Where to take graduation photos around Boston, MA

Head to Beacon Hill for a charming cobblestone street backdrop. | Photo by @amyhoro

Head to Beacon Hill for a charming cobblestone street backdrop. | Photo by @amyhoro

It’s graduation season and you know what that means — a lot of caps and gowns floating around town for photo ops.

We’ve rounded up some of the best spots around the city to take photos, no matter where you’re graduating from.

Acorn Street, Beacon Hill

  • Celebrate among the cobblestones on Boston’s most picturesque street. Pro tip: be extra careful striking a pose if you’re wearing heels here.

Boston Public Garden, 4 Charles St.

  • Have a photoshoot at America’s first public botanical garden, or grab some shots by the Massachusetts State House — we’re looking at you, political science majors + law school grads.

Central Library, 700 Boylston St.

  • Maybe you spent more time here than your campus library, or you’re a fan of the stunning reading room + marble courtyard. Either way, the library has countless spots for photos, plus easy access to restrooms for outfit changes.

Fan Pier Park, 1 Courthouse Way

  • This Seaport green space offers a classic Boston backdrop of the city skyline. Plus, there are chairs and tables by the water if you need a break from posing.

If you want a photo backdrop a bit more related to your years on campus, here are just a few school-specific ideas.

Boston University

Snap a photo standing on the seal at Marsh Chapel, a time-honored tradition for Terriers. City Editor Sara (also a BU alum) recommends using the brownstones along Bay State Road as photo inspiration + grabbing friends for photos at the BU Beach.

Harvard University

It doesn’t get more classic than Johnston Gate — according to school lore, students should only go through the gate once as an incoming freshman and once as an outgoing senior. Of course, you can also take photos on the Weeks Bridge with the Charles River in view.

Northeastern University

Commencement Week is in full swing for the Huskies, and we hear there’s a backdrop made for the Class of 2022 on campus. The Museum of Fine Arts is just steps away for those looking to add some artistry to graduation pictures.