A quiet moment in an open iron gate, one of my favorite frames on the property.
Old Westbury Gardens wedding photos have a look you can't fake: a mansion that gives off a royal, old-world luxury feel, framed by gardens full of color. I've photographed an engagement session here, and the couples who get the best images plan around three things most people miss: the photo permit, the hours, and what to wear against all that grandeur.
Planning photos at Old Westbury Gardens? Dane Nelson Weddings photographs weddings and engagement sessions across Long Island. Book a free consultation and let's plan your session.
Do You Need a Photo Permit at Old Westbury Gardens?
Yes, and this is the step couples miss most. Any session with a hired photographer needs a permit, and you'll want to request it as soon as you have a date. When I booked, it was about $350 for a 90-minute session; the Gardens quotes each one based on the day, time, and group size.
Book ahead: requests need to be in at least two weeks before your date.
Season: permits run April 1 through November 20 only.
Days and hours: no sessions on Tuesdays, and arrivals are between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Rules: props and drones aren't allowed unless the Gardens approves them in advance.
Blackout dates: some event days have no private sessions (Oct 11 this year), so check the Gardens’ photography page before you lock in a date.
Missed the season? Permits stop on November 20 and start again April 1. For winter portraits, I’d point you to Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers, which works year-round. Or request your Old Westbury date early for spring, when the gardens look their best.
You'll also have a chaperone with you the whole time. They walk you to the different spots, make sure you're comfortable, and confirm your permit is paid. Honestly, it's a nice touch: they take care of you.
Your permit gets you time at spots like this, with a chaperone walking you between them.
Can You Get Married at Old Westbury Gardens?
Yes, in two ways. Large weddings are held as exclusive tented celebrations on limited dates, booked through the Gardens' event partner, In Any Event. Micro ceremonies of 50 guests or fewer book directly through weddings@oldwestburygardens.org. Either way, your photo session follows the same permit rules above.
Best Spots for Stunning Wedding Photos at Old Westbury Gardens
Old Westbury Gardens offers multiple spots for stunning wedding photography, each with its own charm and beauty. Here are a few of the most popular locations for wedding photos at the venue:
The Mansion.
The mansion gives every photo that royal, old-world feel, even in jeans and white tees.
My favorite backdrop on the property. It gives a luxury, old-school feel that honestly reads like royalty in photos, whether you're on the steps or framed against the facade.
The Front Gate.
The large gate carries the same regal feel as the mansion and works for bold, editorial portraits.
The large gate in front of the mansion carries that same regal feel, and it's a great frame for a walking shot or a classic portrait.
The Floral Garden.
Color everywhere you turn. The floral garden works at midday and at sunset.
So much color and so much variety that you can get completely different looks a few steps apart. It works at midday and at sunset.
My tip: visit before your session and pick the spots you love. With a chaperone guiding you and a set amount of time, walking in with a plan means more photos and less wandering.
Planning Your Wedding Photo Shoot at Old Westbury Gardens
When planning your wedding photo shoot at Old Westbury Gardens, there are a few important considerations to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that you get the best possible photos.
Timing and Lighting Considerations
Spring and summer are when the Gardens look their best. Since sessions arrive between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., true sunrise light isn't an option, so aim for the latest arrival you can get and you'll catch softer light as the day winds down. Stuck with a midday slot? That's where a photographer who uses flash earns their fee: with strobes, I can shoot you at high noon and still get flattering, polished photos.
Coordinating with Your Photographer
Book your photographer first, then request the permit together, since the form asks for your date and arrival time. Share the spots you love from your walk-through so your photographer can plan the order around the light, and plan on your chaperone setting the pace between locations.
What to Wear for Old Westbury Gardens Photos
The Gardens blends two moods: soft garden vibes and rich, regal luxury. You can lean either way. Loose, flowy, floral pieces play off the gardens, while formal, structured looks match the mansion and the gate. If you're doing two outfits, wear one of each and you'll get both sides of the property.
