Beginning October 15th, Rutgers Gardens will operate Tuesday through Sunday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Photography in Rutgers Gardens
Everyone is welcome to take photographs of the picturesque landscapes, flowers, and wildlife at Rutgers Gardens. In fact, we encourage visitors to take casual photographs for their own personal, non-commercial use. Personal photos of family and friends in casual clothes and not involving a special photographer or a tripod does not require a permit.
However, if you are planning to take posed photographs of people, whether amateur or professional, a preordered photo permit is required. Additionally, any photography of people where a separate photographer is present or a tripod is used to photograph people requires a permit. This includes posed photos of people in special event attire and photography related to any photos for proposal, wedding, engagement, prom, graduation, maternity, ceremony, modeling, etc.
Rutgers students, staff, and faculty who want to photograph people in the Gardens for official Rutgers-related projects and university classes should contact the Gardens Office for scheduling.
Photo permit details
- Photo permits are available year-round.
- Photo permits should be requested least 72 hours prior (Monday-Friday).
- Photo permits are scheduled for a period of 2 hours.
- Sessions may start as early as 9:00am. Last session 3:00pm October 15 – May 30. Last session permitted at 4:30pm from May 15 – October 14.
- Rutgers Gardens operates with seasonal hours. Beginning October 15, the Gardens will operate Tuesday through Sunday, 8:00am – 5:00pm. All visitors must exit before 5:00pm. If locked in, call Rutgers Police for assistance. Hours May – October 15, Tuesdays through Sundays, 8:00am to 7:00pm.
- The fee is $150 for 1-5 people or $200 for 6-15 people (photographers included in the count).
- We cannot accommodate groups of more than 15 people.
To request a Photo/Proposal Permit, please complete the Request Form. If you have questions or need additional information, please email us.
Permit fees help support the planting, upkeep, and maintenance of the grounds, to keep Rutgers Gardens looking beautiful for all visitors to use and enjoy.
Guidelines for product promotion, videography, and drones
Videos filmed at Rutgers Gardens—including filming for electronic media, videos, vlogs, motion pictures, documentaries, promotional material, television shows or commercials—must adhere to Rutgers University policies. For restrictions, fees, how to request permission, and other information about filming, visit the Rutgers Filming and Photography on Campus page.