Hudson Gardens Photography: Littleton Colorado’s Premier Garden Photo Destination
Hudson Gardens in Littleton, Colorado is a stunning 30-acre botanical paradise that has become one of the most sought-after photography locations in the Denver metro area. Whether you’re planning an engagement session, family portraits, maternity photos, or wedding photography, Hudson Gardens offers an incredible array of natural backdrops, from cascading water features to vibrant seasonal blooms. From the Hip Photo specializes in creating beautiful, authentic portraits at this picturesque location, and we’re sharing everything you need to know to plan your perfect garden photo session.
Why Hudson Gardens is Perfect for Your Photo Session
Located along Littleton’s South Platte River, Hudson Gardens is a unique non-profit botanical garden that offers photographers incredible versatility. The 30-acre property was originally conceived as a “regional display garden” to provide the community with a place of both beauty and learning. What makes Hudson Gardens exceptional for photography is the stunning diversity of backdrops you’ll find — everything from rose gardens and open meadows to rustic barns and wetland features. You can capture intimate moments in one corner and then move just minutes away to completely different scenery. This variety means you have endless options for creating a diverse gallery of images during your session.
Exploring Hudson Gardens’ Best Photography Spots
Hudson Gardens features multiple distinct garden spaces, each offering unique photographic opportunities. The Rose Garden is a classic choice for romantic portraits, with its structured plantings and charming design elements. The Oval Garden provides open, manicured landscapes perfect for family groupings. The Honeybee Garden features native plantings and offers a more naturalistic feel. There’s also an Herb and Vegetable Garden that adds textural variety to images.
Beyond the cultivated gardens, Hudson Gardens includes incredible natural features like the Victoria Water Lily Pond, which creates stunning reflections and adds depth to images. The Garden Railroad winds through the property, and Monet’s Place offers a charming, intimate setting. The Island provides an elevated perspective and beautiful sightlines. The Aquatic Plant Pond and cascading water features add movement and visual interest. With so many distinct locations within a short walk, you can achieve an incredible variety of looks during a single session.
Seasonal Highlights: Spring Blooms Through Fall Colors
One of Hudson Gardens’ greatest assets is how beautiful it remains throughout the year, though each season brings unique photographic qualities. Spring is spectacular, with flowering trees, tulips, and fresh green growth creating vibrant colors and lush backgrounds. The soft spring light combined with blooming flowers makes this an ideal time for romantic engagements and cheerful family portraits.
Summer offers abundant greenery and full plantings, providing rich colors and textural depth. The gardens are in their lushest phase, perfect for maternity photos that celebrate natural abundance. The long daylight hours give you flexibility for session timing, and the well-maintained gardens provide clean, polished backdrops.
Fall brings golden light and warm color palettes that are ideal for all portrait types. The changing leaves add dramatic splashes of color to images, and the cooler weather makes for more comfortable sessions. This is peak season at Hudson Gardens, so booking early is essential if fall is your preferred timeframe.
Winter at Hudson Gardens offers understated elegance, with frosted landscapes and bare branches that create artistic, intimate portraits. The lower sun angle produces gorgeous golden hour light, and crowds are minimal, allowing for undisturbed shooting.
Family Photo Sessions at Hudson Gardens
Hudson Gardens is an excellent choice for family portraits. The variety of locations means everyone in your group can find settings that work for their comfort level — from open, sunny spots to shaded garden nooks. The natural landscape provides beautiful, non-distracting backgrounds, and the peaceful setting helps children feel calm and cooperative. Family sessions at Hudson Gardens typically run one hour minimum, allowing time to move between multiple garden areas and capture both group portraits and candid family moments.
Maternity Photography in the Garden Setting
Hudson Gardens is overflowing with the abundance of life — making it a perfect symbolic backdrop for maternity photography. The gardens’ combination of soft, natural light and lush vegetation creates an ideal environment for celebrating pregnancy. Expectant mothers feel beautiful and empowered in these settings, and the peaceful garden atmosphere helps create relaxed, genuine moments. The variety of locations allows for multiple looks within a single session, giving you a diverse portfolio of maternity images to treasure forever.
Engagement and Wedding Photography at Hudson Gardens
Hudson Gardens hosts weddings and serves as an engagement session destination for couples throughout the Denver and Boulder areas. The gardens’ multiple event venues — including the Inn, Garden Canopy, Garden Pavilion, Concert Amphitheatre, and The Overlook — make it a versatile location for ceremonies and receptions. For photography purposes, the natural landscape provides stunning portrait backdrops whether you’re photographing an engagement session or wedding day coverage.
