Can I take photos at Rowan Oak, and what are the photography rules?

Updated

Yes. Personal photography is allowed once you've paid house admission, and the grounds can be used for paid photo shoots during business hours at published hourly rates. The main conditions: no flash inside the house, portrait and event shoots on the grounds during open hours require cash payment, and you should call ahead because the grounds are sometimes closed for private events.

Personal photography

  • Allowed for personal use after house admission has been paid — admission is $10.00 per person, cash only.
  • No flash photography inside the house.
  • Children 12 and under, University of Mississippi students/faculty/staff, and University Museum members get in free, so they can take personal photos without paying admission.

Paid photo shoots on the grounds during business hours

If you're shooting portraits or an event on the grounds while Rowan Oak is open, these rates apply (all cash only):

Session type Rate
Portrait photography (family photos, senior portraits, graduation, prom) $10.00 per person, per hour
Proposal / engagement $120.00 per hour
Wedding $250.00 per hour

When grounds photography is free

There is no charge for photo shoot sessions on the grounds:

  • Before or after business hours, or
  • On Mondays, when Rowan Oak is closed.

Even so, the grounds are occasionally closed for private events, so call ahead to confirm access: 662-234-3284.

Hours to plan around

  • Year-round: Tuesday–Saturday 10am–4pm, Sunday 1pm–4pm. Closed Mondays.
  • Summer hours (June 1–July 31 only): Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 1pm–5pm. Closed Mondays.

What's prohibited

  • No photography for advertising or commercial purposes without University approval.
  • No confetti, glitter, bird seed, rice, flower petals (real or fake), champagne poppers, or any prop that could become litter.
  • No smoking, open flames, fireworks, or sparklers.
  • Do not attach decorations to the house, outbuildings, trees, or landscaping.
  • No trimming, cutting, or removing plant material.

Practical notes

  • Bring cash — admission and all photo shoot rates are cash only.
  • Groups of 10 or more need arrangements made at least two weeks in advance by calling 662-234-3284 or emailing [email protected]. Tour group size is capped at 80 guests, with only 40 allowed inside the house at one time.
  • The grounds are pet friendly, but pets must be leashed and cleaned up after.