Photography Information

We welcome photographers and photo shoots at Oatlands. Because we are a self-supporting historic site, we charge a reasonable fee to help us continue to sustain Oatlands. Please read the following information and policies and contact us with any other questions or schedule your photo shoot online.

Thank you for your support!

SCHEDULING

Please schedule on the website, email info@oatlands.org or call 703-777-3174 to schedule a session. Oatlands reserves the right to refuse walk-ins if we have an event or other sessions happening.

Please check the website calendar or call us to see what events are taking place on the property the day you want to come as well as any unscheduled closings.

ARRIVAL

Photographers and Guests must sign in upon arrival and sign out when leaving the property during regular business hours.

Photographers and Guests must obey posted speed signs throughout the property.

Photographers and Guests must use the parking lot near the Carriage House. Parking or driving on the grass is prohibited.

PRICING

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Photo sessions are $100 per day and may take place between 10-5.

Photo shoots outside of regular hours are considered. Please contact us for further instructions!

As always, please check the website calendar or call us to see what events are taking place on the property the day you want to come as well as any unscheduled closings.

SEASONAL PHOTOGRAPHY PASS

If you are planning on photographing at Oatlands more than 4 days per year — purchase the season pass! The pass is $400 and is valid for one year from the date of purchase for unlimited photo sessions at Oatlands.

Additional rules and regulations apply for a seasonal photography pass and a contract must be signed.

THE GROUNDS

Photo sessions may take place in the gardens, on the grounds, or in the Greenhouse. Photography is not permitted inside the Historic Mansion. The photography pass does not cover the admission price to go in the mansion.

Trees on the property are historic; therefore no one may climb the trees, put weight on the branches or hang items from the trees.

Do not sit on any walls or fences.

Do not step in the flower beds at any time.

No fires or open flame candles can be used on the property. Fireworks, sparklers, or anything of this nature is prohibited.

Existing potted plants may not be moved or replaced by anyone other than Oatlands garden staff. 

Smoking is not allowed at building entrances. You may only smoke in designated areas.  

Trash must be removed from the property. If the gardens or grounds are littered, the photographer may be charged a clean-up fee. 

We encourage the public’s use of Oatlands; however, our primary responsibility is the responsible stewardship of this National Historic Landmark. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you. 

GENERAL RULES

We do not allow pets on our property. This applies to photo shoots as well.

We ask that the subject and content of photo shoots adheres to appropriate standards of a public, family-friendly venue. Nudity and revealing costumes or clothing is prohibited. This standard will be enforced and failure to comply will result in the termination of the photo session without refund. 

Photography is not allowed in the mansion. The photography pass does not give you access into this building.

Oatlands reserves the right to terminate a function, if we feel it is out of control.

We ask that you keep noise to a minimum and remain in designated areas while Oatlands is open to the public.

If photos are used online or in Social Media, Oatlands requests that Oatlands Historic House and Gardens (not Oatlands Plantation) is credited or tagged in such photos. In return, Oatlands will credit photographer any time photos are used for any purpose. Questions about this can be directed to events@oatlands.org

Restrooms are located in the Carriage House and in the Gardens.