It can be very difficult and time consuming to find out where to purchase a photography permit or receive permission to photograph your wedding photos or engagement session in Chicago.
Fortunately I’ve taken the guesswork out of which website to visit, how to apply and how much it costs to obtain photo permits at many of Chicago’s most popular locations for wedding photos or engagement pictures in Chicago.
As of July 1, 2019, The Chicago Park District – which includes Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, Millennium Park, Lurie Garden – have begun requiring professional photographers photographing commercial photography (for-profit photography) which includes wedding couples, wedding bridal parties, engagement sessions and family portrait sessions, to purchase a photography permit.
In fact, many of the most popular locations throughout Chicago and the Chicago suburbs are also now requiring photography permits including the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Garfield Park Conservatory, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Lincoln Park Zoo South Pond Nature Boardwalk (the “honeycomb”).
Even Union Station, the Rookery Building and other popular indoor locations for wedding and engagement session portraits in Chicago have begun requiring photo permits to photograph inside.
And beginning in 2022, the Chicago Park District began requiring permits to photograph weddings, engagement sessions, proposals and portraits in some of the most sought after views of the Chicago skyline including:
- Buckingham Fountain
- Garfield Park Conservatory
- Humboldt Park Formal Garden
- Jackson Park Osaka Garden
- Lincoln Park Conservatory
- Lincoln Park Great Garden
- Lincoln Park North Pond
- Lincoln Park Plaza
- Lincoln Park Rosenbaum Gazebo
- Montrose Harbor Skyline View
- Museum Campus Skyline View
- North Ave. Beach
- Ping Tom Park Pagoda
For more information on these locations and how to quickly obtain a permit, you may visit the Chicago Park District directly at https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/permits-rentals/filming-photography
There are two issues to consider: The required City of Chicago photography location permits and that of copyrighted public sculptures and artwork.
The City of Chicago neither grants nor enforces copyright. Copyright exists solely between the creator of the works and the secondary publisher of that work.
For example, anyone taking photos in Millennium Park can capture images of whatever they like. Copyright however comes into play once the photographer A.) accepts money for creating an image depicting, or publish/distribute images of, copyrighted works without the consent of the artists i.e. – if you are a photographer that wishes to publish an image of Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate (“the bean”), Frank Gehry’s Pritzker Pavilion or BP Bridge, Jaume Plensa’s Crown Fountain or even the Lurie Garden, the City of Chicago requires you to contact the legal representatives for these gardens, artwork and public installations.
Cloud Gate
Copyright © Anish Kapoor
For permission: Adamottavi Schiesl or Micah Hussey 212.206.9300
The Crown Fountain
Copyright © Jaume Plensa
For permission: Erin Bakunas 312.642.8877
Lurie Garden
Copyright © Gustafson & Associates
For permission: Jennifer Guthrie 206.903.6802
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Copyright © Frank Gehry
For permission: Keith Mendenhall 310.482.3000
BP Bridge
Copyright © Frank Gehry
For permission: Keith Mendenhall 310.482.3000
This information includes the names and addresses of the most popular locations in Chicago for wedding photos, in addition to their website, permit fee, the process to apply for an application or permit, the terms and conditions that apply to these locations, along with the contact information of who to phone or email and which website to visit when applying for your wedding photography permit application.
I will continue to update this information as rules, restrictions, fees and contact information changes.
If you have information regarding wedding or portrait locations in Chicago and would like to help others stay informed with the latest news, please email me.
- Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
- Buckingham Fountain
- Chicago Botanic Garden
- Garfield Park Conservatory
- Grant Park
- Lincoln Park Conservatory
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- Lurie Garden
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- Millennium Park
- Rookery Building
- South Pond Nature Boardwalk at the Lincoln Park Zoo
- Salvage One
- Union Station
- Wrigley Field
Chicago Suburb Location Photography Permit Required
- Cantigny Park
- Evanston Lighthouse
- Evanston Merrick Rose Garden
- Evanston Shakespeare Garden
- The Grove at the Redfield Estate
- Lake Katherine
- Morton Arboretum
- St James Farm
- Waterfall Glen
All Photos © Jason Kaczorowski Photography
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
Address: 125 W Fullerton Parkway Chicago, IL 60614
Website: www.LincolnParkConservancy.org | Lily Pool
Permit Fee: (Closed/Private) = $250.00 as of 2022, the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is no longer offering Closed/Private buyouts for proposals
Permit Fee: (Non-Private) = $100.00 as of 2023, the permit fee is currently $150.00
Application Process: email Patrick at info@lincolnparkconservancy.org to receive a permit application
Review the guidelines, select the time of your session/event, return the completed application with payment via personal checks or credit card.
