Department Resources

Commercial Photography at Green Spring Gardens

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Green Spring Gardens is a Fairfax County Park Authority public garden with protected landscapes and a historic house. The gardens are part of a documented, accredited living plant collection recognized by the American Public Gardens Association and the American Alliance of Museums. The following rules and reservation system help protect this resource and ensure it remains open and enjoyable for all visitors.

Purchase A Permit

Commercial photographers conducting business at any Fairfax County Park Authority location for the purpose of generating revenue, including donations, must purchase and carry an FCPA photography permit.

The application process is completed online and requires an online account in the photographer’s name. The annual fee is $25. The permit is valid for one year from the date of purchase at any of the 400-plus parks in the FCPA system. A physical permit is mailed by USPS.

Make A Paid Reservation

After purchasing a permit, a paid reservation is required. Reservations are made online through a ticketing system based on group size (photographer, photography staff, photo subjects and accompanying friends and family).

Search for “Green Spring Gardens”, select your group size and desired date and time. A confirmation email is sent after payment. Tickets become available on the first day of the month for the following month. For assistance with reservations, call 703-642-5173.

Purchase a Permit

Photo Session Rate

Photographers may reserve a maximum of two, two-hour sessions in a day.
For mini sessions (multiple, short client appointments within the session), the reservation fee is determined by the total number of people within each two-hour reservation.
Photography reservations proceed rain or shine unless the gardens close for inclement weather.

Group Size (includes all photography staff and accompanying individuals)	Two-hour session rate
Small Group — Up to 11 people	$30
Medium Group — 12-19 people	$60
Large Group — 20 - 60 people	$120

Staff will regularly verify reservations through wristbands or receipts. Reservation wristbands are recommended
and may be obtained at the Horticulture Center. Our hours of operation are here.

If wristband pickup is not possible within open hours, photographers must carry their reservation receipt during their session. For questions call 703-642-5173.

For accommodation needs, contact Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173, at least 24 hours in advance.

Reservations may be canceled up to the session start time through the photographer’s FCPA Parktakes account:

Log into the Parktakes account used for the reservation.
Select “Your Tickets”.
Choose the reservation and select “Cancel”.
Refunds are issued to the original payment method.

New reservations can be made under “Tickets”. For assistance, call 703-642-5173.

Green Spring has an automatic gate that closes and locks at 5p.m. Visitors arriving after closing must park outside the gate. Limousines and buses must park in overflow parking or Witch Hazel Road immediately following drop off. For accommodation, contact Green Spring Gardens at least 24 hours in advance.

Garden Rules

Depart the gardens by dusk.
Do not enter areas marked as reserved or roped off. Gazebos and Moon Gate areas may not be occupied for more than 10 minutes unless rented.
Do not enter garden beds.
Do not move or adjust plant labels, containers, sprinklers, hoses or signs.
Do not climb trees, prune, break branches, or remove flowers, plants or vegetables.
Props, balloons, confetti, tables, chairs, tents or decorations are not permitted. Bridal bouquets are allowed.
Clients should arrive dressed for photography; changing rooms and tents are not permitted.
Do not block sidewalks, entrances, buildings or garden spaces. Photography is not permitted on the front or rear steps of the Historic House.
Indoor spaces, including the Horticulture Center and Historic House, are not available for photography.
Obey all posted signs.
Green Spring Gardens is not responsible for equipment loss or damage.

Videography

Videography requires a separate permit and advance approval from Green Spring Gardens and the Park Authority Public Information Office.

Green Spring Gardens

Alert:

Department Resources

Commercial Photography at Green Spring Gardens

Purchase A Permit

Make A Paid Reservation

Photo Session Rate

Green Spring Commercial Photography Information

Garden Rules

Videography

Recent Interactions

Ask Fairfax

Green Spring Gardens

Alert:

Department Resources

Commercial Photography at Green Spring Gardens

Purchase A Permit

Make A Paid Reservation

Photo Session Rate

Green Spring Commercial Photography Information

Check-in

Accommodations

Cancelations

Parking

Garden Rules

Videography

Recent Interactions

Ask Fairfax