Filming & Photography Guidelines

The National Park Service conserves and protects areas of untold beauty, grandeur and historical importance for current and future generations. The tradition of capturing images of these special places started with explorers who traveled with paint and canvas or primitive cameras. Sharing these images helped inspire the creation of national parks. Today, visitors to national parks continue to memorialize their visits through filming and photography.

On January 4, 2025, President Biden signed into law H.R. 6492 (EXPLORE Act). Section 125 of the Act changed how the NPS will manage filming and photography in park areas. The NPS will be updating this website with the most current information about implementation of the new law.

Key elements of the new law include:

• In most cases, permits and fees are not required for groups of eight individuals or less conducting filming and photography. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming or photography must:
  • (1) occur in areas open to the public;
  • (2) use hand-carried equipment only;
  • (3) not require exclusive use of a site; and
  • (4) not adversely impact park resources, values, and other visitors.
• Permits and fees are never required for filming and photography that is associated with a permitted event, such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
• All filming and photography is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, or conducted my media or for news gathering.
• When a permit is required, the National Park Service may charge application and location fees.
• Individuals and groups exempt from permit and fee requirements for filming or photography remain subject to all other laws and regulations that apply in park areas, including those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to resources.

When is a permit needed?

In most cases, still photography does not require a permit. A permit is required for still photography only when:

1. the activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed; or
2. the activity uses model(s), set(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the locations natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities; or
3. the National Park Service would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.

A "model" means a person or object that serves as the subject for still photography for the purpose of promoting the sale or use of a product or service. Models include, but are not limited to, individuals, animals, or inanimate objects, such as vehicles, boats, articles of clothing, and food and beverage products. Portrait subjects, such as wedding parties and high school graduates, are not considered models.

How do I apply for a permit?

To apply for a permit, please complete a Capitol Reef 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. Please remember to enclose a check or money order for $100.00 to cover non-refundable application costs.

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 may download the application or request it in person, by phone (435-425-4126), fax (435-425-3026), e-mail, or letter. Completed applications must be returned to the park with payment: non-refundable $100 application fee and $150 permit fee. Money orders or checks should be payable to "National Park Service." An e-bill can be generated, if preferred.

Emailed applications are preferred. Please email completed applications to: care_commercialservices@nps.gov.

Alternatively, completed applications for filming within Capitol Reef National Park can be mailed to:

Filming Permits Coordinator
Capitol Reef National Park
HC 70 Box 15
Torrey, UT 84775

If using FedEx or UPS, use this address:

52 Headquarters Drive instead of the HC 70 Box 15.

Applications Forms and Contact

Filming and Still Photography Permit Application (Short Form)
Filming and Still Photography Permit Application (Long Form)

For questions please contact the Capitol Reef National Park Filming Coordinator via email or call (435) 425-4130.

What fees will I have to pay for a permit?

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 an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in monitoring the permitted activities. The $100.00 application fee is non-refundable and must be submitted with your application. The permit fee for filming and still photography is $150.00.

Minimum Fees for Film and Still Photography

Application Fee: $100.00
Permit Fee: $150.00

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 commercial filming and for still photography that requires a permit. The National Park Service uses the following fees schedules for filming and photography:

Location Filming Fees

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

Location Still Photography Fees

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

Depending on complexity of the project, additional cost recovery may apply for monitoring costs ($50.00/hour), as the park deems necessary.

Permits issued for filming may be subject to cost recovery charges, including an application fee, but a separate location fee may not be charged.

What terms and conditions will the permits have?

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.

What about photography workshops?

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.