Terms & Conditions: The Lily Pool is open seasonally from mid-April through mid-November. It is also closed the Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the Air and Water Show.
Contact:
Patrick Mucerino
Lincoln Park Conservancy
2000 N. Racine
Suite 4800
Chicago, IL 60614
info@lincolnparkconservancy.org
T. (773) 883-7275
Buckingham Fountain
Address: 301 S Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
Website: Chicago Park District
Permit Fee: See Millennium Park
Application Process: See Millennium Park
Terms & Conditions: See Millennium Park
Contact:
Lara Ziemba
lziemba@mbres.com
Chicago Botanic Garden
Address: 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022
Website: Chicago Botanic Garden Website
Permit Fee: Available daily at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m. Monday-Friday: $175.00. Saturday & Sunday $200.00. includes parking for one passenger vehicle (additional vehicles will need to preregister for a timed entry)
Application Process: Photographers must obtain a permit if they wish to use the Garden’s setting as the background for formal, posed photography/videography. This category includes weddings, family portraits, engagements, celebrations, or similar. Groups may not exceed 10 persons. Entry will not be allowed for anyone, including members, without proof of preregistration. No permit reservations available at the door.
Prior to purchasing your permit, please read the complete list of photography terms and conditions.
Terms & Conditions: Since the CVOVID-19 pandemic, reservations are required in advance to visit the Chicago Botanic Garden. The permit is valid only on the date it is issued, and is valid for one seating per photographer. The permit is valid for 1.5 hours after the time of the permit purchase. The last permit is available at 2:00pm.
Contact:
Phone: 847-835-8370
Email: events@chicagobotanic.org
Garfield Park Conservatory
Address: 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624
Website: Chicago Park District Website
Update 5/7/2022: The Garfield Park Conservatory have eased their COVID-19 restrictions and are once again offering indoor photography permits. Tripods are allowed indoors and outdoors provided they do not obstructing pathways or pedestrian flow.
Permit Fee: $75.00 (total)
Application Process: Click here to create an account online and remit the application & application fee ($35.00). Once approved, remit the permit fee ($45.00).
Grant Park
Address: 337 E Randolph Street Chicago IL 60601
Website: Chicago Park District Website
Permit Fee: See Millennium Park
Application Process: See Millennium Park
Terms & Conditions: See Millennium Park
Contact:
Lara Ziemba
lziemba@mbres.com
Lincoln Park Conservatory
Address: 2391 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
Website: Chicago Park District Website
Permit Fee: $75.00 (total)
Application Process: Click here to create an account online and remit the application & application fee ($35.00). Once approved, remit the permit fee ($45.00).
Terms & Conditions: N/A
Contact: N/A
Lincoln Park Zoo
Address: 2001 N Clark Street Chicago, IL 60614
Website: Photography Guidelines | Formal Photography Information
Permit Fee: The zoo charges $150 per session for formal photography permits including wedding, prom, graduation, professional family photos or similar events. This payment is considered a tax-deductible donation and helps keep Lincoln Park Zoo free and open 365 days a year. This permit is in addition to any parking fees.
Application Process:
To request a formal photography permit, email Hana Johnstone at hjohnstone@lpzoo.org.
Please provide your preferred date, time, and location as well as the reason for the photography session.
All payments shall be made prior to the beginning of the shoot.
All payments shall be paid by credit card, certified or cashier’s check or money order (no personal checks will be accepted) and shall be made payable to: “Lincoln Park Zoo.”
Should the photo shoot take place on a weekend, the signed authorization form and payment must be made by the Friday before.
Photography taking place outside of regular zoo hours (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) may incur additional fees.
Terms & Conditions: The shoot shall be suspended or cancelled in the event that, in the sole discretion of the zoo, such shoot is damaging, destroying or injuring any plants, animals or property at the zoo, or is likely to do so, interfering with the public’s use and enjoyment of the zoo.
- Permits are issued for one-hour sessions, subject to availability.
- Payments are accepted by credit/debit card, check and cash.
- All payments must be made payable to “Lincoln Park Zoo.”
- For weekend photo shoots, signed authorization forms and payment must be processed by the preceding Friday.
