PHOTO POLICY - Memphis Botanic Garden

WE GET THE PICTURE

Photography Policy

Photo & Video Shoots at the Garden

The Memphis Botanic Garden is a living museum, and we welcome photographers who want to capture it. To protect the Garden and ensure a positive experience for all visitors, photo sessions must be scheduled in advance and follow the policies below.

Guests are welcome to take photographs and videos of the Garden for personal use. However, personal photo shoots, including engagement photos, wedding/bridal portraits, family sessions, or any photography using professional equipment, must be scheduled in advance and require a fee.

Are you a member of the media? Reach out to our Marketing & Communications Department at 901-636-4120 or marketing@membg.org.

Booking a Session

Schedule in advance: Email photography@membg.org or call 901-636-4100.
Available times:
- Summer (Daylight Savings): 10 am – 4 pm (entry slots at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm)
- Winter (Standard Time): 10 am – 2 pm (slots at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm)
- Sessions are offered Sunday through Wednesday only.
- Session length: Once you’re checked in, you may shoot with your group as long as you’d like during your reserved slot, up until Garden closing (6 pm in summer, 4:30 pm in winter). Please note that mini-sessions (multiple clients booked back-to-back) are not permitted.
Fees:
- MBG Members – $250
- Non-Members – $375 (includes a Family Membership)
- Payment is due upon arrival.
- Some restrictions and blackout dates apply.

Session Details

Photo fee covers one photographer + up to 6 people.
Additional guests must pay regular admission: $12/adult, $7/child.
All parties must check in together at the Front Desk.
Photographers receive a temporary ID badge, which must be returned at the end of the session.

Respect the Garden

Stay on paths. Do not step in beds, pick flowers, climb trees, or move containers/structures.
No attaching materials to Garden structures, trees, or plants.
Respect weddings, birthdays, and other reserved events. Ask the Front Desk about restricted areas when you arrive.
The Garden is a public space: all attire must meet community standards. Models must arrive dressed (restrooms are not dressing rooms).

Prohibited Items & Activities

For the safety of our plants, wildlife, and guests, the following are NOT permitted:

Props of any kind
Animals (other than service animals)
Balloons
Motorized vehicles (unless medically necessary)
Drones
Artificial flowers/foliage
Confetti, bubbles, rice, birdseed
Sparklers, smoke bombs, fireworks
Mini-sessions (multiple clients back-to-back)
Photography inside the Tropical Plant House

(This list may be updated at any time.)

Special Cases

Proposals, Weddings & Private Events: Must be booked through our Rentals Department at rentals@membg.org.
Commercial Shoots (magazines, advertising, film, tv, product, etc.): Must be scheduled with our Marketing Department at marketing@membg.org

Fine Print

Photographers are responsible for ensuring clients and assistants follow all rules.
Non-compliance may result in loss of photography privileges.
Memphis Botanic Garden is not responsible for loss or damage to equipment.