WEDDING AT THE SANDS POINT PRESERVE
The Sands Point Preserve — set on the historic Guggenheim Estate in Port Washington, NY — is one of those wedding venues that instantly transports you to the grandeur of the early 20th-century Gold Coast. Nestled on expansive manicured grounds overlooking the Long Island Sound, the preserve combines dramatic architecture, formal gardens, and waterfront views in a way that feels both cinematic and deeply personal. Whether you imagine a ceremony surrounded by rose gardens or a reception in a grand mansion filled with character, the setting naturally feels elevated without ever seeming staged.
What makes this place stand out is how immersive it feels the moment you arrive. The estate isn’t just a backdrop — it’s a place with layers of presence. Walking through the grounds, you find yourself drawn to the sweeping vista of water, the sprawling lawns, and the rich texture of historic interiors like the Hempstead House and Castle Gould. Even in quiet moments before the festivities begin, the space gives a real sense of place that’s uniquely its own.
The preserve itself dates back to the early 1900s, when Howard Gould — son of railroad magnate Jay Gould — began building what became a dramatic estate of mansions and landscaped gardens. After passing through private hands, including the Guggenheim family, the grounds are now preserved as a 216-acre cultural and historic site, with the mansions and gardens available for weddings and celebrations.
My Experience Photographing Weddings at The Sands Point Preserve
My team and I have had the pleasure of photographing weddings at Sands Point Preserve, and what always strikes me first is how rich the environment feels for storytelling. You don’t just get a single impressive moment — you get dozens of distinct settings that naturally complement different parts of the day. From soft light in the Rose Garden to stately interiors in Hempstead House and the dramatic angles of Castle Gould, the variety here lets you tell an entire wedding day in a way that feels layered and meaningful.
One of my favorite aspects is the way the outdoor spaces interact with light and landscape. The endless lawns and garden pathways give a sense of quiet elegance for portraits, and the views of the Long Island Sound at sunset create unforgettable golden-hour images. Inside, the mix of architectural detail — from grand staircases to vaulted ceilings — adds a depth and texture that elevates both candid moments and formal portraits. Because the space feels so coherent, transitions between parts of the day feel natural — not rushed.
I remember one wedding where the couple chose to do their first look in the Rose Garden just as the afternoon sun dipped low. The colors of the flowers and the quiet hush around us made the moment feel cinematic without ever being staged. That kind of authenticity is what makes photographing here truly special.
Why Couples Love The Sands Point Preserve
• Historic Gold Coast architecture and gardens — the estate has layers of beauty and character that make every part of the day feel unique and memorable.
• Indoor and outdoor versatility — from lush gardens and the Great Lawn to stately mansions like Hempstead House and Castle Gould for reception spaces.
• Waterfront views and natural light — overlooking the Long Island Sound, which makes portraits feel expansive and cinematic.
• A sense of place that feels timeless — it’s not just a backdrop, it feels like your story unfolding in a setting that matters.
• Flow and variety without distance — you can move from gardens to historic rooms without losing narrative in the day.
• A rich historic atmosphere — ideal for couples who value legacy, depth, and beauty that’s more than surface level.
The Sands Point Preserve is the kind of wedding venue that feels rooted in history while still allowing each couple’s personality to shine through — and that’s something I’ve seen reflected in every wedding I’ve photographed here.
