Photography Permits

Planning your photography session? Click here to view upcoming rental and program blocks and see which areas may be busy or unavailable.

The Hudson Gardens & Event Center is a popular destination for personal and professional photography in Littleton and the surrounding Denver area. We oversee thirty acres of picturesque gardens and natural terrain which provide a variety of backdrops for family photos, engagement photos, quinceanera photos, graduation photos and more. Popular backdrops include lily ponds, bridges inspired by French Impressionist paintings, a garden of roses, and a rustic barn.

Guests may photograph the grounds without a permit if the photos are solely for personal use and enjoyment. Professional and commercial photographers are required to purchase a permit.

Personal Use = Not receiving payment or using photos for business purposes

Professional/Commercial Use = Receiving payment/reimbursement for business purposes

All organized events must obtain prior permission from the Hudson Gardens events team. Please ensure you secure approval by reaching out to us via our Event Inquiry & Reservation Form.

Why Join the Hudson Gardens Photography Permit Program?

Permit fees contribute directly to the maintenance and beautification of Hudson Gardens, keeping it a treasured, community resource. Professional advantages include:

Access to thirty acres of beautifully maintained gardens.
Free, ample parking.
An unlimited number of sessions per day.
An unlimited number of clients per session.
Flexible reservation policies that accommodate your work schedule (reservations can be made as late as 48 hours in advance).

Types of Permits

Annual Photography Permit | $250

Provides sunrise-sunset access for one named photographer and one assistant for one year following the month of purchase.
Permits for additional studio employees are available for $50 per permit. For more information, please contact Guest Services at 303-797-8565.
This permit can be purchased online.

Single Day Photography Permit | $50

Provides access for one photographer and one assistant for one day.
This permit can be purchased online.
Cancellations caused by weather are non-refundable. If you need to change the date of your permit, please contact Guest Services at 303-797-8565.

Single Day Wedding Photography Permit | $150

Provides access for one photographer and one assistant for one day.
This permit can be purchased online.
Wedding photographers working with a bridal couple who have purchased rental time at Hudson Gardens are exempt provided their work is limited to the couple’s wedding activities. If the shoot is not during the rental time, it must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance.

Do I Need a Photo Permit?

Professional and commercial photographers are required to purchase a permit. Guests may photograph the grounds without a permit if the photos are solely for personal use and enjoyment.

(Personal Use = Not receiving payment or using photos for business purposes)

(Professional/Commercial Use = Receiving payment/reimbursement for business purposes)

Permit Terms and Conditions of Use

All photography permits allow the permit holder, one assistant, and the permit holder’s clients to use Hudson Gardens as a studio, excluding areas reserved for public and private events.

Public and private events take precedence regarding availability and access to certain areas. Hudson Gardens reserves the right to deny access to sections of the Gardens because of public and private events.

Hudson Gardens must agree to any rescheduled sessions prior to the new shoot date and time and reserves the right to deny access to photographers who have not booked in advance.

Photographers must check in with the Guest Services Department in the Welcome Center upon arrival.

Photographers must display their permits at all times when on Hudson Gardens’ property.

General Photography Policies

A photography permit must be purchased prior to any photo shoot.

Hudson Gardens must authorize any photo shoot that takes place before 9:00 AM or after 5:00 PM.

With the exception of service animals, no pets or animals of any kind are permitted.

Clients/models must be fully and appropriately clothed. No nudity, swimsuits, lingerie, etc.

Clients/models must arrive camera-ready. Restrooms cannot be used as dressing rooms, and storage space is unavailable.

No smoking of any kind.

Do not disrupt visitor access and pedestrian flow.

Do not move or disturb Hudson Gardens’ property such as barricades, signs, etc.

Do not cut, pick, or step on plant material.

Do not disrupt events, weddings, garden guests, Hudson Gardens’ operations, or Hudson Gardens’ staff.

Do not climb trees, walls, fences, bridges, statuary, or other structures or encourage others to do so.

Do not enter, set up equipment, or encourage your clients to enter plant beds or water features.

Motorized and non-motorized vehicles (e.g., bikes, scooters, skateboards) are prohibited.

Professional photography is prohibited at Hudson Gardens’ special events. These include, but are not limited to, Red, White & ROCK! and Hudson Holidays.

Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Photography policies are subject to change without notice.

Contact

We’re happy to discuss commercial and professional photography opportunities.

(303) 797-8565
Info@hudsongardens.org

Guest Services Department
6115 South Santa Fe Drive
Littleton, Colorado 80120

Rentals and Programs Calendar

Before planning your photography session, use this calendar to view the programs, special events, and private rentals scheduled throughout the Gardens. The calendar is updated quarterly and subject to change.

Navigate through the calendar below to find the date you plan to visit. Review the reservations for that day to get an idea of expected activity. More reservations usually mean larger crowds and more areas that will be closed.

Programs are typically short, small-scale activities and generally have minimal impact on your photography session.
Large-scale events and private rentals have a larger footprint and are more likely to impact your session.

Please note that if a space is reserved for an event, it is not available for photography, and you will not be permitted to enter that area. Additionally, a free space on the calendar does not guarantee a space is available for photography.