Can we do a pre-wedding shoot in Lalbagh Botanical Garden? How much does Lalbagh charge for photography?
If you are searching for this, you are at the right place. Lalbagh is one of the top 3 places in Bangalore for pre-wedding shoots because of the Glass House, Rose Garden, and the 100-year-old trees. But most couples get stopped at the gate because they don’t know the latest permission rules.
I have collected the latest 2026 information from the Horticulture Department office to give you a clear answer.
Is Photography Allowed in Lalbagh Botanical Garden?
Yes, but there are two types of photography, and rules are different for both.
1. Mobile Photography for Personal Use – FREE
If you are just clicking photos with your mobile phone for Instagram or family photos, it is completely free. No permission is needed. You can click as many photos as you want with your phone. Even selfies with a small selfie stick are allowed.
2. Professional Photography with DSLR, Tripod, Reflector – PAID & Permission Needed
If you bring a DSLR camera, mirrorless camera, tripod, gimbal, LED lights, reflector, or any props like wedding dresses, you will be treated as a professional shoot. For this, you need to pay charges and take permission in advance. The security at the gate checks bags specifically for this.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden Photography Charges 2026 – Latest Fee Structure
Here is the official fee structure that is currently active in 2026. This fee is taken at the Lalbagh Directorate Office, not at the ticket counter.
| Type of Shoot | Charges | What is Included |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Photography (Personal) | FREE | Only mobile, no tripod |
| DSLR / Mirrorless Still Camera (Personal) | Rs. 3000 per day | 1 Camera + 1 Photographer |
| Video Camera / 4K Video Shoot | Rs. 7500 per day | 1 Camera + Videographer |
| Pre-Wedding Shoot / Model Shoot / Portfolio | Rs. 7000 to Rs. 10000 | Couple + 2 Photographers + 1 hour extra time in Glass House |
| Drone Camera | Strictly NOT Allowed | No permission is given for drone |
Important Note: The pre-wedding shoot charge of Rs. 7000 is the official fee if you shoot on weekdays. On weekends and during flower show days (January and August), the same permission costs Rs. 10,000 because of the rush.
This fee does not include the entry ticket. Every person, including the photographer and the couple, has to buy a separate entry ticket of Rs. 30.
How to Get Permission for Pre-Wedding Shoot in Lalbagh – Step by Step Process
You cannot get permission at the main entrance gate. Many couples waste 2-3 hours standing there. You have to go to a different office.
Step 1: Visit the Directorate of Horticulture Office
The office is located near the Double Road Gate, also called Gate No. 3, opposite to the Shanti Nagar Bus Stand. It is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Saturday. Sunday closed.
Step 2: Write an Application Letter
You need to write a simple application saying – “We want permission for pre-wedding shoot on [Your Date] from 7 AM to 10 AM.” Attach a photocopy of your Aadhar card and your photographer’s Aadhar card.
Step 3: Pay the Fee and Get the Receipt
They will give you a challan. You have to pay the fee at the office counter itself via UPI or cash. They will give you a printed receipt with a stamp, date, and time slot mentioned.
Step 4: Show Receipt at the Gate on Your Shoot Day
On the day of your shoot, enter from Gate No. 3 and show the permission receipt to the security in-charge. He will allow your props and tripod. Without this receipt, your tripod will be seized at the entrance.
Pro Tip: Go at least 3 to 4 days before your shoot date. During wedding season (Nov to Feb), slots get full 1 week in advance.
Best Places Inside Lalbagh for Pre-Wedding & Model Shoot
Not every corner is good for a shoot. The light inside Lalbagh is best in the morning.
1. Glass House: The iconic background. The best time is 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM when the soft light comes through the glass. This spot is included in your permission.
2. Rose Garden: Just behind the Glass House. In January and February, roses are in full bloom. This gives you a red and pink background without any decoration.
3. Bonsai Garden & Topiary Garden: If you want a unique, green, and artistic background. The Bonsai trees are over 100 years old. Photography is allowed but you cannot touch the plants.
4. Lalbagh Lake Side: The lake side with the old trees gives a very calm and natural look. Best for candid couple shots.
5. Kempegowda Tower Hill: If you want a panoramic view of Bangalore in your background, go to the top of the hill.
Rules You Must Follow During Photoshoot
1. No Damage to Plants: If you break any flower, branch, or step on the flower bed for a pose, you will be fined Rs. 2000 on the spot and your permission will be cancelled.
2. No Flash Inside Bonsai House: Flash photography is not allowed inside the Bonsai and Cactus conservatories as it damages the plants.
3. No Changing Tent: Lalbagh does not provide any place to change your wedding dress. You have to come in your outfit from home or change in your car. Do not try to change behind the trees, there are CCTV cameras.
4. Time Limit: Your permission is only valid for 3 hours – from 7 AM to 10 AM or 3 PM to 6 PM. You cannot stay the whole day with your props.
5. No Littering of Props: If you bring flower petals, confetti, or smoke bombs for the shoot, you have to clean it up. Otherwise, you will be charged a cleaning fine of Rs. 1000.
Final Verdict: Is Lalbagh Worth It for Pre-Wedding Shoot?
Yes, for Rs. 7000, Lalbagh is still cheaper than most resorts in Bangalore that charge Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 40,000 for a pre-wedding shoot. The backgrounds you get – a Victorian Glass House, a lake, a 100-year-old garden – you won’t get anywhere else in the city.
Just make sure you take permission 4 days in advance and reach at 7 AM sharp to get the best light without the crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the pre wedding shoot cost in Lalbagh Botanical Garden?
The official pre-wedding shoot cost in Lalbagh is Rs. 7000 on weekdays and Rs. 10,000 on weekends and during flower shows. This includes permission for couple and 2 photographers. Entry tickets are extra.
Q2. Is DSLR camera allowed in Lalbagh Botanical Garden?
Yes, DSLR is allowed but you have to pay Rs. 3000 per day for personal use. For professional pre-wedding use, the charge is Rs. 7000. Mobile photography is free.
Q3. Do we need permission for photography in Lalbagh?
For mobile photography, no permission is needed. For DSLR, video, tripod, pre-wedding, modeling, or YouTube shoots, you need prior permission from the Directorate of Horticulture office at Double Road Gate No. 3.
Q4. Is drone allowed in Lalbagh Botanical Garden?
No, drone cameras are strictly banned inside Lalbagh Botanical Garden due to security and bird safety reasons. No permission is given for drones.
Q5. What is the best time for photography in Lalbagh?
The best time is 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM in the morning. The light is soft, there is less crowd, and you will get empty backgrounds.
Read Also: Lalbagh Botanical Garden Rules, Do’s and Don’ts – Latest Rules 2026
Chavi Devi is the founder and author of Lalbagh Botanical Garden. Based in Bengaluru, she has been documenting Lalbagh for the last 2 years – from ticket prices and timings to hidden rules and photography permissions. She visits the garden regularly to verify information and creates simple, practical guides for first-time visitors.
Read More About Chavi→ About Us