Photography Policy

• Amateur photography: If you’re wandering the grounds and snapping photos with your cellphone or personal point-and-shoot, you do not need a Photo Location Permit. Please review the Tourist Photo Tips section below.
• Professional photography: If you’re a professional photographer (i.e., you charge for your services) or if you’re hiring a professional photographer (i.e., you’re paying someone for their services), you need to obtain a Photo Location Permit.  
• Photography or videography for commercial use: Not covered by regular location permit terms. Please see the “Commercial Use Guidelines” section below for more information. 

Please remember that the Cathedral and the 57 acres of the Cathedral Close are private property and sacred ground. The Cathedral reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to withhold or withdraw permission to photograph or video on its premises, and to restrict the commercial use of photographs taken on Cathedral grounds. 

Photography Location Permit

Basic location permit rates start at $250/day, depending on seasonality, the number of people participating in the photo shoot and the equipment being used. All fees directly support the mission of Washington National Cathedral.

TO REQUEST A PERMIT: Please use the request form at the bottom of this webpage. You will be asked to include information such as:

• Photographer name/company
• Reason for the photography session
• Desired date (must be at least two weeks in the future) and second desired start date
• Requested shoot start and end time (note two hour limit of increments of permits)
• Number of crew members including photographer
• Number of non-crew participants attending, including subjects, family/friends, etc.
• Photography equipment to be used

Once approved, you will receive instructions via email to complete your Photo Location Permit purchase.

Important Notes:

• A location permit will not be issued until the date and time has been cleared with the Cathedral calendar. Permits can take up to two (2) weeks to approve.
• All permits are subject to the discretion of, and approval by, the Cathedral’s Events Office.
• Photo Location Permits apply only to the Cathedral exterior, permitted grounds, and the Bishop’s Garden 
• Photo Location Permits do NOT include:
  • The Cathedral Garth fountain area (which is a memorial garden)
  • Other buildings and grounds on the Cathedral Close, including: St. Alban’s Church, Church House of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, National Cathedral School, St. Albans School, or Beauvoir School
  • The interior of the Cathedral, which may only be used for photography to commemorate ceremonies or life events that occur inside the Cathedral (i.e., for couples married inside the Cathedral by Cathedral clergy).
• Permits can be rescheduled due to weather conditions or other last-minute changes. Changes must be requested via email at least two (2) business days in advance of original permit date.

• Approval of Permits: A permit will not be issued until the date and time has been cleared with the Cathedral calendar. All permits are subject to the discretion of, and approval by, the Cathedral. Photo Location Permits can take up to two (2) weeks to approve and are non-refundable.
• Rates: Basic location permit rates start at $250/day, depending on seasonality, the number of people participating in the photo shoot and the equipment being used. All fees directly support the mission of Washington National Cathedral.
• Commercial Endorsement: No photographer, photography, or commercial enterprise may expressly or implicitly convey the endorsement of the Cathedral for any product or service.
• Inclement Weather or Change in Operations at the Cathedral: Permits can be rescheduled due to predicted weather conditions or other last-minute changes at the Cathedral. Changes must be requested via email at least two (2) business days in advance of original permit date.
• Respect and Dignity of the Cathedral’s Sacred Spaces: All guests are expected to respect the sacred space and traditions of Washington National Cathedral. As such, photo shoots that feature any nudity or indecently/scantily clad subjects will not be approved or permitted on the grounds of the Cathedral.
• Decorations: The use of balloons, confetti, rose petals, arches, or any other type of decorations will not be authorized. No materials of any kind may be attached to historic structures, plant materials, grounds or facilities.
• Obstructions: Permittees may not obstruct sidewalks, roads, stairs, entrances or other visitor facilities. This includes the use of props, tents, autos, tables, or other furniture.
• Visitor Obstruction: Photography shoots shall not prevent general visitors to the grounds from accessing an area. They may be asked, politely, not to approach, but once the shot has been completed, the visitors may proceed. No public area may be closed to visitor access.
• Changing Rooms: Changing rooms are not available.
• Electrical outlets: Electrical outlets are not available and under no circumstances shall any equipment be plugged into Cathedral outlets. Generators are not permitted.
• Food and Beverage: The establishment of caterers, any food service, alcoholic beverages, receptions or parties are prohibited.
• Audio Disturbance: No public address system is permitted and music volumes are highly regulated. Noise levels must not exceed normal speaking volumes.
• Vehicles & Parking: All vehicles must be parked in designated areas only. All vehicles must be kept off the lawn and planted areas.
• Drones: Per Federal Law in DC, operating a drone is prohibited.
• Monitor: All photo shoots are required to have a valid permit on-hand at all times. Photo shoots are subject to monitoring or spot checking by Cathedral staff and/or Security for compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit and to ensure that no resource damage or visitor conflicts are occurring. All photographers and visitors to the Cathedral grounds must abide by the direction of Cathedral staff and/or Cathedral Police.
• Photo Equipment: If the location permit allows for a tripod or lighting equipment, that equipment may not be set up within garden beds, fountains, or steps. If a tripod or other photography equipment is being used, all photographers must remain with their equipment at all times. Equipment may not obstruct any public paths, roads, etc.
• Time limit: All permits will be written for a maximum of two hours, unless specified in the permit.
• Natural Resource Protection: Permittees are not allowed to climb on structures, sculptures, railings, trees, other plantings, or walls. The gardens are a living, breathing space and the restrictions are needed to protect the flora and fauna as well as the safety of our visitors.
• Lost or Stolen Items: The Cathedral is not responsible for lost or damaged personal property. Please do not leave valuables in your car.

