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NO PERMIT REQUIRED

Guests are welcome to take personal photos during their visit without a permit, provided all the following conditions apply:

• Photographer: There is no designated photographer conducting a planned photo session. Photos are taken spontaneously by guests during their visit to the garden.
• Equipment: Photos are taken using cell phones or similar handheld devices. No additional equipment, such as tripods, reflectors, or props, is involved.
• Duration: The photography is brief and spontaneous, typically lasting only a minute or two at each location, without spending extended time in any one area.

Examples: Selfies and casual snapshots taken while strolling through the garden.

PERMIT REQUIRED

Reservation Requirements: Reservations are recommended to ensure availability. Walk-ups may be accommodated based on scheduling, but availability is not guaranteed. Please email rentals@redbutte.utah.edu or call 801-585-9563.

Formal photography sessions require reservations and the purchase of a photography permit. There are two types of permits available: one for portrait photography and one for wedding photography. These permits help us manage the number of events and photography sessions in the garden, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Portrait Photography Permit

A Portrait Photography Permit is required if one or more of the following conditions apply:

• Photographer: The photographer is conducting a planned portrait photography session. Photos may include either posed or candid photographs, depending on the intention of the session.
• Equipment: Use of professional-grade cameras (DSLR, mirrorless), tripods, reflectors, props, or other photography equipment.
• Duration: Sessions typically lasting around 30 minutes or more, with extended time spent taking photos in one or more locations.

Examples: Engagement sessions, family portraits, special occasion photography, or other planned photo sessions.

Cost: $100 for the permit, plus standard garden admission fees for all participants.

Wedding Photography Permit

A Wedding Photography Permit is required for any session where participants are in wedding attire or attire perceived to be associated with a wedding. This applies regardless of the photographer, the equipment, or session duration.

Examples: Bridal portraits, wedding day photography, or any sessions where participants are in wedding attire.

Cost: $100 for the permit, plus standard garden admission fees for all participants.

RESERVATION REQUIRED

Groups of 15 or more, commercial and produced projects, or sessions utilizing props and/or requires golf cart transportation of equipment must reserve a private photography session. A private photography session is held in a Garden location that is closed to the public. Photographers may schedule exclusive use of one designated location within the Garden to ensure adequate space and minimize disruption to other visitors and Garden horticulture staff.

Examples: Large group portraits, product photography, commercially produced videography and advertising materials, staged personal photos with props, video interviews.

Cost & Reservations:

• Reservation required. Please email rentals@redbutte.utah.edu or call 801-585-9563.
• $375.00 per hour, minimum 1 hour rental.
• Groups of 15 or more require a reservation for a private photography session.
• Additional fees may apply for commercial photography, depending on the requirements of the session. Price quote available upon request.
• Private photography sessions may not be used for small wedding ceremony-type events. All Wedding events must sign a wedding specific contract.
• We recommend inquiring two weeks or more prior to your desired shoot date. During the months of May–September, short-notice inquiries are unlikely to be accommodated.

The photographer/videographer agrees to abide by the photography policies outlined below. Failure to follow these rules may result in expulsion from the Garden and/or denial of future requests.

• Respectful Conduct: Photography must be conducted without disrupting Red Butte Garden guests, staff, private events, or other operations.
• Unobstructed Accessibility: Accessibility of exhibitions, entrances, exits, doorways, pathways, and high-traffic areas must not be blocked.
• Preservation of Living Exhibits: Red Butte Garden is a living museum and our plant collections are tender. Please do not walk in any of the plant beds, climb any trees, pick any plant material, or otherwise disturb our living exhibits in any way.
• Preservation of Structures: Please do not climb, sit, or stand on any walls, sculptures, or any other structures.
• Conduct Regarding Garden Property: Please do not move plant labels, planted containers, benches, or otherwise disturb Red Butte Garden property.
• Drone Prohibition: Drones are strictly prohibited for public or private photo shoots due to our proximity to the University of Utah Hospital and helicopter pad.
• Pet Policy: Pets, apart from service animals, are not allowed in the garden. Emotional support animals are not considered service animals and are not allowed in the garden.
• Vehicle Restrictions: Motorized and non-motorized vehicles, apart from wheelchairs and strollers, are not permitted in the garden.
• Dress Code: Clients/models must be fully and appropriately clothed (i.e., no lingerie, swimsuits, or inappropriate costumes.)
• Liability Disclaimer: Red Butte Garden assumes no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to any equipment or belongings.
• Closure Considerations: Certain locations in the Garden may be closed and unavailable for garden maintenance, projects, or private events. Garden staff may approach photographers to discuss alternatives to their session if garden maintenance, projects, or private events are in progress.
• Enforcement and Intervention: The Garden reserves the right for staff to intervene if a photographer is found violating any of our policies or guidelines. They may be asked to end their session if steps are not taken to comply. Any unauthorized portrait photography sessions will be asked to comply with our policies and pay a $100 photography fee or will be asked to end their session.
• Time and Restrictions: Sessions must take place within regular Garden hours. The admission and photography fee are valid for the entirety of the day it’s scheduled for. The Garden reserves the right for staff to limit groups arriving less than two hours before closing time.
• No Smoking Policy: Smoking, including the use of vaporizers and e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited within the Garden.
• Preparedness for Session: No dressing rooms or storage areas will be provided, and clients/models must arrive fully prepared, including hair, makeup, and styling.
• Event-Specific Restrictions: Portrait photography sessions are prohibited at certain Garden events, including but not limited to the Summer Concert Series, BOOtanical, or any other specially ticketed events.
• Group Arrival Protocol: All participants must be present and enter the Garden as a group through the main entrance. To avoid congestion in the lobby area, please meet your party or photographer outside the main entrance.
• Bridal Photography Sessions: Bridal photography sessions must be scheduled through our Private Events department to ensure wedding events are not taking place in the Garden.
• Artwork Copyright Compliance: All artwork in the Gallery is subject to copyright and intellectual property laws. Photographers must secure appropriate permissions for artwork images.
• Policy Adjustments: Red Butte Garden reserves the right to adjust these policies and guidelines at any time, with or without notice, for the best interest of the Garden and the Garden’s guests.

The photography policy was created to protect the grounds and to manage the number of photography sessions and private events in the Garden at one time. Fees directly support Red Butte Garden’s mission to connect people with plants and the beauty of living landscapes.

These guidelines are subject to modifications and may be amended, altered, or changed at any time by Red Butte Garden management.