Illinois State University Horticulture Center’s (ISU HC) facilities and grounds offer a beautiful backdrop for pictures/videos as well as a special place for many programs, events, and passive recreational activities. To maximize the enjoyment and use by all of our guests, our photography policy requires permission for all photography/videography conducted by a commercial photographer.

Commercial Photographer: Any agent, employee, or owner of a photography business, freelance, or hobby photographer, who uses ISU HC grounds or facilities for portrait settings of individuals, groups, commercials, training films, movies, documentaries, or advertisements. Also, anyone who intends to use the images in any manner in which they will be offered for sale is considered a commercial photographer. If you fit this definition, you will need to apply for a permit.

We encourage hobby photography of the grounds (landscape, plants, animals), and permits for grounds photos are not required. News-related events may be filmed or video-recorded by the media without payment of fees or advance permit application providing the photographer(s) comply with the following site use rules and regulations.

Permits may be requested no more than 30 days in advance. A minimum of four days’ notice is preferred. Requests for Saturday or Sunday must be received no later than Thursday. Permits may be issued to more than one group for the same day/time. Photography sessions are not permitted during special events. A copy of the approved permit will be returned as a receipt and is to be with the permit holder during the photo session, as staff may ask to review this at any time.

All parking for ISU HC is in the designated parking area only, next to the fence on the east side of the Center. Vehicles are prohibited from entering the grounds or parking in any other area unless prior arrangements have been made with ISU HC staff. On occasion, the main lot is closed for ISU HC functions. No exceptions will be made for photographers or their clients.

Site Use Rules & Regulations
• Please be respectful of the property and other guests at all times.
• Photographers or clients/models may not enter flowerbeds or plant displays. Remain on pathways or grassy turf at all times.
• Plants, decorations, plant markers, rocks, water features, containers, and furniture can be included in pictures but must not be moved.
• Do not ask staff/volunteers to stop work or move equipment/tools.
• Other guests on the property, existing programs, and rental space users must not be approached and asked to relocate their activity.
• Do not block any areas of the ISU HC for use by others in any way.
• No props, furniture, luggage, or clothing changes are permitted.
• Drone photography is not allowed on the grounds.
• The ISU HC reserves the right to restrict access to certain areas.
• The ISU HC is open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. All photography/videography must take place during normal public hours.
• During your visit, you may be filmed, videotaped, and/or photographed by an ISU HC employee or contract photographer. Your attendance serves as permission for the use of your image by the ISU HC and its constituents.

The ISU HC is a smoke-free location. Alcohol is not permitted on the grounds. The permit holder is responsible for any damage to the facilities and grounds. Access to ISU HC facilities is not included and as such there are no restrooms, rain shelters, or facilities for clothing changes. Fees are non-refundable; please call to reschedule in the case of inclement weather.

Important Note: The ISU HC is open to the public for enjoyment, but those not respecting the facilities, grounds, staff, and volunteers will be asked to leave the property if necessary.

Projects will be approved on a case-by-case basis, and ISU HC reserves the right to refuse any project and to refuse admittance for photography and/or to change its Photo Policy without advance notice.

Effective 7/20/17

All proceeds from photo/videography permits are used to support the maintenance, programming, and preservation of ISU HC. Checks should be made payable to ISU Horticulture Center.

Fees for non-exclusive permission for photography/videography on Illinois State University Horticulture Center grounds and facilities are as follows:

Still Photography (i.e., Individual, Family, Senior Class, Engagement, Prom)
The following fees are for a maximum of one hour. Special request is required for longer duration.
• Individuals, Couples, Family of up to 5 = $25
• Small Groups of 6-25, non-wedding parties = $50
• Wedding Parties (up to 25) = $200 (no ceremonies are allowed at the ISU HC; photos only)
• Large Groups (up to 100) = $250 (limited availability)

Motion Pictures or Videos (i.e., Feature Films, Movies, Documentary, Short Subject, Advertisement)
• Fees determined on a case-by-case basis.

Permits are valid only for 1 hour on the requested date.

Financial hardship requests may be considered by the ISU HC Director, with the possibility of volunteer time substituted for fee.

By signing this application, you and your client(s) have agreed to follow all Illinois State University Horticulture Center photography/videography site use rules and regulations. Furthermore, you agree to compensate for damage, loss, or expenses that occur, hold harmless and defend the Illinois State University Horticulture Center, its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers from any and all claims resulting from injuries, damages and/or losses sustained by yourself or your client as a result of the use of the Illinois State University Horticulture Center facilities and its grounds.

Permit requestors will be notified of approval/refusal status prior to their requested date. An application request does not ensure that a permit will be granted.

If you have questions, please phone the ISU HC at (309) 438-3496.