Photography and commercial filming

Bloedel Conservatory provides a unique tropical backdrop.

While personal photos are encouraged during your visit, staged photo shoots and elopements are not permitted during business hours. Whether you are with a friend or a professional photographer, this includes wedding, graduation, portrait, and group photography. Commercial photo shoots and filming are permitted outside of regular operating hours.

Closure of the facility is usually required for film shoots and a staff supervisor is required at all times.

Weddings, photo shoots, and events under the dome

Weddings, photo shoots, proposals, and other events can be held in the morning before the Conservatory opens or in the evening after the Conservatory has closed to the general public.

Wedding, photography, and event fees

All rates subject to GST. Rates are subject to change.

Season	Booking times	Price
January, February, and November	7:45am to 9:45am or 4:15pm to 6:15pm	$910 $10 SOCAN fee if music is played
March and October	7:45am to 9:45am or 5:15pm to 7:15pm	$910 $10 SOCAN fee if music is played
April to September	7:45am to 9:45am or 6:15pm to 8:15pm	$910 $10 SOCAN fee if music is played

Evening bookings can be extended up to 11pm for an additional fee of $260 per hour plus GST. Morning bookings are a maximum of two hours.

Please contact us directly to inquire about commercial events.

Package includes

Two hours of exclusive use of the Conservatory outside of regular operating hours
A liaison for two hours
Admission for up to 50 people (includes vendors staying on site during event)
A signing table and one white folding chair, and access to power are available upon request

Separate rates apply for commercial special events (such as concerts, live streaming, public events), commercial photography, and filming. The Conservatory can accommodate special events up to a maximum of 150 people.

Additional rental details
- Booking confirmation: A minimum of two weeks advance booking is required. A reservation fee of $200 is required to confirm a booking. Please note that this amount is non-refundable in the event of a cancellation. Full payment is due 2 months in advance of the scheduled booking, and no refunds are provided for events cancelled within 60 days of the scheduled booking.
- Guest Admissions: Admission for up to 50 people is included in your rental. A list of all guests and vendor contact information is required at least 10 business days prior to the event.
- Site Amenities: This picturesque setting is wheelchair accessible. Pay parking is available throughout Queen Elizabeth Park and is operated by Easy Park. Seasons in the Park Restaurant is also a short walk away adjacent to the look-out point near our main entrance.
- Wi-Fi: The facility has free Wi-Fi accessibility, however as it is a public network, there is no guarantee that the signal will be strong enough for video conferencing style events. It can be accessed on the VanWiFi network and no password is required.
- Renters are responsible for set up and take down within their booking time frame, and all items must be delivered and picked up within the rental time. Nothing can be dropped off early or left overnight. No candles, bubbles, confetti, rice, or balloons (toxic to birds), inside or outside the Conservatory. Garbage is to be taken to the garbage bins located outside of the building.
- Liability insurance: All events require $2 million in liability insurance with the “City of Vancouver and its Board of Parks & Recreation” named as additional insured.
- Music: A $10.00 SOCAN fee is charged if music is played. For the safety of our birds, amplified music cannot exceed 45 decibels within the Conservatory. Our sound system is available upon request.
- Drone, smoking, and animal policy: Drone photography and videography is not permitted on site. Ensure that your photographer is aware prior to your event. No smoking or vaping permitted on or near premises. Pets are not permitted. Working guide and service dogs are welcome.

Commercial photography

How to book
- Complete an application form (237 KB)
- Attach a $1,000 damage deposit cheque payable to: City of Vancouver - Bloedel Conservatory, GST # R121 361 042
- Include a copy of insurance
- Email above documents to Maria Di Antonio at Bloedel Conservatory: bloedelrentals@vancouver.ca
- Liaison supervision required during duration of shoot
A permit is required and will be issued to you once your booking is approved. The damage deposit cheque will not be cashed and will be returned to you upon payment of your invoice following completion of your shoot, should there be no damage to the Conservatory. There is a $1,000 cancellation fee plus any scheduled supervisory charges if filming is cancelled for any reason without 2 days advance notice.

Time slots and rates

Month	Price (subject to 5% GST)
January, February, October and November 7:45am to 9:45am or 4:15pm to 6:15pm	Level 1: $920 Level 2: $1,240
March and October 7:45am to 9:45am or 5:15pm to 7:15pm	Level 1: $920 Level 2: $1,240
April to September 7:45am to 9:45am or 6:15pm to 8:15pm	Level 1: $920 Level 2: $1,240
January to November 8am to 4am Monday to Friday	Level 3: $5,150

Evening shoots may be extended by the hour up to 11pm. Each additional hour is $260 + GST. Liaison supervision is required for the duration of the shoot.

