Bushnell Park Carousel Wedding Photos

A smiling bride in a strapless white wedding dress stands on a brightly lit carousel at Bushnell Park. She holds a large bouquet of flowers and is surrounded by ornate, colorful horses. Captured by a talented wedding photographer, the carousel is festively decorated with lights and red railings.

Bushnell Park Carousel Wedding Photos

Wedding photography is all about capturing the magic and romance of your special day, and what could be more magical than a carousel ride?



If your wedding ceremony or wedding venue is near Hartford, you should definitely ask your wedding photographer to look into this. The Bushnell Park Carousel in downtown Hartford, Connecticut is the perfect place to add some nostalgia and whimsy to your wedding photos.

About Bushnell Park Carousel

Located in the heart of Hartford at 1 Jewell Street, the Bushnell Park Carousel is a beautifully restored 1914 carousel that is perfect for wedding photography. The carousel features 48 hand-carved horses and 2 chariots, each one unique and full of character.

This carousel has an interesting history, having been brought to Hartford in 1974 from its original location in Canton, Ohio. It is one of the only three Stein and Goldstein carousels left in existence. The carousel’s vibrant colors and intricate details make for a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos.

Carousel Wedding Photos

One of the best things about the Bushnell Park Carousel is that it allows for a wide variety of photo opportunities. You can take romantic shots of the two of you riding the carousel together, or have your bridal party join in for a group shot.

The carousel also provides a great opportunity for candid shots of you and your guests enjoying the ride. The nearby park grounds provide ample opportunities for wedding photos in more traditional settings as well. For a more stately background the Connecticut State Capitol building is also nearby.

Here are some fantastic photos of Mark and Kristina shortly after getting married!

  • A smiling bride in a strapless white wedding dress stands on a brightly lit carousel at Bushnell Park. She holds a large bouquet of flowers and is surrounded by ornate, colorful horses. Captured by a talented wedding photographer, the carousel is festively decorated with lights and red railings.
  • A newlywed couple sits on a brightly lit, ornate carousel in Bushnell Park, smiling at the camera. The bride wears a white dress and veil and holds a bouquet of flowers. The groom wears a grey suit. The carousel, captured by their wedding photographer, is adorned with golden accents and colorful lights in the background.
  • A bride and groom share a kiss while seated on a carousel in Bushnell Park. The bride is holding a bouquet of flowers, and both are dressed in wedding attire. The carousel is brightly lit with red and yellow lights, adding a festive atmosphere to the scene, perfectly captured by their wedding photographer.
  • A man in a suit enthusiastically rides a brightly colored carousel horse at Bushnell Park. The background features warm, glowing lights and a joyful, vibrant atmosphere, indicating that the carousel is in operation at night. The man appears to be having a lot of fun.
  • Three men in suits ride colorful horses on a vibrant carousel in Bushnell Park. They smile and laugh, holding onto the poles, surrounded by bright lights and ornaments. The background features festive decorations, enhancing the joyful atmosphere—perfect for a wedding photographer to capture.
  • A woman in a burgundy dress sits excitedly on a carousel horse at Bushnell Park, her mouth open and arm raised, holding a bouquet. The background, captured by the wedding photographer, is filled with bright lights and partially visible riders in matching attire, creating a festive atmosphere.
  • Two women in burgundy dresses ride on colorful carousel horses, holding floral bouquets. The Bushnell Park carousel is adorned with bright lights and a festive atmosphere, perfect for a wedding photographer. Another person is partially visible in the background, also on the ride.

Wedding Photography Scheduling at Bushnell Park Carousel

The carousel is open year-round (close from January through March 2023 for maintenance), and offers both daytime and evening rides. This means that you can plan your photo shoot around the best lighting conditions for your desired look.

If you’re looking to book a photography session at the Bushnell Park Carousel, be sure to contact the park in advance to check availability and make arrangements. Their website notes that they never close the carousel for private events during their publicly posted opening hours.

If you’re planning a wedding in the Hartford area, and you’re looking for a fun, unique and beautiful location for your wedding photos, the Bushnell Park Carousel is an excellent choice. With its vintage charm and endless photo opportunities, it will add a touch of magic to your special day.

Carousels in Rhode Island

Most of the weddings that I photograph are in Rhode Island, and so you might be wondering if we have any historic carousels here in the Ocean State. As it turns out, we do!

Rhode Island is home to several historic carousels, each with its own unique history and charm. Some examples include:

  1. Flying Horse Carousel: Located in Watch Hill, this carousel is the oldest operating platform carousel in the United States. It was built in 1876 and features hand-carved horses and other animals.
  2. Crescent Park Looff Carousel: This carousel is located in Riverside, Rhode Island and it was built by Charles I.D. Looff in 1895. It features over 50 hand-carved horses, a lion, a tiger, and a chariot.
  3. Roger Williams Park Carousel: This carousel is located in Providence, Rhode Island, and it was originally built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1936, replacing an early carousel from 1897. The current carousel dates to 1990.
  4. Slater Park Carousel: This carousel is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and it was carved by Charles Looff in 1895 and has been in Pawtucket since 1910. It features 44 hand-carved horses, a lion, a camel, a giraffe, and two chariots. It is one of only six carousels in the country that is still in its original building!

All of these carousels are a piece of history and are great for couples who are looking for a quirky and nostalgic location for their wedding photography.

Connecticut Wedding Photographer Chris James

Born and raised here in Rhode Island, but I also travel to nearby states. I’d love to photograph your Connecticut wedding!

Bushnell Park Carousel

Hartford Wedding Photo Location

  • Close-up of a carousel horse at Bushnell Park, with detailed features including a blue harness, a yellow flower decoration on its head, and a flowing blue mane. The background is softly blurred with warm lights, enhancing the festive atmosphere of the scene, perfect for a wedding photographer’s portfolio.

Hartford, Connecticut


1 Jewell St
Hartford, CT, 06103
(800) 232 – 6710

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Chris James is a professional wedding and portrait photographer with over a decade of experience, serving the Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and southern New England region. He has a Master's degree and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Rhode Island. He is a Professor at the Community College of Rhode Island.

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