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Garden guide
Garden photography permits.
Many gardens welcome cameras but ask photographers to book ahead for planned sessions. Here's what each garden's own policy says, grouped by state.
A permit usually covers planned sessions, not snapshots. 31 of these gardens require one for sessions, and 34 say casual photos are welcome. Policies change with the season, so open the garden's policy before you book a client.
Alabama 5
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aldridge GardensHoover, AL | See policy | See policy | Photo sessions must be scheduled in advance and carry a session fee. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Anniston Museums and GardensAnniston, AL | See policy | See policy | Professional photo sessions must be scheduled in advance. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Auburn University’s Davis ArboretumAuburn, AL | See policy | See policy | Contact Arboretum staff before portrait sessions or special photography requests. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Huntsville Botanical GardenHuntsville, AL | See policy | See policy | Handheld personal photos are welcome during open hours; client portrait sessions follow the professional photography policy. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Mobile Botanical GardensMobile, AL | See policy | See policy | Personal snapshots are welcome; portrait and commercial sessions need an advance reservation and fee. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Arizona 1
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese Friendship Garden of PhoenixPhoenix, AZ | See policy | See policy | Posed photos need an advance photo shoot reservation, fee and signed agreement. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Arkansas 2
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botanical Garden of the OzarksFayetteville, AR | See policy | See policy | Personal snapshots are welcome; professional sessions must be scheduled in advance. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Garvan Woodland GardensHot Springs, AR | See policy | See policy | Bridal and engagement photo sessions are offered with a photo pass. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
California 11
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Botanic GardenClaremont, CA | See policy | See policy | Portrait sessions require an advance reservation and a charge per group member. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Casa del HerreroMontecito, CA | See policy | See policy | Private noncommercial portrait photography is available by arrangement for a fee. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Casa Romantica Cultural Center and GardensSan Clemente, CA | See policy | See policy | Personal photos are allowed; organized photography sessions are booked separately. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Descanso GardensLa Cañada Flintridge, CA | Required for sessions | See policy | Spontaneous phone photos are welcome; posed sessions such as wedding parties require a photo permit. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Fullerton ArboretumFullerton, CA | Required for sessions | See policy | Posed and professional special occasion photography requires a paid photo permit. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Marin Art and Garden CenterRoss, CA | Required for sessions | See policy | Portrait photography needs an advance reservation and paid photography permit. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Rancho Los CerritosLong Beach, CA | See policy | See policy | Personal photos are welcome; staged sessions need a photography reservation. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| San Diego Botanic GardenEncinitas, CA | Required for sessions | See policy | Private, professional or staged photo and video shoots require a permit. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Santa Barbara Botanic GardenSanta Barbara, CA | Required for sessions | See policy | Posed wedding, family and engagement shoots require a photography permit and reservation. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| South Coast Botanic GardenPalos Verdes Estates, CA | Required for sessions | See policy | Personal nature and family photos need no special permission beyond admission; commercial work requires a reservation and permit. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| UC Riverside Botanic GardensRiverside, CA | See policy | See policy | Personal plant and nature photos are welcome; special occasion photo sessions have separate garden rules and fees. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Colorado 1
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Botanic GardensDenver, CO | Required for sessions | See policy | Casual personal photos are welcome; portraits and fine art photography need a photo permit. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Delaware 1
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winterthur Museum, Garden & LibraryWinterthur, DE | See policy | See policy | Photo sessions require reservations; wedding photography is reserved for couples hosting a Winterthur wedding. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Florida 3
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairchild Tropical Botanic GardenMiami, FL | Required for sessions | Portrait and life event sessions require a separate photography permit fee; contact the garden for the amount. | Casual personal photos are welcome. Portrait and life event sessions require a permit and must be scheduled 7–10 days in advance; no walk-ins. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| McKee Botanical GardenVero Beach, FL | See policy | See policy | Casual personal photos are welcome; promotional or commercial sessions need prior approval and a fee. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Sunken GardensSt. Petersburg, FL | See policy | See policy | Personal photos are welcome; posed sessions need advance approval. Wedding photos are limited to contracted wedding clients. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Georgia 1
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro, GA | Required for sessions | See policy | Photo sessions require a reservation, permit and fee. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Illinois 3
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson Japanese GardensRockford, IL | See policy | See policy | Personal photos are welcome; posed, professional and group sessions need a private garden rental. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Cantigny ParkWheaton, IL | Required for sessions | See policy | Personal photos are welcome; posed and portrait photography require a permit. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Garfield Park ConservatoryChicago, IL | Required for sessions | See policy | The listed portrait and filming sessions require a photo permit. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Indiana 3
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnetrista Museum & GardensMuncie, IN | See policy | See policy | Personal photography is encouraged; the policy limits use to private, noncommercial purposes. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| NewfieldsIndianapolis, IN | Required for sessions | See policy | Personal photos may be shared; organized photo and video shoots need a photo pass. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Wellfield Botanic GardensElkhart, IN | Required for sessions | See policy | Posed portraits, including engagements and senior photos, require a photography permit even for unpaid photographers. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Kentucky 2
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of KentuckyLexington, KY | Required for sessions | See policy | Casual personal photos are welcome; professional portraits and special occasion shoots require a permit. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Western Kentucky Botanical GardenOwensboro, KY | See policy | See policy | Professional photography sessions need advance scheduling and a session fee. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Louisiana 1
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LSU Hilltop ArboretumBaton Rouge, LA | See policy | See policy | Nature photography is welcome at no charge; professional photo sessions follow separate rental rules. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Maine 1
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viles ArboretumAugusta, ME | Required for sessions | See policy | Posed portrait photography requires a permit, whether the photographer is paid or unpaid. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Maryland 1
