Photographers must purchase a one-time photography permit for $125 or a yearly photography permit for $150 for professional or intentional photography sessions at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. Permits are available for purchase below.
Personal photography of wildlife, landscapes, and people remains free; however, wardrobes, lighting equipment, props, and other professional equipment are not allowed for personal photography.
As visitors at the Arboretum, all parties involved in a photo shoot are required to abide by Visitor Policies.
As part of these policies, the following items are strictly prohibited:
- Biking and jogging
- Smoking
- Going off trail
- Picking, moving, or taking plants, animals, or natural objects
- Feeding wildlife
- Unleashed pets
- Litter – this includes the use of glitter and confetti
- Balloons – they are dangerous to wildlife
- Weapons of any kind
- Nudity – all visitors must remain properly clothed at all times
- Drone Photography
The following items are not covered under a regular photography permit and will need to be coordinated with our Rentals Manager. If your shoot includes any of these items, please email our Rentals Manager:
- Commercial Shoots (both photo and video)
- Large Props (furniture, ladders, large lighting kits, etc)
- Shoots with models and crew totaling over 10 individuals
- Shoots that will block trails or require exclusive access to a trail or space
Photographers must be able to show their permit if asked by an Arboretum Staff Member. Your receipt or rental contract will serve as your permit.
Purchase a Permit
Questions? Please email us at [email protected] or call 713-681-8433.