- Photography taking place outside regular zoo hours may incur additional fees.
- Shoots will be canceled if they cause damage to zoo property or plants, injury to a zoo animal, or unreasonable disruption to other zoo guests.
- Guests cannot bring animals, plants, balloons, or props onto zoo property, including Nature Boardwalk, Café Brauer and gated grounds. Please consult Lincoln Park Zoo’s Code of Conduct for additional information.
Contact:
Hana Johnstone
hjohnstone@lpzoo.org
(312) 742-2000
Updates:
“A permit is required for any spaces within the main gates of the zoo, at the Farm in the Zoo, at Nature Boardwalk/South Pond, the honeycomb, and the bridge over that area. If you’re taking photos for a wedding occurring at Café Brauer the permit fee is waived and you don’t need a physical permit. I would still need to know what time/what areas you’d like to take photos so I can alert our staff that you’ll be there and make a note to myself not to allow any other parties to obtain permits for that time/space.”
September 17, 2019
Lurie Garden
Address: Millennium Park – East Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60601
Website: https://www.luriegarden.org/visit/
Permit Fee: See Millennium Park
Application Process: See Millennium Park
Terms & Conditions: See Millennium Park
Contact:
Lara Ziemba
lziemba@mbres.com
Millennium Park
Address: 201 E Randolph Street Chicago, IL 60602
Website: Chicago Park District Website | https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/permits-rentals/filming-photography
Phone: (312) 650-8309
The following locations are independently managed, please call them directly:
- Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool | (773) 883-7275
- Lincoln Park Zoo | (312) 742-2000
- Maggie Daley Park & Cancer Survivors Garden | (312) 552-3000
- Millennium Park | (312) 744-6050
- Olive Park | (312) 744-6635
Rookery Building
Address: 209 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604
Website: Rookery Website
Permit Fees:
Oriel Express (Access to winding Oriel Staircase only)
30 Minutes $150.00
60 Minutes $200.00
Rookery Memory Experience (Access to Oriel and Grand Staircases and Light Court)
30 Minutes $250.00
60 Minutes $275.00
Additional:
Access to Burnham Library $75.00
For each additional 10 Guests $50.00
Application Process: If you are interested in scheduling a photo shoot within the Rookery, please download the form listing various packages and locations. Please email the completed form to ecouch@tjbc.com
Photo sessions can be scheduled:
▪ Monday – Friday between 6AM and 8AM or after 5:30PM
▪ Saturdays after 2PM
▪ Sundays All Day
Terms & Conditions:
▪ Up to 10 guests allowed (there is an additional charge for over 10 guests)
▪ Only checks are accepted for payment. All Checks Payable to: THE ROOKERY, LP. All checks are due prior to 3PM the Friday before your photo shoot date.
Contact:
Emily Couch
Assistant Property Manager
209 S. LaSalle Street
Suite 625
Chicago, IL 60604
ecouch@tjbc.com
Salvage One
Address: 209 S LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604
Website: Salvage One Website
Permit Fees: Engagement shoots are complimentary for couples getting married at Salvage One. Otherwise, the rate is $150/hour.
Application Process: email events@salvageone.com
Terms & Conditions: N/A
Contact: 312-733-0098
South Pond Nature Boardwalk
Address: 2121 N Stockton Drive, Chicago, IL 60614
Website: Photography Guidelines
Permit Fee: The zoo charges $150 per session for formal photography permits including wedding, prom, graduation, professional family photos or similar events. This payment is considered a tax-deductible donation and helps keep Lincoln Park Zoo free and open 365 days a year. This permit is in addition to any parking fees.
Application Process:
To request a formal photography permit, email Hana Johnstone at hjohnstone@lpzoo.org.
Please provide your preferred date, time, and location as well as the reason for the photography session.
All payments shall be made prior to the beginning of the shoot.
All payments shall be paid by credit card, certified or cashier’s check or money order (no personal checks will be accepted) and shall be made payable to: “Lincoln Park Zoo.”
Should the photo shoot take place on a weekend, the signed authorization form and payment must be made by the Friday before.
Photography taking place outside of regular zoo hours (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) may incur additional fees.
Terms & Conditions: The shoot shall be suspended or cancelled in the event that, in the sole discretion of the zoo, such shoot is damaging, destroying or injuring any plants, animals or property at the zoo, or is likely to do so, interfering with the public’s use and enjoyment of the zoo.
