Snug HarborBotanical Gardens
So here's the deal with Snug Harbor now - they've completely revamped their photo permit structure, and honestly, it's gotten pretty pricey. If you want to shoot in the Tuscan Garden, which is absolutely gorgeous and has that dreamy European vibe, you're now looking at $350 for a photo permit. The thing is, this isn't just for the Tuscan Garden anymore - they've bundled it with access to the Chinese Scholar's Garden, which is actually the most stunning spot in the entire botanical gardens.
They do offer a basic $150 permit, but here's where it gets frustrating - at that price point, you're pretty limited in where you can actually shoot. And when you think about it, for $150, you could just head over to places like Silverlake Park or Clove Lakes Park and get beautiful shots for absolutely nothing. Those parks have their own charm and natural beauty without the hefty price tag.
However, if you're having your wedding at the venue through "Celebrate at Snug Harbor," you'll be able to utilize the full grounds as part of your wedding package, which changes the equation entirely. This gives you access to all those premium locations without the separate photo permit fees.
Don't get me wrong, the Tuscan Garden is absolutely magical with its classical architecture, vibrant colors, and that perfectly manicured landscaping that screams romance. Every photographer I know loves working there because of how versatile it is - you can get so many different looks in one location. But that $350 price point is making a lot of couples think twice for engagement shoots, especially when they're already dealing with all the other wedding expenses.
The venue itself is still fantastic for weddings through their "Celebrate at Snug Harbor" program, and if photography is part of your wedding package, that's different. But for engagement shoots specifically, couples are definitely feeling the pinch of these new rates and weighing their options more carefully than before.
