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. Professional photographers will be sent a link to purchase a Photography Permit.
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. Amateur photographers (not receiving any form of compensation) are welcome to use our gardens free of charge. 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.
● Personal and amateur photography is free.
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 any professional Photography Permit fee, if your event will include your hired photographer’s photography permit.
● All guests must abide by rules and regulations below.
RULES AND 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.
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.
Local Outdoor Ceremony Venues
If UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens does not fit your event needs, view our recommendations for other outdoor garden sites in Charlotte that host weddings and other events:
Historic Rosedale Plantation
3427 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28206
704-335-0325
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, NC 28012
704-829-1258
The Van Landingham Estate
2010 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
704-334-8909
The Betty Little House (Charlotte Council of Garden Clubs)
1820 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28204; 704-375-4373
The Nancy Reid House (Matthews Women’s Club)
134 W. John Street, Matthews, NC 28105; 704-849-7368
St. Mary’s Chapel
1129 E. 3rd Street, Charlotte, NC
704-333-1235
Or check out the new on-campus venue, the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel and Conference Center for ceremonies and special event!
UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel and Conference Center
9041 Robert D Snyder Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262
704-978-8000