Policy for Visitor, Press and Commercial Photography at Cleveland Botanical Garden

Visitor Photography Policy

Photography (still and video) is permitted for private, non-commercial use only.  Photographs cannot be published, sold, reproduced, transferred, distributed, or otherwise commercially exploited in any manner whatsoever without written consent by Cleveland Botanical Garden.  Tripods are not permitted in the Glasshouse.  Visitors must obtain permission to use tripods on the grounds.   Cleveland Botanical Garden reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to withhold and/or withdraw permission to photograph on its premises or to reproduce photographs of objects in its collection.

Wedding Photography Policy

Fee:  A $200.00 photography fee reserves the non-exclusive use of the Garden for one hour of photography.  The fee must be delivered onsite to the Garden on the same day of the previously approved photo session.  The fee must be paid in its entirety prior to the commencement of any photography session.  The Garden accepts personal checks, Mastercard and Visa as forms of payment for wedding photography sessions.  

Session Length:  The $200.00 photography fee provides non-exclusive use of Cleveland Botanical Garden for one hour.  Additional time is charged at the rate $200.00 per hour, with a minimum billing increment of one hour.  The Garden will not prorate fees relative to the length of session.  Thus, a wedding photography session occupying the Garden for one hour and twenty minutes will be assessed a fee of $400.00.  Please carefully consider the schedule of your wedding day, taking into account travel time and other factors when requesting the use of the Garden for wedding photography.  Out of respect for everyone who uses the Garden, all parties must adhere to the scheduled appointment times.  

Time of Day and Year:   Photos are not permitted in the Glasshouse or in any other interior location during normal business hours but are permitted on the outside grounds during normal business hours.  Also, the garden only allows photos to be taken on the property from April 1st to October 31st.

Viewing of the Garden:  Access to the Garden is restricted and an appointment needs to be made to view the grounds.  It is required that you visit the garden, before your scheduled photography session, to view the Gardens for your photos. This process is in place for your benefit and to save time.  To make arrangements please contact Paula Coakley at pcoakley@cbgarden.org or 216-707-2833.

Press, Commercial and Special Photography Policy

Members of the media may photograph or film within designated areas of the facility and grounds for purposes of news coverage that includes Cleveland Botanical Garden.  All members of the press must contact the marketing department prior to arrival.  A member of the marketing department must be present to escort members of the press through exhibitions and all other areas of the facility and grounds.  To make arrangements, call 216-707-2839.  Please try to make arrangements with the marketing department at least 24 hours in advance to ensure availability.  

Commercial and special photography arrangements must be made at least one week in advance through the marketing department by calling 216-707-2839.

Cleveland Botanical Garden charges fees for all filming and photography intended for commercial purposes.  Site fees vary for each project.

Because Cleveland Botanical Garden is open to the public every day, no special arrangements can be made to quarantine an area from normal visitor traffic during regular visitor hours.  All filming and photography must be conducted without disruption to the Garden's operations or limitations to accessibility of exhibitions, stairwells, entrances/exits, high traffic areas and other locations of interest to Garden visitors.

Cleveland Botanical Garden will charge an additional fee for filming and photography scheduled outside of normal business hours.

A contract and 50 percent non-refundable deposit are required before the Garden approves any special photography arrangements.  The Garden reserves the right to approve final content for anything in which images of Cleveland Botanical Garden or its properties will appear.  

Scout visits can be arranged by calling 216-707-2839.