Photography Reservations
Photography at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Capture something beautiful.
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden offers a beautiful, ever-changing backdrop for photos throughout the year. Whether you’re snapping a few photos during your visit or planning a special portrait session, we welcome you to capture your experience at the Garden.
Casual photography is welcome with admission.
If you’re taking personal photos or videos while enjoying a regular Garden visit, no photography reservation is needed.
Planning a posed photography session?
Family, senior, maternity, engagement, and other planned portrait sessions require an advance reservation, whether your photographer is a professional, friend, or family member.
Portrait Photography
Celebrate milestones and capture memories surrounded by the beauty of the Garden.
Portrait Photography | $175
Up to 5 photography subjects + one photographer | 60 minutes
Group Portrait Photography | $225
6-15 photography subjects + one photographer | 60 minutes
Your reservation includes Garden admission for all photography subjects and one photographer. Photography takes place in public areas of the Garden during regular admission hours, subject to availability. The Garden remains open to other visitors during your session.
Wedding Photography
Make the Botanical Garden part of your day.
You don’t have to host your wedding at the Botanical Garden to choose it as the backdrop for your wedding photos.
Wedding Photography | $500
Up to 20 photography subjects + one photographer | 60 minutes
Wedding Photography + Suite | $750
Up to 20 photography subjects + one photographer | 90 minutes
Includes private suite access for changing and getting ready, subject to availability.
Garden admission is included for photography subjects and one photographer. Wedding photography reservations are for photography only and do not include ceremonies or vow exchanges.
Planning your wedding at the Garden? Photography during your contracted rental period is included according to the terms of your wedding package. No separate photography reservation is needed.
Annual Photography Pass
Photograph here throughout the year.
Professional photographers who regularly bring clients to the Garden can purchase an Annual Photography Pass for $400 per year. The pass covers standard portrait photography reservation fees throughout the year.
Advance reservations are still required and subject to availability. The pass applies to standard portrait photography and does not include wedding, commercial, prom/formal, or other specialty photography.
Additional named photographer | $100 per year
Prom & Formal Photography
The Botanical Garden may offer special ticketed photography opportunities for select school dances and formal events. Dates, times, and pricing vary.
Commercial & Business Photography
Planning photography or video for advertising, marketing, publications, products, or another commercial purpose? Please contact us in advance.
Availability and pricing are based on the scope of the project. Projects involving extensive equipment, staging, reserved spaces, or significant setup may require a venue rental.
Before Your Session
Help us protect the Garden and create a great experience for everyone. Photography sessions take place while the Garden is open to visitors and do not provide exclusive access to a particular location. Please remain on designated paths, keep Garden spaces accessible and arrive ready for your session. Tripods, lighting equipment, reflectors and props are not permitted for portrait or wedding photography.
Reservations & Cancellations
Photography sessions must be reserved in advance. Submit a request and our team will confirm availability before collecting payment. Your reservation is confirmed once availability has been approved and payment has been received.
Photography reservations may be rescheduled with at least 24 hours’ notice, subject to availability. Reservation fees are nonrefundable.
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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