Photography
Visitors are welcome to take any in-the-moment photography of plants, people, and subjects that capture the events of your visit. For any professional or posed photography taken at the Gardens, a Photography Permit is required. In order to maintain a welcoming and safe environment for all guests, please follow the policies below.
Guest Photography– Visitors are welcome to take snapshot photographs of plants, structures, and individuals without a photography permit. A snapshot as an informal photograph that is a quick snap or spontaneous shot without artistic intent.
Professional and Portrait Photography Sessions
Charlotte Botanical Gardens defines portrait photography as: wedding, engagement, quinceanera, family,
maternity, portfolio, prom, graduation, and any other posed portraiture of individuals by professional or amateur photographers, whether paid or unpaid. All portrait and professional photography sessions must be approved. Please register here. Once you complete the form, a member of our staff will be in contact with you to confirm your date, and time. Registrants will be sent a link to purchase a Photography Permit if required.
Professional and Portrait photographers must purchase or have an approved Photography Permit, or hold a valid Photography Membership to use our gardens for photo shoots. Professional photographers are defined as anyone paid to provide photography services. Registration is required for each photo shoot to ensure the availability of our spaces. Staff may approach photographers in the gardens during your photo shoot. Schedule all photoshoots here.
Photography Permit Fee for 2 hours
● $50- Photo shoots including up to 7 people
● $100- Photo shoots of 8-25 people (we cannot accommodate more than 25 people in the Gardens)
● $200- We offer an annual Photography Membership which includes unlimited photo shoots. We still
request registration for each photoshoot so we know when you will be here.
Portrait Mini Sessions
Photographers offering portrait mini sessions will be charged $50 per group, with a maximum of $300 per day.
Busy Seasons– Please register and pay in advance.
Due to increased visitation, Charlotte Botanical Gardens ask that any special event photography (amateur or professional) be scheduled and paid in advance during the following months: March to June and September to October. This includes Prom and Homecoming photography.
Weddings, Events, & Videography
The Botanical Gardens are available to use for small events, weddings, videography, and engagements for a fee of $250 for up to 4 hours. More information on our events can be found below:
● Examples of events include (but are not limited to) weddings, engagements, videography, and photographer meetups, picnics, yoga classes, and art groups.
● You must register at least 10 days in advance using this link. We limit the number of events in the Botanical Gardens at any one time, so please register and pay in advance to reserve your desired date.
● The $250 event fee will cover a one time professional Photography Permit fee if your event includes a hired photographer.
● All guests must abide by rules and regulations below.
Botanical Garden Events
Fairies In The Forest
Step into a world where magic dances on the breeze and wonder hides in every leaf. Join us for Fairies in the Forest, a charming event that invites you to wander through an enchanted woodland, where the fairies have come out to play! From hidden fairy circles to sparkling trails of stardust, immerse yourself in a storybook setting filled with mystical creatures, twinkling lights, and delightful surprises around every corner.
Come in your finest fairy attire (or simply as you are) and let the forest guide you through a day of enchantment. Whether you’re crafting fairy wings, listening to whimsical tales, or exploring secret nooks, every moment will feel like stepping into a dream.
Spring & Fall Plant Sales
Get ready to nurture your garden with the best seasonal plants at our Spring & Fall Plant Sales! Whether you’re looking to brighten up your yard with vibrant spring blooms or prepare your landscape for the cozy fall months, we have everything you need. From perennials and annuals to shrubs, trees, and more, our selection of high-quality plants will help your garden thrive all year round.
Join us for:
- Expert gardening advice
- Special Garden Member deals and discounts
- Fun for the whole family!
Come dig in the dirt with us and watch your garden grow with the best of the season. See you there!
▼ University Policies
- Minors must be accompanied by a permitted adult. Read and follow UNC Charlotte’s “Minors on Campus” policy.
- Damaging university property is prohibited. Read and follow UNC Charlotte’s “Control and Management of University…Property” and “Violation of University Policy.”
- Walk your dog within campus regulations. Read the UNC Charlotte policy “Animals on Campus” policy.
▼ Rules & Regulations For Photography And Events
We ask all photographers and event guests to please help us to maintain the integrity of the Gardens by honoring these policies. If you do not comply with these rules, you may be asked to leave and forfeit your payment.
● Every photoshoot and event must be registered.
● Any unregistered photographer without a valid Photography Permit or Photography Membership may be asked to leave
● We allow a maximum of 25 people for any event, which includes all participants, guests, the officiant, and photographers.
● All people and pets must remain on the paths at all times. Do not walk into plant beds, creeks, stand on rocks, or leave any of our trails.
● Please do not block pathways in the Gardens for events or photoshoots. The Gardens will remain open and accessible to other guests.
● Areas may not be roped off or reserved. Other visitors may be present or nearby during your event.
● No glitter, balloons, confetti or similar materials are allowed in the gardens.
● Nothing may be attached to any plants or structures.
● Leave the Gardens undisturbed. Do not pick any of our flowers, fruit or plant materials, or move any signs or other equipment.
● Pets are welcome on leashes only. Please ensure they remain on the paths.
● No nudity, lingerie, swimwear, or other potentially inappropriate clothing is allowed in the Gardens.
● Parking is available for free on the weekends. Parking during the week is available in a paid guest parking garage adjacent to the outdoor gardens. We have a limited number of free parking spaces in front of our Greenhouse that are available on a first come, first serve basis.
● There is no electricity, water fountains, seating, or restrooms in the gardens.
● We do not have bathrooms or water fountains in our Greenhouse. On weekdays, guests can use public
bathrooms in the Klein College of Science or McEniry buildings. On the weekend, these buildings may be locked and unavailable to the public.