Old Westbury Gardens.... advice needed! Please read!

I am getting married next July and seriously considering taking my pictures there. Here is my thing...... I am so bad in the heat. Yes , I know, you are wondering then why in the world I am getting married in July. Well, I am a teacher and it is just the most convenient time for me.

Anyway...... it is either the Westbury Gardens or down by the Brooklyn Bridge. I like the Gardens better but I feel like it will be cooler by the bridge. However, in the instance it rains I can use the inside of the Westbury house (my photographer does not have a studio).

Now here is my question, anyone who has been there, how is it to take pics? A lot of walking? Any shaded areas? All advice is greatly appreciated bc I need to book soon.

I took my pictures there. It was amazing. We covered just about every part of the grounds. Our chaperone didn't rush us & the weather was perfect. Some areas under the trees are shaded but not out by the mansion. I recommend.

FM ME if you would like to see my proofs.

if you go on their website you will find their contract (or reservation form) ... the price goes up as the time gets later ... for the latest appointment at 5:30 it costs 475 ... I took this straight out of their reservation form

Arrival time
Between 9am –3pm $ 275.00
3:30PM $ 315.00
4:00PM $ 355.00
4:30PM $ 395.00
5:00PM $ 435.00
5:30PM $ 475.00

there are also additional costs for number of limos and people in ur party and my photographer told me you only get one room and if it is nice you have to be outside you don't get a choice

i am taking my pics at the Vanderbilt Mansion in Centerport, NY ... for $300 you get the use of all the indoor, outdoor and courtyard areas

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Posted by slsd22505

I am getting married next July and seriously considering taking my pictures there. Here is my thing...... I am so bad in the heat. Yes , I know, you are wondering then why in the world I am getting married in July. Well, I am a teacher and it is just the most convenient time for me.

Anyway...... it is either the Westbury Gardens or down by the Brooklyn Bridge. I like the Gardens better but I feel like it will be cooler by the bridge. However, in the instance it rains I can use the inside of the Westbury house (my photographer does not have a studio).

Now here is my question, anyone who has been there, how is it to take pics? A lot of walking? Any shaded areas? All advice is greatly appreciated bc I need to book soon.

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I'm also a teacher. One of the reasons I'm getting married in September is the heat -- I can't take it either.

I also heard that if it's nice out they won't let you take pics inside the mansion.

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Posted by FutureMrsCarrieri

I also heard that if it's nice out they won't let you take pics inside the mansion.

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i believe that is correct.

we took pics there in november, at sunset. it was freeezing & getting dark about 1/2 way through.

they did eventually let us inside towards the end.

we were not limited to any # of rooms ... we took pics in the main entrance, the red room & also just DH & I went upstairs (the room is blue)

i don't think they will let you inside just because its a summer day. its probably not air conditioned inside, so probably not much cooler inside anyway.

it will be hot no matter where you are, if its hot outside. just one of those things that come with a summer wedding (like the potential for cold comes with a fall wedding).

what about paying for extra time at your hall to take pics on their grounds before cocktail hour?

I love both places you chose. but just be sure you're going to have enough time to drive so far. My sister did her wedding pics @ westbury gardens but we got stuck in two hour traffic from the ceremony in forest hills to the gardens and while the pics came out super beautiful, she was disappointed she missed the cocktail hour (she got married 10 mins away from the gardens.)

If you're open to the idea of using the beach as a backdrop you're like 15 mins away, there's queens botanical gardens but i've never been so i can't tell you how nice it is.
if i think of any more i'll post them.

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Posted by PreshusSmurf

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Posted by FutureMrsCarrieri

I also heard that if it's nice out they won't let you take pics inside the mansion.

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i believe that is correct.

we took pics there in november, at sunset. it was freeezing & getting dark about 1/2 way through.

they did eventually let us inside towards the end.

we were not limited to any # of rooms ... we took pics in the main entrance, the red room & also just DH & I went upstairs (the room is blue)

i don't think they will let you inside just because its a summer day. its probably not air conditioned inside, so probably not much cooler inside anyway.

it will be hot no matter where you are, if its hot outside. just one of those things that come with a summer wedding (like the potential for cold comes with a fall wedding).

what about paying for extra time at your hall to take pics on their grounds before cocktail hour?

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It is NOT air conditioned inside.

Truthfully what look are you going for with your pics?

Do you want garden pics or pics of the skyline? THey are 2 totally different places so this decision would have to be up to you. I got married in the spring b/c I really wanted flowers and 'spring' flowers, etc. We took our pics at OWG, yes there are places for shade-but if its hot shade isnt going to help, there are plenty of places to take pics there, many options to choose from etc. You get 1 1/2 hours to take pics there, It was over 90 the day of my wedding and everyone sweat it out and it wasnt that bad when all was said and done-I love each and every one of my pics and would sweat it out again.

Good Luck with your choice

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Posted by lanamanitta

I'm doing OWG for pics, but the Bridge would be great if I had time not to worry about traffic, possible delays, etc. I agree with PegaLega, it's a WHOLE different look. I'm not sure it will be 'cooler' on the Bridge . . . .if it's super hot, even the breeze, if there is one, will be hot on the bridge, because it's not like you're getting ocean air right there. I would choose the scenery you like best, and get some Clinical Strength deoderant (which is what I'm doing!!!).

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Not to hijack but if you do intend on using Clinical Strength the day of switch to it about 1 week prior-you will SWEAT the first couple of days after your change