Brookside Gardens – Photo Policy & Permits

Do I need a photo permit?

Brookside Gardens is a stunning 50-acre enclave in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland. For decades, people have documented their unforgettable moments here in the Gardens, and we welcome you to continue this tradition.

Our mission is to support the horticultural environment and integrity of the grounds. Though the Gardens are free to the public, we do require a Photo Permit Contract and a fee for all special occasion/life event photography sessions, including wedding and engagement photos, quinceaneras, prom photos, family portraits, and filmography. 

Permits are needed when taking photos on the grounds. Permits are needed during all open hours of Sunrise-Sunset. To determine if you need a photo permit, ask yourself these questions:

• Is the primary purpose of your visit to capture photos or video of your family or group?
• Are you wearing formal attire/costume/wedding attire or coordinating casual wear?
• Will a photographer (professional, hobbyist, or family/friend) be accompanying you to take the photos/video?

If you answered “YES” to any one of these questions, you must have a paid photo permit.

Ask yourself- can I do this in my backyard? If the answer is yes, but you choose to do it at Brookside Gardens then you need a photo permit.

What do I get for my photo permit?

Your One-Hour Photography Session permit gets you non-exclusive access to all 50 acres of outdoor garden areas. A general photo permit does not includes photo sessions inside the Brookside Gardens Conservatory. Click here for information on Conservatory permits, or email us at BrooksideGardens@montgomeryparks.org for additional information.

How far in advance do I need to purchase my photo permit?

Permits can be purchased online 24 hours to 45 days in advance. We recommend purchasing your permit as soon as possible because session slots do sell out fast. Day of permits can be bought at our Visitor Center Gift shop and incurs a higher fee. See the rate chart below. We cannot guarantee access to the Gardens for photo permits on a walk-in basis.

Can I just walk in and pay on the day of my photo shoot?

Please don’t! We recommend booking your session in advance to guarantee that you get the date and time you want, and that your session does not conflict with other events. We cannot guarantee access to the Gardens for photo permits on a walk-in basis, due to other scheduled events.

What if it rains, or I need to reschedule?

We understand scheduling an outdoor photo session can be tricky. If you need to reschedule a photo session for any reason, simply email BrooksidePhotos@MontgomeryParks.org before the start of your session and we will help you move your session to a different date. You may email any time before your session begins, even on the day of your session. Email confirmation is needed to reschedule.

Can I bring props or furniture for my photo session?

You are welcome to bring as many costume pieces and hand-held props as you like for your photo shoot. However, free-standing materials, such as tables, chairs, clothing racks, or free-standing arches, are not permitted. In addition, any changes to garden grounds (such as signage, instillations or other furniture) is strictly prohibited.

Bringing a Limousine? Let us know!

If your group is planning to arrive in a limousine, party bus, or other large transport vehicle, please indicate that on your request form. Parking for large vehicles is not always available on the premises. Drop off and pick up from large vehicles is available at the Visitor Center only.

Okay, I’m ready! How do I get a photo permit?

To purchase a photo permit:

1. Visit Active Montgomery to purchase photo permit.
2. Once there select the date you would like the permit for on the left hand side and click the blue “Search” button
3. Choose your time under one of the Time Slots. Each Time Slot is the same, so you only need to choose one. Once you choose your time, it will turn blue and you click “Add to Cart”
4. It will then ask you to log in or create an account. Once you are logged in, it will prompt you to answer a few questions.
5. Answer the questions, and add it to you cart.
6. Follow instructions for checkout

Note: If you receive an “unavailable” error message this means that there are no photo permits available for the day and time frame selected. If you receive “facility headcount error” this means that there are no photo permits available for your selected group size that day.

It’s that simple! If you have any issues, please give us a call Brookside Gardens 301-962-1404 or send us an email at Brookside Photos.

Photography/Filmography Terms of Use

Please read carefully, as receipt of your payment constitutes understanding of and responsibility to comply with the Terms of Use listed below. For questions or requests, please email BrooksidePhotos@MontgomeryParks.org.

• Photo Sessions are reserved for one hour intervals, on the hour only. You may book multiple One-Hour Sessions. Maximum of 3-hours.
• The Photo Session must not interfere with others’ enjoyment of the gardens. Free-standing materials, such as tables, chairs, clothing racks, or free-standing arches, are not permitted.
• Do not disturb any plants, stand on rocks or displays, block paths, or climb fountain walls. Any changes to garden grounds (such as signage, instillations or other furniture) is strictly prohibited.
• For Brookside Gardens Conservatory Photo Sessions, please contact us at BrooksidePhotos@montgomeryparks.org, or click here for more details.
• For the safety of all visitors, please be mindful of tripods or flash stands that may pose a hazard.
• Photo Sessions are reserved as available and may not be permitted during scheduled events or periods of heavy public visitation.
• Certain areas of the gardens may be closed for programming, construction, or private events. These areas would not be available during your photo shoot. Areas and times are subject to change.
• Photo Sessions can be rescheduled or transferred. No refunds are available.
• For any photos published online or in print, please include location in caption: “Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, Maryland.”
• No balloons, cannons of any kind (smoke, confetti, streamers, etc.), or smoke machines are permitted.
• Please contact us if you plan on bringing any props or other items beyond basic photo equipment for your photo shoot.

Non-commercial, Hobby Photography Guidelines

Are you taking photos of just the Gardens? Individual photographers are welcome to photograph the plants and gardens of Brookside. No permits are needed, though we ask that you follow the hobby photography guidelines:

• Do not disturb any gardens, stand on rocks or displays, block paths, or climb garden or fountain walls.
• The photo session must not interfere with other visitors’ enjoyment of the gardens.
• Absolutely no tripods are allowed in the Conservatories.
• Published photographs should credit location of photograph, i.e. “Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD”.

*Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Department of Parks, Montgomery County Policy on User Fees:

(Effective January 1, 2010, approved by M-NCPPC Planning Board, October 2009)

Basic facilities, services, and programs (such as trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas), which appeal to a broad spectrum of the community, are supported by general tax dollars and are provided at no additional charge to residents. User Fees are charged for those facilities, services, and programs which provide an individual benefit or an exclusive use. User Fees may also be charged to balance use with capacity and demand, and to allocate scarce resources.