How to Get a Photography Permit in Washington DC

Big news if you’re planning an engagement session or elopement on the National Mall: as of February 15, 2025, most small photography sessions no longer require an NPS permit.

I recently submitted a permit application for an engagement session at the Jefferson Memorial and received a written response directly from the National Mall and Memorial Parks permits office confirming that the EXPLORE Act now exempts many photography sessions from the permit requirement. I’m sharing the details here so you know exactly where you stand.

Do You Still Need a Permit?

For most couples doing an engagement session, elopement, or bridal portraits on the National Mall, you probably don’t need one anymore.

Here’s what the permits office confirmed to me in writing. You are exempt from the photography permit requirement if:

• The activity occurs in an area open to the public
• The activity does not require exclusive use of a site or area
• The activity does not involve sets or staging equipment — handheld gear only (tripod, monopod, or handheld lighting is fine)
• Your group is 8 people or fewer
• Your photographer is working with one camera and/or one light — additional equipment beyond that may still require a permit, even if your group is under 8

If all of those apply to you, you’re good to go. No application, no fee, no waiting.

Who Still Needs a Permit?

You’ll still need to go through the permit process if:

• Your group is more than 8 people (this includes everyone — couple, photographer, assistants, family members tagging along)
• You’re bringing additional equipment beyond one camera and one light
• You need exclusive access to a specific area
• Your shoot is commercial in nature, beyond standard portrait photography

If You Do Need a Permit, Here’s How to Apply

The process hasn’t changed for those who still need it. Here’s how it works:

1. Determine Your Location: Identify the specific areas or monuments you would like to set as your primary location, as permits are location-specific.

2. Complete the Application: Fill out the online application form. Provide detailed information about the shoot, including the purpose, date, and location. For the equipment section, you can add that your photographer will have one DSLR camera and lenses.

3. Pay the Fee: The NPS charges $90 for the application. The location fee starts at $50, which varies based on the size of your group. Usually, for a couple’s sessions and up to 10 people, it will cost $140. You can send your credit card information to be processed faster (you need to fill out another form). If mailing, include a check or money order as payment.

4. Send your form: Applications cannot be emailed and must be submitted at least four days before your session. Mail your form to National Mall and Memorial Parks, Division of Permits Management, 1100 Ohio Drive, SW, Washington, DC 20242, or drop it off in person. For a quicker response, consider faxing it to 202-475-2216 using a mobile app.

5. Wait for Approval: Once your application is submitted and the fee is paid, wait for NPS approval. It’s advisable to apply well in advance to ensure you obtain your permit on time. If you need a permit quickly, you can call 202-245-4715 to expedite the process. After approval, NPS will email you for your signature. Remember to bring the permit to your session.

6. Good to know: You can transfer your date if needed. Email NPS to request a change of date to avoid losing your application.

What About the U.S. Capitol?

The Capitol grounds are managed separately by the U.S. Capitol Police, not the NPS, so the EXPLORE Act exemption does not apply here. You’ll still need to submit a permit application to:

U.S. Capitol Police, Special Events Division 119 D St., N.E., Room 102 Fax: (202) 228-2429

Hours: Monday–Friday, 7am–6pm

What About the U.S. National Arboretum?

As of February 2025, the U.S. National Arboretum no longer issues photography permits. If you were planning a session there, reach out to the Arboretum directly to confirm current access policies before booking.

A Note on the NPS Website

At the time of writing, the NPS website hasn’t been fully updated to reflect the EXPLORE Act changes yet — the permits office told me directly that updates are coming. If you’re unsure whether your specific session qualifies for the exemption, contact the Division of Permits Management before your shoot rather than assuming either way.

NPS Permits Office contact: 📍 1100 Ohio Drive, SW, Washington, DC 20242 📠 Fax: 202-475-2216