Filming Permits

Capturing the beauty and splendor of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve on film is becoming increasingly popular with photographers around the world. While catching the small diamonds of light on the water as they reflect the mountains in the distance, wildlife and wilderness surround you. This park can be very inspiring for filming. Permits may be required for filming and photography within Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, read more below.

Those interested in filming activities in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve are encouraged to contact the park's Special Use Coordinator at 907-697-2567 or email us for more information about filming in the park and to discuss how to minimize potential impacts to visitors and help protect park resources. Check with the park's Special Use Coordinator for more information on closures, sensitive resources, and other safety tips.

Do I need a permit to film?

On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234). Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service will manage filming and photography in park areas.

Individual parks may require a permit for filming if a permit is necessary to manage the activity to protect park resources and values, minimize conflict between user groups, or to ensure public safety. More details about filming and permits in parks are available on the NPS website: Filming & Still Photography Permits (nps.gov)

• 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.
• When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
• 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.
• 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.

Forms

NPS 10-931 Application for SUP CFSP (Short Form)

NPS 10-932 Application for SUP CFSP (Long Form)

Fees

The application fee for Filming in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is $200.
Go to the National Park Service Filming and Still Photography Permits Page for required assiciated Location Fees.

For more information, contact the Glacier Bay Commercial Services Office at (907) 697-2567, or email us.