The Morton Arboretum is an ideal picture-perfect setting. 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 an hour and subject to availability. Your nonrefundable permit fee includes your permit, gate admission, and parking for every member of your party.
If you are holding a special event and renting facilities at The Morton Arboretum, the permit fee is waived.
Requests to conduct commercial photography/videography (beyond private personal use described above) are handled separately from the standard permit policy outlined here. In these cases, please email photography@mortonarb.org at least one month in advance with a summary of the potential project (purpose, scope, logistics, proposed timeframe) for consideration of permission, special arrangements, and applicable fees.
Permit Policies and Pricing
Permit sales open online on the first of the month, and are subject to availability. Permits are date and time-specific, and may not be available on days when the Arboretum is holding special events. Available dates and times will be listed in the web store, browse dates and purchase permits for members and guests. 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. No photography is permitted in the Maze or Children’s Garden or in any Arboretum buildings. The permit does not include access to any Arboretum buildings for the purpose of photography. Access to photo locations may be restricted at the Arboretum’s discretion. Prices are subject to change without prior notice. The Morton Arboretum does reserve the right to restrict access to sections of our grounds for maintenance, Arboretum events, or rentals.
Permits are sold as non-refundable; in case of inclement weather, the photo permit can be rescheduled, up to three days before the date on the permit.
Note: Smoking, alcohol, and pets are not allowed during photo sessions. Drones, including those used for photography, are not allowed.
Permit Pricing
1 to 4 people:
Member: $50
Guest: $125
5 to 10 people:
Member: $175
Guest: $250
11 to 25 people:
Member: $225
Guest: $325
Prom photos (students only):
Member: $175
Guest: $250
Photography permits are not available on specific days throughout the year:
- Saturday, April 22 until 1:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 29
- Sunday, May 7
- Saturday, June 24
- Saturday, August 5
- Sunday, August 6
- Sunday, September 10
- Saturday, September 23
- Saturday, October 7 until 1:00 p.m.
- Saturday, October 21
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.
