Photography Reservations
Information on Taking Photographs
We Love It When You Take Pictures
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a beautiful and unique location for photography. We encourage our visitors to take casual photographs (still and video) with their phones or digital cameras for personal use. We do have a Photography Reservation Policy designed to ensure all guests—those taking photos and those who are not—have a positive experience during their visit. Because we want everyone to have a wonderful time.
Photo Reservations for Your Shoot?
Please review the photography reservation types, reservations, and policies below before calling to schedule a reservation. Photographers and/or guests must call ahead to make photography reservations and ensure policies and pricing are understood prior to arriving at the Botanical Garden. Lastly, keep in mind when the Botanical Garden is open an available for your shoot.
Reservations can be scheduled during these hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Thursday: 10am-4pm
Friday: 10am-2pm
Saturday: 9am-2pm
Sunday: 9am-4pm (except Jan-Mar)
All reservations are for one hour (limited to one group per hour)
Since each requires advance payment, they are subject to availability. Reservations are recommended to be made at least one week in advance. In addition, walk-in reservations are not guaranteed.
Portrait | Family, Maternity, Engagement, etc.
Cost: $175 (group size 12 and fewer), $225 (group size 13 to 20). Free for Annual Photography Permit Holders. Are you a member? Please let us know.
To Reserve: Fill out Photography Reservation Form below.
Special Events | Prom, Formals, etc.
Cost: Special ticketed events are held for prom and formal photography at select times and dates. Ticket prices may vary. We are holding a prom photography event from 4 PM-6 PM on Saturday, April 18 – no reservation required. Click for more info.
To Reserve: Fill out the Photography Reservation Form below with inquiries and questions about booking for non special ticketed event dates.
Wedding | Rental Clients
To Reserve: Schedule with rental coordinator.
Commercial
To Reserve: Fill out Photography Reservation Form below.
Press and Media
Cost: Free
To Reserve: Contact the Director of Marketing by email: dlynch@dmbotanicalgarden.com.
Educational Photography Group Visit
Cost: Pricing varies on scope.
To Reserve: Call 515.323.6290 ext.6
Reservation Form
Photography Reservation Form
Complete this form to request a photography reservation at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Once submitted, a member of our team will review your request and contact you within five business days. Completion of this form does not guarantee confirmation of a photography reservation. All reservations must be paid for in advance. You and your photographer are responsible for reviewing our photography policy in advance of your visit. Thank you for choosing the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
Reservation Guidelines
In addition to the garden etiquette and guidelines, please review and adhere to photography guidelines below:
- Tripods, lighting, and reflectors are not permitted. Monopods are permitted outdoors only if there is no interference with guest access.
- Photographers are not allowed to block pathways or visitor access to any area of the Botanical Garden. Those violating this restriction will be asked to cease or leave the premises.
- Subjects and their photographers may not enter or disturb any of the flower beds, plant displays, water features or climb on any art sculptures or other structures.
- Props are not permitted. Props include, but are not limited to, chairs, luggage, baskets, signs, balloons, and cakes.
- Outfit changes are not allowed. Please come prepared for your session and do not use the Botanical Garden restrooms for changing.
- Photographers are liable for any damage to Botanical Garden property.
- The Botanical Garden and its employees are not responsible for any losses or damage that may occur.
Photography Policies
Portrait and Special Event
Portrait and special event photography, taken on digital cameras or phones, includes but is not limited to posed photography of individuals or groups using the Garden as a backdrop including:
- Individuals, families, quinceañeras, school dances, senior photos, engagement, and wedding photography, or any other formal photos
All portrait photography reservations are not available during Botanical Garden special events, venue rentals, or when large numbers of guests are anticipated, e.g.:
- Winter and spring breaks.
Guests and/or photographers are charged a location fee* between $175 and $225 depending on group size.
Finally, Botanical Garden members at the Family Plus or Grandparent Plus membership level, and Garden Giving Club members receive one complimentary photography reservation per year.
Weddings (Rental Clients)
Wedding rental clients receive one photography reservation included in the price of their rental. Because these reservations are for two hours, times must be scheduled in advance. Concurrently, please note that photography policies and guidelines still apply and must be adhered to throughout the photography reservation. In addition, while the reservation fee is included, you must bring your own photographer for the session.
Commercial
Commercial photography is defined as photography or video sold or used for commercial purposes such as:
- advertising, magazine photo shoots, stock photography, etc. or obtained through a commercial vendor.
All commercial photography may be permitted at the sole discretion of the Botanical Garden. Please contact Botanical Garden staff for more information and to discuss the scope and feasibility of your commercial photography reservation. As soon as we get your details, we will be in in touch.
Press and Media
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is honored by media publicity highlighting our brand, mission, and passion for public horticulture. Media photography is defined as photography or video used to promote the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden in association with coverage in:
- Print publications, TV, radio, digital promotions, tourism advertisements, or other opportunities identified and approved in advance by designated Botanical Garden staff.
Media photo shoots should be scheduled at least one week in advance to arrange for a staff host and to avoid any scheduling conflicts with the use or maintenance of the facility.
- The Botanical Garden regularly provides images for print and digital publications. When photo credit information is provided by Botanical Garden staff, then it should be used to credit the photographer.
Educational Photography Group
The Botanical Garden welcomes photography clubs, groups, and photography classes. Group rates are available for admission if the group books at least one week in advance. Because this can be in high-demand, we offer this based on a first-come, first-served basis.
Annual Photography Permit
An Annual Photography Permit is a benefit to professional photographers who want to grant their customers access to the Botanical Garden without the customer having to pay the location fee for their session. The Annual Photography Permit provides access for one named photographer to conduct portrait and special event photography at the Botanical Garden.
Price: $400 annually
Purchase or renew your Annual Photography Permit today!
- Permit holders are allowed unlimited photography reservations if they are scheduled at least one week in advance.
- Photographers must adhere to the Photography Guidelines and the Garden Etiquette as outlined above
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