Engagement Photography Permit Fees & Event Costs Huntington Library, Descanso Gardens, Pasadena History Museum & LA Arboretum
- Tom Keene
- Aug 13
- 5 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Los Angeles Wedding Photography Tom Keene the Affordable Wedding Photographer
August 13, 2025
The LA Arboretum, Huntington Library and Garden, Descanso Gardens and the Pasadena Museum of History and Their Photography Permit Fees
4 Amazing Locations to Consider For Your Engagement Photography Session and the Costs to Shoot There
Photography Permit Fees & Event Costs: Huntington, Descanso, LA Arboretum & Pasadena History Museum
If you’re planning a professional photoshoot or wedding at one of Southern California’s most beautiful garden and historic venues, it’s important to understand the photography permit fees, event costs, and venue rules before booking. This guide compares four popular locations — The Huntington Library, Descanso Gardens, the LA Arboretum, and the Pasadena Museum of History so you can choose the right spot for your session or celebration and know the photography permit fees associated with each location.
Why You Need to Know Photography & Event Costs Before You Book
Venue photography fees aren’t just a formality — they directly impact your budget, your shooting schedule, and what equipment you can bring. Some gardens and museums require reservations, limit guest counts, or restrict props and outfit changes. By knowing the rules and costs ahead of time, you can avoid surprises and ensure your session runs smoothly.
Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens
Engagement Photography Permit Fees & Wedding Costs
Engagement Photography Permit Pricing & Rules
The Huntington requires a photography permit for professional sessions. As of the most recent information, the permit fee is approximately $1100. The fee includes time-limited access for posed photography of three total hours. Outfit changes are not allowed, and some props require advance approval. Sessions are typically restricted to certain gardens and scheduled to avoid high-traffic events. Proposing is strictly prohibited! You cannot take the knee! Proposing elsewhere and then heading to the garden for your celebratory romantics is what would need to take place.
Event & Wedding Rental Costs
Hosting a wedding at The Huntington is a luxury investment. Ceremony-only rentals begin at around $50,000, while combined ceremony and reception packages can start from $150,000. Prices vary depending on guest count, spaces rented, and time of year.
Restrictions and Tips for Photographers
Tripods and lighting stands may be limited in certain areas.
Large groups may require additional coordination with staff.
The gardens are at their most photogenic in spring, but also busiest — consider weekday sessions for fewer crowds.
There is absolutely no proposal photography allowed. Do it and you could be arrested for trespass.
1151 Oxford Rd.
San Marino, CA 91108
Contact Zia directly at ziampietro@huntington.org - Let her know we sent you!
Descanso Gardens – Permit Pricing & Guidelines
Photography Permit Fees
Descanso Gardens charges $300 for groups of 1–5 people and $400 for groups of 6–10. This covers a two-hour photo session and requires both a reservation and a permit.
Event & Wedding Costs
Event and wedding rentals are priced separately and vary based on space and date. Descanso offers beautiful outdoor ceremony locations, including the Oak Woodland and Rose Garden.
Restrictions and Best Times to Shoot
No clothing or outfit changes allowed.
Some areas may be closed during special events or maintenance.
Mornings and late afternoons offer softer lighting and fewer visitors.
1418 Descanso Drive
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91101
Los Angeles County Arboretum – Photography & Event Information
Permit Requirements & Fees
The Los Angeles County Arboretum requires a photography permit for professional shoots. Fees are typically $75, but rates should be verified directly with the venue. Ticket entrance fees are also not included per person.
Event Rental Options
The Arboretum offers rental spaces for weddings and private events, with pricing varying depending on location and time of year.
Equipment and Access Rules
Tripods and stands may be restricted in high-traffic areas.
Certain gardens or pathways may be closed during events.
Check seasonal bloom schedules to maximize background beauty.
The Los Angeles Arboretum
301 N. Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007
Pasadena Museum of History – A Vintage Venue Option
Photography Permit Fees
A permit costs approximately $350 for professional photography. Sessions include access to both indoor and outdoor spaces. If you still need your photographer for your session, contact Tom for him to see if a discount can be obtained for you.
Event & Wedding Pricing
Event and wedding rental pricing is available upon request. The museum offers historic architecture and manicured grounds ideal for intimate gatherings.
Historical Setting Rules & Recommendations
Preservation guidelines must be followed indoors.
Avoid leaning on or touching historic structures.
Early evening shoots offer warm light and fewer visitors.
Above: The Pasadena History Museum, Pasadena CA
"The shoot with Tom was amazing. He suggested the location and had a connection with the caretaker to facilitate everything from start to finish. The shoot itself was a fun time. The quality of the photos and the editing etc was outstanding as well. Would highly recommend and will likely use him again in the future."
— David
470 W. Walnut St.
Pasadena, CA 91103
To schedule this location text Tim at 626-720-3544
Or email Tim tmacdonaugh@pasadenahistory.org
Here is a great comparison table for easy reviewing:
Photography & Event Permit Fee Comparison
Location | Photography Permit Fee | Event / Wedding Costs | Notable Rules & Restrictions | Best For |
Huntington Library & Gardens | ~$1100 (photography permit) | Ceremony only from ~$50,000; Ceremony + Reception from ~$150,000 | No outfit changes; props must be pre-approved; limited availability for photo-only sessions, no proposals allowed | Luxury weddings, editorial shoots |
Descanso Gardens | $300 (groups 1–5) / $400 (groups 6–10) | Contact venue for event rental rates | Reservation & permit required; no clothing changes; no tripods in certain areas | Engagement sessions, small group portraits |
L.A. County Arboretum | $75 permit fee plus entry fees for each person | Event rental rates vary by area | Permit required; certain areas may be restricted during events or maintenance | Engagement and proposals. Weddings are also allowed |
Pasadena History Museum | ~$350 (permit fee) | Contact venue for wedding & event pricing | Indoor & outdoor access; must follow preservation guidelines | Vintage & architectural shoots |
Need help navigating the permit process or booking photography services at these locations? Chat with us or text Tom directly at 714-394-4263.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a permit for engagement photos at these venues?
Yes. Each venue requires a permit for posed, professional photography. Always confirm current fees and availability directly with the venue.
Can I change outfits during my session?
Generally no at Huntington Library, L.A. Arboretum and Descanso Gardens. Many venues restrict outfit changes and certain props. Review rules before booking these locations. Rules change from time to time and this is only as accurate as their sites have stated as of August 13, 2025
Are tripods or light stands allowed?
Some areas restrict tripods and light stands, especially on busy paths or in delicate garden sections. Check venue guidelines for equipment rules.
How do wedding/event rentals differ from photo permits?
Photo permits allow time-limited photography access. Wedding/event rentals involve separate contracts, dedicated spaces, and higher fees.
Final Tips for Booking Your Photo Session or Event
Before you commit, confirm all permit fees, event rental costs, and restrictions with the venue. Keep in mind that policies can change, especially around holidays and special events. For the best experience, book your photographer early, schedule during less busy times, and choose locations that match your style.
Need help navigating the permit process or booking your dream photo session? Contact Tom at LA Digital Photo today at 714-394-4263 or click chat with Tom below.
LAdigitalPhoto - Life Event Photography by Tom Keene © is in no way associated with any of these venues. We do not receive any reimbursement or benefits in any way for this article. We truly hope you found this information helpful. Whether you are ready to book your engagement photos or not, we'd really love to hear from you.
