Professional Photography
Picture Perfect Moments at the Garden
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is a living museum, and we welcome photographers who want to capture it. To protect the Garden and ensure a positive experience for all visitors, photo sessions must be scheduled in advance and follow the policies below.
Guests are welcome to take photographs and videos of the Garden for personal use with smartphones or basic point-and-shoot cameras. However, professional photo shoots, including engagement photos, wedding/bridal portraits, family sessions, or any photography using professional equipment, must be scheduled in advance and require a fee.
Professional photography is defined as: Any session using DSLR/mirrorless cameras, professional lighting equipment, reflectors, tripods, or any photography intended for commercial use, professional portfolios, or client delivery by a professional photographer.
Are you a member of the media? Reach out to our Marketing & Communications Department by emailing mbrown@bgozarks.org.
Fees:
- BGO Members: $75
- Non Members: $95
- Payment is due upon arrival (cash, credit card, and checks accepted)
- Included: Garden entrance for 1 photographer plus up to 5 clients
- Additional guests are required to pay general admission ($13/adult, $6/child)
Session Duration
- Sessions include 2 hours of access to the Garden
- Last entry for photo permits is 3:00 pm
Weather Policy
- In case of severe weather, sessions may be rescheduled
- For weather related questions, please call (479) 750-2620
Scheduling Requirements
- Sessions must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance
- Please allow 2-3 business days for confirmation of your requested date
- Available during operating hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- After-hours photography sessions are not currently offered
- Closed Thursdays – no sessions available
- Limited weekend availability May-October due to wedding season
- Sessions are subject to availability and cannot be scheduled during private events or garden special events
Respect the Garden
- Stay on paths. Do not step in beds, pick flowers, climb trees, or move containers/structures.
- No attaching materials to Garden structures, trees, or plants
- Respect weddings, birthdays, and other reserved events. Ask the Front Desk about restricted areas when you arrive.
- The Garden is a public space: all attire must meet community standards. Models must arrive dressed (restrooms are not dressing rooms)
Day of Session
- All parties must check in together at the Admissions Office
- Respect garden facilities and be considerate of other guests
- Follow all BGO policies and guidelines
Special Cases
Proposals, Weddings & Private Events: Must be booked through our Event Department at events@bgozarks.org
Commercial Shoots (magazines, advertising, film, TV, product, etc.): Must be scheduled with our Marketing Department at mbrown@bgozarks.org
Prohibited Items & Activities
For the safety of our plants, wildlife, and guests, the following are NOT permitted:
- No smoking/vaping of any kind is permitted in or on the premises
- Props of any kind
- Animals (other than service animals)
- Balloons
- Motorized vehicles (unless medically necessary)
- Drones (unless approved by BGO and all necessary permits are acquired)
- Artificial flowers/foliage
- Confetti, bubbles, rice, birdseed
- Sparklers, smoke bombs, fireworks
- Mini-sessions (multiple clients back-to-back)
Fine Print
- Photographers are responsible for ensuring clients and assistants follow all rules
- Non-compliance may result in loss of photography privileges
- The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is not responsible for loss or damage to equipment
- Photographers agree to provide BGO with the complete edited gallery within 30 days for potential marketing use with photographer credit