The Denver Colorado metro area is full of beautiful places for portrait photography. As a photographer, I feel extremely lucky to have so many incredible background options. However, many locations require a permit for professional photoshoots.
We created this list of popular photoshoot locations, where you might need a permit, so you could prepare in advance and avoid hefty fines.
Please remember to shoot responsibly, respectfully, and always carry liability insurance. Have a great session!
A photography permit is required when it is requested by the location/establishment or governing agency. You might also be asked if someone is making money from the photos. They call it for-profit or commercial photography. If the photos are for personal use and/or no one is making money from the photos, then you won't need a permit unless the location still requires it.
This list is based on our own experiences and research. Contact us if you feel something is incorrect or missing.
As of July 2020, NO, unless you have more than 5 people and/or equipment other than handheld cameras is being used. All permit applications for film and photography projects must be submitted at least 5 days in advance. All permits are free-of-charge unless exclusive use of space is desired.
Visit the denvergov.org website for more information.
Red Rocks is owned by the city and county of Denver. If you are just going to be on trails in the park and not in the amphitheater, then you would contact Denver Parks and Recreation. See the statement above.
The actual Red Rocks Amphitheater is owned by Denver Arts and Venues and you would need to reach out to them directly. Visit the Red Rocks Contact Page, under 'Department', select 'Photography/Video Permits' when filling our the contact form. There is no cost for single session family photography in the Amphitheater or the parking lots.
A permit is required but it's free. You can read more about it here.
They require a request and it cost $200 per hour. You can read more details here.
If simply taking a snapshot for personal use, not for profit or sales, no permission is required from Dairy Block.
They require a permit for professional shoots (no weddings) and their prices range from $100-$400 for a one-time permit. They also have an annual pass for $500. Find out more information on their photo policy page.
They require a permit if it's for commercial use, but you do not need one if the photos are not for sale and you are not being paid for them.
You can purchase the permit the same day and it's $20 for a quarterly photography permit. You will still need a vehicle pass to enter the park. Daily is $11, and annuals are $83.
For more information, view the Cherry Creek State Park: Photography Special Activity Agreement.
The single day photography permit fee is $25 or the yearly fee is $100. You can read more about it at Jefferson County Open Space. Jefferson County parks include; Lookout Mountain, Mt. Falcon, and the beautiful South Valley Park.
They have two options listed below. Visit the City of Boulder website for more details.
Annual: $25 application fee + $275 for commercial use or $125 for non-profits.
Limited: $25 application fee + $25 for commercial use or $25 for non-profits. Up to 50 visitors per year and groups of 16 or fewer.
They require a single session photography permit for $50. If you have obtained 6 or more permits, the park can convert you to an annual CUA for portrait photography for the remainder of the calendar year. You can find out more at the National Park Service website.
Their most common photo permit is $55, which consists of a $30 processing fee and a $25 flat-rate fee. Most photo permits are for a calendar quarter. Read more details on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
No, for now. You can read those details on the Colorado Springs website, where it states...
"At this time, professional photo or video projects where the final product is for a customer's personal use do not require a permit (this includes weddings, engagement photos, graduation photos, etc.)"
This might be changing soon and it will get expensive. Especially if you would like to shoot at Garden of the Gods. Read the story on KKTV.
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