Set amongst a traditional French formal garden, or jardin à la française, Nemours Estate was built in the Neoclassical style to resemble a French chateau. Truthfully, walking onto the property feels like you were transported directly to Versailles Palace in France. Luckily, you don’t have to hop on a transatlantic flight for a French inspired garden engagement shoot—Nemours Estate is conveniently located in the heart of Wilmington, DE!
NEMOURS ESTATE ABOUT
If you’ve ever visited Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA, or Winterthur Museum and Gardens in Delaware, you may notice several similarities between these sprawling properties and Nemours Estate. As it turns out, Nemours Estate, Longwood Gardens, and Winterthur were all founded by members of the famous du Pont family.
French immigrant Pierre S. du Pont de Nemours first arrived in America with his sons in 1800. Over 100 years later, Pierre’s great-great-grandsons founded Longwood Gardens and Winterthur. Eventually, Another of his descendants, Alfred Irenee, founded Nemours.
Nemours Estate was completed in 1910 and features 47,000 square feet of jaw-dropping architecture and 77 fully furnished rooms. 200 acres of French-inspired formal gardens, grounds, and woodlands await couples at this breathtaking Delaware engagement photo location.
PHOTO LOCATIONS AT NEMOURS ESTATE GARDENS
I recently toured the grounds of Nemours Estate with two different couples for summer engagement sessions. Both of my couples—Madison and Shane and Olivia and Michael—had perfect, sunny weather days for their daytime sessions!
To say there are many photo locations at this idyllic property would be an understatement. From fountains and mazes to monuments and nature trails, this landscape is never void of inspiration or magical moments.
My favorite spots for engagement photos at Nemours Estate:
The Boxwood Garden: A central faun fountain is surrounded by boxwood edging in a classic French parterre garden.
The Temple of Love: This feature of the gardens was built in the classical style and showcases a life-sized statue of Diana by Jean-Antoine Houdon.
The Colonnade (1926): This memorial, designed by Thomas Hastings, is dedicated to Nemours Estate founder Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours and his son Eleuthère Irénée du Pont.
The Sunken Gardens: This picturesque area was designed by Alfred Victor du Pont and Gabriel Masséna. The focal point is this 1930 statue by Charles-Marie Sarrabezolles.
The Maze Garden: A nod to Roman mythology, Triton and Neptune’s faces can be seen adorning the central statue of achievement. The hedges of this maze garden feature Western Arborvitae (Spring Grove) and Japanese Barberry (Crimson Pygmy).
The Reflecting Pool: This 1-acre pool measures 40 feet in diameter and is a true architectural feat. It contains 157 jets and is set against Japanese cryptomeria, pink flowering horse chestnut, and pin oaks.
NEMOURS ESTATE VENUE HOURS & INFORMATION:
- Nemours Estate is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The latest entry is permitted at 4 p.m. and the gardens close at 5 p.m.
- The venue is closed on Mondays, and the Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas holidays.
- Nemours Estate is closed during the winter season from Dec 30 – April 1.
PHOTOGRAPHY AT NEMOURS ESTATE
If you’re interested in booking your engagement photos at Nemours Estate, we can plan your session any time during their open seasons (late spring, summer, fall, and early winter). My favorite times to shoot in the gardens are:
- The month of April: It’s early springtime, which means cherry blossoms and tulips are in season and the weather is perfect!
- Late May: Peonies are blooming and the heat hasn’t settled in just yet…
- The month of October: Vibrant mums are planted all over the estate and the trees are dripping with gorgeous fall colors. The sun also sets earlier so we can also catch some of those late afternoon rays through the trees!
The venue’s photography policy only allows professional photography in the gardens, but that’s the best part of the property anyway! Couples interested in taking engagement photos at Nemours Estate should purchase an Adult Day Pass for $23/each, which gives you access to the Mansion, Chauffeur’s Garage, gardens, and grounds.
Even though we can’t take photos indoors, you can’t pass up a tour inside the mansion when you come for your engagement session!
Note before you go:
The Nemours Estate website states that “guests should not use restrooms for wardrobe changes.” If you’re hoping for an outfit change halfway through your photoshoot, you may need to plan for a quick backseat wardrobe change in your car!
DOES NEMOURS ESTATE HOST WEDDINGS?
Unfortunately, the venue doesn’t permit weddings or receptions on their property (although I know they would be spectacular!). If you’re searching for that distinct, French inspired wedding venue feel, I recommend looking into the following similar venues nearby:
- Winterthur Museum & Gardens: 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735
- Park Chateau Estate and Gardens: 678 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
- Elkins Estate Wedding & Event Venue: 1750 Ashbourne Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027
- Cairnwood Estate: 1005 Cathedral Rd, Bryn Athyn, PA 19009
As a Delaware wedding photographer, I simply can’t book enough Nemours Gardens engagement sessions to fulfill my love of fields and flowers. If you’re hoping to capture your engagement photos here, explore my photography services and submit your inquiry today!
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