The Missouri Botanical Garden is an ideal setting for professional photos. A permit is required for formal photography for private personal use. Examples: wedding photography, extended family portraits, prom, and quinceañera photos.
You do not need to be a member of the Garden to make a reservation; reservations can be made by any member/family member of the group or by the group’s photographer. Permit level includes admission for your entire party while visiting and is good for date purchased only.
Reservations should be made at least 48 hours in advance and are not accepted during Signature Events. The permit is for the selected date only and is nonrefundable.
Purchase Photo Permit
Hours and Availability
Reservations must take place during daily Garden Hours. Photo permit sessions must be completed and groups departed by close, no exceptions. Permit reservations must be made in advance.
The Missouri Botanical Garden hosts a number of signature events and exhibitions throughout the year. These activity-filled events draw exceptionally large crowds, and for your satisfaction, we do not permit photography during signature events. Photography is not allowed during evening public events, including the Whitaker Music Festival and Garden Glow evenings.
Permit is not required for a booked ceremony or private event at the garden. To book a wedding ceremony or private event, please visit mobot.org/privateevents.
Discounts for Garden Giving Society Members and Above
Permit fees for Members of our Garden Giving Societies ($500 Contributor level and higher) are either waived or discounted depending on group size. However, a reservation is still required. Learn more about membership.
Locations
Photography is permitted only in the outdoor, public areas of the Garden. Photography is not permitted inside any buildings or conservatories (including the Climatron®, Linnean House, Shoenberg Arid House, Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center, or Tower Grove House). Photography is not permitted on any of the islands in the Japanese Garden.
Parking
Free, on-site parking may be available; additional free parking is located two blocks west at the intersection of Shaw and Vandeventer. Vehicles should load and unload passengers in the west parking lot, immediately adjacent to the entrance. Vehicles may load and unload senior citizens and guests who require special assistance in front of the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center, but vehicles may not park here or be left unattended. Absolutely no idling of vehicles is permitted on the Garden's campus. Drivers will be asked to turn off their engines or leave the premises. Please review our Parking Information.
Props
Please limit props to one per person, no larger than two feet by two feet in size.
Restrictions
The Garden is a tobacco-free campus; smoking and tobacco products and devices are not allowed inside the Garden grounds or in the parking lots. Alcoholic beverages and coolers are not permitted. Please review the Garden’s etiquette guidelines in advance.
Lighting equipment and reflectors are not permitted in the Garden.
Blocking pathways or visitor access to any area of the Garden is prohibited. Flowerbeds and other plant displays may not be entered or disturbed. Plant labels and other signs may not be changed or removed.
Wardrobe changes are strongly discouraged.
Advance Scouting
We encourage you to visit the Garden in advance at your leisure to scout locations for your photography session. View our hours and admission rates. Please call (314) 577-5100 for more information.
Wedding Ceremonies and Private Events
Wedding ceremonies, receptions or other private events at the Missouri Botanical Garden must be booked in advance through Catering St. Louis, (314) 577-0200 or www.cateringstlouis.com. Absolutely no wedding ceremonies may be performed at the Garden without advance reservation. Parties not in compliance will be asked to leave immediately. Please remember that any party who has booked a private event in a particular location of the Garden has exclusive rights to that area.
If you are photographing a wedding or reception booked at the Garden, please have the bride or groom contact their Catering St. Louis representative directly for photography guidelines.