Filming & Video Policy
Washington National Cathedral, related buildings, and its grounds (the “Cathedral Close”) are private property. (collectively, “filming”) on the Cathedral Close are not permitted without prior written approval from the Cathedral’s Office of Public Affairs.
The Office of Public Affairs, in consultation with other Cathedral stakeholders, is responsible for reviewing filming requests. The Cathedral reserves the right to grant, deny, or revoke requests to film on the Cathedral Close at any time, for any reason.
Filming on Cathedral Close is rarely approved and generally limited to Cathedral-produced projects. External requests may be considered in exceptional cases aligned with the Cathedral’s mission.
This Policy does not apply to St. Albans School, National Cathedral School or Beauvoir School.
Cathedral visitors may film for personal, non-commercial use, on their personal devices or camera phones, without formal approval as long as filming:
- poses no risk to public safety;
- does not disrupt other visitors, students or staff; and
- is limited to hand-held and tripod equipment only.
Still photography is covered by a separate policy, and fees apply for the use of professional photographers.
Members of the press who wish to access Cathedral grounds to film must email the Office of Public Affairs at [email protected] and provide:
- Name and media outlet
- Nature and timing of request.
Requests will be reviewed as soon as feasible, typically within 24 hours.
Vendors and contractors involved in Cathedral events or rentals must obtain written permission from the Cathedral’s Office of Public Affairs to film promotional materials captured at any event held at the Cathedral. Any identifiable individuals must sign appropriate release forms. If approval is granted, use is limited to internal use and/or use by the vendor in direct connection with the Cathedral event.
The Cathedral does not permit filming for:
- Modeling or promotional content
- Advertising or product endorsements
- Any commercial purpose that implies Cathedral support
Use of the Cathedral as a backdrop for any such filming is strictly prohibited.
All other individuals or entities (e.g., students, organizations, production companies) must:
- Submit the online Request for Permission to Film form at least two weeks in advance of their requested filming date (see form at bottom of page)
- Provide a compelling reason for filming that aligns with the Cathedral’s mission
If your request is for a commercial or for-profit project, you must also submit:
- A written synopsis of the production
- A copy of the final script
- Any storyboards, treatments, or other materials detailing the project
Approval is not guaranteed, and most commercial or for-profit filming will not be approved.
Approved filming must comply with these conditions:
- Sign the Cathedral’s standard Location Agreement.
- No alternative contracts will be signed.
- Requests for changes will be reviewed by the Cathedral’s Chief Legal Officer, which may significantly delay the process.
- Filming is prohibited in any areas closed to the public for safety, security or privacy reasons.
- You may not film a person in an identifiable way without their express written consent.
- Use of the Cathedral’s name, logo, trademarks, or identity is prohibited without separate, written approval from the Cathedral’s Office of Public Affairs.
All filming requests must align with the Cathedral’s identity as a Christian church and house of prayer for all people. Projects that conflict with our mission or values will not be approved.
Request for Permission to Film Form
To request filming permission, please complete and submit at least two weeks prior to your proposed filming date. Incomplete information may result in delays.