Photographing at Gillette Castle

Connecticut has so many wonderful state parks and one of the most well known is Gillette Castle State Park. It is no wonder why- the castle itself is such a unique piece of architecture with an interesting story to boot. Surrounding the castle are beautiful gardens and a breath taking overlook view of the Connecticut river. No surprise- it is a popularly requested location for portrait and engagement photoshoots.

Photographing Outdoors at Gillette Castle

The grounds of the castle have a great diversity of scenery. In the surrounding areas there are duck ponds, wooden bridges, rock walls, and lush greenery. Just outside the main yard is a striking stone arch with plenty of shade or dappled sunlight depending on what side you shoot from.

The stone arch outside of Gillette Castle makes for beautiful framing and backdrop for pictures.

The exterior of the castle has gorgeous stone walls and plenty of greenery and gardens. There is a beautiful overlook near the "Grand Central Station" building- formerly where train tracks that Gillette installed start. You have the beautiful backdrop of the river and the framing architecture of the train building entryway arches.

The Gillette Castle grounds overlooks the Connecticut River making a great spot for a vast and beautiful backdrop.

Photographing Inside Gillette Castle

Don't discount the interior of the castle. Photography is allowed within the castle during standard tours, but being considerate of other visitors and the house rules. There is no flash photography allowed inside the castle, but there are many wonderful nooks of window light and great ambiance. Some areas are tight spaces, so if you shoot there, be mindful of other visitors and allow them their time to enjoy and read the museum placards. Shoot quickly as to not block up areas that are of interest to other visitors. As long as you are considerate and don't touch anything you aren't supposed to, the castle curators will let you do your thing. In fact- they have some awesome stories about the castle history and the secret rooms and wall safes.

The hallways and staircases at Gillette Castle have so many pockets of beautiful window light for dark and moody emotional portraits.

Don't miss the art gallery and the library. Both make for an amazing backdrop for a portrait with great window light and wall to wall books.

The art gallery and library of Gillette Castle offer a glimpse into William Gillette's tastes beyond architecture and the library holds a copy of Sherlock Holmes- the character William Gillette was famous for portraying. Beautiful window light spills into the library and the floor to ceiling bookshelves make a colorful backdrop.

If you haven't been, add Gillette Castle State Park to your list of places to visit. And if you are considering a unique backdrop for a portrait session, there are is no shortage of great spots to snap some pictures.