- Permits are issued for one-hour sessions, subject to availability.
- Payments are accepted by credit/debit card, check and cash.
- All payments must be made payable to “Lincoln Park Zoo.”
- For weekend photo shoots, signed authorization forms and payment must be processed by the preceding Friday.
- Photography taking place outside regular zoo hours may incur additional fees.
- Shoots will be canceled if they cause damage to zoo property or plants, injury to a zoo animal, or unreasonable disruption to other zoo guests.
- Guests cannot bring animals, plants, balloons, or props onto zoo property, including Nature Boardwalk, Café Brauer and gated grounds. Please consult Lincoln Park Zoo’s Code of Conduct for additional information.
Contact:
Hana Johnstone
hjohnstone@lpzoo.org
(312) 742-2000
Union Station
Address: 225 S Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606
Website: Union Station Website
Permit Fee: $150 for up to 3 people; $450.00 for larger groups
Application Process: Must be paid by cashier’s check or money order
Terms & Conditions: A permit is required to take pictures inside the station for professional and student photography and for wedding and engagement shoots.
Photo and film permits must be obtained at least 48 hours prior to the photography date.
The following forms must be filled out in advance, signed by the applicant, and returned to Chicago Union Station prior to any permits being issued:
(1) First Amendment Permit & Regulations Application – Required to exercise your First Amendment Rights on the property owned by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)
(2) Photo Permit, Indemnity & Release – Required by anyone wishing to take photographs inside Chicago Union Station
Fees can be paid and permits can be obtained during business hours at:
500 W. Jackson Blvd
Suite 107
Chicago IL 60661.
To arrange a time to obtain the permit from the building management office, call (312) 655-2524.
Contact:
Jamie Janeczko
Marketing and Events Manager
Corporate Concierge Services | Chicago Union Station
500 West Jackson Suite 107 | Chicago, IL 60661
O: 312-655-2524 | C: 312-497-1074
Wrigley Field
Address: 1060 W Addison Street, Chicago, IL 60613
Website: MLB Park Tours Info | Purchase Tickets
Permit Fee:
Game Day = $25.00 (plus tax)
Non-Game Day = $35.00 (plus tax)
Application Process: This is a 75-90 minute guided tour. Tours are outdoor walking tours (approximately 1 mile) conducted in rain or shine. Specific tour routes are established each day based on events and activities in the ballpark.
Terms & Conditions: Non-Game Day includes:
- Seating bowl
- Press box
- Budweiser Bleachers
- Visitors’ clubhouse
- Cubs’ dugout
- Field
Game Days exclude access to Chicago Cubs and visiting teams’ clubhouse.
Contact:
Wrigley Field
1060 West Addison
Chicago, IL 60613
800-THE-CUBS
fanservices@cubs.com
Chicago Suburbs
Cantigny Park
Address: 1 South 151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, IL 60189
Website: Cantigny Park Photo Permit Website
Permit Fee: Standard (1–7 people): $35 per day; Large Group (8+ people): $100 per day
Permit Fees: (annually) Standard: $600; Large Group: $1200
Application Process: Permits are available for purchase at the Parking Booth or the Cantigny Shop in the Visitors Center. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, cash or checks (made out to Cantigny.)
Terms and Conditions: Cantigny reserves the right to refuse admittance for photography/videography and/or change its photo policy without advance notice.
Do not block the access to building entrances, pathways, museums or garden areas.
Do not disturb or remove plants, plant labels, containers or park signage.
Please do not enter flowerbeds, plant displays or mulched areas. Remain on the pathways and grassy turf at all times.
No alcoholic beverages may be brought into Cantigny Park.
No animals or pets.
No drones allowed.
Evanston Lighthouse
Website: City of Evanston Website
Permit Fee: $75.00
Application Process: The first step in the process is filling out the online application. There are some required documents that you will need to upload along with the application.
Applications need to be submitted at least 5 business day before the applied for start date to be reviewed. Any application with less than 5 business days before the applied for start date will be rejected.
Terms and Conditions: Because photo shoots have been deemed too disruptive of our beaches during beach season they are no longer allowed when beaches are open, from 10:30am to 8:00pm from the beginning of June to July 31st, and 10:30 am to 7:30 pm from August 1st through Labor Day. The permit shall serve as the agreement for smaller productions taking only one or two days. Concerning private property, productions are limited to three (3) per street address per calendar year, and cannot occur within sixty (60) days of each other. Every production working in Evanston must fill out our Liability Waiver. Also they must send us a copy of a liability insurance certificate. The insurance certificate must either name the City of Evanston as an additional insured, or the City must be listed as a certificate holder. After the application has been approved there are additional requirements that need to be handled by the production company.
