Photography & Filming

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We welcome amateur and professional photographers and videographers to visually document our 47-acre garden by the sea. Regular admission and entry procedures apply for photography and filming during a normal visit, provided the session does not impact the grounds or other visitors. Prior to your visit, please complete our Photography/Filming Request form.

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All photography and filming must follow the guidelines below. Groups of 10 or more may be subject to additional regulations to ensure they do not disrupt normal visitation or scheduled events. ​​​

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Photography & Filming Guidelines

• Groups of 10 or more may include additional regulations to ensure your group does not disrupt normal visitation or other scheduled events

• To ensure guest safety and preserve the tranquility of the Gardens, we enforce a no-drone policy

• MCBG will not provide access for motorized vehicles, unlock gates, or any other special access

• Do not block paths, stairs, or access to garden areas

• Do not stand in garden beds or noted sensitive areas

• Stay on the paths or use the grassy lawn areas

• Do not pick flowers, break branches, or damage the plants in any way

• Do not lean on, climb on, or push garden sculptures

• Please credit the locations of your images as “Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens” in promotional support of our nonprofit botanical garden

• Commercial sessions, including amateur or professional images that will be sold or used in promotional material, must email marketing@gardenbythesea.org to schedule a session

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Photography/Filming Request form

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Small-scale commercial use: Images taken during a regular visit may be used for small-scale commercial projects, such as prints, cards, calendars, or similar creative work, without a separate commercial photography session, provided the images do not show recognizable Gardens infrastructure as the primary subject and the project does not involve a staged or dedicated commercial shoot.

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Commercial photography and filming: Advance approval is required for planned commercial shoots, client work, advertising or promotional campaigns, professional productions, or photography that requires special equipment, special access, staff assistance, or otherwise has a meaningful impact on Garden operations or other visitors. Commercial sessions must be scheduled in advance and are subject to availability.

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Contact us

If you have any questions about photography or filming at the Gardens, call us at 707-964-4352 ext 115 or email marketing@gardenbythesea.org.