Planning a portrait session is one of the most exciting parts of the process when we work together – but choosing a location can come with a few unexpected logistics.

While there are many locations that do not require a permit (and we often shoot at these and can definitely recommend some to you), it is common enough that a location might catch someones eye and we find out that there are permit requirements in the process.

As a result, a common question we get when planning for sessions with our clients is…

“Do we need a permit to take photos here?”

The answer is…sometimes.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• What photography permits are
• What you can typically expect
• Our experience working with them
• Real examples of locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York that require permits

Our goal is to make this feel simple, clear, and easy to navigate – so you can focus on enjoying your session.

What Is a Photography Permit?

A photography permit is essentially permission from a property owner or governing body that allows professional photography to take place on their property.

These permits are typically required at:

• Private properties (gardens, estates, greenhouses)
• Public parks (city, state, or national parks)
• High-demand or protected locations

Keep in mind, if you are getting married somewhere (particularly outside of a more “traditional” wedding venue), many locations also have wedding permit requirements (which are typically separate from a photography permit). This is commonly seen with clients who elope and work with us, who may need a wedding permit such as from a State or National Park.

What Do Permits Usually Involve?

While every location is a little different, most permits include the following things:

• A permit fee
  • Paid to the property owner or governing organization
  • Can range from simple admission fees → $500+ for premium locations
  • Most commonly in our area that we have seen: $50–$150
• An application process
  • Usually a form submission (usually done online, but sometimes has to be done with printing out a form and mailing)
  • Often requires advance approval
• Proof of insurance
  • Many locations require photographers to provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI)
  • We can provide this as needed!
• Usage rules
  • Some locations allow full flexibility
  • Others may restrict:
    • Certain areas
    • Props or outfit changes
    • Equipment (tripods, lighting, etc.)

Hopefully this helps give you a little insight but keep in mind that the specifics may range significantly depending on the place.

Timing Matters

One of the biggest things to know as someone planning for their session is that permits can sometimes take time to get, sometimes multiple weeks. This is really crucial to know especially if you’re more of a “last minute planner” type.

If you’re considering a location that requires a permit, we always recommend starting that process as early as possible.

Our Experience Working With Permits

Over the years, we’ve photographed sessions at a wide range of locations – everything from public parks to private gardens – and permits are a very normal part of this process.

As photographers, we are open to working anywhere so long as we’re allowed. Much of the time, we find ourselves at locations that are free to shoot at (so – don’t require any sort of permit) and for most sessions would suggest this. With that said, if there is a particular location that really catches your eye or holds special meaning to you, getting the permit can be worth it!

A few things we’ve learned from getting permits situated in the past include…

• Most permits are straightforward. Once you know the process, they’re usually easy to handle. With this said, there is sometimes variation as some agencies are quicker than others.
• Permit information is not always listed online. Sometimes, you have to actually call a location to get information.
• Fees vary a lot. We’ve seen everything from:
  • Simple entry fees
  • ~$50–$150 standard permits
  • $500+ for premium/private locations
• Enforcement is real. Really, one of the more important things to know is that many locations do check permits, and we’ve heard plenty of stories of photographers being asked to leave mid-session. We have (fortunately) never had this problem in all of our years because we get permits but it’s worth noting.

Because of that, we have a firm policy: we will not photograph at a location that requires a permit unless one has been secured.

If permits sound at all daunting, we can help guide you through it. If you’re working with us, we’ll:

• Help identify if a permit is needed
• Point you to the correct application
• Provide insurance documentation (as needed)
• Suggest alternatives if you want to avoid permits altogether

Example Locations in Pennsylvania Requiring a Photography Permit

Valley Forge National Historical Park

• Address: 1400 N Outer Line Dr, King of Prussia, PA
• Permit Cost: Typically ~$75 application fee
• Requirements:
  • Special use permit for professional photography
  • Advance application required

A mix of open fields, historic structures, and wooded trails – great for natural, scenic sessions.

Independence National Historical Park

• Address: Philadelphia, PA
• Permit Cost: Similar National Park Service structure
• Requirements:
  • Permit required for professional shoots

Iconic historic backdrops including Independence Hall and surrounding areas.

Philadelphia Museum of Art + Fairmount Park

• Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA
• Permit Cost: Varies (city-issued permit)
• Requirements:
  • Philadelphia Parks & Recreation media permit
  • Certificate of Insurance required
  • ~10 business days processing time

Classic Philly architecture, skyline views, and park settings (including the famous steps). In our experience, the Philadelphia Parks Department can sometimes be very slow at responding and processing permits, so take this into consideration when planning a session around here.

Magic Gardens in Philadelphia

• Address: 1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
• Permit Cost: $50 non refundable deposit, $100 per half hour permit fee
• Requirements:
  • Certificate of Insurance required
  • ~2 week business days processing time

Unique architecture in Philadelphia! Magic Gardens is a fairly small location but has a lot of great spots for photos.

