Photography Packages

A paid photography or videography session is required when your visit is primarily intended for posed, staged, or portrait photography using the Gardens as a backdrop. This includes sessions for special occasions, formal or coordinated attire, designated photographers or videographers, multiple photo locations, added equipment, props, makeup, or outfit changes.

Review our photography session requirements and guidelines.

Engagement at Longwood Gardens

Signature Proposal Experience

 $695 +tax

Create an unforgettable proposal moment with a carefully coordinated experience set amid the beauty of Longwood.

This 90-minute experience is designed for up to 4 guests, excluding the photographer, and includes planning support to help ensure the moment feels seamless and special.

Includes:
- Personal proposal coordination with a dedicated staff member via phone consultation.
- Private golf cart transportation to the proposal location and 1906 for a celebratory toast afterward.
- Two total beverages from the package drink menu, including champagne or specialty mocktails.
- A small hand-tied bouquet.
- A Longwood-branded commemorative photo frame.
- A 10% discount on a Longwood Membership.

Noteworthy:
Gardens admission is purchased separately. Experience is supported by two Longwood staff members.

wedding image at Longwood Gardens

Wedding Photography Experience

 $695 +tax

Capture wedding portraits in a beautifully coordinated experience set within Longwood’s iconic gardens and landscapes.

This 120-minute experience is designed to allow time for transportation, photography, and celebratory details, helping your photographer capture meaningful portraits with ease.

Includes:
- Personal coordination with a dedicated staff member via phone consultation.
- Private golf cart transportation for up to 4 guests to designated photography locations.
- A celebratory toast for the wedding couple at 1906.
- Two total beverages from the package drink menu, including champagne or specialty mocktails.
- A Longwood-branded commemorative photo frame.

Noteworthy:
Gardens admission is purchased separately. Experience is supported by two Longwood staff members.

maternity photography at Longwood Gardens

Milestone Photography Experience

 $495 +tax

Celebrate a meaningful milestone with a thoughtfully coordinated photography experience set among Longwood’s most picturesque landscapes.

This 90-minute experience is ideal for maternity or engagement sessions and is designed for up to 4 guests, including the photographer.

Includes:
- Personal coordination with a dedicated staff member via phone consultation.
- Private golf cart transportation to three designated photo locations throughout the Gardens.
- Exclusive photography access to select locations, including the Italian Water Garden and Webb Farmhouse Patio overlooking the Meadow Garden.
- A Longwood-branded commemorative photo frame.

Noteworthy:
Gardens admission is purchased separately. Experience is supported by one Longwood staff member.

Chrysanthemum Festival 2025

Conservatory Photography Experience

 $495 +tax

Capture portraits inside Longwood’s iconic Conservatory with a thoughtfully coordinated photography experience designed for a seamless visit.

This 90-minute experience is designed for up to 4 guests, including the photographer, and offers access to select Conservatory spaces during designated session times.

Includes:
- Personal coordination with a dedicated Longwood staff member.
- Access to select Main and East Conservatory locations, based on availability.
- A Longwood-branded commemorative photo frame.
- Complimentary return tickets for a future visit to enjoy the full Gardens.

Noteworthy:
Gardens admission is purchased separately. Guests will enter and park via the Business Entrance and enter through the Grove. Guests may be present during the session, and some Conservatory areas may be unavailable due to crowds, events, or facility rental setup. This experience is not available during A Longwood Christmas.

A sunlit view of a stone-tiled garden path bordered by blooms and foliage of varying colors, heights, and textures.

Late Day Outdoor Session

 $250 +tax

Enjoy a 90-minute outdoor photography session during select late-day hours in the Gardens.

This session is designed for 2–4 guests, including the photographer, and is available on select dates from May through October.

Includes:
- One Longwood staff escort.
- Access to designated outdoor photography locations.

Noteworthy:
Gardens admission is purchased separately. Additional time may be available for a $50 fee, depending on operating hours and availability.

Magnolia tree at Longwood Gardens

Standard Outdoor Photography Session

Starting at $250 +tax

Schedule a permitted outdoor photography or videography session for portraits, special occasions, or other posed photography in Longwood’s outdoor gardens.

