1001 Longwood Rd. Kennett Square, PA 19348
Longwood Gardens is one of my favorite places for engagement and portrait sessions! With over 1,000 acres of outdoor and indoor gardens, Longwood Gardens offers wide sweeping landscapes, tree houses, beautiful water gardens and one of the greatest places for sunset engagement photos in the Philadelphia area.
The Longwood Gardens is a botanical garden in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, United States, with over 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows in the Brandywine Creek Valley. It is one of the country’s top horticultural display gardens, open year-round to visitors who may enjoy native and exotic plants, horticulture (both indoor and outdoor), events and performances, seasonal and themed attractions, as well as educational talks, seminars, and workshops.
FAQs: Engagement Session at Longwood Gardens
1. How do we choose the best spots at Longwood Gardens for our engagement session?
We’ll talk about your vision, whether you prefer lush gardens, architectural elements, or water features, and select zones accordingly. Longwood offers stunning backdrops like the Italian Water Garden, fountain terraces, tree-lined walkways, and manicured formal gardens. We’ll pick 2–3 of the most visually complementary spots for your session.
2. What should we wear and how should we prepare for this setting?
Since Longwood Gardens is elegant and varied (formal gardens, sculpture, water features, wide paths), we’ll guide you on outfit choices and logistics. For example, choose garments that work well on grass and stone pathways, avoid overly busy patterns that distract from the setting, and plan footwear accordingly. We’ll also schedule a time slot that matches the light and your wardrobe’s tone.
3. How long should the session be, and can we move between multiple garden areas?
Yes, you can absolutely have a session that covers multiple looks. We’ll set aside a timeframe that allows us to move from one garden area to another without rushing. We’ll factor in transition times (walking, changing stance, adjusting light) so you get variety without feeling pressured.
4. What happens if the weather or light isn’t ideal at Longwood Gardens?
We’ll monitor conditions and build flexibility into your plan. Options include choosing more shaded garden areas to avoid harsh midday sun, selecting pathways with tree cover if it’s windy, or agreeing on alternate look(s) if rain impacts the session. Because we know how to move efficiently on-site, we’ll maximize the time you get while preserving comfort and style.
5. How will this engagement session help us feel more comfortable in front of the camera?
We’ll use this shoot as a rehearsal of sorts, encouraging natural movement, interaction, and ease in your environment. Since we’ll already be familiar with your best angles and preferences, when your wedding day arrives, you’ll feel more relaxed, more you, and ready to shine.
6. Are there any special photography policies we should know at Longwood Gardens?
Yes, Longwood Gardens has specific guidelines for engagement/photo sessions. Among the key points:
- Sessions must be scheduled at least 4 weeks in advance.
- A permit fee applies (starting around $250 for 1-10 people) and includes photographer admission only; clients still need general admission tickets.
- Photography is currently limited to outdoor gardens only. Indoor spaces are no longer permitted for photo sessions.
- Sessions are available at specified times (e.g., 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm).
Location Information:
1001 Longwood Rd. Kennett Square, PA 19348
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