Cinematic Wedding Videography at Old Westbury Gardens in Long Island

I had the incredible opportunity to capture Marissa and Paul’s wedding video at Old Westbury Gardens in Long Island. Their day was unforgettable. What made it truly unique was the fact that they chose to have their ceremony at 9 AM.

Most weddings I film take place in the afternoon, so I loved the change of pace. That early start gave us the most beautiful light — soft, golden, and cinematic. It set the tone for the entire day and made their ceremony feel both intimate and timeless. If you’ve ever wondered whether a morning wedding is worth it, let me just say: absolutely.

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Why Old Westbury Gardens is a Dream Wedding Venue

Old Westbury Gardens is one of the most breathtaking venues on Long Island. The historic mansion, surrounded by acres of manicured gardens, fountains, and tree-lined pathways, feels like something straight out of a movie.

It’s versatile too. Whether you’re planning an elegant outdoor ceremony, a romantic portrait session among the gardens, or using the mansion itself as a backdrop, every corner of the property offers a chance to create images and video that feel editorial, elevated, and cinematic.

For couples who love history, elegance, and natural beauty, this venue is unmatched.

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A Ceremony in the Morning Light

What made Marissa and Paul’s day so special was their choice to begin in the morning. That soft 9 AM light poured over the gardens, wrapping the entire ceremony in a warm glow that’s hard to recreate later in the day.

As a wedding videographer, light is everything — and this timing allowed me to capture moments that felt organic, emotional, and truly timeless. The way the sun hit the mansion and filtered through the trees gave their vows this luminous, dreamlike quality.

Most couples opt for afternoon ceremonies, but if you’re drawn to the kind of golden, romantic tones you see in fine art photography and film, a morning wedding at Old Westbury Gardens is something to seriously consider.

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Exploring the Gardens for Portraits

After the ceremony, we took full advantage of the property. Old Westbury Gardens is filled with endless backdrops:

• The grand mansion exterior, with its historic architecture.
• The formal gardens, perfect for wide cinematic shots.
• The tree-lined walkways, which feel intimate and tucked away.
• Hidden corners with fountains and stone details that add character.

With no rush in the timeline, we had the freedom to wander and explore. This meant I could create a mix of sweeping wide shots and quiet, intimate portraits — the kind of balance that tells a complete story of the couple and the place.

Marissa and Paul were able to slow down, take in the grounds, and just enjoy being together — which always makes for the most authentic footage.

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A Unique Timeline: Ceremony → Break → Reception

Another thing that made their day stand out was the timeline. After portraits, the couple built in a four-hour break before the reception.

This pause gave them time to rest, reset, and enjoy the quiet before celebrating again with their family and friends later that evening. The reception was held at their home, which added such an intimate, personal touch to the day.

It was a reminder that your wedding doesn’t have to follow a traditional script. Creating space in your timeline can make the day feel less rushed and more intentional — something I encourage couples to think about when planning.

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Old Westbury Gardens Wedding Cost & Logistics

If you’re considering hosting your wedding at Old Westbury Gardens, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Venue Fees: Weddings at Old Westbury Gardens typically require a venue rental fee. The exact cost can vary depending on the size of your event, areas of the property you’re using, and time of year. Many couples also secure a permit for portrait sessions if they’re not hosting the full wedding there.
• Guest Capacity: The grounds are expansive, offering flexibility for both intimate ceremonies and larger gatherings.
• Photo & Video Permits: Even if you’re not holding your ceremony here, couples often secure permits to use the gardens for portraits. This is worth considering if you want editorial-style images without the full venue rental.
• Drone Footage Restrictions: Old Westbury Gardens does not allow drone footage anywhere on the property. While aerial views can be beautiful, the estate offers more than enough cinematic backdrops without needing a drone. As a videographer, I’ve found that the gardens, fountains, and mansion provide stunning wide shots that give the same grand, sweeping feel — all while respecting venue rules.
• Best Times for Light: Morning ceremonies or late-afternoon golden hour portraits give you the most cinematic results. Midday can be harsher, though there are shaded areas to work with.
• Location & Travel: Old Westbury Gardens is located in Old Westbury, Long Island, making it accessible for both New York City couples and those coming in from further away.

Every couple’s wedding is unique, but knowing the logistics ahead of time can help you design a day that flows effortlessly.

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Final Thoughts

Shooting Marissa and Paul’s wedding at Old Westbury Gardens was such an unforgettable experience. From the glow of their morning ceremony to the relaxed portraits across the gardens, to the intimate reception at their home, their day was the perfect mix of elegance and intention.

For me as a wedding videographer, it was a dream to tell their story in such a breathtaking setting.

If you’re planning your own Old Westbury Gardens wedding, I’d love to help capture it in a way that feels natural, timeless, and true to you. Every wedding here is a new opportunity to create something cinematic and personal — and I’d be honored to be a part of your day.