Photo & Film Shoots
A Natural Setting
Planning to photograph the gardens? We encourage you to do so! Our gardens, buildings and grounds are the perfect willing subjects, and we treasure families capturing memories at Wave Hill. Wave Hill is one of the most photogenic places in New York City. Come visit and share with us @wavehill #wavehill.
If you are planning staged photography using props or equipment larger than a smart phone, we require advance registration, and fees will apply. Same day permits are not available. Photos of products also require a permit. Simply make your request at least one week in advance by email here.
Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate student film shoots at Wave Hill.
Photographs for wedding, engagement and family portraits require a permit and a site fee. Commercial photography also requires written permission and fees.
A bucolic oasis in an urban setting, Wave Hill is a wonderful option for commercial shoots—large and small film and video shoots, as well as still photography. No matter the season, our gardens and environs are among the most beautiful settings in New York City.
Our historic house adds to the options for filming. Spacious vistas of the Hudson River and Palisades; exquisite flowering gardens; rustic stone walls; and period interiors all provide diverse backdrops for your film or photo shoot.
Corporate Membership is a requirement for commercial shoots. The level of Membership is dependent upon the size of the shoot and begins at $1,500. Wave Hill is closed to the public on Mondays, making it an ideal day for shoots of all sizes, but filming can be arranged during weekdays.
Contact Information
Carolyn Liv
Director of Corporate Partnerships & Conferences
Wedding, Proposal & Family Photo Shoots
Wave Hill offers a unique and unforgettable backdrop for wedding photos, family portraits, engagement and proposal photos and other private-event photography. Photo shoots require a permit and Wave Hill Membership.
Indoor shoots, including in the Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory, are not available. Please also note that while tripods and easels may be used on the grounds, they are not permitted in the Flower Garden, Wild Garden, Dry & Herb Gardens or Alpine House.
Wave Hill offers many picturesque areas for photographs, each with its particular ambiance and character. Focus on one area for multiple photos or combine views. These include Wave Hill’s expansive Lower Lawn and Elliptical Garden, with breathtaking panoramas of the Palisades and the George Washington Bridge; the stately lawn in front of the main entrance of Glyndor Gallery with a copper beech, forming a magnificent backdrop; and the secluded setting of the Aquatic Garden.
Reservations and Contact Information
Reservations for private photo shoots require a permit, and we ask for two weeks’ advance notice. Dates and times are subject to availability but must take place during open hours. For wedding, proposal, engagement and family photo shoots, please fill out our request form.
Please contact Nancy Kelly at nancyk@wavehill.org or 718.549.3200 x240 with questions, or for more information.
Wedding & Family Photo Fees
- Wedding photo shoots require a $500 Membership at our Patron Level, of which $464 is tax deductible.
- Schedule a 2-hour wedding shoot for a fee of $600 during open hours only—this site-rental fee is in addition to Patron Membership.
- Engagement, simple proposals or family photo shoot require a $250 Membership at our Supporting Level, of which $214 is tax deductible.
- Schedule a 90-minute engagement, family photo shoot or simple proposal for a fee of $250 during open hours only—this site-rental fee is in addition to Supporting Membership
- A non-refundable deposit must accompany your reservation form.
- Full payment is required at least one week in advance of your photo shoot.
- Payment by check or major credit card
