It's a known fact - figuring out permits for photography in Colorado is anything but easy. Every municipality, State Park, and National Park has its own set of guidelines and fees, and 90% of the time, they don't make sense. If you're a photographer, we're doing our best to help you out here.
Jefferson County Open Space
Single-day photography permit $25
Annual photography permit $100
Note: If you're filming or need props, you need to apply for the 'Other Commercial Activity permit.'
Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (Boulder OSMP)
Annual - Limited - $50
This Permit allows up to 50 visits to the park with a max of 16 people in your group (including yourself)
Annual - Unlimited - $300
Rocky Mountain National Park
Single Session - $50
Annual - $300
- If you pay for six single sessions at RMNP, you are eligible for the annual Permit, however, you must reach out to the park to have it acknowledged.
- You'll need a permit for any professional photography, even a trade shoot.
- If you're photographing a wedding/elopement ceremony, the couple will need a different permit for $200, which will cover photography.
City of Denver
Red Rocks Amphitheater - One Time Use - $25
Denver Public Property - $0
Lookout Mountain park - $0*
Note that Lookout Mountain has multiple parks, some under the City and County of Denver, and others with Jefferson County Open Space.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Annual Permit: $500
Single-Use depending on group size:
- 1-6 People $100
- 7-13: $250
- 14-20: $400
These prices are for both the York Street and Chatfield Farms locations. The permits are good fora 2-hour limit.
Colorado Parks & Wildlife
If you're planning a photography session at any Colorado Park & Wildlife location, it's best to contact that specific park's ranger directly. Each park can have different fees and regulations. They also may change based on group size and duration of your project. For example, Roxborough and Golden Gate Canyon State park both have very different structures and fees. Also, you'll still have to pay for each vehicle in the park.
Roxborough - $55 - quarterly
Golden Gate Canyon State Park - $30 per day per client
White River National Forest
Based on the number of people on site:
Colorado Springs
Any Colorado Springs park requires a permit if photos are being used for advertising a product/service. They are not necessary if the photography is for senior portraits, family, engagement, or wedding photos. You can find the details here.
If you are creating commercial photography for advertisements in Colorado Springs, their website currently lists $250 a day for all parks and $500/day for the Garden of the Gods Park. Plus a $25 application processing fee.
Great Sand Dunes
Photography Permit $200 Annual
Student Photography Permit: $100 Annual
A note on NPS - don't be confused, if you're doing a trade shoot, you'll still need a permit. NPS considers anything you post on social media personal gain. Fines for not having a permit are $5,000 or up to six months in jail.
Did we get everything? Not even nearly. When in doubt, it's best to call the municipality or park ranger directly.