Longwood Gardens Engagement Session
Garden Engagement Photos
This Longwood Garden engagement session was an absolute dream!
The gardens are expansive and truly immaculate. There are many different smaller gardens to see within the almost 200 acres. There are open meadows, wonderful walkways, and spectacular displays to explore. Not only is there an ever-changing and awe-inspiring array of horticultural beauty, but there are lovely architectural components, an outstanding greenhouse and even a fountain show. It is an enjoyable place to visit for all ages with wide pathways and plenty to see. Each season there are new plantings and seasonal displays that encourage you to come back again and again to soak up this pleasing and peaceful atmosphere. As a Philadelphia engagement photographer, I often recommend this location when couples are looking for a garden or want lots of greens and manicured florals for their photos. It is about an hour from Philadelphia and one of the most popular places of its kind in the area.
Engagement Session Outfit
I love the stylish outfits this couple chose for their engagement session. Perfect for the spring day with a fun and playful dress with blue tones to match her beautiful engagement ring! They complimented each other perfectly and their looks went well with the formal gardens and picturesque landscape.
Waterfall at Longwood
How magical is the vignette with the water flowing over the rocks and the ivy-covered tower? It feels like you have been transported to a fairytale. Everywhere you turn at Longwood Gardens you will find another stunning landscape, thoughtfully curated with plants, flowering trees, and unexpected surprises. This fun location is tucked away and on the edge of the property. I like that it is quieter and more secluded.
Photography Policy at Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens has recently updated its photography policy and there are some pretty major changes that are important to be aware of if you are planning a Longwood Gardens engagement session. The gardens have been very popular and for this reason they have rolled out a new policy to tighten up photography there. Although you used to be able to take photos in the gorgeous greenhouse. No photography is allowed in there anymore. This is too bad because it is such a spectacular space with pretty light and is warm and dry all year long! Sessions are outside only.
From October 1st 2024 through February 28th 2025 there will be no photography session permitted at all.
Beginning in March 2025 couples who want to do engagement sessions will have to purchase a photo permit that must be booked in advance.
Once the new policy takes effect, permits will be available for most days at specified times. The starting cost for a permit is $250.00 and increases depending on the number of people. The fee includes admission for the photographer only and others will still have to purchase their own tickets for entrance. A Longwood Gardens staff person will be assigned and present for the duration of the photo session.
The good news is that you will still be able to take beautiful photos at this special location. You will just have to plan ahead and pay the permit fee.
I encourage you to go to their website and check the Longwood Gardens Photography Policy to make sure you have the most up-to-date information straight from the source before planning your engagement photo session.
Tulip Garden Couples Photos at Longwood
Nothing says spring like the vibrant blooming tulips! It is spectacular to see all the shades of pink, reds, yellow and purple. The flowers just seem to be bursting with life and happy to be there. It did start to drizzle again as we entered this part of the garden but with the help of our umbrellas we we still able to captiful the spring colors and essence of the tulips. It was worth it!
Rainy Day At Longwood Gardens
When you plan your engagement session you are always hoping for perfect weather, but sometimes it does rain. On this day it started to sprinkle as soon as we walked through the gates and into the garden. Luckily at Longwood Gardens, there is one area that I know of that is covered. It is not a very big space but it is pretty(even though it’s not green or full of flowers) and it was helpful to wait out the rain a bit. We also brought umbrellas that came in handy and are still cute in photos. Since you are only allowed to take photos outside at Longwood, the rain is not ideal but all things considered, we got lucky. It wasn’t a washout and with just a few intermittent sprinkles we were able to get lovely photos and not get wet.
This Engagement Ring!
I love a unique engagement ring and this ring is just stunning!
Planning You Longwood Gardens Engagement Session
I want to share a few things to keep in mind when planning your Longwood Garden Engagement Session. Weekends are always busier, so if you can, plan for a weekday. This will allow you more ease and space for a calm experience and pretty photos. Avoid high noon as the light it directly overhead and can be harsh. Instead, choose to come in the morning or the evening. The sun will be lower in the sky and will give you more flattering light and in turn better photos.
Want to See More Engagement Sessions?
Engagement sessions are so fun! You will get lovely couples photos and it will help put you at ease for your wedding day. Here are a few other real engagement sessions in the Philadelphia area that may inspire you if you are looking for somewhere full of nature:
Ridley Creek Park Engagement Session
Philadelphia Park Engagement Session at Valley Green Inn
Philadelphia Rock Climbing Engagement Session
To see more engagement photos check out the Heidi Roland Photography Blog
Inquire about photography for your engagement session or wedding day
Would you like to learn more about photography and packages for your engagement session or wedding day? I would love to chat! Click this link to reach out.