Contact: N/A
Evanston Merrick Rose Garden
Website: Click Here
Permit Fee: $200.00 + $200.00 deposit
Application Process: A signed application and liability waiver is required. Only Evanston residents may fill out the application form and sign the waiver.
- There is a $200 permit fee.
- There is a $200 deposit. The deposit will be returned if the garden is in reasonable condition (garden has not been damaged and roses have not been picked).
- Proof of liability coverage is required. A copy of the homeowners’ or renters’ insurance summary will usually do. The City of Evanston must be listed as “additional insured” for one million dollars.
Terms and Conditions: The garden may be rented on a Friday after 3:30pm, Saturday or Sunday.
Only one group a day is allowed a special permit for the Garden and the public must be allowed access to the Garden.
By City ordinance, alcohol is not permitted in any City park and dogs must be on a leash.
Contact: N/A
Evanston Shakespeare Garden
Website: Click Here
Permit Fee: $250.00
Application Process: A signed application and liability waiver is required. Only Evanston residents may fill out the application form and sign the waiver.
- There is a $200 permit fee.
- There is a $200 deposit. The deposit will be returned if the garden is in reasonable condition (garden has not been damaged and roses have not been picked).
- Proof of liability coverage is required. A copy of the homeowners’ or renters’ insurance summary will usually do. The City of Evanston must be listed as “additional insured” for one million dollars.
Application Link: Evanston Shakespeare Garden Photography Permit Application
Terms and Conditions: Located in a quiet section of the Evanston Northwestern University campus directly east of the Ford Motor Company Engineering Design Center at 2133 Sheridan Road, the eight-bed garden is hidden from view by a double wall of hawthorn hedges. The Howes Memorial Chapel is to the south and belongs to Garrett Seminary. The 70 by 100 foot plot of land was established in 1915 when it became a project of The Garden Club of Evanston to commemorate the 300th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death. The garden is maintained by volunteer members of the Garden Club of Evanston. Information about renting the garden is attached. Proceeds go toward the purchase of plant material and other costs of the garden.
Contact: Kim Perutz
The Grove at the Redfield Estate National Historic Landmark
Website: The Grove at the Redfield Estate Website
Permit Fee: $50.00
Application Process: email Carol.Dilorenzo@glenviewparks.org to receive a permit application and reserve a date and time.
Must be paid in full prior to the date of use.
- Portrait Photography $50 / 2 hour period of time
- Additional fees may apply if indoor space is requested and available.
- Additional time may be available at extra cost
Terms and Conditions:
1. Those celebrating wedding ceremonies, receptions or other special occasions scheduled at Redfield Estate are welcome to take photographs or videos around the rental facility during their rental time at no additional fee.
2. Renter signing contract must be at least 21 years old. An adult must be present.
3. Payments are non-refundable. In case of inclement weather, contact us to reschedule.
4. This permit is void if the buildings or grounds are not usable due to an Act of God.
5. If indoor space is desired, use must be approved by Grove staff and additional fees may be required.
6. Please be mindful of other visitors, programs or events that may be taking place. Access to some locations may be restricted at The Grove’s discretion. Exercise care when setting up equipment. Stay on paths, do not disturb or pick plants. Do not block pathways or roads.
7. Serving of food and beverages will be permitted only during rental hours and with the specific location to be approved by Grove staff member. Catering info will be provided in the event user needs such services. Alcohol is prohibited. Recycling is mandatory. The Grove is a smoke-free facility.
8. Use of tents is prohibited unless otherwise permitted by the Director of The Grove.
9. Set-up and take down time must be included in the requested rental time period.
10. Loud speakers or amplified music must be pre-approved with guidelines for use.
11. Parking is free, however, location for parking your vehicles should be discussed and approved. Driving or parking on lawn areas is prohibited
12. Only Service animals are allowed. No pets.
13. Balloons are not allowed as they are harmful to the environment & wildlife.
14. User may not move or remove any furnishings of the buildings without consent. Any additional furniture or equipment you wish to bring onto the property must be pre-approved.
