Rows of orange, red, and yellow flowers in the Donald B. Lacey Display Garden

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 also includes posed photos of people in special event attire and photography related to any wedding, engagement, prom, graduation, maternity photos, ceremony, modeling, etc.

Note: 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 and to receive a no-cost permit.

young couple leaning on snowy tree — Photo Permit Gallery

man and woman holding hands in a snowy scene with trees and rail fence

Woman in graduation garb sitting on oversized green adirondak chair in the Otkens memorial garden

bride and groom in Indian garb in garden

young couple holding hands in front of tall grass

bride and groom in front of blooming white dogwood tree

Photo Permit Details

Photo permits are available year-round.
Photo permits should be requested with at least 72 hours notice (Monday-Friday).
Photo permits are scheduled for a 2-hour increment. Please keep in mind the Gardens close at 5pm November-March and 7pm April-October.
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.
Guaranteed parking for up to 3 cars can be arranged in advance, if requested.

To request a photo permit, please fill out and submit our permit request form. 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.

If you have questions or need more information, please email us.

Guidelines for product promotion, videography, and drones

Videos filmed at Rutgers Gardens—including filming for electronic media, videos, 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.

Proposal Permit Details

Proposal permits are available year-round.
Proposal permits should be requested with at least 72 hours notice (Monday-Friday).
Proposal permits are scheduled for a 3-hour increment. Please keep in mind that the Gardens close at 5pm November-March and 7pm April-October.
The fee is $350 for non-Rutgers affiliates and $300 for University affiliates and Alumni.
Guaranteed parking for up to 3 cars can be arranged in advance, if requested.

To request a proposal permit, please fill out and submit our permit request form. 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.