York Street Photo Policy

By purchasing a photography permit you agree to abide by the following policies and guidelines:

• Photography sessions cannot take place before or after normal business hours.
• No pets are allowed in the Gardens (service animals excepted).
• No smoking is permitted in the Gardens, including vaporizers and e-cigarettes.
• The use of drones is strictly prohibited.
• Clients must be fully and appropriately clothed (i.e., no nudity, swimsuits, lingerie, etc.)
• Clients must arrive fully prepared, including hair, makeup and styling.
• No dressing rooms or storage areas will be provided unless the room package was purchased. Changing tents are not permitted.
• Photography sessions should not disrupt visitor access, employee access, special events or pedestrian flow.
• Tripods, gear and people must stay on paths at all time and not stand or walk through dirt, mulch and flower beds.
• Denver Botanic Gardens property may not be moved or disturbed. This includes, but is not limited to: picking/cutting plant material, moving benches/displays, etc.
• Trees, walls, fences, statues or any other structures may not be climbed. Plant beds and water features may not be entered.
• Costume masks that obscure the entire face are not permitted for guests over age 17.
• Denver Botanic Gardens is a LIVING MUSEUM full of rare, exotic and endangered species. Due to the sensitive nature of the Gardens’ grounds and horticulture, some items are not allowed inside the Gardens for your photography session. Balloons, potted floor plants, trees and florist-cut flowers are not permitted inside the Gardens. No items that are difficult to pick up may be used at the Gardens (such as rice, glitter, beads, birdseed, confetti, flower petals. etc.).
• Motorized and non-motorized vehicles are not permitted, with the exception of wheelchairs and strollers.
• Professional photography is prohibited at certain Gardens events, including but not limited to: Evenings al Fresco, Summer Concert Series, Blossoms of Light or other specially ticketed events.
• The Gardens reserves the right to halt any photography sessions deemed to be disruptive. Annual permits may be revoked if permit holders do not abide by these guidelines.
• The Gardens assumes no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to any equipment or belongings.
• All participants must be present and enter the Gardens as a group through the main entrance; we cannot accommodate late or individual arrivals. To avoid congestion, please meet your party or photographer outside the main entrance. Please do not crowd in front of the doors or desk.
• Entry through Cheesman Gate is not permitted.
• Participants should check in at the main entrance with Visitor Services staff. Once payment and paperwork are confirmed you will be issued a photography permit. Fees must be paid and paperwork must be completed prior to entering the Gardens. Photography badges must be clearly displayed at all times.
• Any unauthorized portrait/commercial photography sessions will be escorted from the Gardens.

Related Issues

• Absolutely NO wedding ceremonies may be performed on the Gardens property without advance reservation with our Private Events Department. Parties not in compliance will be asked to leave immediately.
• Gardens staff members may approach photographers at any time and request to see the photography permit.
• Gardens staff may approach photographers to discuss alternatives to their session if Gardens maintenance or special events are in progress.
• Groups found violating any of our policies will be asked to end their session and will be escorted from the Gardens.
• All artwork on display at York Street and Chatfield Farms is subject to copyright and other intellectual property law. It is the responsibility of the photographer to secure appropriate permissions for the use of artwork images. Permission to photograph at the Gardens does not include permission to use images of copyrighted artwork and the Gardens is unable to provide such permissions.

Please note: Denver Botanic Gardens reserves the right to turn away photographers who are not operating in accordance with our rules and regulations, as well as photographers who have not made reservations.

Denver Botanic Gardens reserves the right to adjust these policies at any time, with or without notice, in the best interest of the Gardens and the general public.

York Street Photography Reservation Request

One-Time Use Photography Permit*:

• Photography reservations requests must be made online at least ONE WEEK in advance. Permits cannot be booked more than a month in advance. Please allow 3 business days for processing requests. Review the list of early closure dates prior to requesting your permit.
• In-person photography bookings will not be accommodated at this time.
• Group Size and Price
  • 1-6 People: $100
  • 7-13 People: $250
  • 14-20 People: $400
• Groups of 21 people or more are required to make a Private Events reservation. For more information please contact our Events Department at 720-865-3551 or private.events@botanicgardens.org.

*One-Time Use permits (both reserved and non-reserved) are good for ONE photography session per photographer, with a maximum 2-hour time limit. If fewer than two hours, pro-rating does not apply.

Annual Photography Permit: $500

Annual permits provide photography access for ONE named photographer to Denver Botanic Gardens and Chatfield Farms for one year (12 months).

• Annual Photography Permits can be purchased over the phone by calling 720-865-3500.
• Annual permit holders must make reservations for their photography sessions in advance.
• Groups must be limited to no more than 20 people per session (including photographer, assistants, etc.).
• Photo shoots are limited to one group per two-hour session.
• Multiple sessions may take place in one day with multiple reservations.
• An additional named photographer may be added to the permit for $250.

Refunds

• There are NO refunds for Photography Permits, including One-Time Use and Annual Permits.
• Payments are valid for 30 days from the date received; sessions may be rescheduled during this time with Visitor Services staff. Rescheduling must be agreed upon prior to the new shoot date. Reschedule by email at photography@botanicgardens.org or by calling the Resource Center at 720-865-3500.

Reduced Rate Photo Permit

Denver Botanic Gardens provides a limited number of photography bookings at a reduced rate based on unique circumstances and financial need. Assistance will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. The Gardens photo policy and guidelines do apply.

Reduced Rate Photography Reservation Request

Please note: The photography policy was created to protect the grounds and the artwork, both inside and outdoors. Additionally, the policy allows the Gardens to control the number of photography shoots on the grounds at one time to lessen the disruptions of scheduled events. Fees directly support the Gardens’ mission of connecting people with plants.