A photography permit is required for professional portraits at Hudson Gardens, and there is a $50 photo permit fee. From the Hip Photo facilitates all permit requirements for our clients, handling the paperwork so you can focus on planning your perfect session. Located just minutes from downtown Littleton on South Santa Fe Drive, Hudson Gardens offers a sweet retreat from city life while remaining easily accessible. The combination of formal garden spaces and natural landscape elements means you’ll have diverse backgrounds for couple portraits, detail shots, and candid moments.
Session Booking and Photography Permit Information
From the Hip Photo specializes in portrait sessions at Hudson Gardens and handles all the logistics for you. All portrait sessions at Hudson Gardens have a one-hour minimum session length (note: in-studio headshots have different minimums). A $50 photography permit is required by Hudson Gardens for professional photo sessions. As your photography team, we manage the permit application and fees on your behalf, ensuring compliance with all garden policies.
When booking your Hudson Gardens session, discuss your vision with your photographer. Let them know which garden areas appeal to you most, your preferred season and time of day, and any specific wardrobe or styling ideas you’re considering. Our team will provide guidance on what to wear for the best results and help you plan the perfect session itinerary. Sessions typically include time for outfit changes if desired, movement between multiple garden areas, and plenty of time for you to feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
Other Garden Photography Locations We Love
If you’re drawn to Hudson Gardens, you might also enjoy some of our other favorite botanical photography destinations. Denver Botanic Gardens offers a larger, more urban botanical experience with distinct themed gardens and architectural elements. Both locations provide stunning year-round photography opportunities and share that same garden magic that makes portrait sessions so special.
Planning Your Hudson Gardens Photo Session
When you book a session with From the Hip Photo at Hudson Gardens, here’s what to expect: First, we discuss your vision, preferred dates, and session style during your consultation. We handle all permit requirements and paperwork, so you don’t need to worry about the administrative side. We’ll provide recommendations on timing (golden hour sessions are particularly beautiful), clothing choices that photograph well in garden settings, and how to prepare for a comfortable, enjoyable session.
On your session day, plan to arrive about 15 minutes early so we can scout the property and identify the best light and locations based on current garden conditions. We’ll move through multiple areas to capture diverse images, taking time to ensure you feel relaxed and natural in front of the camera. Our goal is to create images that feel authentically you — not posed or stiff, but genuine and beautifully captured in a stunning natural setting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hudson Gardens Photography
What is the best time of year for a photo session at Hudson Gardens?
Hudson Gardens is beautiful year-round, but spring and fall are particularly popular due to blooming flowers and fall foliage. Summer offers lush greenery, and winter provides artistic, quiet beauty. Book several weeks in advance, especially for spring and fall sessions when demand is highest. Each season brings unique photographic qualities, so choose the time that resonates most with your vision.
Do I need a permit for photography at Hudson Gardens?
Yes, professional photography at Hudson Gardens requires a $50 permit. From the Hip Photo handles the permit application and fee as part of your session booking, so you don’t need to apply separately. This permit allows us to conduct professional portrait sessions throughout the gardens during our scheduled time.
What should I wear for my Hudson Gardens session?
Choose clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Solid colors or gentle patterns photograph beautifully in gardens. Avoid busy prints that compete with the natural scenery. Flowing fabrics work wonderfully with movement. Layers are good for cooler seasons. We recommend avoiding outfits that are too bright or neon-colored, which can oversaturate images. Your photographer will provide specific recommendations during your consultation based on your session type and date.
How long should my session be?
All portrait sessions at Hudson Gardens have a one-hour minimum. This allows time to move between multiple garden locations, try different poses and setups, and capture the variety of images you’re hoping for. Family sessions, engagements, and maternity portraits all benefit from the full hour to explore different areas and ensure we get the shots you love.
Can we do both photos and video at Hudson Gardens?
Absolutely! From the Hip Photo offers both still photography and videography services at Hudson Gardens. Discuss your needs during your consultation, and we’ll create a session plan that captures both formats beautifully in this stunning location.
Hudson Gardens represents the best of what outdoor photography locations in Colorado have to offer — diverse backdrops, natural beauty, and a peaceful atmosphere that helps create authentic, beautiful portraits. Whether you’re celebrating an engagement, welcoming a new baby, gathering your family, or planning your wedding day, Hudson Gardens provides the perfect canvas for your photography session. From the Hip Photo is here to guide you through every step of the process and deliver images that capture your joy and connection in this magical garden setting.
