Photography & Film Guidelines

Mount Auburn is a beautiful landscape and the frequent subject of photographs, film, and art. If you are interested in photographing at the Cemetery, please read through the photography guidelines outlined below.

As an active cemetery, Mount Auburn continues to perform burials almost daily. We ask that all photographers be respectful of those around them. The privacy and comfort of mourners and those seeking solace on our grounds are paramount to Mount Auburn. Photographing funerals is prohibited. 

Learn more about:

Filming and Photographing for Media Use

Personal / Recreational Photography

Fine Art / Nature Photography

Commercial Photography

Filming

Photography Group & Class Visits

Wedding Photography

Photography & Filming Guidelines

Photography and filming should not diminish the experience of other visitors and mourners on our grounds. Please keep the following in mind:

  • Photographs of funerals are strictly prohibited.
  • Photography and filming are subject to scheduled funeral activity. In the event of a scheduling conflict, the Cemetery will make all efforts to find a suitable alternate location or work with you to reschedule your photography for a date at your convenience.
  • Unless photographing the monument of someone who lived a public life, photographs with legible monument inscriptions will not be approved for public use.
  • Businesses may not use images of the Cemetery to promote their brand, products, or services.
  • Posed photography, including fashion shoots, is not allowed.
  • Nudity is strictly prohibited.
  • Staging and props are prohibited.
  • Drones are not allowed at Mount Auburn except under the direction of the Cemetery for internal purposes.
  • Our Visitor Rules must be observed at all times. Mount Auburn reserves the right to revoke the film/photo permit of any party disturbing the Cemetery’s tranquility or disturbing the experience of other visitors.
  • Photographs should not capture any personal information from monuments (names and dates) to protect the privacy of those buried here. However, capturing the monuments of the notable figures here is permissible.
  • If tripods are being used to steady cameras, please keep all tripod legs out of the roads and away from passing vehicular traffic. Also be mindful to avoid placing tripod legs on or near any monuments, trees, or horticultural plantings.
  • Permission to use any photographs or footage shot within Mount Auburn in any public way must be requested separately. This includes posting images to websites, showing images in art or gallery shows, and publishing images in print sources. Mount Auburn reserves the right to deny permission for the public use of any still images of the Cemetery that cause concern for the security of works of art and architecture on the grounds, the privacy of those buried here, or the reputation of the Institution.
  • You must carry the photography permit on your person during the approved date. Security reserves the right to ask you to leave if you cannot furnish the permit.