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historic London Town and GardensEdgewater, MD | See policy | See policy | Posed portraits by professional or amateur photographers count as photo shoots and require a reservation. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Massachusetts 1
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New England Botanic Garden at Tower HillBoylston, MA | Required for sessions | See policy | Personal photos are welcome; portrait and commercial shoots require a photo permit and advance appointment. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
New Hampshire 1
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuller GardensNorth Hampton, NH | See policy | See policy | Portrait photography sessions are welcome under the garden photo shoot rules. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
New Jersey 2
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reeves-Reed ArboretumSummit, NJ | Required for sessions | See policy | Casual personal photos are welcome; posed or staged sessions require a permit. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Rutgers GardensNorth Brunswick Township, NJ | See policy | See policy | Personal noncommercial photos are welcome; the garden requests a donation for posed portraits. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
New York 5
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bailey ArboretumLocust Valley, NY | Required for sessions | See policy | Family, wedding and commercial photography require a permit and fee. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Buffalo and Erie County Botanical GardensBuffalo, NY | See policy | See policy | Casual photos are welcome; posed photography needs an events department reservation. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Old Westbury GardensOld Westbury, NY | Required for sessions | See policy | Casual personal photos need no reservation; staged or professional sessions use the garden photography permit. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical GardenStaten Island, NY | Required for sessions | See policy | Special occasion portraits, including weddings and engagements, use a photo permit application. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Wave HillBronx, NY | Required for sessions | See policy | Portraits require a permit and site fee; commercial shoots also need written permission. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
North Carolina 2
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airlie GardensWilmington, NC | See policy | See policy | Informal photos are welcome; portraits and commercial shoots need an advance reservation and fee. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Cape Fear Botanical GardenFayetteville, NC | See policy | See policy | Casual personal snapshots are welcome; all portrait sessions must be scheduled. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
North Dakota 1
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Peace GardenDunseith, ND | See policy | See policy | Portrait, engagement and wedding photography have separate session fees under the garden policy. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Oklahoma 2
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myriad Botanical GardensOklahoma City, OK | See policy | See policy | Personal photos are encouraged; posed portraits are allowed under garden rules, with separate rental arrangements for some sessions. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Philbrook Museum of ArtTulsa, OK | Required for sessions | See policy | Personal snapshots are welcome; posed sessions need a booking and an Open-Hours Photography Permit or photography membership. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Oregon 1
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Oregon GardenSilverton, OR | See policy | See policy | Amateur personal photos are welcome; paid professional work requires a Photographer Membership. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Pennsylvania 1
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jenkins Arboretum & GardensDevon, PA | Required for sessions | See policy | Photography sessions must be scheduled in advance with a session permit. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
South Carolina 1
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moore Farms Botanical GardenLake City, SC | See policy | See policy | Portrait photo sessions can be booked through the garden. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
South Dakota 1
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCrory GardensBrookings, SD | Required for sessions | See policy | Posed photography needs an annual photography pass or a two-hour permit. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Tennessee 2
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dixon Gallery and GardensMemphis, TN | See policy | See policy | Personal photos are welcome; portrait sessions must be scheduled in advance. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Memphis Botanic GardenMemphis, TN | See policy | See policy | Personal photos are welcome; professional engagement, wedding and family sessions need advance scheduling and a fee. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Texas 3
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chandor GardensWeatherford, TX | See policy | See policy | Portrait, engagement and bridal sessions incur a photography fee; contact the garden before the session. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Dallas Arboretum and Botanical GardenDallas, TX | See policy | See policy | Personal keepsake and portrait photos are welcome under the garden photography guidelines; commercial shoots have separate rules. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Fort Worth Botanic GardenFort Worth, TX | Required for sessions | $30 per two hours plus general admission for portrait sessions. | Casual personal photos are welcome. Portrait sessions require a photography pass; tripods and outfit changes are allowed with the pass. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Utah 2
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving PointLehi, UT | Required for sessions | See policy | Spontaneous snapshots are welcome; photo sessions need a paid Photo Pass and advance reservation. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Conservation Garden ParkWest Jordan, UT | Required for sessions | See policy | Posed portrait photography requires a Photography Pass Wristband. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Washington 2
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloedel ReserveBainbridge Island, WA | See policy | See policy | Posed portraits, engagements and wedding photography need a reservation. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Lakewold GardensLakewood, WA | See policy | See policy | Posed wedding, engagement, prom and family sessions are booked as photo session rentals. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Wisconsin 3
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allen Centennial GardenMadison, WI | Required for sessions | See policy | Posed, professional and commercial shoots need a permit, including prom and homecoming photos. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Boerner Botanical GardensHales Corners, WI | Required for sessions | See policy | Personal event, wedding and commercial photography need a photo permit. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
| Rotary Botanical GardensJanesville, WI | Required for sessions | See policy | Casual personal photos are welcome; planned or posed sessions require a permit. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Wyoming 1
| Garden | Permit | Fee | Policy | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne Botanic GardensCheyenne, WY | Required for sessions | See policy | Posed photo sessions require a photography permit and reservation; indoor photography always needs a reservation. | Photo policy ↗Checked October 30, 2026 |
Good to know
Questions people ask
Do I need a permit to take photos at a public garden?
It depends on the garden. Of the 67 gardens in this guide, 31 say on their own website that a permit or pass is required for photo sessions. 34 say casual personal photos are fine. Check the policy link for the garden you plan to visit.
What counts as a photo session?
Most policies here separate casual snapshots from planned sessions: portraits, engagements, family or senior photos, and anything with a hired photographer, props or a change of outfit. Those planned sessions are what usually need a permit or booking.
How do I book a photo permit?
Follow the policy link for the garden. Each one explains its own process, which is usually an online form, a reservation or a call to the garden office.