Longwood Gardens

• Address: 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA
• Permit Cost:
  • $250–$750 depending on group size
• Requirements:
  • Advance booking (typically ~4 weeks ahead)
  • Proof of insurance
  • Timed sessions (set time slots)
• Notes:
  • Strict rules on props, wardrobe changes, and equipment

One of the most beautiful garden locations in the country – lush, curated, and highly maintained. As of 2026, they changed their rules around photography at the gardens to not only have more of a permit fee (it used to just be pay admission), but now photographers and their clients are accompanied by a Longwood staff member throughout the course of the session.

Tyler Arboretum

• Address: 515 Painter Rd, Media, PA
• Permit Cost: Varies (commercial fee required)
• Requirements:
  • Approval required for professional sessions

Natural, wooded setting with trails, open spaces, and seasonal foliage.

Scott Arboretum

• Address: 500 College Ave, Swarthmore, PA
• Permit Cost: Varies
• Requirements:
  • Permit required for any portrait session
• Notes:
  • Restrictions on movement, setup, and space usage

Clean, botanical garden feel integrated into a college campus setting.

Ott’s Exotic Plants

• Address: 861 Gravel Pike, Schwenksville, PA
• Permit Cost: ~ $50 (typical experience)
• Requirements:
  • Paid permission required

Indoor greenhouse with tropical plants – great for year-round sessions. They have some really unique features including their hill of mums and indoor waterfall. Keep in mind, this is an active store so other customers will likely be around but it’s large enough that every time we’ve photographed here we can always find great spots!

This is a really nice indoor photo session option!

Wildflower Lookout

• Address: 46 Peach Ln, Ronks, PA
• Permit Cost:
  • Admission + private field rental
• Requirements:
  • Reserve a designated flower field
• Notes:
  • Restrictions on group size and activities

Open wildflower fields with a more natural, organic feel.

Burnside Plantation

• Address: 1461 Schoenersville Rd, Bethlehem, PA
• Permit Cost: Varies
• Requirements:
  • Permit through Historic Bethlehem Museums

Historic farm setting with rustic textures and open space.

Locations in New Jersey Requiring a Photography Permit

Skylands Manor (Ringwood State Park)

• Address: 5 Morris Rd, Ringwood, NJ
• Permit Cost:
  • ~$150 (NJ photographers)
  • ~$200 (out-of-state)
• Requirements:
  • Paid permit
  • Proof of insurance

Castle-like estate with formal gardens and dramatic architecture. We love photographing sessions (and weddings!) here.

Grounds For Sculpture

• Address: 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ
• Permit Cost:
  • ~$1,000 for a 2-hour session
• Requirements:
  • Advance booking
  • Signed agreement

A curated outdoor art museum – very unique, modern, and visually striking.

Frelinghuysen Arboretum

• Address: 353 E Hanover Ave, Morris Township, NJ
• Permit Cost: Varies
• Requirements:
  • Permit required
  • Fees based on session details

Formal gardens with a refined, classic aesthetic.

Deep Cut Gardens

• Address: 152 Red Hill Rd, Middletown, NJ
• Permit Cost:
  • ~$67/hr (NJ residents)
  • ~$98/hr (non-residents)
• Requirements:
  • Permit required

Smaller garden with manicured landscaping and seasonal blooms.

Greenwood Gardens

• Address: 274 Old Short Hills Rd, Short Hills, NJ
• Permit Cost: Custom (for approved shoots)
• Requirements:
  • Professional shoots require special approval
  • Not allowed during normal visiting hours

A mix of formal gardens and natural landscapes with a very private, exclusive feel.

Luna Parc

• Address: Sandyston, NJ
• Permit Cost: Not publicly listed
• Requirements:
  • Must obtain direct permission from owner

Extremely eclectic, artistic property – bold, colorful, and totally unique. This is actually the owners home as well. If memory serves us well, the permit fee was $150.

Locations in New York Requiring a Photography Permit

New York Botanical Garden

• Address: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY
• Permit Cost:
  • ~$250 for a 2-hour session
• Requirements:
  • Apply ~6 weeks in advance
  • Limited shooting areas

Large-scale botanical garden with a wide range of curated landscapes.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

• Address: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY
• Permit Cost:
  • ~$300–$400 range depending on session
• Requirements:
  • Permit required for portrait sessions
  • Advance booking required

Seasonal blooms (especially cherry blossoms) make this a high-demand location.

NYC Parks (Central Park, etc.)

• New York, NY
• Permit Cost: Varies
• Requirements:
  • Permit required for professional shoots depending on scale

Iconic city + nature blend – especially popular for engagements and portraits.

Final Thoughts

Permits are a very normal part of planning a portrait session – especially if you’re drawn to gardens, historic properties, or well-known locations.

The biggest takeaways:

• Plan early (permits can sometimes take weeks to process)
• Expect some cost variability
• Follow the rules (they are enforced)
• Know you have options

If you’re working with us, we’ll help guide you through all of this – from securing permits to finding beautiful locations that don’t require them.

And if you’re not sure where to start? We’re always happy to help you find a location that fits your vision!