Photography - Reader Rock Garden
Photography - Reader Rock Garden
Reader Rock Garden is one of Calgary's most unique cultural landscapes featuring rock pathways, bridges, benches, and beautiful flowers. The designated provincial historic resource provides a beautiful backdrop for engagement, wedding, or family photos.
Types of permits
Public photography permit
Permit holders are permitted to take photos in all areas of the garden, but access is shared with public park visitors. If a lawn is booked for an event, access will be denied to that area.
- Available from May 1 – Sept. 30
- Booked by the hour, maximum of 3 hours
- Maximum of 80 people
- Permitted to take photos in all areas of the garden, but access is shared with public park visitors. If a lawn is booked for an event, access will be denied to that area.
| Permit type | Cost* (per hour) | Maximum Duration | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Photo Permit | $58.49 | 3 hours | Permitted to take photos in all areas of the garden, but access is shared with public park visitors. If a lawn is booked for an event, access will be denied to that area. |
*A $5.75 risk management fee will apply. Fees are subject to change.
Private photography permit
Permit holders receive exclusive use of one chosen lawn that will be blocked off for photos and will have shared access to other lawns for photos.
- Available from May 1 – Sept. 30
- Booked by the hour, maximum of 2 hours
- Maximum of 80 people
- One chosen lawn will be blocked off for photos, with shared access to other lawns for photos.
| Permit Type | Cost* (per hour) | Maximum Duration | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Photo Permit | $175.48 | 2 hours | One chosen lawn will be blocked off for photos, with shared access to other lawns for photos. |
*A $5.75 risk management fee will apply. Fees are subject to change.
Commercial Filming and Photography
A film permit through Film Friendly Calgary is required to film any theatrical motion picture, television program, television commercial, music video or commercial still photography at Reader Rock Garden. Please contact Film Friendly Calgary directly for any commercial filming or photography at Reader Rock Garden.
Important information
Payment schedule
- Full payment of permit is due 14 days after the booking is confirmed.
- In the instance a booking takes place with less than 14 days from confirmation the full payment is required at the time of booking.
Cancellation policy
- Photography Permits are non-refundable. Public Photo Permits may be rescheduled with a 14-day notice in writing to parksvenues@calgary.ca. Private Photo Permits may not be rescheduled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As the Reader Rock Garden is a public City of Calgary Park, please expect school groups and/or the general public to be enjoying the garden at the same time as a booking.
General questions
Is Reader Rock Garden open to the public during private bookings?
Yes. Reader Rock Garden is a public City of Calgary park. School groups and the general public may be present during your event.
When is the garden open for bookings?
Bookings are available from May 1 to Sept. 30 each year. Booking times are:
- 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
The garden is not available for any private permits between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
When do bookings for 2026 open?
Booking for the 2026 season opens on Oct. 1, 2025.
What are the available lawn spaces?
- Main Lawn
- Western Slope
- West Garden
- Nana’s Garden
Is there parking available?
- Public parking is available on the west side of the garden via 25th Avenue SE (limited spaces). Google Maps link.
- Two accessible spots are available beside Reader’s Garden Café (first-come, first-served).
What are the safety rules?
- Stay on signed trails and grassy areas
- Wear appropriate footwear
- Do not disturb or feed wildlife
- Pets are not permitted
- No picking or removing plants, seeds, fruits, or flowers
Booking & permits
How long can my booking be?
Permits are valid for a maximum of 3 hours, including:
- Setup
- Event time
- Takedown
Do I need a permit for my event or photo shoot?
Yes. A permit is required for:
- Events (e.g., weddings)
- Private and public photo sessions
When can I access the lawn?
You can access the lawn at the start time on your permit. For example, if your booking is from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., you may access the lawn at 2:00 p.m, and all items must be cleared by 5:00 p.m.
Can I rehearse at the garden before my event?
No. Bookings do not include rehearsal time.
Does my permit include access to the Reader Café?
No. The Reader Café is not included in your booking or permit.
Payment & cancellation - lawn bookings
When is payment due for lawn bookings?
- Full payment is due within 45 days of booking confirmation.
- If your event takes place within 45 days of confirmation, full payment is required at the time of booking.
What is the cancellation policy?
- Cancel within 45 days of booking confirmation: $150 refund available.
- Cancel after 45 days of booking confirmation: no refund.
- Cancellations must be submitted in writing to parksvenues@calgary.ca.
Washroom access
Are washrooms available?
Yes. Washrooms in the basement of Reader’s Garden Café are available only:
- During your booked time
- For lawn bookings and private photo permits only
Catering
Is catering allowed?
- Only on the Main Lawn through the Reader Café. No outside catering permitted.
- No catering is allowed on the Western Slope, West Garden, or Nana’s Garden
Visit readersgardencafe.ca for more information.
Are there restrictions on catering setup?
- Catering tables must be placed on gravel surfaces only.
- Glassware is only permitted through Reader Café catering.
Reader Café is responsible for waste management and post-event clean-up of catered events.
Rentals & items
Are tables and chairs provided?
No. We do not provide rental items. You must arrange your own.
Are there restrictions on items I can bring?
Yes. All items must be:
- Approved by Parks Venues one month in advance
- Non-damaging to the grass or environment
Prohibited items include:
- Pets
- Generators
- Glassware (unless via Reader Café)
- Lanterns, open flames
- Real flower petals, real flowers, birdseed, rice, plant seeds, plants
- Confetti, balloons, bubbles
- Tents, dance floors, mats, runners, carpets
- Signage staked in ground or attached to infrastructure
Allowed with approval:
- Lightweight arches (submit a photo for approval)
- Chairs
- Small and lightweight table
Delivery & pickup
When can rentals be delivered/picked up?
All deliveries and pickups must happen during your permitted booking time.
Delivery access by location:
- Main Lawn: 20-minute parking at Reader Café
- West Garden: Use main lower parking lot
- Western Slope & Nana’s Garden: Use adjacent cemetery road
Storage is not available for items before or after the booking.
Use of space
Is music allowed?
Yes, but volume must comply with City of Calgary community standards.
Who is responsible for damages or waste?
The permit holder is:
- Responsible for any event-related damage (minimum $100 fine for excessive waste)
- Liable for all guests' conduct
- Required to follow all City of Calgary Parks bylaws
Is The City responsible for lost or damaged items?
No. The City is not responsible for lost or damaged items.
Photography permits
Is a permit required for photography?
Yes. A permit is required for all photography sessions.
What are the time limits for photo permits?
- Public Photo Permit: Max 3 hours (self-serve, no staff support)
- Private Photo Permit: Max 2 hours
What are the payment terms for photography permits?
- Full payment due 14 days after booking confirmation
- Bookings within 14 days: Full payment required at time of booking
Note:
- Photography permits are non-refundable
- Public Photo Permits may be rescheduled with 14 days' written notice
- Private Photo Permits cannot be rescheduled