Sands Point Preserve sits on the North Shore of Long Island — over 200 acres of cliffs, forests, meadows, and beach along the Long Island Sound, anchored by the Hempstead House, a 50,000 square foot Tudor-style mansion from the Gold Coast era. I’ve photographed here several times. It’s one of those venues that surprises people who haven’t been before. More at sandspointpreserve.org.
Built in 1912 as part of the Howard Gould estate, the Hempstead House became part of the Guggenheim family holdings in the late 1920s. After Daniel Guggenheim’s death, his wife Florence used the estate as a sanctuary for refugee artists and intellectuals fleeing Europe during World War II — a fact that gives the place a cultural weight that goes beyond its architectural grandeur. Nassau County now operates it as a public venue and preserve. The building’s 40 rooms across three floors include rich wood paneling, handcrafted plaster ceilings, ornate fireplaces, and the Winter Garden — a glass-roofed indoor garden space that is one of the most distinctive photography locations on Long Island.
The Photo Locations
The Grand Staircase and Entrance Hall
The immediate arrival experience sets the tone — rich wood paneling, ornate detail, a sweeping staircase with the scale to accommodate portraits of every size. Wedding party, family formals, couple portraits. It’s a classic grand staircase and it photographs exactly as you’d expect from a building of this pedigree.
The Winter Garden and Palm Court
One of my favorite spaces at this venue. Glass-paneled roof, lush indoor greenery, natural light diffused through the glass in a way that creates a soft, almost otherworldly quality. It functions as an indoor garden — you get the botanical beauty without the weather dependency. For first looks and intimate portraits, this space is extraordinary.
The Terraces and Grounds
The terraces look out over the surrounding gardens and the Long Island Sound. Expansive lawns, mature trees, manicured gardens — the property has the scale to accommodate large groups without feeling crowded and enough intimate pockets for private portrait moments.
The Beach and Cliffside
The preserve extends to the Long Island Sound — rugged cliffs above the water, a beach below. The contrast of the geological drama with the formal architecture of the house is one of the things that makes Sands Point distinctive. Sunset from the cliffside is genuinely extraordinary.
The Rose Garden
Classic formal garden — vibrant blooms in spring and summer, classic garden layout, a romantic and colorful setting. Best in May and June when the roses are at full bloom.
The Interior Rooms
The library, living rooms, and historic bedrooms are filled with period furnishings and details that add texture and depth to interior portraits. More intimate than the grand public spaces — useful for quieter moments throughout the day.
Why I Love Photographing Here
The variety within a single property is what keeps me coming back. You can start the day in the Winter Garden with soft diffused natural light, move to the grand staircase for formal portraits, walk the grounds for the big outdoor moments, and end at the cliffside for golden hour. It’s a full day’s worth of distinct settings without ever leaving the property.
The history helps too. A building where Florence Guggenheim sheltered European intellectuals during World War II has a weight to it that shows up in photographs without you trying to capture it. It’s just there.
If your wedding is at Sands Point Preserve, I’d love to hear about it.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sands Point Preserve Weddings
Where is Sands Point Preserve located?
127 Middle Neck Road in Port Washington, on the North Shore of Long Island — about 25 miles from Midtown Manhattan. More at sandspointpreserveconservancy.org.
What is Sands Point Preserve?
A 200-acre preserve on Long Island’s Gold Coast featuring the Hempstead House — a 50,000 square foot Tudor-style mansion built in 1912 — along with Castle Gould, cliffs, beaches, forests, and formal gardens along the Long Island Sound. Nassau County operates it as both a public park and a private event venue.
What are the best photo locations at Sands Point Preserve?
The Winter Garden and Palm Court for interior natural light portraits. The grand staircase for formal and dramatic shots. The cliffside for sunset images. The terraces for views of the Sound. The Rose Garden in spring and summer. The variety within the property is genuinely extraordinary — you rarely need to leave the grounds.
What is the Winter Garden?
A glass-roofed indoor garden space within the Hempstead House — lush greenery, soft diffused natural light through the glass panels. One of the most distinctive portrait spaces on Long Island. It photographs with a quality that’s hard to replicate in standard indoor venue spaces.
What is the light like at Sands Point Preserve?
The Winter Garden has exceptional soft natural light throughout the day. The terraces and grounds face west, which means late afternoon light on the Sound is warm and golden. The cliffside at sunset is extraordinary. Interior spaces have the warm ambient quality of a historic building with original windows.
What time of year is best for a Sands Point Preserve wedding?
Late spring through early fall. The Rose Garden is at its best in May and June. Summer offers long days and warm evenings. Fall brings foliage to the preserve’s woods and a different quality of light on the Sound. The venue operates year-round but the outdoor spaces are most beautiful from May through October.
How many guests can Sands Point Preserve accommodate?
The venue accommodates a range of wedding sizes across its indoor and outdoor spaces. Confirm current capacity directly with the preserve for your specific configuration and date.
Do you photograph weddings at Sands Point Preserve regularly?
Yes — I’ve shot here several times and return with genuine enthusiasm. If your wedding is here, I’d love to hear about it. And for more on what I do across Long Island and New York venues, my New York City wedding photographer post covers the full picture.
Sands Point Preserve is one of those venues that surprises people who haven’t been. If yours is here, I’d love to be there for it.
