Learn More About Portrait Photography Passes

Old Sturbridge Village is pleased you’re considering its grounds for photo shoots! Portrait photography is defined as all engagement, graduation, quinceañera, family, maternity, portfolio, prom, wedding, and any other posed portraiture. Photographers may wish to take advantage of Old Sturbridge Village Photography Pass program, which provides access to the grounds for portrait photography shoots and includes additional amenities offered only to Photography Pass holders.

Portrait photography passes cost $600 and are good for one full year from the purchase date. To order your photography pass, please call 508-347-0210. 

Pass perks:

Admission: On the day of your appointment, free standard daytime admission will be granted for all photographers, subjects, and guests associated with the shoot. No additional guests or attendees will be permitted.

The Photography Pass does not include standard daytime admission on nonappointment dates, sessions on black-out days, or days the Village is closed to the public. Upon arrival, all portrait photographers must check in at the Visitor Center to receive a photography pass, which must be displayed prominently on the photographer’s person throughout the shoot.

Referrals: On occasion, potential clients ask for photographer referrals. Please let us know if you would like to be put on our referral list and your name and contact information will be communicated to potential clients. Only Photography Pass holders will be placed on the referral list.

Additional Information:

• Photographers who purchase a pass are subject to the same policies as all photographers and must book appointments in advance, check-in and out at the Visitor Center, and wear the photography pass during the shoot.
• Photography Passes do not include commercial photography or styled shoots. For these requests go here.
• Old Sturbridge Village reserves the right to cancel a Photography Pass if General Photography Policies are not followed. All fees are non-refundable.
• Cancellations: Please notify Old Sturbridge Village at least 24 hours in advance if you wish to cancel or reschedule a session.

General Photography Policies

• Photography must not interfere with the visiting experience of other guests at Old Sturbridge Village.
• Specific locations must not be blocked off for a photo shoot. Photographers should expect the need to work around visitors in all areas.
• Moving or removing structures that are part of the Museum, such as benches, containers, displays, signs, fences, etc., is strictly prohibited.
• No photographer or subject may step in blocked-off rooms of houses, gardens, or places other than on designated paths and open grassy areas. Climbing or mounting equipment in trees or structures is not permitted.
• Balloons, kites, and flying lanterns are prohibited. Please contact the Visitor Center to gain approval for any props you would like to use.
• All photo subjects must be fully and appropriately clothed. Swimsuit photo shoots are not permitted.
• All cords or wires must be placed and guarded in a way that doesn’t alter the pathways and put Museum visitors at risk.
• Photographers will be held accountable for their actions and those of their clients, crew members, and subjects if they damage Old Sturbridge Village facilities and property.
• No photos of visitors outside of the party you are shooting.
• Photos must not conflict with the values and mission of the Village.

View Group Photography Guidelines

Old Sturbridge Village is pleased you’re considering its grounds for your photography group’s visit! We ask all photographers to please help us to maintain the integrity of the Museum by honoring these policies. They are intended to ensure that Old Sturbridge Village can fulfill its goal to make the visitor’s experience pleasurable.

Appointments: All visiting photography groups must be approved, scheduled, and paid for at least two weeks in advance. To request an appointment, please contact the Visitor Center.

If the Museum is available, payment in full will confirm your reservation to conduct a group photo shoot. Black-out dates apply during major special event weekends and special programming.

Admission: On the day of your class, admission will be granted to the number of people that are paid for in your party. Upon arrival, instructors should check in at the Visitor Center ticket office. Instructors and class members will be issued lanyards that indicate you are with a class (and are allowed the equipment that a standard guest is not.)

Submit a request for a Club or Class visit to the Village

Cancellations: If a photo shoot is canceled due to inclement weather, an alternate date can be arranged.

General Photography Policies

• Photography must not interfere with the visiting experience of other guests at Old Sturbridge Village.
• Specific locations must not be blocked off for a photo shoot. Photographers should expect the need to work around visitors in all areas.
• Moving or removing structures that are part of the Museum, such as benches, containers, displays, signs, fences, etc., is strictly prohibited.
• No photographer or subject may step in blocked-off rooms of houses, gardens, or places other than on designated paths and open grassy areas. Climbing or mounting equipment in trees or structures is not permitted.
• Balloons, kites, and flying lanterns are prohibited. Please contact the Visitor Center to gain approval for any props you would like to use.
• All photo subjects must be fully and appropriately clothed. Swimsuit photo shoots are not permitted.
• All cords or wires must be placed and guarded in a way that doesn’t alter the pathways and put Museum visitors at risk.
• Photographers will be held accountable for their actions and those of their clients, crew members, and subjects if they damage Old Sturbridge Village facilities and property.
• No photos of visitors outside of the party you are shooting.
• Photos must not conflict with the values and mission of the Village.