Longwood Gardens Photography Policy & Your Engagement Session

Understanding the New Longwood Gardens Photography Policy

Longwood Gardens photography policy used to be easy-peasy. However, starting March 1, 2025, the new policy will introduce permit fees, restricted access, and limited time slots, significantly impacting engagement sessions.

The long sought-after photo location nestled in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, Longwood Gardens is one of the most renowned botanical gardens in the country. Originally developed by Pierre S. du Pont in the early 20th century, the gardens have become a premier destination for nature lovers, event hosts, and photographers alike. With ever-changing floral displays, a breathtaking Conservatory, and European-inspired fountains, Longwood Gardens offers an unmatched setting for engagement sessions making it a dream location for couples looking for timeless and elegant photography. Whether you want elegant architecture, vibrant floral displays, or natural, secluded greenery, the Gardens provide endless possibilities for unique and breathtaking engagement photos.

For couples hoping to capture their love story at Longwood Gardens, here’s what you need to know about these changes and how they may affect your session.

How the Longwood Gardens Photography Policy Affects Engagement Sessions

In the past, couples could book an engagement session at Longwood Gardens without needing special permissions—just the cost of general admission. This flexibility allowed us to select the best time for lighting, move freely between indoor and outdoor locations, and bring multiple outfit changes for variety.

Under the new Longwood Gardens Photography Policy, engagement sessions will require a permit, advance booking of at least 4 weeks, specific time slots, and additional fees.

A Staff Escort Will Be Present for Your Session

One key aspect of the Longwood Gardens Photography Policy is that a staff escort will be present throughout your session. While this may seem restrictive at first, it also ensures that you have seamless access to the best locations within the Gardens. The guide can help navigate the vast grounds efficiently, making sure you get the most out of your limited session time. While it does mean we’ll need to be mindful of the guidelines, with the right planning, we can still create stunning, natural, and intimate engagement photos in this incredible setting.

Photography is Now Limited to Outdoor Gardens

Previously, couples had access to both indoor and outdoor spaces, including the stunning Conservatory, which offered protection from bad weather and seasonal floral displays. Now, photography is restricted to outdoor areas only. To be fair there are tons of beautiful spots to photograph outdoors at Longwood Gardens, but it does eliminate one of the most stunning spaces where architecture and nature collide.

Key Considerations

• No indoor backup plan if it rains—sessions must either be rescheduled or take place in wet conditions.
• Winter engagement sessions will no longer have access to indoor seasonal displays, which were previously a highlight of Longwood Gardens.
• Fewer fusion options for couples who had hoped for architectural structure without compromising exquisite, lush botanicals, we have fewer options for capturing these elements in tandem under the new policy.

For those who love Longwood Gardens’ Conservatory and indoor settings, this is an important limitation to consider when deciding if Longwood Gardens is the right location for your engagement photos.

Challenges with Limited Time Slots in the New Policy

Longwood Gardens now only allows photography sessions at 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, or 2:30 PM. This presents several challenges for lighting and scheduling:

• Harsh midday lighting: These time slots fall during the brightest part of the day, creating strong shadows and less flattering lighting, especially on sunny days.
• No golden hour sessions: Previously, sessions could be scheduled closer to sunset for soft, romantic lighting. Now, that option is no longer available.
• Crowds may impact photos: Longwood Gardens is a popular attraction, and these limited slots may coincide with peak visitor hours, making it harder to find quiet, intimate backdrops.

For couples who prefer soft, natural light, we may need to explore alternative locations that allow for sunset or golden-hour engagement sessions.

Wardrobe Changes No Longer Permitted

A significant shift in the Longwood Gardens Photography Policy is the restriction on outfit changes. Previously, couples could bring multiple looks to add variety to their photos. Now if you wanted both a casual and a dressy outfit, you’ll need to pick just one. Additionally if your outfit needs last-minute adjustments, there are no on-site changing areas.

This restriction may be frustrating for couples who had planned for a variety of styles in their engagement gallery.

Understanding the Cost: New Permit Fees

One of the most noticeable changes in the Longwood Gardens Photography Policy is the introduction of photography permit fees:

• 1-10 people (including the photographer): $250
• 11-20 people: $500
• 21-30 people: $750

Each photography session is limited to 90 minutes, with an option to extend by 30 minutes for an additional $50.

Additionally, the $250 permit fee only covers the photographer’s admission. If you and your fiancé are not Longwood Gardens members, you will also need to purchase general admission tickets at $25 per person.

For some couples, this added expense may make Longwood Gardens a less appealing choice, especially when there are many beautiful, free or less expensive locations in the area. However, despite the cost of the new Longwood Gardens Photography Policy, it gives you access to one of the most stunning and ever-changing landscapes in the region. Longwood’s gardens are meticulously designed and beautifully maintained year-round, meaning no matter when you visit, you’re getting a breathtaking backdrop.

If Longwood Gardens has always been a dream location for you, the permit ensures you get those romantic, timeless portraits in a setting that truly stands out. If Longwood Gardens is your dream setting, I’ll help you maximize your session within these new guidelines.

Final Thoughts on the Updated Longwood Gardens Photography Policy

Longwood Gardens remains one of the most stunning photography locations in the region, but these new restrictions may make it less ideal for some couples. If you love its timeless beauty and don’t mind paying the permit fee and working within their limitations, we can absolutely create stunning, unique engagement photos here. However, if you need more flexibility, golden-hour lighting, or outfit changes, other locations may be a better fit.

If Longwood Gardens is your dream location, I’ll work with you to navigate these new policies and create a plan to get the most out of your session. I’m happy to do all the heavy lifting in navigating this, but if you’d like to take a peek at Longwood Garden’s new policy you should! If you’re open to exploring alternatives, I can also recommend picturesque locations with fewer restrictions.

Let’s talk about your engagement session and find the best setting for your love story.

A Positive Addition: Longwood Gardens Welcoming Weddings

In a departure from previous restrictions, Longwood Gardens will now permit wedding receptions and other social celebrations in their new event spaces beginning in March 2025. While wedding ceremonies and religious ceremonies are still not allowed within the Gardens, this new provision offers couples the opportunity to celebrate their special day amidst the stunning horticultural displays. See more about hosting your Longwood Gardens wedding!