15. The Grove is not responsible for lost, stolen, damaged personal items or equipment.
16. Users are responsible for clean-up of areas used, including buildings, outside areas, lawns, trails, parking lot. Facility renter shall be financially accountable for any unforeseen expenses which are incurred as a result of negligence by that renter.
17. A maintenance/damage deposit may be required. Any costs of extra maintenance/damage repairs will be deducted from that deposit. If maintenance/ damage costs exceed the deposit, the renter is still responsible for those costs. By signing the use permit, the signee agrees to accept this responsibility.
18. Certificates of Insurance may be required at the discretion of The Grove.
19. Use of Drones for video/filming/photography is strictly prohibited.
Additional Conditions
No activity in or use of property under this special permit is sponsored or supervised by the Glenview Park District. Neither the Glenview Park District nor its officers, servants, agents or employees shall be liable for damages, to the permittee or to any person claiming through permittee for injury to person or damage to or loss of property wherever located from any cause; this provision includes particularly but not exclusively all claims related to furnishing or consumption of alcohol or arising from the part of said building or structure being or becoming out of repair or from any equipment or apparatus located in the premises wheresoever, or from any act of neglect of the Glenview Park District, its agents or servants or of any user or occupant of such premises or of the neighboring property. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as a waiver of any immunity afforded Glenview Park District by law. The permit is not assignable.
Contact:
Carol Di Lorenzo
The Grove Redfield Estate
1421 Milwaukee Avenue
Glenview, IL 60025
847-298-0095
Carol.dilorenzo@glenviewparks.org
Lake Katherine
Website: Lake Katherine Website
Permit Fee: $100.00
Application Process: Send the completed application to the office by fax or USPS, or drop it off in person
Terms & Conditions: All professional photographers, wedding parties, and groups large than 5 people taking photos/videos on Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens property are required to obtain a photography permit.
Permits are issued on a first come first served basis. A fee of $100 is charged for a one hour period. Time slots begin and end on the hour.
No more than three groups are allowed per hour.
Wedding parties may use the grounds for one hour only, and are limited to the couple, parents, and attendants totaling no more than 25 people.
Please keep in mind that Lake Katherine is open to the public and privacy cannot be guaranteed.
Contact: bridget.provost@lakekatherine.org
708- 361-1873
Morton Arboretum
Website: Morton Arboretum Website
Permit Fee:
1-4 subjects = $50/member; $100 non-member
5-15 subjects = $175/member; $225 non-member
16-25 subjects = $225/member; $300 non-member
The permit fee includes the Arboretum entry fee for all members of the photography party. See chart below for current prices. Prices are subject to change without prior notice. For Prom pictures, parents and other guests are charged at a discounted rate of $10 per person (youth 2-17 are free). Your permit fee supports the mission of the Arboretum. The use of a credit card is the preferred method of payment.
Application Process: Complete the Google form “2019 Photo Permit Request” and follow instructions to submit the form. 2019 Photography Permit Online Request Form. Please note that if you need a permit in less than three (3) business days, complete the form as directed and add a $25 late fee to your order.
Please show the Gatehouse attendant a copy of your permit upon arrival. Security personnel may also ask for a copy of your permit to verify the number of people in your party.
Terms & Conditions: Permit sales are subject to availability, and the permit must be applied for at least three days prior to the date of photography (a $25 fee is added to last minute transactions). The last permit on weekends (Fri – Sun) is good until 4 PM. See photo permit request form below for more information on fees and regulations. Prices are subject to change without prior notice. When you decide to hold your event at The Morton Arboretum, we will gladly waive the customary permit fee. All our permits are nonrefundable. However, in case of inclement weather, you can either reschedule or get a credit for another photo opportunity during the year the permit was issued for.
Contact: photography@mortonarb.org
St James Farm
Website: DuPage County Photography Permit Website
Permit Fee:
DuPage Residents – 200.00 annually; $55 one-time permit (maximum three hours)
Non DuPage Residents – 250.00 annually; $75 one-time permit (maximum three hours)
Application Process: Photographers can purchase a photography permit through Visitor Services at 630-933-7248. You are required to carry proof of insurance and must complete and return the still portrait photography permit application (PDF). Please allow three to five business days for processing.
Terms & Conditions: Commercial and “for profit” photography requires a valid permit in your possession.
• Carry your permit with you during any for-profit photo shoot, and present it to a Forest Preserve District agent for inspection if requested.
