Photography/filming permit Rules and Regulations

Portrait photographers must obtain a permit to take pictures at the Arboretum. Permits are available online or by calling Leisure Services at 913/895-6390.

There are two types of permits: hourly and annual.

• Hourly: Allows photography/filming, by reservation, for all portrait photography, commercial photography and all filming, at $25 per hour, one hour minimum, in increments of one hour.
• Annual: Allows photography/filming, by reservation, for all portrait photography, commercial photography and filming, at the rate of $400 per year. This permit allows unlimited sessions, by reservation and availability only, as outlined below. After the permit is purchased, reservations can be made online, as outlined above. The permits are valid for one year from date of purchase.

Photography permits and reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance, but no later. No more than four hours may be reserved by one permit holder per day. There will be no more than four reservations issued per hour and there are some days and times when no permits will be issued.

Reservations times begin at the top of the hour and in one-hour increments. They are unavailable on the following:

• Holidays
• All day Saturdays
• Sundays from noon to closing.
• Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to noon.
• Additional times may be blocked at the discretion of the Director of Parks and Recreation.

The last reservations of the day will be issued no later than two hours prior to closing. From Oct. 1 through April 9, the last reservation will begin at 3 p.m., and from April 10 through Sept. 30, the last reservation will begin at 5 p.m.

At the Arboretum: 

1. All permit holders must check in at the EEVC upon arrival and departure of their session. After presenting a valid permit and matching photo I.D., they will be given a tag that must be worn in full view at all times. The tag must be surrendered at the time of departure. If permit time is exceeded, you will be charged for additional time.
2. Be on time. Your session will not be extended without an additional fee, and you will have to exit the Arboretum at closing time regardless of your arrival time and your permit span of time.
3. Meet other members of your party in the EEVC lounge. Please do not block access to the sidewalk while waiting for your party.
4. There are specific photography locations where equipment can be set up and parties posed. Please utilize these locations only and be conscientious of other permit holders. Do not invade a space currently occupied by a garden visitor – please utilize another location, if that location is occupied. Do not ask a patron to leave, move, hurry up, etc. 
5. Reservations for specific gardens supersede the photography permit/reservation. For example, if a wedding party has the Marder Pergola reserved, photography permit holders cannot invade that space during the wedding reservation. Photographers hired for location reservations do not need a separate permit to photograph their event.
6. Personal belongings. Do not leave props, clothing or personal belongings unattended, especially in the restrooms or in the EEVC. All personal belongings must stay with the permit holder or in his or her vehicle. The Arboretum is not liable for damage to personal belongings while on site.
7. Changing clothes in the gardens and on trails is prohibited.
8. Damage. Any damage to flowers, trees, shrubs, containers, sculpture, structures, walkways, etc. will be charged to the permit holder. 
9. Inclement Weather: If it is raining or there is inclement weather, as determined by the Arboretum staff and you are unable to proceed with your photography, please contact Leisure Services at 913/895-6390.  They will rewrite your permit to another available reservation.
10. Dogs or other pets are not allowed in the gardens. Gardens are any area with concrete sidewalk access. Dogs are only allowed on the asphalt trail and mulch trails. 
11. Do not pose subjects off the prescribed pathways or patios.  Violation of this rule may result in immediate ejection from the Arboretum and loss of permit privileges for a period of one year.  
12. Photography parties may visit the Arboretum prior to or after their reservation. However, no photography equipment may accompany them.
13. Be sure to check out upon completion of your session. You will be charged for any time exceeding your reservation.
14. An excessive number of cancellations or no shows could result in release of standing reservations and/or restrictions being placed on scheduling future reservations.

** Any violations of the rules may result in the photographer being denied future permits for a period of one year. 

• Printable version of the photography/filming rules . (.pdf file)