Failure to abide by these rules will result in cancellation of the shoot without any refund, and guests will be escorted off the grounds. 

The mass-production and sale of merchandise using Cathedral images is forbidden. The publication, public distribution, or public display of Cathedral images in any way that might imply Cathedral endorsement is not covered under the terms of photo and video permits, and is subject to separate written approval. 

The Cathedral does not typically pay for images, artistic depictions or reproductions that it has not commissioned, but it welcomes new Cathedral images and will gladly consider them for editorial use. Please contact our Events Office for more information. 

If you are looking to film the Cathedral in a professional or commercial video project, video permit fees and restrictions will apply. Learn more about our filming policies.

The Cathedral is not available as a backdrop for modeling shoots, glamour shots or in any other way that can help you sell your product.

If you still have questions, contact our Events Office. 

• Availability and Cancellations: All Photo Location permits are subject to the discretion of and approval by the Cathedral. At its sole discretion, the Cathedral and/or the Cathedral Police reserve the right to cancel any permit. Permit fees for any canceled day will be refunded at the Cathedral’s discretion.
• Permits are issued rain or shine and are non-refundable. They can be rescheduled due to weather conditions or other last-minute changes, a maximum of two times. Changes must be requested via email at least two (2) business days in advance of original permit date.
• Failure to Abide by Terms and Conditions: Cancellation of the permit activities without refund and denial of future privileges may result if the following terms and conditions are not fully adhered to. Purchase of a Photo Location permit constitutes agreement with these rules and conditions.

• After purchasing your photo permit, you will receive a ticket email with a pdf attachment. This attachment is your permit; please read the information on your permit carefully.
• You are welcome to arrive at any time within the timeframe confirmed with your permit. However, you are not allowed to stay past the end time of your permit.
• We are able to assist with rescheduling permits Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM at [email protected] or 202-537-2228. We are not available on weekends or after hours, and will get back to any inquiries during our regular business hours.
• Permits are issued rain or shine and are non-refundable. They can be rescheduled due to weather conditions or other last-minute changes a maximum of two times.

While inside the Cathedral, please follow these guidelines:

• No photography or video during worship services or concerts.
• Follow the guidance of Cathedral staff and signage. Visitors may be limited in the use of photo equipment such as tripods or selfie sticks.
• Don’t make another person the primary subject of a photo without their express permission. Many people visit the Cathedral for private prayer; please respect their personal space and privacy.