Old Westbury Gardens vs. Botanical Gardens

FH and I are set on having our pictures taken at Old Westbury Gardens after the Church, however here's our dilemma: our Church ceremony is in Brooklyn and ends at 3:15, then we have to drive all the way to LI take pics and drive all the way back to Russo's in Queens by 6pm. We're planning on doing a trial run this summer to see how long it takes us but I have a feeling we just don't have the time, so the next best thing would be to take our pics at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. I've never even been to the Bklyn BG, but I hear it's beautiful. I was just wondering if any of you are taking your pictures there too or know anyone who did and what they thought of it.

Re: Old Westbury Gardens vs. Botanical Gardens

I did- and I loved it! here is the info:

BBG Photo info

And here are some pics:

Re: Old Westbury Gardens vs. Botanical Gardens

Re: Old Westbury Gardens vs. Botanical Gardens

i just love your pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Your pictures are amazing!! Love the sunflowers - they are beautiful against the changing leaves in the background!!

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Rebecca,

Thank you sooo much for posting you wedding pics. They came out gorgeous! I feel better now that I saw some pictures - I've never been to the BG but from your pictures it looks amazing!!!

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No problem! If you check the page i posted, it tells you what areas are in bloom, so you can choose the best place for you photos. I took mine in the Japanese Garden, but there are a lot of other beautiful areas.

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Posted by brooklynbridezilla

No problem! If you check the page i posted, it tells you what areas are in bloom, so you can choose the best place for you photos. I took mine in the Japanese Garden, but there are a lot of other beautiful areas.

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I checked the website and it mentions something about bringing your permit with u...do you know what they're referring to? What kind of permit is it and where would I get one?

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Posted by pupidda122505

I checked the website and it mentions something about bringing your permit with u...do you know what they're referring to? What kind of permit is it and where would I get one?

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In order to take your pics there, you have to go to their office and reserve a time, and pay $250 up front. They will not let you do this over the phone, or mail your payment, unfortunately. I paid cash. They give you a map and your permit (you show it to the guard on your wedding day). The guard will escort you around the park. A tip- ask the guard to stay out of the way. mine was in a couple of my photos.

Re: Old Westbury Gardens vs. Botanical Gardens

I'm doing my ceremony in Bklyn and then heading over to LI for the reception. I was am also trying to decide between the two gardens. I've never been to Westbury Gardens but I have been to the Botanic garden in Bkyln. The only reason why I would be reluctatnt o them at the Blkyn location is because the place is soo big and there are so many places to take fotos you or your photographer really have to know how to get to the different locations in the garden otherwise you will be taking pictures for a long time. I really love the rose exhibit they do in the bklyn location but i haven't checked out the website yet. I don't know if the Westbury layout is different. If all teh best photo ops are by the entrance then I will pic Westbury. HOpe this helps.

Re: Old Westbury Gardens vs. Botanical Gardens

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Posted by brooklynbridezilla

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Posted by pupidda122505

I checked the website and it mentions something about bringing your permit with u...do you know what they're referring to? What kind of permit is it and where would I get one?

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In order to take your pics there, you have to go to their office and reserve a time, and pay $250 up front. They will not let you do this over the phone, or mail your payment, unfortunately. I paid cash. They give you a map and your permit (you show it to the guard on your wedding day). The guard will escort you around the park. A tip- ask the guard to stay out of the way. mine was in a couple of my photos.

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Thanks sooo much u really helped me in making my decision. we're still gonna do the trial run this summer to westbury to see how long it takes but i think that 99% we're going with BBG. I looked over the website again and there are so many gorgeous places available to take pictures! One more question I promise lol...when did u go to reserve your date and time with them? The website says first come first serve basis so do u think I should go around a year before the date?

Re: Old Westbury Gardens vs. Botanical Gardens

the botanical gardens are absolutely stunning. i wanted my wedding there so bad but couldn't afford it. they literally take your breath away!
if it works better with your schedule go for it!! they are GORGEOUS and your pics will look great!!
it's different--not too many LI brides go there so that's cool too.

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One advantage with Westbury Gardens if it rains which it won't you can take pictures inside the mansion.

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Posted by pupidda122505

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Posted by brooklynbridezilla

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Posted by pupidda122505

I checked the website and it mentions something about bringing your permit with u...do you know what they're referring to? What kind of permit is it and where would I get one?

---

In order to take your pics there, you have to go to their office and reserve a time, and pay $250 up front. They will not let you do this over the phone, or mail your payment, unfortunately. I paid cash. They give you a map and your permit (you show it to the guard on your wedding day). The guard will escort you around the park. A tip- ask the guard to stay out of the way. mine was in a couple of my photos.

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Thanks sooo much u really helped me in making my decision. we're still gonna do the trial run this summer to westbury to see how long it takes but i think that 99% we're going with BBG. I looked over the website again and there are so many gorgeous places available to take pictures! One more question I promise lol...when did u go to reserve your date and time with them? The website says first come first serve basis so do u think I should go around a year before the date?

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You know, i can't remember when I went to reserve my time. Give them a call and see how early you can reserve- you are in prime wedding season.

I guess the only down side is that there isn't a place you can take indoor pics if it rains.

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Posted by MileysGirl

I'm doing my ceremony in Bklyn and then heading over to LI for the reception. I was am also trying to decide between the two gardens. I've never been to Westbury Gardens but I have been to the Botanic garden in Bkyln. The only reason why I would be reluctatnt o them at the Blkyn location is because the place is soo big and there are so many places to take fotos you or your photographer really have to know how to get to the different locations in the garden otherwise you will be taking pictures for a long time. I really love the rose exhibit they do in the bklyn location but i haven't checked out the website yet. I don't know if the Westbury layout is different. If all teh best photo ops are by the entrance then I will pic Westbury. HOpe this helps.

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when you go to take your pics, they send a guard with you. They know where everything is, so getting lost shouldn't be a problem.

Re: Old Westbury Gardens vs. Botanical Gardens

BEAUTIFUL!!!!

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Beautiful beyond words!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! One picture is nicer than the next. Just gorgeous!!!!!

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your pics are beautiful! i live just around the corner from BBG and have a membership. it is gorgeous, especially the japanese garden and the terrace.

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great pics!!!

Re: Old Westbury Gardens vs. Botanical Gardens

I think I am NOW a BBG bride instead of OWG.