TL:DR: If a portrait session at Longwood Gardens is a dream of yours, reach out today to schedule before October 1, 2024! From October 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025, absolutely no photography sessions will be allowed at the gardens. Starting March 1, 2025 a new permit system will be in place for all professional shoots, costing $250 + the cost of admissions for all individuals involved. Although this is a fairly significant change following the Longwood Gardens photography policy update, we still think that the Gardens is one of the best locations for photography in the area and the cost may be worthwhile for couples who love Longwood as much as we do. (Feel free to read on for all the important details.)
Our Longtime Love of Longwood Gardens
If you’ve been following along with the Ashley Gerrity Photography team for any amount of time, then you’ll know that Longwood Gardens is one of our most beloved locations for photography sessions. From proposals and engagements, to maternity and family sessions, we’ve done it all on the lushious grounds of Longwood. No matter the season, the gardens are a stunningly beautiful host for capturing the milestones in your life. We’ve photographed countless sessions there and each has been unique in its own special way with the ever changing environment.
The Spring and Summers seasons boast beautiful blooms and eye-catching colors while the changing leaves take center stage in the Fall. Even the Winter season has its perks with the fan-favorite holiday lighting display, (potentially) snow filled fields, and the chilly weather as an excuse for some extra snuggles with your loved ones. Some of our favorite Longwood Gardens engagement sessions, like Ariana & Matt’s, were captured during A Longwood Christmas. Trust us, it’s worth braving the cold & the crowds!
There is truly something for everyone and every style at Longwood Gardens. The Italian & Main Fountain Gardens give a neutral and luxurious backdrop while the greenery and gardens full of color add a lively touch to your photos. We can’t forget about all of the fun spots in between, from the gorgeous gazebos and towering structures to the ponds and waterfall features. We could truly spend hours upon hours exploring the vast grounds of gardens and displays. But, being longtime members of Longwood, we’re equipped with the knowledge to help explore as much or as little of the boundaries as you’d like within the time allotted for your photography session.
Longwood Gardens Photography Policy Update and What That Means For Our AGP Couples & Clients
With so many options and locations within the gardens for amazing portraits, it’s no surprise that Longwood Gardens has become one of the most popular locations for Philadelphia engagement photography sessions, along with other special occasions. Because of its growing popularity, Longwood Gardens has recently implemented an updated photography policy to help ensure all guests have a pleasant experience. Fortunately, this change in policy comes with plenty of notice so we can help you plan your photo session accordingly with the changes in mind. Check out the new rules and regulations and what that means for your photography session with AGP below.
First things first- getting into the gardens. Starting March 1st, 2025, special occasion and contracted photography sessions will require a permit with a fee. The permit will need to be booked in advance for a specific day and time. The permit fee of $250 includes admission for the photographer only, meaning clients will need to purchase their own admission tickets. There is also an additional charge based on the number of guests associated with each permit, yet to be announced. The current prices for admission change from season to season, ranging from $25-$32 per adult. The photography permit booking process has yet to be released, but we’ll be sure to keep our couples and clients updated and educated on the process once they announce that information.
Another notable emphasis to the Longwood Gardens photography policy update is that photography will now only be permitted in the outdoor spaces of Longwood Gardens. This means that although in the past we were sometimes allowed to use the Conservatory to work around poor weather (even though the policy has technically always been a “no”), the Conservatory will no longer be an option as part of your session. Fear not, there are still countless commendable choices to focus your photos as Longwood Gardens spans over 1,100 acres of land!
Additionally, all photography sessions will be accompanied by a Longwood Gardens staff person to ensure we are following all of the rules and staying within the marked boundaries, as we always do. Having a staff member along for the ride could be a great way to make the most out of your Longwood Garden photography session and experience. They’ll know all of the best locations during each of the four seasons and will be able to guide you to the most fitting features for your photos.
A few additional minor Longwood Gardens photography policy updates and visiting guidelines are worth noting before your Longwood Gardens engagement or photography session. Props including flowers and signage have never been permitted at Longwood Gardens to help ensure the health and safety of the horticulture, but the Gardens are re-focusing on this guideline. They’ll also be cracking down on wardrobe changes, as this is not permitted within the gardens and reentry is not permitted. So, put on your best, like Alexandra & Joey did for their formal Longwood Gardens engagement session, or keep it casual as Aubrey & Dylan chose to do for their Wintry Engagement Session. Whatever your style, come photo ready with your chosen outfit on and hair & makeup completed ahead of time.
The last Longwood Gardens photography policy update is a hard one, as we will not be permitted to photograph any sessions in the gardens from October 1st, 2024 through February 28th, 2025. Although we are saddened to miss out on two seasons of stunning photography opportunities, we look forward to the new sites and spaces Longwood Gardens will soon offer. They’ve been in the renovation process for some time now, and Longwood Reimagined and the new West Conservatory will be opening in late November of this year. If you haven’t heard already, they’ll be unveiling a wedding reception venue in March of 2025! We can’t wait to see the space and we hope to capture many gorgeous garden wedding celebrations in the near future!
If a Spring or Summer session at Longwood Gardens sounds like the perfect plan for you, we’d love to be the ones to capture it! If you had your heart set on an Autumn or holiday session at Longwood Gardens this year, we’d love to chat with you and give some suggestions for alternative locations for sessions with similar vibes.
All in all, we’ll be here to guide you through planning the Longwood Gardens engagement or family session of your dreams!
