The Edith J. Carrier Arboretum has no admission fee. By having a professional photographer's fee, we are able to use this revenue to help maintain our beautiful trails and gardens.
A professional photographer's permit is required for all professional photography or video shoots (commercial, special occasion, portrait, etc.).
Pricing
- Single-Use Pass (2 hour block): $35
- $15 per hour thereafter
- 6-Session Pass (2 hour blocks): $150
The Photographer's Fee is waived for the following circumstances:
- Casual or hobby photographers not accepting payment
- JMU student photography projects (not paid)
- Photography for weddings held at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum (not including walk on weddings)
Photography Policies
- Drone photography is strictly prohibited unless given written permission from staff.
- Please stay on paths—pavement or gravel walkways, woodchipped trails, or grassy areas
- Photographers are not allowed to block pathways or visitor access to any area of the Arboretum.
- Do not pose subjects in the flower beds. Damages to flower beds will be billed to photographers posing subjects within flower beds.
- Photos or videos taken at the Arboretum may NOT be used for advertising or commercial use. Any exceptions require advance written permissions.
- Neither the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, nor James Madison University, are responsible for any accidents, liabilities or problems that may occur before, during or after a photo session.
- Photography passes are not guaranteed and must be confirmed by Arboretum staff after submitting this form to make sure calendar events will not conflict. Arboretum staff reserve the right to deny any photography request
- Professional photographers must adhere to the terms of the Photography Policy and the Visitor Guidelines. If guidelines are not followed, it is up to the discretion of the Arboretum staff to revoke photographer's permit.
Media
For all media requests and requests to film or photograph for commercial or educational purpose, please contact us at ejcarboretum@jmu.edu
Ready to Take the Next Step?
The Arboretum is a tree, wildflower, and wildlife preserve.
Please help us in being good stewards of the Arboretum!
- Please discard all waste in the correct receptacles. Help us preserve this beautiful space!
- Do not remove any natural or man-made materials from the Arboretum (flower picking, plant or wood removal)
- No flames anywhere in the Arboretum, including grilling fires.
- Extinguish cigarettes, discard cold butts in trash cans
- Use biodegradable confetti rather than glitter or other non-biodegradable materials.
- Group sports on the lawn are prohibited.
- Please do not feed the ducks. The Arboretum’s pond habitat can support only a small number of ducks. When they rely on food from the public, they overpopulate and deteriorate the pond’s health.
- Leashed dogs are welcome! Please pick up after your dog. Courtesy bags are located at both of our welcome boards, please dispose of bag(s) in trash can.
- People and dogs must stay out of the pond, streams, and water features. Our ponds and streams are for ducks, turtles, frogs, and fish.
- Fishing is prohibited.
- No bicycles allowed on chipped trails. Use of gravel road between Neff Ave and University Blvd is allowed for student access to campus.
- Professional photographers must register in advance for photo sessions. See our photography policy.
If you witness an incident that needs rescue or law enforcement, please call:
JMU EMERGENCY LINE: 540-568-6911
JMU NON-EMERGENCY LINE: 540-568-6912
Grounds: Free to the public
Dawn to dusk | 365 days a year
Frances Plecker Education Center:
M-F | 8 AM - 4 PM
