudson Valley, and beyond.
About the Author:
Alex Kaplan is a New Jersey wedding and engagement photographer with over 30 years of experience capturing authentic, emotion-filled moments across NJ, NYC, and the Hudson Valley. Known for creating images that feel genuine rather than posed, Alex specializes in helping couples feel comfortable and present during their engagement sessions and wedding days.
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The Calm Behind the Camera
About Me — But Really, It’s About You
The most meaningful wedding photos never come from stiff poses.
They come from the quiet laugh you didn’t think anyone saw.
The look on your partner’s face during the vows.
The warmth of your people all around you.
I’ve been doing this for over 30 years — and I still get nervous before every wedding.
Not because I’m uncertain, but because I know how much it matters.
After photographing hundreds of weddings over the past few decades, I’ve learned something simple:
The best photos happen when you feel fully present.
That’s why I work calmly, behind the scenes — guiding when it helps, then stepping back when the real moments unfold. I’m always anticipating what’s next, so you never have to think about a thing.
My goal is simple: to help you relax, feel confident, and walk away with photos that feel like you — not a filtered version of someone else’s idea of perfect.
Most of my couples say the same thing:
“We’re so glad we didn’t have to worry.”
Behind the Camera
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