Photography at Ford House
Capture Your Special Moments at Ford House
Ford House Photography invites you to make your special day unforgettable by booking a professional photography session at the breathtaking estate, including the picturesque property across from the Main Gate on Lake Shore. Our stunning grounds provide the perfect backdrop for all types of photography, from family and newborn photos to engagements, weddings, high school seniors, and more.
How to Book Your Ford House Photography Session
We’ve made the booking process easy to ensure a seamless experience for you. Follow these steps to reserve your photography session:
1. Submit an inquiry
Complete the online request form for inquiries.
2. Book in Advance
Photography sessions must be booked at least 3 weeks prior to your desired date.
3. Finalize Details
A member of our Visitor Experience team will contact you to confirm session details, including your preferred date and time.
4. Review & Sign Contract
A contract will be sent to you, your photographer, and videographer (if applicable) for review and e-signature.
5. Receive Confirmation
Once everything is confirmed, you’ll receive a document detailing your arrival and departure information.
6. Enjoy Your Session
On the day of your session, a Ford House staff member will greet you and escort you around the estate to ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience.
Estate Policies and Guidelines
All estate policies, including prohibited equipment and estate guidelines, will be outlined in the photography session contract. Please review our Ford House Rules & Policies.
Ford House Photography Pricing
Our Ford House photography sessions are perfect for capturing life’s most memorable moments, including anniversaries, birthdays, engagements, graduations, maternity, newborns, and more. We offer flexible options to suit a variety of occasions, ensuring you get the perfect setting for your photos.
To learn more about our 2025 photography session pricing, download the pricing details here. For photographers, we’ve also provided a helpful Photographers’ Tip Sheet here.
Friends of Ford House Sessions
Discounted Sessions
- 1-Hour: $60
- 2-Hour: $90
Public Session
Family Photography Sessions
- 1-Hour: $90
- 2-Hour: $170
Public Session
Proposal Packages
- Silver Package: $125
- Gold Package: $185 — Toast the moment with two keepsake Ford House wine glasses and chilled Heron Hill Bubbly Moscato. Heron Hill is a Ford family winery in the Finger Lakes region.
- Platinum Package: $350 — Celebrate the event with a toast with two keepsake Ford House wine glasses and chilled Heron Hill, a Ford family winery, Bubbly Moscato. Continue the celebration with dinner for two at our lakeside restaurant, The Continental.
These are each one hour sessions.
Public Session
Wedding Photography Sessions
- 2-Hour: $400
- 3-Hour: $500
Minimum 2-Hour Session Required
Additional Fees
Groups of 11 or more
- Per Hour: $20
Maximum group size of 35 people
Additional Fees
Prop fee
- Per Hour: $20
Such as bicycles, cars, dogs, motorcycles, etc.
Important Notes
- Friends of Ford House Discount: The Friends of Ford House price does not apply to photo sessions with 10 or more guests.
- Photography Inside the Historic Buildings: The inside of our historic buildings is not available for photography sessions.
Photography FAQs
Why do I have to pay for a session? I am a Friend of Ford House.
We ask that all guests who would like to conduct a photography session on the estate pay a minimal fee for us to cover the costs of staffing the session. However, as a member, you do receive a discount on your session.
Why does someone have to escort me?
We have a staff member escort you through your session to ensure that the estate is preserved as much as possible. For example, certain equipment is not permitted (drones) to help prevent damage to the historic buildings and grounds.
We will only be 15-30 mins, can you just let us do it anyway? We won’t destroy anything.
Unfortunately, no. We have other scheduled sessions that have purchase time slots to take their photos. We try to schedule specific dates and times so all guests can get their desired photos, and to ensure staffing to work with your session.
Why can I not use (specific props, candles, large letters, etc.)?
Ford House is a historic landmark, so we ask that guests not use certain props that could potentially harm a building or grounds. Items such as candles are a fire hazard, large displays and equipment may damage the lawn. It is our job to ensure the estate is here for years to come and we appreciate your assistance in its preservation.
Why can’t I bring champagne to our photo session?
Due to our liquor license no outside alcohol is permitted.
I have 10 + guests that need to be photographed, can I still use the membership pricing?
Unfortunately, for a group that size the member pricing is not valid. However, we’d love to assist you with pricing. Please contact our photography team at photography@fordhouse.org.
Why can’t I host my wedding ceremony/reception on property along with taking our wedding photos here?
At the request of the Ford Family, Ford House does not host wedding ceremonies or receptions. However, we have private event spaces for pre- and post-wedding celebrations such as bridal showers, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, and brunches. If you are interested in booking an event space with us, please contact our event team at rentals@fordhouse.org. If you would like to book your wedding photography session with us, please fill out our photo session request form.
Can Ford House use photos I take of my clients on the estate?
Yes. By photographing clients at Ford House, you grant permission for Ford House to use those images in promotional materials, including social media, press releases, publications, and other collateral that supports the estate’s promotion. View the 2025 Photography Release Form
Contact Us
For additional information or any questions, please reach out to us:
Email: photography@fordhouse.org
Phone: 313-884-4222
Interested in booking a Private Event at Ford House?
Host your unforgettable event at Ford House, where timeless elegance and breathtaking lakefront views provide the perfect setting for any private gathering. With versatile venues and expert on-site culinary services to handle all your food and beverage needs, we’ll help you create a truly exceptional experience.
Stay in Touch
Join Our Mailing List
Sign up here for our e-newsletter for the latest events, programs, and news from the estate. Don’t miss a thing!
