Filming & Still Photography Permits

In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:

• Occurs in areas open to the public; 
• Uses hand-carried equipment only;
• Does not require exclusive use of a site;  
• Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and 
• Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS. 

Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.

All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
 

To apply for a permit, please complete a Bryce Canyon National Park filming application form and submit it to the Filming Permits Coordinator (form and contact information below) allowing sufficient time for evaluation by the park staff before the start date of the proposed activity to be conducted in the park.

Applications are handled in the order they are received. Simple requests can be processed in two weeks. Requests that involve multiple locations, complex logistics, or coordination with other NPS divisions or visitor activities will require a minimum of four weeks to process. A minimum of four weeks is also required to process permits for projects that need additional environmental compliance.
Requests will be evaluated on the basis of the information in the application. Therefore you are encouraged to attach maps, diagrams, script pages or storyboards to assist the park staff in evaluating your request.

You can download the application at the links below. Please note that there is a $100 non-refundable permit cost which helps to cover the administrative costs of permit processing and oversight.

Application Forms and Submission

Filming and Still Photography Permit Application (short form)
Filming and Still Photography Permit Application (long form)
Completed applications should be e-mailed to brca_sup@nps.gov 

Application Fee

The application fee of $100 can be paid online at Pay.gov and must be received for application processing to begin.

Contact

You can e-mail our Filming Permits Coordinator at brca_sup@nps.gov or call 435-834-4748. Please be aware applications cannot be processed until payment is received.

Federal law requires the National Park Service to recover its administrative costs for filming and still photography activities that require a permit. Cost recovery includes a $100 application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in monitoring the permitted activities. The application fee is non-refundable and must be submitted with your application. 

In addition, Federal law also requires the National Park Service to collect a location fee that provides a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands for filming and for still photography requires a permit. The National Park Service uses the following fee schedules for filming and photography: 

Filming

• 1–2 people, camera & tripod only - $0/day 
• 1–10 people - $150/day 
• 11–30 people - $250/day 
• 31–49 people - $500/day 
• Over 50 people - $750/day 

Still Photography 

• 1–10 people - $50/day 
• 11–30 people - $150/day 
• Over 30 people - $250/day 

Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required. 
 

Filming and photography permits will contain terms and conditions that are necessary to protect park resources and visitors. They will specify the location and time of the activity and the number of personnel and equipment that may be used. The permits also may require you to obtain liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured in an amount commensurate with the risk posed to park resources by your proposed activity. You also may be required to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary. 

Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.

If you are planning a photography workshop as part of a business, you may need a commercial use authorization. See the commercial use authorization page for more information.