First look in Monmouth county

Monmouth county NJ?

My husband is from there I could ask him =)

That would be great ! Thanks

Ask your photographer. He or she should know of some good places for photos based on what you want.

I've asked him and he's of no help. He just told me to call around parks and ask them what the fee is ect. But all the parks are expensive that's why I'm asking if anyone knows anywhere else to go or has any ideas.

You can go to the beach! That's free. Don't know what kind of pictures you're going for but if you go to Asbury you can take pictures on the boardwalk.

Where is your venue? You will need to be close. Monmouth County is a big place.

ETA: I grew up there and lived there most of my life. I'm 50, so that's a long time. I know it well :-)

That's where I live!! Beaches, Allaire State Park, Deep Cut Gardens, Holmdel Park, Thompson Park. There are MANY options. What style are you thinking of? Monmouth County parks are really great options. There is also Monmouth University too which is great for pictures in or around the mansion, but if you're not alumni I'm not sure what their fee is.

edit: Parks fees range from $50 - $180 per hour. eh, not free but not awful. http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?ID=3885

Also, what's your venue? That helps. I was born and raised here (I'm almost 35) so I can tell you lots but I need a little more info about specific location and the look and style you're going for.

You could also do the beach/boardwalk in Asbury Park, then take photos by the casino, conventional hall and stone pony. Another bride here just did awesome engagement photos there. Labor Day weekend though at the shore? That's rough, I'd stick with the parks. Allaire State Park is adorable with all of old buildings and the train and it's close enough to the beach you might still be able to get in.

OH! You could also take pictures at Spring Lake. FH and I go there regularly (he fishes while I walk). I saw a couple do engagement photos there and they have a beautiful setting. Trees, lake, and two really cute wooden foot bridges. It's also walking distance from the beach so you could still get some beach/boardwalk shots too.

I am not too familiar with Monmouth County but I would say Monmouth University, because I know the movie Annie was filmed there. I think that would be an awesome spot for pictures if it's allowed.

Jacqui76 - pictures are allowed at Monmouth U, but you have to pay for a permit. I was in a wedding once that had pictures done there.

Our wedding Is at shadowbrook and our wedding is Labor Day weekend and our photographer suggested that we don't do the beach because it'll be overly packed. We were thinking in red bank by the water maybe.

Red Bank traffic on Labor Day weekend will not be fun. I'd vote for Thompson Park in Lincroft.

I work in Red Bank and am there on the weekends. Yes it is busy, but I think you'll be fine. The water is nice and they have cool downtown shots you can take, but I'd still vote Thomson park too. They have a gazebo, a lake and a lot of land for photo ops to choose from.

We had our pictures taken at the Library at Monmouth University. The permit fee is $150 but it was well worth it. Our pictures came out stunning.

Edited to say: We had our engagement pictures taken at Asbury Park.... if you wanted something more laid back, that's also a great spot. They came out amazing.