Huntington Library, Los Angeles Arboretum, Descanso Gardens Event and Photography Fees

Tom Keene
Jul 20, 2021
2 min read

Updated: May 17, 2024

1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108

We get asked often for couples to shoot their engagement sessions at the beautiful grounds of the Huntington Library. This information is as of July 20, 2021 and I recommend that you contact them at portraitphoto@huntington.org . But as of today, the fees are as follows: (You may want to go sit down!)

A 3 hour session for any photography purpose such as portraits, engagement sessions the fee is $1100. If you want to have a golf cart take you around the property it is an additional $250. If you want to include a videographer, yes it is an additional $250 for that and can only include one person and one camera per professional. No tripods may be used and no extra lighting. Reservations are at least 30 days out and no further than 6 months. It has not been over 10 years since I have had anyone have us complete a shoot there, and I can see why. It truly is an amazing location, but there are options that are not going to break your budget.

A wedding ceremony starts at $50,000. Ceremony and reception start at $150,000.

So what are some other options? If the $1100+ rate by this location is too much for you, we can also recommend the Los Angeles Arboretum and Descanso Gardens. We will get the current rates for those shortly and update this blog entry. Either way we love to shoot at these 3 locations.

Los Angeles Arboretum

301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007

Updated 03/09/22 The Los Angeles Arboretum fee for up to 14 guests and 2-3 hours is $75 and it is not clear if that includes admission or if you have to pay for entry on top of the photo permit.

View engagement sessions and weddings captured by LAdigitalPhoto - Life Event Photography by Tom Keene at the Los Angeles Arboretum.

Descanso Gardens

1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Located in the heart of La Canada, you may also want to consider Descanso Gardens. To see the most current information for the Descanso Gardens photography requirements and fees you can go here. As of this writing updated March 9, 2022, shoots are required for professional photography and are available from 9am to 2pm. 1-5 people in the group rates are $300. 6-10 people in a group rates are $400. Remaining options and pricing can be viewed at this link.