Filming and Photography

UPDATE: On March 14, 2025, the National Park Service (NPS) issued internal guidance about how the NPS must implement Section 125 of the EXPLORE Act (Public Law 118-234) as it relates to the management of filming, still photography, and audio recording in park areas. All filming, still photography, and audio recording activity is treated the same under Section 125 of the EXPLORE Act. It does not matter whether the activity is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.

When filming, photography, and sound recording activities occur in national parks, they must be consistent with the protection of park resources and avoid conflict with public use and enjoyment of the park.

 

A filming project near Hermits Rest on the South Rim of Grand Canyon

NPS Photo

Who Needs a Permit?

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.

 

What fees will I have to pay if I need 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 processing your request and monitoring the permitted activities. The application fee must be submitted with your application.

The commercial filming/photography application processing fee for Grand Canyon National Park is $100.

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. The National Park Service uses the following fee schedules for filming and photography (for complex projects that require more oversight and management):

• 1–10 people - $150/day
• 11–30 people - $250/day
• 31–49 people - $500/day
• Over 50 people - $750/day

 

How to Apply

• A complete application must be submitted a minimum of 10 days prior to the requested date.
• A required, non-refundable application fee of $100 must be submitted with the application.
• Priority will not be given to urgent requests.

The application must include:

• Detailed production schedule and proposed locations.
• Detailed cast & crew list including name and role.
• Detailed equipment list including model of equipment.

If you have questions or would like to request a filming or still photography application, please email us at [e-mail].

 

No Drone Zone: Important Regulations

Launching, landing, or operating unmanned or remote-controlled aircraft in Grand Canyon National Park is strictly prohibited.

This restriction is in place for several important reasons. Primarily, it is essential to protect human health and safety, while preserving the visitor experience of unobstructed views. Additionally, safeguarding park wildlife from potential displacement or harassment is critical to ensuring their natural behaviors remain undisturbed.

The operation of drones near roadways or large groups of visitors also poses significant public safety hazards. Maintaining a safe environment is paramount, especially in emergencies that may require the use of park helicopters.

Under the Grand Canyon Superintendent's Compendium (36 CFR § 1.5 (10)), this prohibition is enforced without exception.

Compliance with these regulations is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the park and ensuring a safe experience for all visitors.

Unmanned Aircraft defined: The term "unmanned aircraft" means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce. Read more about unmanned aircraft in the national parks.

 

Resources

• Visit Grand Canyon National Park's Flickr site to virtually scout potential filming locations.
• Looking for B-roll footage only? Aerial footage? Browse the park's selection of b-roll videos.
• For filming on lands adjacent to Grand Canyon National Park, contact the Havasupai Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, Navajo Nation, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, or the Kaibab National Forest.