Private Photography Sessions
Private photography sessions during non-operating hours may be scheduled for an exclusive experience in our gardens. These sessions are recommended for, but are not limited to the following types of events:
- Engagement or couples photos
- Group or family portraits
- Quinceañera photos
- Marriage proposals
- Wedding party photos
- Personal portfolio photos
- School projects
Rates: $250.00 plus 7.0 % tax for up to three guests for a two-hour time period. Additional guests, up to eight total individuals, are $25.00 plus 7.0% tax each. The photographer must be included in the guest count. Alternative rates may be arranged for longer or shorter sessions. A $100.00 refundable security deposit is separate from the rate listed above and must be remitted at the time the event is booked. The security deposit may be retained for overage charges, in the event that the premises are not vacated by the designated time stated on the Facility Use Agreement.
Timing: Private photography sessions may take place during our non-operating hours. Please note that weekend time frames are limited due to other private events that take place during those hours. All arrangements must be made in advance through the Facility Rental Department.
Private photography sessions offered:
- 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. – Monday (We are closed to the public on Monday’s)
- 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. – Tuesday through Friday
- 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – Monday through Thursday (depending on the time of the year.)
Rules and Regulations:
- Museum exhibits and galleries may not be photographed at any time.
- Changing of garments is allowed, but must take place in designated changing rooms and not in the gardens.
- Changing rooms may be available for use, but must be requested at the time of booking and are subject to availability.
- The use of props may be allowed, but are subject to approval by the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens personnel.
- Reservations for private photography sessions are required. Reservations are scheduled through the Facility Rental Department and must be made a minimum of 3-7 days in advance.
- The designated start and end times outlined on the Facility Use Agreement refers to the time the premises may accessed for the shoot and the time by which all guests should fully vacate the premises. Please plan accordingly and allow adequate time for garment changes before and after your shoot.
- The Morikami Inc. reserves the right to retain the $100.00 security deposit or a portion thereof as payment for overage charges, if the premises are not fully vacated by the time designated on the Facility Use Agreement.
- The Morikami, Inc. or the lessee may cancel the Facility Use Agreement by notifying the other party in writing, if COVID-19 or other pandemic restrictions mandate that the event cannot take place as planned. Lessee may receive a refund of the security deposit and fees paid if the event is cancelled for this reason.
- Rescheduling of the private photo session may occur at the request of the lessee or The Morikami, Inc. as a result of unfavorable weather conditions. The Morikami, Inc. reserves the right to dis-allow or discontinue the photo session from taking place should weather conditions at the property be deemed unsafe at the time of or in advance of the photo session.
Commercial Photography and Filming
The following includes, but is not limited to, categories that are considered to be commercial projects and must meet specific requirements:
- Photos that appear in advertisements, calendars, catalogs, guidebooks, magazines or other published print, and news articles.
- Filming for educational, instructional, documentary or music videos, television advertisements and commercials, television programs, infomercials, and movies.
Groups or individuals interested in scheduling a commercial photography or film shoot at the Morikami should contact the Facility Rental Department to discuss availability. Once availability is established, a Certificate of Liability demonstrating the proper insurance requirements must be submitted to the Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission by the group or individual requesting the activity. After the appropriate documents are filed, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens will have the final decision to approve or decline the activity. The Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission may be reached at 561.233.1000.
Fees: The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens requests a donation for all commercial photography or film shooting. Donations are arranged through the Facility Rental Department and should be remitted at least 3 days prior to the commencement of any activity at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. All donations are tax-deductible and will be reported as such. Location credit must be given for all photos or filming conducted at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.
Timing: Commercial photography and filming may take place during our non-operating hours. Please note that weekend timeframes are limited due to other private events that take place during those hours. All arrangements must be made in advance through the Facility Rental Department.
Commercial photography and/or filming may be available during the following times:
- 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. – Monday (We are closed to the public on Mondays)
- 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. – Tuesday through Friday
- 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – Monday through Thursday (depending on the time of the year.)
Rules and Regulations
- Museum exhibits and galleries may not be photographed at any time.
- Changing of garments is allowed, but must take place in designated changing rooms and not in the gardens.
- Changing rooms may be available for use, but must be requested at the time of booking and are subject to availability.
- The use of props may be allowed, but are subject to approval by the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens personnel.
- All individuals and groups are responsible for supplying all equipment necessary to conduct the shoot, including wheeled carts, hand trucks, and/or manpower to transport items along the garden pathway. The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens supplies only the location and does not provide golf carts, hand trucks, ladders, or other equipment to facilitate the transportation or set-up of photography or filming equipment. Morikami staff will not be available to assist in the set-up of any items or equipment, but are on-site for the event to serve as a point of contact on behalf of the Morikami.
- Reservations for commercial photography and/or filming are required and must be scheduled through the Facility Rental Department a minimum of 3-7 days in advance.
- The designated start and end times outlined on the permit from the Palm Beach Film and Television Commission indicate the time the premises may accessed for the shoot and the time by which all guests should fully vacate the premises. Please plan accordingly and allow adequate time for garment changes before and after your shoot, in addition to clean-up and removal of all equipment.
- The Morikami, Inc. or the designated permit holder may cancel the shoot by notifying the other party in writing, if Covid-19 or other pandemic restrictions mandate that the event cannot take place as planned. Permit holder may receive a refund of their donation if the event is canceled for this reason.
- Rescheduling of the shoot may occur at the request of the permit holder or The Morikami, Inc. as a result of unfavorable weather conditions. The Morikami, Inc. reserves the right to disallow or discontinue the filming session from taking place should weather conditions at the property be deemed unsafe at the time of or in advance of the event.
- Current CDC guidelines allow for gatherings of no more than 10 guests.
Make Arrangements
Please contact the Facility Rental Department for additional information or to schedule your event.