Photography Permits

Viles Arboretum offers a beautiful setting for all occasions! A permit is required for all posed and formal photography or video recording.

Any type of posed, portrait photography whether or not the photographer paid required a photography permit. Some examples are:

• Engagement, Maternity, and Wedding Photos
• Family, Children, and Senior Portraits
• Prom and Graduation Pictures
• Professional Portraits
• Photoshoots with Models

Rules & Guidelines

• Permits are $7 per hour and subject to availability. Consecutive permits may be purchased.
• Permits are nonrefundable but can be rescheduled.
• The permit is waived if you have a facility rental reservation.
• Your permit does not reserve any specific space or provide exclusive access to any area.
• You must not block trails or gardens, or interfere with other visitors' enjoyment.
• Stay on marked and maintained trails. Do not enter fields, unmaintained areas, mulched areas, or garden beds.
• Follow all posted rules.
• Do not damage or move Arboretum property, including trees, plants, buildings, signs, benches. bridges, or other structures.
• Natural habitats must not be disturbed. Moving rocks or log, raking leaves or forest floors, flattening grass, or engaging in similar activities is not allowed.
• Respect wildlife. Do not feed, chase, or attempt to handle animals, and maintain a safe distance at all times.
• Balloons, confetti, bird seed, flower petals, or similar materials are not permitted.
• Limited equipment is allowed: tripods, easels, or hand-held props. Large-scale setups, staging, or equipment that occupies significant space require prior approval from Arboretum staff.
• You must respect the privacy of other visitors.
• All photography session activities must be appropriate and free from obscene content.

Commercial Grounds Use

Professionals and organizations who wish to use the Arboretum grounds for commercial purposes must make a booking on our rental calendar for the date and time you will be utilizing our space.

Commercial use is defined as activities you are being compensated for, which include, but are not limited to:

• Photography or videography
• Guided Tours or educational walks
• Workshops or classes

Your booking does not reserve a specific space or provide exclusive access to any area - the Arboretum remains open to the public during your activity.

Not for Vendors or Sales - this booking option is not intended for pop-up shops, vendor booths, or other retail sales. If you are interested in vending at an Arboretum event, please contact us for vendor opportunities.

Permission to use the Arboretum grounds may be revoked at any time, for any reason, at the discretion of Arboretum staff.

Guidelines for Commercial Grounds Use:

• Activities must not block trails or gardens, or interfere with other visitors' enjoyment.
• Keep noise to a minimum. Avoid amplified sound or loud activities that may disrupt wildlife or other visitors.
• Do not damage or move Arboretum property, including trees, plants, buildings, signs, benches. bridges, or other structures.
• Natural habitats must not be disturbed. Moving rocks or log, raking leaves or forest floors, or engaging in similar activities is not allowed.
• Respect wildlife. Do not feed, chase, or attempt to handle animals, and maintain a safe distance at all times.
• Balloons, confetti, bird seed, flower petals, or similar materials are not permitted.
• Limited equipment is allowed: tripods, easels, or hand-held props. Large-scale setups, staging, or equipment that occupies significant space require prior approval from Arboretum staff.
• Any photography or videography must respect the privacy of other visitors.
• Please keep group size reasonable for the are you'll be using.