Brookside Gardens
Engagement Sessions in Washington, D.C.
1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902Best Time of Year: Late April and May for azaleas, October for autumn colour
Ideal For: Couples who want gardens, soft light and an indoor backup in one place
Brookside Gardens is fifty acres of public display garden inside Wheaton Regional Park, and it fits an unusual number of distinct backdrops into a short walk. A Japanese-style tea house sits out over its own pond, formal beds and a rose garden hold structure through the season, and two conservatories give you somewhere warm and green when the weather turns. Entry is free, but professional sessions need a permit from Montgomery Parks, so this is one to arrange rather than turn up to.
Gallery photography by Wornden Ly Weddings
Why Shoot Here
- The Japanese-style tea house out over the pond
- Azaleas through late April and May
- The formal beds and rose garden
- Two conservatories for warmth and green in winter
- Woodland paths for something looser and shaded
- Bridges and still water for reflections
Session Tips
- Professional sessions need a Montgomery Parks photo permit, so book it before the date
- The last hour before closing is the softest light and the thinnest crowds
- The conservatories are the fallback when it rains, which is worth planning for
- The tea house is the most photographed spot here, so expect to share it at weekends
- Paths are paved and level, so this is an easy site to walk in whatever you are wearing
Getting There
Brookside sits in Wheaton Regional Park in Wheaton, about half an hour north of downtown DC and a short drive from the Wheaton Metro on the Red Line. There is free parking at the visitor centre and a second lot by the conservatories. Your photographer will pick the route and share a meeting point once you’re booked.
Gallery
Gallery photography by Wornden Ly Weddings
Photographers Who've Shot Here
See how a few of our photographers have captured Brookside Gardens - each with their own style and take on the location.
More Photographers in the Area
Other vetted Washington, D.C. photographers who shoot near here - explore their profiles, or let us match you with the right fit.
Trusted by Real Couples
“From the very beginning Jeff along with his studio manager Frankie were both very good at communicating and chose the most beautiful place, Huntington Beach State Park.”
Ella & Zach
