NJ gardens/aboretums? XP

MrsMommyQ

Hi Ladies

I'm not a regular here (I'm usually on the bump 12-24 board), but I used to be a knottie :0  Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone has been any of these gardens/arboretums in NJ for engagement pics or something like that? I want to go this weekend to take some pictures of my dughter and I'm just looking for some recs or experiences. Are they crowded? etc

TIA!

1. Wayne--- Laurelwood Arboretum

2.Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Whippany

3. Cora Hartshorn Arboretum in Short Hills NJ

4. Van Vleck House & Gardens in Montclair NJ

niolani21

I've been to the first two.  Frelinghuysen is much nicer and more formal; there are also more building, fountains, and statues to use.  Laurelwood is much more natural and, though nice, I didn't think quite as nice.  We haven't gone, but looked at Van Vleck on-line and it looks very nice.

I never saw large crowds at either of these, but there will always be some people millling about.  But not so much that it would be hard to take some nice photos.  Probably best to go early in the day.

rlavach

I haven't been to any of the ones you listed, but we took our e-pics at the NJ Botanical Gardens in Ringwood & it was amazing. Our photog had shot there before, so he knew how to find secluded spots even though there was some festival going on there that day. There's lots of different spots & great props too. There's a tab in my bio with pics if you're curious.