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Photography Permits

Capture a special day at The Morton Arboretum with a professional photographer.

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The Morton Arboretum is a picture-perfect setting for all occasions! A permit is required for all posed and formal photography or video recording.

Permits are required for professionally conducted formal photography and videography for private personal use only (examples: engagement and wedding photos, family portraits, prom pictures, and quinceañera).

All photo permits are good for one hour and subject to availability. The nonrefundable permit fee includes a photography permit, Arboretum admission, and parking for each member of your party.

If you are hosting a private event at The Morton Arboretum, the permit fee is waived.

The Arboretum does not issue permits for commercial photography or videography. Permits may only be obtained for the private uses described above.

Policies and Pricing

Photography permits must be purchased in advance. Permits may be purchased via phone, in person, or during the online ticket purchasing process.

Arboretum members pay a lower photography permit fee for all party sizes.

Permit sales open online on the first of the month, and are subject to availability. Permits are date- and time-specific, and may be unavailable or restricted on days when the Arboretum is holding special events.

Permits are non-refundable. In case of inclement weather, the photo permit can be rescheduled up to three days before the date on the permit.

Permits are released two months at a time. Please check back later if your desired date is not within the next two months.

Permits are good for one hour.

Pricing

Party member counts include the photographer and assistants.

1 to 4 Party Members
Cost: $125
Member cost: $50

5 to 10 Party Members
Cost: $250
Member cost: $175

11 to 25 Party Members
Cost: $325
Member cost: $225

Prom and Quinceañera Group Photos (Students Only)
Cost: $250
Member cost: $175

Please note that permit prices are subject to change without notice.

Restrictions

No photography is permitted in the Maze, Children’s Garden, Wonder Woods Mini Golf Course, or in any Arboretum buildings. Access to locations like the Grand Garden may be restricted for Arboretum events, event set-up, or rentals. The permit does not include access to any Arboretum buildings for the purpose of photography. The Morton Arboretum reserves the right to restrict access to sections of our grounds for maintenance, Arboretum events, or rentals.

Smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes, alcohol, and pets are not allowed during photo sessions. Drones, including those used for photography, are not allowed.

Unavailable Dates

Photography permits for 2025 are not available on specific days throughout the year:

Saturday, April 26

Sunday, May 4

Saturday, June 7

Saturday, June 14

Saturday, August 2, through Sunday, August 3

Saturday, August 16, through Sunday, August 17

Sunday, September 7

Saturday, September 13

Saturday, September 27, through Sunday, September 28

Saturday, October 4

Saturday, October 25 until 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 27

Thursday, December 25

Please note that permits are not available from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for the duration of Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum, which runs from November 2025 through January 2026.

Photography Waiver

This waiver is agreed to by all guests. No further releases are required.

During your visit, The Morton Arboretum may be filming or recording visual, audio, or other data. By entering the Arboretum, you irrevocably consent to and authorize The Morton Arboretum, its successors, assigns, and licensees, to record you and to use these recordings without limit in any and all media for any purpose.

All recordings shall be the property of The Morton Arboretum, and you release The Morton Arboretum, its successors assigns, and licensees, from any and all liability on account of such usage. If you do not wish to be recorded, please do not enter The Morton Arboretum.