Photo credit: E. Shelnut Photography
General Photography Policy
*Note: A photography fee applies to photographers who are selling photos for profit, but may not apply to photos that accompany editorial copy for publication. This photo fee and policy also applies to any bridal photos, family portraits, etc. taken by professional photographers. However, there is no photo fee for visitors who want to take personal photos to remember their visit.
A $50 session fee is required for each professional photographic shoot in the Gardens. If more than one client is scheduled on the same day, a session fee is required for each client.
One session gains entrance to the Garden for four persons per session. Photographer, Subject, Photographer's Assistant, and Subject's Assistant.
(Additional subjects in same shoot, i.e. children or family members, etc. admitted to the Gardens with regular admission fee).
Please sign in and pay your fee at the Gift Shop register. You will then receive a numbered photographer's pass for each shoot in order to gain entry to the Gardens and are cleared to be photographing here. Passes should be worn in full view while shooting in the Garden and returned to the Gift Shop. Access will be denied without a Pass.
Brides who have booked the Gardens for their wedding ceremony and reception receive complimentary photo sessions for their engagement and/or bridal photographs prior to the wedding date and, of course, on the wedding date itself. However, you must still check in at the Pratt Welcome Center for a Photographer's Pass the day of your shoot (wedding date excluded).
Instructions for Bridal and Wardrobe Changes
- Please be advised to avoid Saturdays due to heavy visitation in the Gardens.
- Check in at the Gift Shop to pay the Photo Fee and for photo clearance by signing in and receiving your Photography Pass.
- Come to the Gardens as completely dressed for the shoot as you possibly can. Hair, make-up, etc. done so that all you have to do is "slip" into your gown.
- The only place to change is our public restroom. It is a nice and clean one but it is still a public restroom with no carpet. You may want to bring an old sheet or a piece of plastic to stand on in order to keep your gown clean. Please be courteous to others who may be changing there for the same purpose. Anthony Chapel Brides Note: The above applies to the day of your wedding as well. The bridal hall will only be available to you for your rented chapel times.
- Bring as little personal belongings as possible and have someone take them out to your car to lock up for safekeeping. We have no place to store or secure them.
- Bring another pair of shoes to walk in on our dirt paths in order not to ruin bridal shoes. If you need to wear your bridal shoes in a shot because of the gown length, just bring them out of a shoebox to change in to. Most brides walk around in tennis shoes or some type of slip ons.
- Should you like to use a golf cart for transporation around the Gardens, remember carts and drivers are not reserved. Availability is limited and is on a first come, first serve basis in conjunction with touring visitors. Small carts rent for $25 per hour and large carts rent for $35 per hour. GWG provides the driver. Carts are NOT available for photography shoots in March, April, and October.
- Please take care where you step and set up your shots so that you will not jeopardize your own safety or destroy our floral displays. Thank you for understanding our desire to preserve the Gardens for future generations.