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Couple kissing on the stone staircase with their reflection in the lily pond below during engagement session at Marian Coffin Gardens NJ

Planning Guide For The Perfect Engagement Session at Marian Coffin Gardens

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I'll be your wedding day fairy godmother/hype woman. Wanna know a little secret? That little nervous feeling you have about being awkward on camera? Every. Single. Couple. on here felt the exact same way at first. I promise I'll never leave you two hanging. You'll get jaw-dropping ethereal images all while having a freaking blast!

Hi, I'm LINDSEY.

Nicole and Jack were the absolute sweetest to work with. And their engagement session at Marian Coffin Gardens belongs on every garden inspired Pinterest board. The colors, the colors, the COLORS! They were so deep and rich.

Couple sharing a kiss on the stone garden path surrounded by blooming peonies at their Marian Coffin Gardens engagement session

And I must say, these two were naturals when it came to posing effortlessly. I’m so excited to photograph their wedding at Westwynd Gardens this April! Keep scrolling for some light-filled inspiration from this garden engagement session, plus some photoshoot planning tips to help you prepare.

I also put together some planning tips you can steal for your upcoming engagement photos in Wilmington, DE: 

How To Prepare for Your Philadelphia Area Engagement Session

Black and white romantic photo of groom lifting bride-to-be for a kiss along a magnolia-lined garden path during engagement session at Marian Coffin Gardens

Where is Marian Coffin Gardens located?

The gardens are located at 1405 Greenhill Avenue, Wilmington, Delaware. You’ll find the gardens on the University of Delaware-Wilmington Campus!

Couple standing beside a large carved stone urn pedestal in lush greenery during Marian Coffin Gardens engagement session

What are the hours of operation?

Marian Coffin Gardens is open Monday through Sunday from sunrise to sunset.

Is there convenient parking available?

It’s important to note that the parking lot belongs to the Gibraltar Mansion, not Marian Coffin Gardens. The venue requests that visitors to the gardens park on the street (Greenhill Avenue) and avoid blocking the parking lot and driveways. The courtyard parking lot may be used for pickup and drop off only.

Wide view of the formal lawn and flower borders leading to the iron gates and fountain at Marian Coffin Gardens DE engagement session location

Are there restrooms on site?

There are no restrooms on site, so please plan accordingly. I recommend planning one outfit with some easy switch-ups in outerwear and accessories for more variety in your photos!

Close detail of bride-to-be's navy blue floral puff-sleeve dress

Are pets allowed in the gardens?

No pets are allowed on site except for licensed service animals.

Does Marian Coffin Gardens have an admission fee?

There is no fee to enter or explore the gardens. I have an annual photography pass to the gardens, which allows us to use the property for your engagement session at Marian Coffin Gardens!

Joyful couple running on the lawn with pink roses in the background at Marian Coffin Gardens engagement session

What flowers and trees are currently blooming?

Here’s a glimpse of what blooms throughout the year:

  • Spring: azaleas, magnolias, Spanish bluebells, tulips
  • Late spring: peonies and iris
  • Early summer: roses, lamb’s ear, water lilies, catmint
  • Summer: crape myrtles, Asian lilies, gladiolus
  • Fall: rich foliage and cozy golden tones

Can we visit the Gibraltar Mansion during our session?

Currently, the mansion is off limits due to safety concerns. The mansion is not owned by Preservation Delaware.

Black and white candid photo of laughing couple holding hands in backlit golden light during their engagement session

Booking Your Garden Engagement Photos in Wilmington, DE

Even though you can’t get married here, planning an outdoor engagement session at Marian Coffin Gardens is the next best thing. No matter what time of year you plan your photoshoot, there are bursting blooms, seasonal colors, and historical details around every winding garden path.

Couple kissing on the stone staircase with their reflection in the lily pond below during engagement session at Marian Coffin Gardens in Delaware

Read more about Marian Coffin Gardens in my engagement session location guide or explore more ideas for where to host your session!

Black and white editorial portrait of groom leaning against carved stone urn with blurred foreground

Lindsey Ford is a Pennsylvania and Delaware wedding photographer capturing engagement photos and weddings all over the East Coast, including Wilmington, DE, and is ready to document your special moments artfully. If you’re ready to book your garden engagement photos, inquire here!


Engaged couple smiling together on the stone garden path surrounded by blooming pink roses and lavender during engagement photos at Marian Coffin Gardens
Couple walking hand in hand away from camera along a wide grass lawn bordered by roses during an engagement photoshoot
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I'll be your wedding day fairy godmother/hype woman. Wanna know a little secret? That little nervous feeling you have about being awkward on camera? Every. Single. Couple. on here felt the exact same way at first. I promise I'll never leave you two hanging. You'll get jaw-dropping ethereal images all while having a freaking blast!

hi, I'm lindsey.

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