Your gown. Your story.
Everything you need to know about renting your University of Guelph gown and hood — so your grad photos look exactly right.
Where to rent your gown.
You've got two paths. One through the University Bookstore, one through us. Here's how each works.
University Bookstore
The campus bookstore rents official University of Guelph academic gowns and hoods. Call them in advance to coordinate a pickup — don't just walk in.
Gown rentals are typically not available during May and June due to convocation demand. All inventory gets reserved for the official ceremonies — plan ahead if you're shooting around peak season.
Through Guelph Grad Photos
We can source a gown and hood for your session directly. No bookstore visit needed, no coordination headaches — just show up and look great.
To guarantee your gown through us, order at least 60 days before your session date. This gives us time to source your specific degree hood correctly.
Not just any gown. Yours tells a story.
Academic regalia dates back over 800 years to the earliest European universities — what started as practical clothing became the most recognizable symbol of achievement.
The first universities form in Bologna, Paris, and Oxford. Students — mostly monks and priests — wear hooded cloaks and habits to keep warm in cold stone halls.
Oxford and Cambridge formalize academic dress with colourful robes and hoods that signal rank and faculty. The modern tradition of regalia is born.
UofG develops its own distinctive regalia. Undergraduate and master's gowns are black. Doctoral gowns are a striking blue silk and velvet — and no mortarboards in sight.
The Guelph hood.
The hood is the centrepiece of convocation. It's what the Chancellor drapes over a graduand's shoulders while saying "I admit you." At Guelph, it's been affectionately described as a "flat cloth doughnut" — but it's anything but ordinary.
The bachelor's hood has a single coloured edge. Master's hoods add a second edge. Each degree program has its own distinct colour — making every hood unique to the graduate wearing it.
"Where's my cap?"
We get this question a lot. If you're picturing yourself tossing a mortarboard into the sky, here's something most grads don't know.
UofG doesn't use mortarboards.
The University of Guelph's official convocation regalia does not include a cap, mortarboard, or any kind of hat. This isn't a recent change either.
Historically, caps were part of the ceremony — worn primarily by officials, faculty, and honorary degree recipients. Over time, the practice faded for students. At Guelph, the tradition has long placed all the emphasis on the hood as the defining symbol of your degree, not the cap.
So no, you're not missing anything. It's just how Guelph does it. And honestly? Without the hat in the way, your hair looks better in photos.
Fun fact: The mortarboard originated from the "pileus quadratus," a square-shaped hat scholars wore as far back as the 16th century. The name "mortarboard" comes from the flat board masons used to hold mortar — somewhere along the way, the resemblance stuck.
Secure your gown early.
Peak season fills up fast. Whether you go through the bookstore or through us, here's how to make sure you're covered.
Call the University of Guelph Bookstore directly to coordinate your gown and hood rental. Confirm availability and arrange a pickup date. Calling ahead is key — walk-ins during busy periods may leave you empty-handed.
May and June are peak convocation months at UofG. All gowns are reserved for graduating students participating in official ceremonies. The bookstore's entire inventory gets allocated to convocation, leaving nothing available for external photo session rentals.
We can source your official University of Guelph gown and hood for your photo session. Just place your order at least 60 days before your session date and we'll handle the rest. This is especially useful during peak season when the bookstore doesn't have availability.
Your hood is unique to your specific degree and program. The colour edging, lining, and style are all specific to the University of Guelph and your faculty. A generic gown from another school won't have the right hood — that's why sourcing it properly matters.
Technically yes — but make sure it's an official UofG gown with the correct hood for your degree. We've seen grads show up with generic Amazon gowns and the difference is immediately noticeable, especially the hood. We always recommend getting the real thing.
Book your session.
Whether you have your gown or need us to source one, we'll make sure your grad photos are exactly right.
Book Your Grad Photos →