NJ garden locations that don't require permit?

Take one of the bridges or tunnels to NYC and do central park? Or one of the botanical gardens but those have an admission fee and probably need a permit

Horseshoe lake park in Roxbury. It's not a garden but it has a small lake with swans, lots of trees, a winding path, old railroad tracks, picnic tables, and a gazebo. I also took pics at a park in Somerville across the street from the Y (forgot the name) that was beautiful. Had a stone bridge, steps, gazebo, many trees, and a creek that we actually walked in.

I did Central Park without a permit and no one said anything.

Where are you in NJ? I had mine done at the frelinghuysen arboretum in Morristown and no permit required. Here are some pictures from my shoot.

Were they public parks? you shouldn't need a permit for a public park....?? ...that's interesting..ive heard of getting permission but not of paying

Are you sure they don't mean commercial shoots? I looked it up and all I could find was commercial and student permits.

I'm in North Jersey too, but if you don't mind traveling a bit, there's a place in Middletown, NJ called Deep Cut Gardens. My siblings and I went there for family pictures and didn't need a permit.

Most of them do require permits. Try Lambert Castle (not a garden but a spectacular free space), Skylands in Ringwood (call first; they may need a permit too). By the time you all get to Central Park and park, you're looking at bucks too. Frelingheysen is pretty, so is Reeves Reed, very close by. There is a rose garden in Wyckoff, right off Wyckoff Ave too. Davis Johnson Park, in Tenafly is pretty too, but it really does make sense to check on all of them with the town because permit rules change.

I dont know where you are but Buck Gardens in Farhills, nj is pretty. the Somerset county parks commision has a bunch of places. i couldnt find information on photography permits

You can also go to the great swamp in basking ridge, nj its natural but you also said greenery so i am not sure what you were thinking.

also Jockey Hollow in morristown is pretty neat

ETA: Jockey Hollow and The Great Swamp are national parks- i have gone in there tons to times with my camera and never been questioned (ever, and i have a semi pro camera)

http://www.somersetcountyparks.org/parksFacilities/ParksFacilities.html

http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Great_Swamp/about.html

Anywhere west- sussex/warren

I was looking at Van Saun for my actual site location- it's in Bergen County.

When I had my pro shoot in Central Park it was very clear "we are long time friends- you're not paying me- and I'm building my skill set"

but everyone shoots there so it wasn't a big deal.

Agree with Amy and Deep Cut Gardens. It's a county park, so there shouldn't be a permit. There is for weddings, but I don't think for photos. It was under renovation a few years back but should be back up and running now. Also depends on what time of year you're going.

eta: Looks like they might require a permit for photos...but shouldn't be much and I do think it's more for weddings/events.

Photography and Painting

If you wish to take wedding, prom, or family

photos, a reservation is required; please call

732-842-4000 for a permit. Painting and the use

of easels are permitted with prior arrangement;

please call 732-671-6050.

Photos and a link to the park brochure

http://co.monmouth.nj.us/documents/130/deep_cut_gardens_april_2015.pdf

What's the park on the coast- south of Sandy Hook...Island Beach state park- check out the wildlife management/conservatories- Sedge Island I think gets visitors too.

Thanks ladies @futuremrslepelis I went on the Morris county park website and it's saying frelinghuysen needs permit for wedding photography did you happen to call them and ask beforehand ?? I couldn't get in touch with them today but that place would be perfect . I really don't have to do Central Park because everyone does and the commute for a sunset shoot would probably be awful. Some of these locations listed also says needs a permit .

Clarisse - no I never called my photographer was the one that actually suggested the location. If we needed a permit I'm sure they would have said something. However, this isn't wedding photography...for all anyone knows you could just be with a friend taking photos. Engagement shoots should not take more than 20-25 minutes. We also went off season (November) but I don't see any reason why you would need a permit.

You might consider Sayen Gardens or The Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton. Not entirely sure about permits, though, so call ahead.

I feel like for engagment pictures you are usually fine at most places, if its a large place with not many people on staff they are unlikely to ask you.

weddings on the other hand its kind of hard not to ignore a bride in a big white dress.