We encourage visitors to take casual photographs for their own personal use. A permit is necessary for all professional videography and photo shoots, including but not limited to portraits, weddings, family events, engagements, graduations, proms, senior photos, and commercial landscape. Photography or videography taken during already approved and prepaid events (such as weddings) are not subject to additional fees.

Pricing

• Single-Day Photography Pass: $26.50 ($25 + $1.50 sales tax) per hour
• Annual Photography Pass: $318.00 ($300 + $18 sales tax)
• Single-Day Videography Pass: $106.00 ($100 + $6 sales tax) per hour

General Guidelines

• Photography and videography must take place between dawn and dusk, or under supervision by an Arboretum staff member.
• Stay on pathways and mowed lawn areas at all times
• Do not block any pathways or garden areas
• Do not disturb plants, plant labels or containers
• Do not hang backpacks or other equipment from trees
• Do not place equipment in planted beds
• Booked private events have exclusive rights to their reserved area
• Maintenance work by Arboretum staff occurs from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and will not accommodate your photography or videography session.

Terms and Conditions

Duration of Sessions

Photographers and videographers must schedule their 1-hour session at least 24 hours in advance. Annual permit photography holders may schedule up to 2 hours for sessions. This ensures there are no conflicts with scheduled events or garden maintenance. Professional photography and videography are NOT allowed in the Kentucky Children’s Garden.

Liability

The Arboretum is not responsible for any personal or property damage or loss during the photographer’s visit to The Arboretum.

Credit

The Arboretum requires the location credit “The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, Lexington, KY” in all uses of The Arboretum in print, on the web, in broadcast, or in any other public medium.

Scheduling

ALL use of the garden and grounds of The Arboretum must be scheduled in advance by calling the Dorotha Smith Oatts Visitor Center at (859)-257-6955 during normal hours of operation. You may also email us at arboretum@uky.edu.

Payment must be submitted, and permission granted at least 24 hours in advance of the date of the scheduled session. Payment must be clearly designated as payment for a photo or videography session and the scheduled date must be indicated. With in-person permission, payment may be made the day of the session.

• It is the responsibility of the User to ensure their clients or group are aware of and compliant with these rules and regulations.
• Restrooms are NOT to be used as a changing/storage area.
• Prior approval is required for print advertisements, video to be used in commercials, images to be used for re-sale purposes, or other uses with a large distribution and/or circulation. Contact The Arboretum in advance to discuss your project.
• All Arboretum furniture/fixtures and container plantings may be used only in their existing locations. They MAY NOT be moved. You may not place props or equipment inside our planting beds.
• Any permanent alteration of The Arboretum is prohibited. The cutting or removal of any plant, plant part, or item is prohibited. User shall not disturb plants, plant labels, or planting containers.
• The use of fire, candles, confetti, paper, birdseed, plastic, or similar materials that could affect the ground is prohibited. If balloons or ribbons are used, they cannot be tied to any tree or shrub.
• The Arboretum parking lot is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. The User cannot close a part of the parking lot, nor drive vehicles anywhere other than the entrance drive and parking lot. All vehicles must be parked in a designated parking space.
• Parking is not allowed in the drop-off circle. Drivers may drop off riders in the circle but must park in the parking lot. This includes but is not limited to buses, limousines, personal vehicles, shuttle vans, etc.
• J. Any photography or videography deemed inappropriate by Arboretum staff will not be allowed. No photography is allowed which will block gates and/or entrances to any part of the gardens or Visitor Center.
• The Annual Photography pass is good for one calendar year from date of approval unless otherwise noted.
• Dates/sessions are subject to cancellation due to weather, public health concerns, or other issue beyond control of The Arboretum. The Arboretum will work with photographers and videographers to schedule an alternate date agreeable by both parties.
• User agrees to pay for all damages to The Arboretum that occur as a result of the User and their session. In the event of damage by User, the University of Kentucky Physical Plant Division will repair damage to The Arboretum. The User shall pay all costs incurred for such repair within 48 hours of receipt of the invoice. A penalty of $10.00 per day will be assessed for any late payment.

The Arboretum reserves the right to refuse admittance and/or to change this policy without advance notice.

Revised January 2025