This 90-minute session is designed for guests who wish to use the Gardens as a backdrop for posed, staged, or portrait photography. Sessions must be scheduled at least four weeks in advance and are available at 10:15 am, 12:45 pm, and 3:15 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and 5:30 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday when the Gardens are open late, based on availability. Limited morning times are available during A Longwood Christmas.

Includes:
- One Longwood staff escort.
- Access to designated outdoor photography locations.
- Admission for the photographer only.

Permit Fees:
-1–4 guests: $250
-5–10 guests: $325
-11–20 guests: $500
-21–30 guests: $750
-Add $50 during A Longwood Christmas.

Noteworthy:
Gardens admission is purchased separately. Additional time may be available for a $50 fee, depending on operating hours and availability. 

Decorated cakes lined up on a table, in front of a decked out Christmas tree.

Music Room Holiday Experience

 $595 +tax

Capture timeless holiday portraits in Longwood’s iconic Music Room, beautifully styled with festive seasonal décor.

This 90-minute experience is designed for up to 8 guests, including the photographer, and begins at 8:30 am before the Gardens open to the public. The Music Room is approximately a five-minute walk from the Visitor Center.

Includes:
One staff member to support the experience.

Noteworthy:
Gardens admission is purchased separately. Guests will arrive through the side entrance of the Visitor Center.

When a Paid Photography/Videography Session Is Required

A permit and scheduled session are required if any of the following apply:

  • Intent: Your visit is primarily to take posed or portrait photos/video using the Gardens as a backdrop.
  • Photographer/Videographer: A designated person—professional or otherwise—is taking photos/video of individuals in your group.
  • Photos/Video: Multiple posed or staged photos/video are being taken in various locations.
  • Equipment: You use lights, reflectors, tripods, video gear, or other accessories.
  • Props or Makeup: Items are used to stage or enhance photography/videography.
  • Outfit Changes: Clothing changes of any kind beyond layering a sweater or jacket.
  • Special Attire: Formal or coordinated outfits such as gowns, tuxedos, ceremonial or bridal attire, or themed/costume clothing.

Examples of special occasions requiring a paid photography/videography session include, but are not limited to: weddings, engagements, proposals, maternity, quinceañeras, proms, and formals.

Longwood staff reserve the right to determine when a visit constitutes a photography/videography session and may deny entry or ask guests to leave if a permit was not obtained in advance.

When a Permit Is Not Required

Guests are warmly welcome to take casual, informal photos/videos during their visit for personal enjoyment and to remember their experience at Longwood. No permit is required when:

  • Photos/videos are spontaneous and taken during a regular visit.
  • Guests use handheld cameras or phones without additional equipment.
  • Images/videos are for personal, non-commercial use (such as sharing with family, friends, or on personal social media).

We encourage guests to capture and share the beauty of their visit—just please be mindful of other guests and remain on designated pathways to protect the Gardens.

Scheduling (for Permitted Photo Sessions)

  • Sessions must be scheduled at least four (4) weeks in advance using our photo session request form.
  • Same-day permits are not available.

Photo/Video Session Guidelines

(For guests with scheduled and permitted photo sessions)

  • Photography is permitted in outdoor gardens only.
  • All sessions are accompanied by a Longwood staff member.
  • Proof of insurance is required for professional photographers.
  • Props, signs, drones, and wardrobe changes are not permitted.
  • Commercial photography/videography promoting products or services is not permitted.
  • Longwood Memberships are for non-commercial use only and may not be used for client photo sessions.
  • Changes to bookings must be made at least 14 days prior to your session.
  • Longwood does not provide storage and is not responsible for personal belongings or equipment.

General Photography/Videography Guidelines

  • Handheld cameras and phones are welcome for personal, non-commercial use.
  • Tripods, monopods, and easels may be used in outdoor gardens only, subject to attendance levels and staff discretion. These items are not permitted indoors.
  • Drones are not permitted anywhere on the property.
  • Costumes (including cosplay, masks, or seasonal characters such as Santa or the Easter Bunny) are not permitted at any time.
  • To protect our horticultural collection, we do not allow outside plant material or flowers of any kind to be brought into the Gardens unless approved for use during a permitted photography session or when hosting Events at Longwood.
  • Please be respectful of other guests, avoid blocking paths, and protect our plant displays and garden spaces.