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Photography Permits

The Humber Arboretum offers many options for beautiful and creative commercial photography. Discover our spring-flowering trees, our colourful annual and perennial gardens, ornamental grasses, and seasonal colours. We also have theme gardens such as the Garden of the Rising Moon and the Tranquility Garden. Other areas for photography include forest trail entrances, ponds, wooden bridges, stone paths, and unique structures.

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Please note: With the development of the Humber Arboretum Strategic Plan 2019-2024, we are currently reviewing our goals and policies regarding the use of the grounds and the Centre for Urban Ecology. As of winter 2019, the booking of new external building rentals, wedding ceremonies, and related events are on hold until further notice.

Photography Permits

Wedding photography and other commercial photography on Arboretum grounds require a permit. Permits cost $250.00 for 2 hours (or $175 during the off-season, which runs October 16th - May 31st).

Upon sending your application form, payment must be made within five (5) business days. Payment can be made over the phone or in person at the Centre for Urban Ecology. If payment is not received in the allotted timeframe your application will be considered null and void. Applications and payments received less than ten (10) business days in advance of the date requested will be subject to an additional $30.00 fee.

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photography permits

Commercial Photography Permit FAQ

The Humber Arboretum exists for the purposes of education and conservation. Photography permit fees support the upkeep of the grounds, gardens, and natural environment.

Anyone wishing to use the Arboretum for student, commercial, corporate, or documentary photography or filming must apply for a permit in advance. This includes any kind of wedding photo shoot, whether or not the photographer is a professional.

After you have sent in your application form, please call us at 416-675-5009 to make your payment over the phone or to arrange a time to come and pay in person at the Centre for Urban Ecology. 

Yes. After your payment is received, you will be emailed your permit as a PDF. Please either print the permit or have it available to view on your phone or tablet. When you arrive for your allotted time you may begin taking photos immediately, but a member of security will come around and ask to see your permit.

No, your permit grants you permission to take photographs on the outdoor property, but the Arboretum grounds also remain open to the general public at all times. Depending on the time of year there may also be school groups, nature camp participants, tours, or other wedding parties on site at the same time as you.

No, use of a particular area is on a first-come, first-served basis.

No, the full 2-hour fee is a flat starting rate.

Each additional hour after the first 2 is an extra $50, which must be arranged and paid for in advance.

No, the photo permit does not include the Centre for Urban Ecology.

Maybe. The Humber Arboretum is an active, living space. We have paved trails near the front of the Arboretum and you are welcome to stay on those, though you may still encounter disturbed soil, goose droppings, wet stones, and the like. But we encourage you to embrace the space and be prepared to head out on our lawns, wooden decks, and forest trails to make the most of the natural elements.

Our flower beds are seasonal and are generally planted at the end of May, but we are always thrilled to have you and your party pose in front of any of our many themed botanical gardens or natural features. However you may not pick any flowers or enter the garden beds. Please be aware that the permit holder will be held responsible for any and all damages caused by members of their party to any plant material, building, structure, equipment or other property of the Humber Arboretum or Humber College.

Your permit is valid only on the date and time specified, and may not be transferred to another party. You can receive a refund (less a $25.00 service charge) if a cancellation request is received a minimum of 15 working days prior to the permit date.

Because we do not limit photography permit hours to the times when the Centre for Urban Ecology is open, you may not be able to contact any of the Humber Arboretum staff directly. However you can always call Humber Public Safety at 416-675-8500.

Limousines may not stay in the driveway. Please see our directions page for full details on parking at the Arboretum. 

There are no refunds for inclement weather. Many groups have created wonderful photos with the help of umbrellas and our roofed gazebos.

The maximum group size is 25 people.

Probably not. Dogs are permitted in the Humber Arboretum on leash; other than that please contact us well in advance with a specific inquiry if you are interested in bringing anything other than people with you on site.