Amateur, recreational, and hobbyist photographers are welcome to take photos for personal use only. Pre-approval is required for group or single posed photography, including engagement sessions, family portraits, anniversaries, quinceaneras, graduations, prom, maternity, blogs, birthdays, etc. Photography may not block, disrupt, or hinder visitor access or circulation of paths and walkways. Personal photographs and videos are not to be used for commercial purposes. 

Photo sessions are approved on case-by-case basis. Maximum of 5 sessions permitted each day. Wedding photography is only permitted for clients contracted for a wedding at Sunken Gardens.

Photos sessions are scheduled during the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Sessions must be scheduled 5 days in advance.

The fee for a one-hour photo session is $250 for up to 10 persons, including your hired photographer. Additional time is available at the rate of $150 per hour, with a minimum increment of one hour. Additional adult guests are $20 per person. All prices are pre-tax.

Payment is due upon arrival of session and entire party must be present at the time of check-in.

Please note: Sunken Gardens reserves the right to turn away photographers who have not booked in advance and has the right of refusal based on community standards/content.

Sunken Gardens is home to tropical plants and trees in a subtropical environment. There are many backdrops that make beautiful photo and film opportunities.

We allow the use of Sunken Gardens’ property for film, TV commercials, and still photography shoots based upon certain criteria. To discuss the use and the availability of the Gardens, please contact 727.892.5715 or email sarah.carvalis@stpete.org to receive a copy of the reservation form.

Sunken Gardens is a no-drone zone. Due to strong safety concerns and protection of our National Historic Landmark, drone flight or photography (or flight of unmanned, and/or remote-controlled aircraft of any kind) originating from or flying over Sunken Gardens property, is strictly prohibited, except in collaboration with Sunken Gardens’ Marketing Department and with express written permission.