• Ensure your certificate of insurance remains current for the duration of your still portrait photography permit.
• If you have an annual permit, notify Visitor Services of all photo shoots at least three business days in advance.
• Hold photo shoots only during regular forest preserve hours (one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset), and make sure they do not last more than three hours. The Forest Preserve District may prohibit a shoot if you do not provide additional requested information or if the shoot might conflict with previously scheduled activities, damage property, affect other forest preserve visitors,or use restricted areas.
• The Forest Preserve District may restrict the number of people in a shoot or the use of models, sets or props. Props are especially restricted at Danada Equestrian Center, Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, Kline Creek Farm, Mayslake Peabody Estate and Willowbrook Wildlife Center. Alcoholic beverages are always prohibited.
• Park only in designated areas. Do not block trails, roads or parking lots or prevent other forest preserve visitors from accessing any areas. Your permit does not grant you exclusive use of an area.
• Do not disrupt Forest Preserve District employees or ask them to deviate from their normal duties to accommodate your shoot.
• Only photograph contracted participants; do not photograph other forest preserve visitors or Forest Preserve District employees or vehicles.
• Do not solicit, advertise or collect fees on Forest Preserve District property.
Annual permits are valid January – December only. Fees are nonrefundable, and permits are nontransferable. You can change a daily permit one time up to one week in advance for a $5 fee. There’s a $5 fee to replace a lost or stolen annual permit.
There may be additional fees for special requests such as permission to use oversized props, to drive to sites other than designated parking areas, or to hold photo shoots at certain locations.
As a permit holder you agree to abide by these rules and regulations as well as all Forest Preserve District ordinances and administrative orders and state statutes. You also understand that the Forest Preserve District may fine you or revoke your permit without refunding your permit fee if you supply false information on your application or fail to comply with any rules, regulations, ordinances, orders or statutes.
Contact: 630-933-7248
Waterfall Glen
Website: Waterfall Glen Photo Permit Website
Permit Fee:
DuPage Residents – 200.00 annually; $55 one-time permit (maximum three hours)
Non DuPage Residents – 250.00 annually; $75 one-time permit (maximum three hours)
Application Process: Photographers can purchase a photography permit through Visitor Services at 630-933-7248. You are required to carry proof of insurance and must complete and return the still portrait photography permit application (PDF).
Please allow three to five business days for processing.
Terms & Conditions: Commercial and “for profit” photography requires a valid permit in your possession.
• Carry your permit with you during any for-profit photo shoot, and present it to a Forest Preserve District agent for inspection if requested.
• Ensure your certificate of insurance remains current for the duration of your still portrait photography permit.
• If you have an annual permit, notify Visitor Services of all photo shoots at least three business days in advance.
• Hold photo shoots only during regular forest preserve hours (one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset), and make sure they do not last more than three hours. The Forest Preserve District may prohibit a shoot if you do not provide additional requested information or if the shoot might conflict with previously scheduled activities, damage property, affect other forest preserve visitors,or use restricted areas.
• The Forest Preserve District may restrict the number of people in a shoot or the use of models, sets or props. Props are especially restricted at Danada Equestrian Center, Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, Kline Creek Farm, Mayslake Peabody Estate and Willowbrook Wildlife Center. Alcoholic beverages are always prohibited.
• Park only in designated areas. Do not block trails, roads or parking lots or prevent other forest preserve visitors from accessing any areas. Your permit does not grant you exclusive use of an area.
• Do not disrupt Forest Preserve District employees or ask them to deviate from their normal duties to accommodate your shoot.
• Only photograph contracted participants; do not photograph other forest preserve visitors or Forest Preserve District employees or vehicles.
• Do not solicit, advertise or collect fees on Forest Preserve District property.
Annual permits are valid January – December only. Fees are nonrefundable, and permits are nontransferable. You can change a daily permit one time up to one week in advance for a $5 fee. There’s a $5 fee to replace a lost or stolen annual permit.
There may be additional fees for special requests such as permission to use oversized props, to drive to sites other than designated parking areas, or to hold photo shoots at certain locations.
As a permit holder you agree to abide by these rules and regulations as well as all Forest Preserve District ordinances and administrative orders and state statutes. You also understand that the Forest Preserve District may fine you or revoke your permit without refunding your permit fee if you supply false information on your application or fail to comply with any rules, regulations, ordinances, orders or statutes.
Contact: 630-933-7248