Old Westbury Gardens Engagement Photos: What a Session Costs
Plan for two costs: the Gardens’ photo permit and your photographer. The permit was about $350 for 90 minutes when I booked it. If your session runs longer, ask the Gardens to quote the full time, since my price doesn’t include the permit. My engagement sessions are $800 for two hours, which is my minimum, or $1,000 for three hours. Two hours comfortably fits two outfits and most of the spots above.
There’s no cap on edited photos. Every good frame gets edited and delivered, and your full gallery arrives within 7 to 10 business days. There’s no travel fee for Old Westbury. If you book your wedding with me within a year of your session, you get a $500 credit toward your wedding package. Wedding coverage starts at $5,500 for photo or video and $9,500 for both.
Proposing at Old Westbury Gardens
The Gardens offers a “Garden Bliss” proposal package for $350. It includes three admission tickets (you, your partner and your photographer) and 90 minutes of photos in the gardens after you ask. Reserve it 2 to 3 weeks ahead by emailing weddings@oldwestburygardens.org. If I’m photographing it, we’ll pick the exact spot beforehand. The gate in front of the mansion is my favorite, because it frames the moment beautifully. We’ll also plan where I’ll be standing so your partner doesn’t spot me early. Then we roll straight into engagement photos with the time that’s left.
FAQs About Old Westbury Gardens Wedding Photos
What Is the Best Time of Day for Photos at Old Westbury Gardens?
The latest arrival you can book, since sessions arrive between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Spring and summer give you the most color. With flash, midday works too.
Even in brighter daytime light, the right setup keeps portraits clean and flattering.
Can You Take Photos Inside the Mansion?
Ask the Gardens when you request your permit; interior access isn't covered on their photography page.
How Far in Advance Should I Book My Wedding Photographer?
For an engagement session, book me at least 3 to 4 weeks out so there’s time to request the permit, which the Gardens needs at least two weeks before your date. For a wedding, reach out as soon as you have a date. I limit how many weddings I take so every couple gets their photos on time.
Are There Restrictions on Drones or Photography Equipment?
Yes. Drones and props aren’t allowed unless the Gardens approves them in advance. Off-camera lighting, tripods and reflectors are allowed, but they need to be covered by the permit.
What Should We Wear for a Wedding Photo Shoot at Old Westbury Gardens?
Flowy, floral looks for the gardens or formal, regal looks for the mansion. With two outfits, do one of each.
How Long Does a Typical Wedding Photo Shoot Last at Old Westbury Gardens?
My sessions start at two hours, which fits two outfits. Book three hours if you want a third look or more of the property.
Do you need a permit for photos at Old Westbury Gardens?
Yes. Any session with a hired photographer needs one, requested at least two weeks ahead. It was about $350 for 90 minutes when I booked.
When can you take photos at Old Westbury Gardens?
April 1 through November 20, any day except Tuesday, arriving between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. A few event days are blacked out (Oct 11 this year).
How much does an Old Westbury Gardens wedding cost?
The Gardens quotes weddings individually. Large tented weddings book through In Any Event; micro ceremonies of 50 or fewer book through weddings@oldwestburygardens.org.
Can you propose at Old Westbury Gardens?
Yes. The Gardens’ “Garden Bliss” package is $350 and includes three admission tickets and 90 minutes of photos after the proposal. Reserve it 2 to 3 weeks ahead at weddings@oldwestburygardens.org.
Can we take photos at Old Westbury Gardens in the winter?
Not with a hired photographer. Permits only run April 1 to November 20. For winter portraits, Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers works year-round, or book your Old Westbury session for spring.
Ready to Plan Your Old Westbury Gardens Photos
Old Westbury Gardens rewards couples who plan ahead: book your photographer, request your permit early, walk the grounds first, and pick outfits that match the mood you want. I'd love to help you plan it.
Send me your date and whether it's a wedding or engagement session, and we'll set up your free consultation.