For complex shoots, garden superintendent time may be required at $150 per hour.

Level 1	Level 2	Level 3 (Buyout)
No props, no light stands, or tripods, hand-held equipment only Maximum 20 people including the photographer Allows props, lighting stands and equipment, tripods 2 hours	Allows props, lighting stands, and equipment, tripods Allows more than 20 people including the photographer 2 hours	Closure of the facility to the public - approval required by senior management prior to confirming such a booking Allows props, lighting stands and equipment, tripods Allows more than 20 people including the photographer 8 hours (Monday to Friday)

Commercial filming

How to book
Location scouts may book an appointment in advance to view the Bloedel Conservatory any time during operating hours free of charge. Book an appointment by calling 604-654-0780 or emailing BloedelRentals@vancouver.ca.
- Complete an application form (253 KB)
- Attach a $5,000 damage deposit cheque payable to: City of Vancouver – Bloedel Conservatory, GST# R121 361 042
- Include a copy of insurance and provide it to Maria Di Antonio at Bloedel Conservatory
A permit is required and will be issued to you once your booking is approved. Please allow 3 to 5 business days to process an application. The deposit cheque will not be cashed and will be returned to you upon payment of invoice following completion of filming. The rental fee is required per calendar day or portion thereof and is applicable to all prep, filming, and wrap days for the garden.

Rates

Days	Filming rate (subject to 5% GST)	Additional fees (subject to 5% GST)
Monday to Friday only	$10,300	Liaison: $48.40 per hour Park Ranger: $74.10 per hour (only required if liaisons are not available) After-hours liaison: $154.50 per hour (after hours is before 8am and after 4pm)

Days

Filming rate (subject to 5% GST)

Additional fees (subject to 5% GST)

Monday to Friday only

$10,300

Liaison: $48.40 per hour

Park Ranger: $74.10 per hour (only required if liaisons are not available)

After-hours liaison: $154.50 per hour (after hours is before 8am and after 4pm)

Please contact us directly for pricing related to filming only the exterior of the Conservatory.

Important information

Conditions of use
1. No food, or live animals are permitted on site since they may cause threat to the birds in the Conservatory.
2. Smoking is not permitted on or near the premises as the Bloedel Conservatory is a smoke free environment. Vancouver's parks, beaches and facilities are entirely smoke-free (effective September 1, 2010).
3. Any live plant material, mulch or soil brought in, must be sterilized and in bags. But prior to doing so, must be discussed in advance, then if approved, must be inspected by Conservatory staff.
4. Please note that many birds do walk the pathway. Everyone must take extra precaution when walking around the pathway and moving equipment for our birds' safety.
5. Any special requests need to be discussed, approved, and confirmed prior to any booking.
6. Please do not feed or attempt to handle any birds at any time.
7. Small birds and fish are not removable under any circumstance.
8. Our larger perched birds may only be removed with the permission of our Conservatory Superintendent or Liaison.
9. No candles, torches, smoke, mist, SPFX, confetti, balloons, rice, avocados (toxic to birds), and no chemicals of any kind are permitted in our facility.
10. No loud or aggressive music or strobe lights are permitted as it can be very stressful and upsetting for the birds.
11. If required, the Renter will inform all residents of the adjacent streets in advance of the shoot dates.
12. During prep and filming a sign must be placed outside to inform Conservatory patrons that filming/photography is in progress.
13. The main pathways must be kept clear to allow our regular staff to work unless discussed otherwise.
14. All delivery vehicles, making deliveries for the Renter and not part of the regular crew, or contracted to outside suppliers, must know exactly where they are going before entering the Conservatory and must be escorted in and out of the Conservatory by a crew member. There are no exceptions to this regulation.
15. If required, a refreshment area location will be chosen by mutual consent with the Conservatory Superintendent or Liaison. Catering vehicles must remain in parking lot.
16. All stipulations under Sensitive Area Protection must be adhered to
17. Crews are not allowed to enter planted beds. Please do not remove any plant tags or labels. Plant labels may only be removed with permission of the Conservatory Superintendent or Liaison.
18. There is to be no digging in the Conservatory unless approved due to potential damage to the facility. Spikes or sunken poles are not allowed. All structures must be secured above ground (weighted with blocks).
19. No plants will be pruned without permission and under the supervision of the Conservatory Superintendent or Liaison.
20. Renter must ensure that there is no damage done to the Conservatory.
21. If required, the damage deposit will cover part or all restoration of any disturbed areas to the condition in which they were prior to filming. In the event of a disagreement, the Park Board will decide in its reasonable judgment.
22. Conservatory Superintendent or Liaison must be present during all prep, filming, and wrap.

Contact us

Maria Di Antonio

bloedelrentals@vancouver.ca
604-654-0780