The Botanical Garden is a gorgeous urban green space that can provide settings ranging from tropical rainforest to desert landscapes. With permission, we do allow personal and commercial filming and photography here. To learn more about utilizing this space for your next filming or photography project, please read the details below and submit a request form. [Photo: ICR Photography]
Commercial Filming + Photography
We welcome requests for commercial filming and photography (no more than 15 crew members).
Please note it generally takes a minimum of two weeks to obtain permits. When you fill out this form, we’ll check availability and help you obtain the correct permits from the UCLA Events Office.
You can learn more about the UCLA permitting process here.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to UCLA’s winter holiday curtailment, responses to requests submitted between Saturday, December 20 and Monday, January 5 will be delayed. If you have not received a response to your request by 5 pm on Wednesday, January 7, please resubmit your request to ensure it has been received.
Student Filmmakers
Fill out this form as you will need a permit from the UCLA Events office.
If you are a UCLA student and have the appropriate permit forms filled out already, you can reach us directly via email at gardenreservations@lifesci.ucla.edu.
Personal Photography
You may take photographs for personal use without a permit. However, we require you to make a reservation in advance. Personal photography must take place during Garden open hours.
Keep pathways and building entrances clear of any equipment or props at all times and do not enter garden beds or climb trees.
All photographs must be for personal use only. Photographs cannot be posted on a photographer’s website for marketing purposes. They can, however, be put on the photographer’s website if they are password protected so that only the couple and their guests have access to the photos.
No drones are allowed on campus. No amplified music is permitted in the Garden.
Please send requests at least 72 hours in advance to ensure your photography request is approved in time.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to UCLA’s winter holiday curtailment, responses to photography requests submitted between Saturday, December 20 and Monday, January 5 will be delayed. Requests to take photographs during this time period are unlikely to be approved in time for your photo session. If you have not received a response by 5 pm on Wednesday, January 7, please resubmit your request to ensure it has been received.
