Longwood Gardens is one of those iconic engagement + portrait locations spots here in Pennsylvania. This botanical garden is a stunning backdrop setting for many couples and their engagement photos. With lush greenery and a wide array of different florals, Longwood Gardens is one of the best options for your Pennsylvania engagement photos. However, it’s important to understand all of the ins and outs of getting engaged at Longwood Gardens. We’re talking about the good, bad, and the ugly along with the rules and regulations that must be followed to get photos done in this gorgeous garden.

What Is Longwood Gardens?

Longwood Gardens is a botanical garden that is made up of over 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows in Kennett Square, PA. Here, you will find a plethora of different plant species and flowers that bloom in different seasons. Making it one of the most beautiful places to take your Pennsylvania engagement photos, especially if you’re all about nature.

This botanical garden offers a wide array of different gardens and arboretums within the 1,077 acres of land. Some of these gardens include Acacia Passage, Cascade Garden, the East Conservatory, the Historic Main Conservatory, and more. You can check out all of the exhibits here!

Longwood Gardens Admission Cost

In order for you to gain admission into Longwood Gardens, you’re required to purchase tickets. As of right now, adult tickets to enter cost $25 per person.

New Photography Requirements at Longwood Gardens

Now listen up, because this is important! As of recently, Longwood Gardens has enforced a new photography policy. Before these changes, couples were allowed to be photographed throughout their property. Minus a few locations here and there as they deemed fit. Below is an updated list of the current photography requirements at Longwood Gardens that must be followed:

• All photos must be taken while the Gardens are open
• All guests (including photographers, videographers, artists, etc) must purchase a general admissions ticket to enter Longwood Gardens

Now Through September 30th, 2024

• Photoshoots are permitted in the outdoor gardens ONLY. No indoor photoshoots are allowed

October 1st, 2024 Through February 28th, 2025

• Photoshoots will not be permitted in the gardens

March 1st, 2025

• Photo sessions will require a permit for a specific day and time and must be booked in advance. 
• Permit fees start at $250 and increase based on the number of guests
• The permit fee includes admission to the Gardens for the photographer only. Other guests entering the Gardens in conjunction with a photo session will need to purchase Gardens Admission
• Photography will be permitted in our outdoor gardens only.
• Memberships are exclusively for non-commercial use. Photographers with Longwood Memberships may not use their Membership to gain admission for clients to the Gardens as part of a photo session.
• All photo sessions will have a Longwood staff person accompanying them.
• Examples of special occasion photography include, but are not limited to: weddings, engagements, maternity, quinceañeras, proms, and formals.
• Commercial photography promoting products and services is not permitted in the Gardens. 

You can read all about the new photography policy at here!

Pros & Cons Of Getting Longwood Gardens Photos

There is no doubt that Longwood Gardens is a beautiful location for your engagement session. However, especially with their updated photography policy, it’s important to weigh out the pros and cons of getting Longwood Gardens engagement photos before making your final decision.

Pro: It’s Versatile

One of the many benefits of having a Longwood Gardens engagement session is that the space is incredibly versatile. If you’re someone who wants beautiful architecture, plants, flowers, open fields, etc. They’ve got it! It truly is a location that holds it beauty ALL year round. It’s because of this versatility that so many couples choose to take their Pennsylvania engagement photos at Longwood Gardens.

Con: Not Pet-Friendly

Unfortunately, if you want to include your pup in your engagement photos then Longwood Gardens might not be the best fit. Longwood Gardens currently has a no-pet policy.

Con: It Can Get Crowded

Another reason why having a Longwood Gardens engagement may not be the best fit for you is that it can get immensely crowded. There is a reason so many people come here and it’s because it’s stunning. However, with that comes the territory that a lot of other people want to come see the breathtaking gardens as well. Just keep this in mind if you get camera shy or if you want to purchase tickets ahead of time before they sell out. Especially in the busy spring + holiday season!

Pennsylvania Engagement Photos at Longwood Gardens

With the new rules and updated regulations at Longwood Gardens currently and more soon being enforced, it’s important to stay up-to-date with what’s going on. In this case, if you’ve been dying to get your Pennsylvania engagement photos taken at Longwood Gardens, I say go for it! Just consider admission costs as well as all of the new photography rules and regulations that will be enforced in the upcoming period.

Want to see more portrait photos of outdoor sessions done at Longwood Gardens to determine investing in your session there? Just ask – I would be happy to show you!

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