Being a Philadelphia wedding photographer, it can be hard to find an incredible garden estate that’s both architecturally and environmentally stunning. Notably, Skylands Manor and NJ Botanical Gardens check all the boxes. Skylands Manor is truly magical in every season, but spring might just be my favorite. The gardens are bursting with blooms, azaleas, magnolias, and more which give us vibrant pops of color and dreamy textures for your engagement photos. The estate’s European-inspired architecture, winding stone paths, and sprawling lawns all add a timeless elegance to your photos, even as the wind adds an element of movement and spontaneity.

Jenna and Garrett chose the NJ Botanical Gardens for their engagement session. Since their wedding is in Wilmington at the iconic Hotel Du Pont, they wanted an al-fresco garden vibe for their photos. As you see, NJBG delivered.

Skylands Manor Botanical Gardens

With its panoramic views, the beautiful gardens, and stunning Tudor architecture, Skylands Manor and the New Jersey State Botanical Gardens indulge the senses.

The historic Skylands Manor mansion and NJ Botanical Garden, is the premier location for couples dreaming of something upscale and elegant. With a castle-like stone mansion, formal gardens, and fountains, it’s an incredible setting for engagement photos.

Skylands is beautiful year-round, but it truly shines in the spring and summer. In spring, you’ll get flowering trees and bright gardens, like we did for Jenna and Garrett’s session. In summer, everything is lush and vibrant, with full green foliage and golden evening light.

The 44-room Tudor revival manor house is a reproduction English mansion featuring rectangular, bay and oriel windows. The Skylands Manor offers romance and glamour for weddings that are reminiscent of those found in fairy tales. Your perfect day spent where you have always dreamed of having it. At a castle just for you, your fiancé and your guests! Imagine your ceremony lining the reflecting pool or along a magnolia tree-lined orchard. The rolling lawns, verandas and stone terraces provide the perfect ambiance for your celebration.

Permit Fees at Skylands Manor

Want your engagement photos at Skylands Manor NJ Botanical Gardens? You must purchase a photo permit. The permit fee for NJ residents is $150 while for non-NJ residents it’s $200. The permit allows for photos anywhere in the park/gardens. Photography is prohibited inside the manor.

View the photography permit application here.

Skylands Manor Engagement Photos

To put it another way, Skylands Manor has its fair share of photo opportunities. With stone steps, garden walls, fountains and the main manor house, there is no shortage of beautiful backdrops for your photos. Trust me, it’s a good problem to have! I spent this gorgeous afternoon with Jenna and Garrett soaking up all of the love and cherishing the new memories. A beautiful journey thus far and I can only imagine what’s to come.

Interested in editorial-style Philadelphia wedding photography? Reach out to Kristy Hoadley Photography to book your modern classic wedding.