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Special Occasion Photos

General Information

Let the beautiful and picturesque campus of Monmouth University serve as the backdrop for your wedding day, engagement photo or family portrait.  Erlanger Gardens, immediately outside of the Great Hall, is also available for photos. Take your photos outside of the Monmouth University Library (formerly the Guggenheim Summer Cottage) for a memorable picture that includes plush landscaping and a large white grand staircase.

Photo sessions are available after 5 p.m. on Fridays (3 p.m. during the summer months), Saturdays, and Sundays only. Sessions can only be booked up to six months prior to your special occasion date. In addition, reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance of your special occasion date. Each party is assigned a specific session time, and they are one hour in length. Please note that sessions cannot be extended due to late arrivals.

Black-Out Date Policy

When the University is closed, on break or scheduled to hold large or university-wide events—photos are not permitted on campus. Blackout dates are as follows (please see the University Calendar for specific dates each calendar year):

  1. Winter Break (December-January)
  2. Spring Break (March)
  3. Easter Weekend
  4. Fall Break (October)
  5. Thanksgiving Break (November)
  6. Homecoming (October/November)
  7. Family Weekend (October/November)
  8. Holiday Ball Weekend (December)
  9. Any dates when the University is hosting a private social function or additional campus-wide events not included in the above named annual events

If you would like to take your special occasion photos here at the University, you must complete a Special Occasion Photo Application. All applications must be accompanied by a credit card for full payment. A security deposit of $200 is required for ALL reservations. The security deposit may be retained by the University for cleaning or damages related to the reservation. In addition, a security deposit will be kept if the reservation is a no-show.

All applications must be completed and submitted by the person or persons requesting the photo session. Applications will not be accepted by the photographer or any other member of the party. Receipt of an application does not guarantee a reservation. The University will send a photo reservation confirmation letter that will include your reservation time and parking instructions.

Photo Rate Schedule

The Great Hall

  • Interior: $250
  • Exterior: $150

Monmouth University Library

  • Exterior Only: $150

Alumni of Monmouth University are granted a one-time waiver of reservation fees. Non-alumni whose parents are alumni are eligible for this waiver. Proof of alumni status is required. All Alumni and non-alumni whose parents are alumni must provide a $200 security deposit.

Residents of Long Branch, West Long Branch, and Ocean Township can make a reservation at a discounted rate. Please call the Office of Conference Services and Special Events for rate information. Proof of residency is required.

Photo session permit fees are non-refundable. Session reservations take place rain or shine.

For a complete list of Rules and Regulations, please view the Special Occasion Photo Application. This application is not for Photo Shoots. If you would like to hold a Photo Shoot on campus, please complete our Event Application.