The Garden would like to ensure you have a wonderful experience while capturing your special memories with us. We do require that all photography sessions, both personal and promotional, to have a photography session permit. This includes any shoot involving wardrobe changes/specific attire (i.e. prom, engagement, graduation etc.) and all forms of photography (i.e. smartphone, professional cameras, amateur photographers, etc.).

Booking Your Photography Session:

Photo sessions are welcome everyday from 9am-3:30pm. When you arrive, walk into the Robins Visitor Center and let the admissions desk know that you are here for a photography session. Please note, we accept walk-ups only and cannot schedule a photography session in advance. If you are planning a proposal, please contact the Facility Events Department directly at (804) 262-9887 ext. 345.

These sessions include complimentary admission for up to six guests; all others must pay regular Garden admission. You will be responsible for bringing in your own photographer as we do not provide photographers, but their admission is included within the six complimentary guests that are part of your reservation.

Photography sessions are also permitted during Flowers After 5 (our seasonal evening event) with the last session starting by 7 p.m. The Blomendaal House and Grace Arents Garden are not available to take photos in during this event.
Any clients who have rented the Garden for both their ceremony and reception receive one complimentary 1½ hour photography session under the same guidelines.

Restrictions and Courtesies:

• We encourage you to take photos with our beautiful Garden spaces as your backdrop in any available outdoor Garden space. Please be mindful that we are unable to reserve any specific Garden areas for photo sessions. We also do not allow photo sessions to occur in any building interior spaces including the Conservatory.
• We ask that photographers and clients be courteous to Garden guests and their enjoyment of the Garden at all times.
• We do not allow the obstruction of Garden pathways, guest common areas, building entrances and exits and areas being used for private or Garden-wide events. The intrusion on exhibits is also prohibited.
• In order to protect our plant displays we do not allow photographers, clients, or equipment in any of our plant beds while taking photographs.
• Garden staff members are not available to accompany groups during these sessions but we do encourage you to use a QR code to download a map at the Admissions Desk, located in the Robins Visitors Center, to familiarize yourself with our Garden spaces.
• This photography session is strictly for engagement photos, bridal portraits, save-the-dates, and family photos. Private ceremonies are prohibited with this package. Wedding inquiries may be directed to the contact information provided above.

Fees:

Photography Session (1 ½ hours)                 $100
Member Rate (1½ hours)                                $50
Additional Hours                                              $50
Changing Room                                                $50

Changing Area – By request when making your reservation and based on availability, a restroom can be designated for a dressing area for an additional $50 during the reserved photo session time only. Designated restroom locations are determined by the Garden. You must check in at the Admissions Desk in the Robins Visitors Center on the day of your reservation for location details. We cannot guarantee the safety of personal belongings left in these restroom locations. Please keep valuable locked in your car. Dressing Rooms are not available after 5pm.
Late Arrivals – No adjustments to session times or designated restroom times will be made due to late arrivals the day of the reservation. Garden hours of operation are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday – Tuesday and 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Wednesday – Thursday, and are strictly enforced. There are no refunds for late arrivals.
Inclement Weather – A photography session may be rescheduled due to inclement weather through the Facility Events Coordinators under the terms above. There are no refunds for wedding photography sessions (to include non-rescheduled shoots or no-shows).

2024 Photography Session Reservation Policy