From a Dog Photographer:
Recommended Dog-friendly Locations for Photo Sessions in New Jersey
Dog Photography in Princeton University
Dog Photography in Sayen House and Gardens
Dog Photography in Princeton University
As a New Jersey dog photographer, I’m sharing my favorite dog-friendly locations in central NJ for any photoshoot with dogs. Not all NJ parks are dog-friendly, especially gardens and farms. But there are still few of them that allow dogs and pets that I’d like to share to my clients and other dog photographers.
Sayen House and Gardens, Hamilton, New Jersey
I really love this small but beautiful garden that is open to the public and dog-friendly. It is very rare that a garden is dog-friendly. Additionally, it does not require a photo permit except for weddings. For wedding ceremonies and wedding photos, you do need a permit ($150-200/h) . The most popular season for Sayen is in the early May when Azaleas are blooming in May. I do a lot of dog photography sessions in Sayen House and Gardens in the spring.
Cross Estate Gardens, Bernardsville, New Jersey
This beautiful venue belongs to NPS, so most of photography sessions it doesn’t require a photo permit. Except for the garden inside Princeton University, this is the only garden that I know doesn’t require a permit for wedding photography. It’s also dog-friendly and usually only has few visitors during weekdays.
Dog Photography in Princeton University
Dog Photography in Princeton University
Pet Photography in Sayen House and Gardens
Johnson's Locust Hall Farm, Jobstown, New Jersey
This beautiful large farm is one of the most beautiful venue for large weddings in NJ. It also has varied events that allow dogs to visit the farm. The flower field in the farm is a nice spot for photo sessions. The sunset is also stunning with an overlook to the fields. Their evening events allow photographers to come without a special permit. You can also rent the farm by hours outside the event time. I’ve visited two of their evening events and photographed dogs with beautiful sunsets on the farm.
Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
Princeton campus is great for many types of sessions. It’s pet-friendly. For most sessions, it does not require a permit. You will get a lot of varieties in your photos in all four seasons on campus. There is also a garden on campus that has different flowers blooming in the spring, summer, and fall. As a dog photographer who lives in Princeton NJ, I do most of my dog portrait sessions on campus.
Asbury Park Beach, Asbury Park, New Jersey
Asbury Park has a dog beach that opens after 6pm, which is exactly the best time in the summer for photoshoots. I’ve been to many beaches along the NJ shore, and many of them do not allow pets at all. Asbury Park Beach is one of the few beaches that allow off-leash for puppies. The other one is in south NJ – Beach Haven Doggy Bay.
Dog Photography in Johnson's Lucust Hall Farm
Dog Photography in Princeton University
Dog Photography in Princeton University
