PORTRAIT PHOTO PERMIT FAQs
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Do we need a permit to take photos at Old Westbury Gardens?
If you are specifically visiting the gardens to use as it as a background for special occasion or portrait photography (such as, but not limited to, engagement, portfolio, prom, family, holiday cards, quinceañeras, maternity, graduation, christening, costumes or special clothing, etc.) then a permit is required. Applicants for such photography must request a permit 2 weeks in advance.
How do we obtain a permit?
Email or call us to see if the date and time are available. To ensure a proper experience for you, we limit the number of permits per day and per time slot. Once we inform you that the date and time are available, we will ask you to provide your contact information and the number of persons. We will then send a contract for you to sign and return with complete payment within 14 days.
How much does a permit cost?
WEEKDAYS: The fee is $200 for a 90-minute session for up to 10 guests. A $25 fee is added for each additional person up to a maximum of 20 guests.
Can we see the gardens before we decide to apply for a permit?
Yes, but you must pay any applicable admission fees but keep your receipt as your admission fee may be applied to your permit fee.
How much time do we have to take photos?
Permits are for 1 and ½ hours (90 minutes).
When can we have our photos taken?
Portrait photography permits for portrait photography are issued for April 1- November 17, 2024, every day, except Tuesdays and certain blackout dates. Sessions may take place between 10:30am and 4:30pm. Sessions after 5pm may be available for an additional fee.
What if it rains?
If rain is forecast for the day of your permit you must cancel no less than 24 hours before your permit’s time. You may choose to reschedule the permit for another date based upon availability, or you may cancel. Notifications to postpone received less than 24 hour before permit time, will incur a $50 processing fee. No shows will forfeit the permit fee. No interior locations are available for portrait photography permits. See below for cancellation policy.
We don’t have all the information to complete the application. Can we still reserve the date?
Yes, to reserve the date for the permit you must provide contact information about yourselves, the date and time requested, the number of guests, and complete payment. It does take time for you to obtain the required insurance documentation for your vendors so the sooner you provide that information to us the better.
What if we arrive late?
All sessions are reserved for 90-minutes from the time you are scheduled to arrive. Should you arrive after your scheduled time of arrival, your time of departure does not change. If you arrive within 15 minutes of your scheduled departure time, you are considered a no-show and will forfeit the full permit fee.
What is your cancellation policy?
You may cancel your permit up to two weeks (14 days) in advance of the permit’s date and time and you will be refunded all fees with no penalty. If you cancel less than 2 weeks (14 days) in advance of the permit date and time, you will receive the amount paid less a $50 processing fee.
Do you recommend a photography studio?
You may use your own photography studio or you may select one of our preferred studios and receive a 10% discount on your permit fee.
Cassarino Studios (516)v877-2770
Fine Art Photography and Film (516) 997-4200
First Look Photo + Film (formerly Franklin Square Photographers) (516) 437-1055
Patken Photographer (631) 888-0065
Jay Lim Photography (516) 333-0769
Silver Fox Studios (631) 393-6966
Studio 27 (516) 730-5007