Photography

Capture the Natural Beauty of our Gardens

Photography at the Gardens

Photography Information

Capturing the beauty of our gardens is a privilege, and with it comes the responsibility to uphold our principles of respect and preservation. As photographers, you play a vital role in ensuring that everyone can enjoy the splendor of our grounds. In the tabs below we have a set of expectations and rules we believe will allow all visitors the best experience.


If you would like to restrict access to a specific garden space during your photoshoot or use large amounts of props, backdrop or set-ups, equipment, etc. you will need to schedule a rental ahead of time.

Photographers are expected to:

  • Follow all garden policies & etiquette practices
  • Not interfere with the enjoyment of the Arboretum for other visitors
  • Leave the gardens in the same condition as when they arrive & report any issues to staff before starting a shoot
  •  Ensure garden spaces are still accessible to all while shooting unless they received staff approval beforehand to block sections of the Arboretum.

Photography Usage Agreement

To keep the gardens enjoyable for everyone:

  • The use of large props (larger than handheld) for a photo shoot is discouraged. Exceptions must be approved in advance by staff when a shoot is scheduled and may incur extra costs. Battery-powered equipment is permitted.
  • Tripods are allowed, but should not block pathways or limit the garden access of others. The use of drones within the Arboretum is strictly prohibited.
  • Advance scheduling (three days minimum) is required for any photo session involving the photographer and more than four people. Scheduling will follow a first come, first serve process.
  • Photography sessions with the photographer and four persons or fewer do not require advance scheduling. However, during very busy times of the year, the photographer should alert the Arboretum staff of a planned shoot in advance, regardless of size, to minimize any conflicts.
  • Photographers who are working a rental event (such as a wedding) may have some restrictions based on the event rental agreement.
  • Photo shoots extending outside regular Arboretum open hours must be approved and scheduled in advance by staff and may incur extra costs due to overtime.
  • The Arboretum assumes no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to any equipment or belongings.
  • The Arboretum maintains its right to use any commercial photography of the Arboretum not done specifically for someone by a photographer. Such images will be credited to the photographer.
  • Photography of nudes, swimsuits, lingerie, or other subjects of a graphic nature are strictly prohibited.

Photography Policy (PDF)

About the Arboretum's Photographer's Membership

  • The Photography Membership at the Arboretum includes the benefits of a Family Membership.
  • A photographer who applies for a Photography Membership agrees to follow the Arboretum's Photography Policy.
  • Failure to follow the Arboretum's Photography Policy or the Arboretum's Etiquette Guide are grounds for revocation and forfeiture of any and all fees paid. Reinstatement is at the discretion of the staff.
  • When a photographer with a Photographer level membership brings clients to the Arboretum, the membership covers admission costs of the photographer and also the first four participants in a photo shoot.
  • Photography admission ($3.00 per participant) will be collected from the fifth and each subsequent person ages 5 and older participating in that photo shoot who are not a member of our Arboretum. Children ages 4 and under will not be charged an admission fee.

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