Pictures are a wonderful way to remember your visit to Kingwood Center Gardens. While all guests are welcome to take photos, a reservation is required for posed or directed photography. To help preserve the beauty and integrity of our gardens, we ask all photographers to follow these guidelines, ensuring we can fulfill our mission of creating transformative experiences within the exquisite garden estate.
Before Your Visit
Please be aware that some garden venues may be closed for rentals or events. To guarantee a specific venue for your photos, a reservation is recommended. All photography sessions must occur during regular open hours. Kingwood reserves the right to determine the session category and to deny any photography inquiry or session.
Photography Categories
1. Guest Photography
Guests and members are encouraged to take snapshots of plants, people, animals, and scenes for personal enjoyment. Snapshot photography refers to spontaneous, quick shots without a specific artistic purpose. Guests must adhere to the photography policy and garden guidelines while taking these photos. Feel free to share your images on social media using #KingwoodCenterGardens or @KingwoodCenterGardens.
2. Portrait Photography
This includes wedding, engagement, quinceañera, family, maternity, portfolio, and other posed portraits (see below for senior pictures, school dances, etc. photography) by professional or amateur photographers, whether compensated or not. Please note, Kingwood may establish additional criteria for portrait photography when necessary.
3. Commercial Photography
Commercial photography includes fashion shoots, advertisements, and promotions. For more details and to schedule a session, please contact the events department.
The following photography sessions do not require a separate or advance reservation:
- Individuals or groups of 7 or fewer
- School photos (including dances, graduation, and senior year portraits)
- Family moments (such as engagement, small family groups of 7 or fewer, and maternity)
- Garden and nature photography to commemorate your visit
- Groups with a rented space (e.g., weddings)
These sessions are welcomed during regular garden hours and must still adhere to our general photography policies. General admission fees apply.
Photography Sessions that Require a Reservation and Fees
Photography sessions requiring a reservation must be scheduled and paid in full at least two weeks in
advance to guarantee availability. Sessions include:
- Groups of 8 or more people (e.g., large family groups, sports teams, or dance groups)
- Wedding photography not associated with an on-site rental
- Professional or commercial photography involving:
- Outfit changes (see addendum for changing spaces and fees)
- Props, extensive equipment, or set pieces (all props must be approved by Kingwood prior to
the shoot)
- Groups of over 20 guests will need additional approvals
Kingwood reserves the right to decline any photography inquiry or session.
Photography Fees
Fees for one-day photography sessions:
- Groups of 8 to 15 guests (2 hours): $250
- Groups of 16 or more guests (2 hours): $450
- Garden admission for photography session participants is included in the fee; membership
discounts do not apply
Add-on Services
These packages are only available for reserved sessions and must be scheduled in advance:
- Kingwood Hall: $50 per hour. A staff member will be present throughout the session. All Kingwood Hall guidelines apply.
- Changing Spaces: $75 flat rate for small groups. Location will be determined by room availability. A waiver must be signed, and public restrooms may not be used for changing. Rates for larger groups can be discussed with the events department
- Golf Cart Transportation: $85 per golf cart per hour. A staff member will transport guests and photographers across the grounds. Golf carts can accommodate 7 guests or 5 guests with 1 wheelchair user (ADA-compliant golf cart).
Addendums
- Walk-Up Group Photography Sessions (8 or more guests): $100 in addition to standard rates. Note: Kingwood may deny entry to any group without a prior reservation.
- Excessive Litter: $250 may be charged to the credit card on file with documentation provided.
- Wedding photography in any capacity requires additional approval from one of the following: Events Assistant, Venue Operations Lead, Safety and Security Supervisor, Guest Services Supervisor, Guest Services Director, or Manager on Duty.
General Photography Policy and Garden Guidelines:
- All guests and photographers must check in at the Admissions Desk to receive their on-site badge.
- All clients must arrive camera-ready, as there are no on-site dressing spaces unless reserved in advance. Public restrooms may not be used as changing spaces.
- All models and crew members must be fully and appropriately clothed.
- Drones, large props, set pieces (including furniture), lighting equipment, balloons, smoke bombs, sparklers, and confetti/glitter are prohibited.
- Monopods are preferred, but tripods may be used if they do not obstruct paths. Note that monopods and tripods are not allowed in Kingwood Hall or the Display Greenhouse.
- Paths and doorways must be kept clear to avoid blocking access for other guests.
- Photographers and guests may not move garden fixtures, statues, planters, or large furniture.
- All photography sessions must be completed at least 30 minutes before closing unless special arrangements are made with Guest Services.
- The photographer and the group must leave the facility and all related areas in their original condition and ensure that any hired vendors do the same. Photographers will be held accountable for any damage caused by themselves, their clients, crew members, or models and will be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement.
Kingwood Center Gardens Brand Usage
The Kingwood Center Gardens logo and name may only be used for commercial purposes with written permission and final proof approval from the Development and Marketing department. Contact Kingwood in advance for arrangements.
Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy
Kingwood Center Gardens is subject to weather variations and temporary closures. If a session is canceled, rescheduling will be attempted but not guaranteed. All rescheduling must be coordinated with the Guest Services department.
Contact information:
(419) 522-0211 or weddingsandevents@kingwoodcenter.org
Photos by Naomi Benson and Sydney Marie Phography