Longwood Christmas Engagement Photos
Holiday Engagement Sessions
I love that this couple chose the cooler months for their engagement session. They wanted to capture the enchanting feeling of the season. Choosing Longwood Gardens as the backdrop for their engagement photos was the perfect fit for their vision. I love the outfit choice for their photo session, very stylish and festive with thoughtful jewel tones and flair! Although it was the end of November, we lucked out and got a fairly mild day. Often, Couples avoid the winter months for photo sessions, and I can understand why, with the chill in the air, but there is also something special and romantic about this time of year, and I love that this couple embraced that magic!
A Longwood Christmas
Each year, Longwood Gardens transforms its expansive outdoor garden space and indoor conservatory into a magical winter wonderland full of twinkling lights, beautiful Christmas trees, and festive floral displays. The winter holiday season is possibly the busiest time of the year for
Longwood Gardens. People travel from near and far to enjoy the dazzling display. The holiday season at Longwood runs from late November through the beginning of January and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Entry is through timed tickets. Because it is so popular, it’s recommended to purchase in advance, as the busiest times can sell out. Weekdays are typically less crowded than the weekends, and many people choose to go during sunset or after dark to enjoy the light shows displayed on the outside paths.
Christmas Tree at Longwood Gardens
This grand Christmas tree was our first stop inside Longwood Gardens. It seemed to be dripping with decorations, colorful lights, festival bulbs, and holiday razzle-dazzle. The couple loved the festive holiday decorations. Longwood Gardens is quite expansive, and we had to narrow down the locations for photos because there are just so many places to go. Pro tip: Bring comfortable flat shoes to walk from location to location if you are planning on heels for the photos. This will make for a more enjoyable engagement photo experience and allow you to move around the grounds with ease.
Winter Engagement Session at Longwood
Longwood is a popular location for engagement and proposal photo sessions in PA. Many people come during the spring and summer to see the amazing display of flowers blooming during this time of year. The manicured gardens and winding pathways offer endless places for beautiful photos. But did you know the winter at Longwood holds its own beauty? Although, of course, there will not be the blooming flowers outside, there are festive displays of joy and light perfect for engagement session photos. 
Floating Stars on the Big Lake
If you take a right once you enter Longwood Gardens and follow the path, you will be led to the big lake. It is wonderful to have this water feature, and I love how big stars, lined with string lights, were floating on the lake! This ethereal look creates a gorgeous, otherworldly feel with a holiday theme. 
Winter Engagement Photos
Keep in mind that engagement photos are only allowed in the outside areas of Longwood Gardens at this time. Although you can’t go inside the conservatory for a photo session at Longwood, you are able to wander the grounds and enjoy the whimsy and beauty on display for the holidays. Instead of there being the typical three slots a day available for photo sessions, there is only one time slot per day at 10:30 a.m. during this busy holiday time. Although you will not see the dramatic lights on display as you would after dark, you will be immersed in the gleeful wonder of the holiday, from Christmas trees to floating stars and miniature trains. It was an overcast day for this photo session, which actually worked in our favor. It allowed us to see the Christmas lights on the trees and for these twinkling lights to be a fun part of their engagement photos!
Photography at Longwood Gardens
If you are considering Longwood Gardens for a photo session, first review the Longwood Gardens photo policy to understand the rules and regulations, as well as the time slots available to book. Longwood Gardens is a very popular location for photo sessions, so I encourage you to reach out to them as soon as you’re thinking about scheduling a time slot to find out availability. During a photo session, a staff escort will stay with you throughout the duration of your session, offering assistance and guidance throughout the shoot. 
3 Reasons to Have a Holiday Engagement Session
Thinking about doing your engagement session during the holidays? It can be such a fun time of year for couples’ photos. Here in the Philadelphia area, it can definitely be chilly, so bundle up, but for some couples, it is their favorite time of year. Here are three reasons to have a Holiday Engagement session:
- Holiday Magic
There are some very unique and fun locations to capture the holiday season in the Philadelphia Area. From the holiday market around City Hall to the dazzling displays at Longwood Gardens (just an hour outside the city).
- Cozy and Romantic
The colder months add a feeling of romance; it seems to make you want to snuggle just a little closer to those that you love. Whether you are in front of a fireplace or out in the woods, there is something special about this time of year.
- Fewer people are out and about
During the winter months, there are typically fewer people out and about. This gives the unique opportunity to go to some of the typically more populated areas without having the crowds! Of course, holiday-specific areas might be more crowded 😉
More Photos Sessions at Longwood
If you are intrigued by the thought of a photo session at Longwood for your proposal or engagement, I invite you to browse through some more photos and check out these other real photo sessions I have done for ideas and inspiration.
Longwood Gardens Surprise Proposal
Longwood Gardens Engagement Session
Book and Inquiry Call
I would love to schedule a call with you to hear more about the engagement photo session you have in mind. Whether you are planning a winter holiday session or something during the spring blooms, it’s always a good time of year for a proposal or engagement photos! As a Philadelphia area photographer, I have lots of experience with photo sessions at Longwood Gardens, and I would love to share my photo packages with you. You can reach me by completing the contact form for Heidi Roland Photography, and I will get back to you right away to schedule a phone call.
