Photography Policy
What you need to know before taking photos and videos at RRA.
The Arboretum is a popular, much-loved landscape for photographers. Casual “in-the-moment” photography of your visit for personal use is welcome. However, if you are coming to the Arboretum for the primary purpose of taking posed photographs, a permit is required.
Photography permit fees apply to all posed or staged photo sessions regardless of the relationship or arrangements between the photographer and the person(s) they are photographing. It is not relevant whether the photographer is a professional or not.
Please note that dates for all photography sessions must be cleared by RRA staff before submitting a photography permit. Please contact Trish Cassin at t.cassin@reeves-reedarboretum.org to check availability.
Casual Personal Photography
Photographs are a wonderful way to remember your visit to the Arboretum. A permit is not required for visitors to take casual “in-the-moment’ photographs for their own personal use. All other photographs require a reservation and a permit.
Casual personal photography which does not require a permit includes the use of point and shoot, small pocket cameras or camera phones to take snapshots. No photography equipment may be used. No tripods, monopods, reflectors, props, scrims, or additional lighting are allowed without a photo permit. A built-in camera flash is not considered additional lighting. Photography by hobbyists for personal photographs of nature or plant life would not require a permit.
Photography guidelines always apply regardless of whether a permit is required.
Any Posed Photography
Permit Required
Reservations and a permit are required for any staged/group photography. This includes individual and family, engagement, prom, holiday card, graduation, senior photos, and the like. Maximum of 25 people per session. Permits must be acquired at least 72 hours in advance.
Photography or any video used for business purposes or to promote commercial products or services also requires a permit. The photographer need not be a professional.
Guests should come dressed and prepared for their photo session. There are no changing areas available. Photography is not allowed in any Arboretum building or in the Roehm Greenhouse.
Wedding Photography
Permit Required
Any wedding photography, regardless of the size of the party or the equipment used requires a Wedding Photography permit. Maximum of 25 people per session.
Photography sessions will be scheduled around in-house events and those who have rented the Arboretum as the venue for their wedding or other special event. Please contact t.cassin@reeves-reedarboretum.org to check availability.
Please note: Limousines and party buses will not be able to navigate the Arboretum’s roadway and exit ramp. Vehicles may load and unload passengers in front of the entrance; however, the vehicle must be moved immediately after. Wedding parties should be dropped off outside the entrance gate and enter the grounds through the adjacent pedestrian gate.
Commercial Photography
Permit Required
Commercial photography/videography permits are issued for projects that sell, market, or advertise products. Additionally, student film projects and music videos fall under this category. Commercial photography and video recording fees vary. Email t.cassin@reeves-reedarboretum.org for pricing.
Reservations
Permit Required
All photography sessions require a reservation and associated permit application. Applications and fees can be sent to: Photography Permits, Reeves-Reed Arboretum, 165 Hobart Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901 or t.cassin@reeves-reedarboretum.org. Please allow at least 72 hours for processing.
The photography permit entitles the purchaser to utilize the Arboretum grounds only on the requested date and time. The permit does not allow access to any Arboretum buildings including the Wisner House and the Roehm Greenhouse.
Guidelines
The Photography Guidelines outlined here are intended for all guests, but a permit is necessary for those who wish to use the gardens as the backdrop for posed photography. This would include wedding, individual and family, engagement, graduation, prom, senior, holiday photos and the like.
- Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, alcohol and pets are not allowed on Arboretum grounds.
- Drones and balloons are not permitted.
- Exercise care when setting up photography equipment or posing. Please stay on the pathways and grass leaving all plants, flowers, rocks, and natural objects as you found them.
- No climbing on trees, sculptures, walls, or water features.
- Do not block access to the entrance, pathways, or garden areas.
- Other parties may be present during your session. Space should be made for everyone.
- Reeves-Reed Arboretum is a carry in carry out property. Please take all your trash with you.
- Be courteous, respect other visitors and enjoy this haven in Summit.
Fees
The fee for Staged or Formal Posed Photography is $150 for up to 1½ hours.
The fee for Wedding Photography is $350 for up to 1½ hours.
Quarterly permits ($350) are available and allow for unlimited sessions, per photographer, per quarter. January through March; April through June; July through September; and October through December. Each session must be registered. Please email t.cassin@reeves-reedarboretum.org for more information.
Photography shoots require a valid permit on the day of the session and must be paid for in full at least 72 hours in advance. Permits will be emailed upon full payment and should always be with you as may be requested by Arboretum staff for verification. Permit fees are non-refundable. In the event of inclement weather, the photography session may be rescheduled
