Photography

We encourage Arboretum guests to take photographs and videos to commemorate their visit. Visitors are welcome to take photographs of the grounds, plants, nature, and collections as they explore the public gardens as well as snapshots of themselves and others in their party.

We ask that visitors be mindful of a few brief rules:

Please respect our gardens. Do not step on plants, enter (or place anything in) plant beds, or move plants.
Do not climb trees.
Do not move Arboretum infrastructure, such as tables and benches, planters, trash cans, or signs.
Do not use drones. The Federal Aviation Administration prohibits drones in the District of Columbia, including at the US National Arboretum.

We do not allow photoshoots or commercial photography/videography anywhere on the grounds.

Generally, we define “photoshoot” as any of the below:

Props of any kind are involved.
The primary purpose of your visit is to capture photos of you, your family, or a group.
The subject or subjects are wearing coordinating casual wear, graduation regalia, or wedding or other formal attire.
You are promoting a brand or taking photos for a sponsored post.
You will be profiting, financially or otherwise, from these photos.
A dedicated photographer is taking the photos. This person may be paid or not, a professional or a hobbyist.

Arboretum security will intervene to stop photoshoots and commercial photography and videography sessions, and visitors in violation of this policy may be asked to leave the grounds.

Thank you for helping us provide a peaceful experience to all our visitors!

Page last updated March 2026.