Answer: Filming and photography may require a permit to manage the activity in the park and to protect park resources and values while minimizing conflict between user groups or to ensure public safety. Additionally, photos and film for personal gain, enhancing portfolios, benefiting a business, advertising, and more require permitting.
You must obtain a permit for still photo shoots and filming in the parks. We must receive your application at least 10 days before the intended photo shoot.
Still Photo
Still Photography Policies, Procedures & Schedule of Fees
All event organizers should thoroughly review the Photography Permit Application prior to applying for an event. This will help answer numerous questions you may have when completing the application.
- Photography Permit Application [PDF]
- See FAQ Tab
Application Process:
Step 1: Complete the Photography Permit Application in its entirety, if sections are left blank your application will not be accepted.
Step 2: Submit the completed application to MPRB staff using one of the submittal options below.
- Email a PDF version to permits@minneapolisparks.org
- Mail or bring in a copy to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (2117 West River Road North Minneapolis, MN 55411)
- Fax in a copy to 612-314-8675
Step 3: Your application will be reviewed by MPRB staff in the order in which it was received. Please plan on submitting your application at least 10 days prior to your requested date(s).
Step 4: Staff will then approve the permit or have follow-up questions/reasons for denial.
Commercial Fees
$315 per day and location
Individual/Group Portrait Fees
$47 per 1.5 hours
$315 annual
Change Order Fee
You will need a new permit.
$35 per change order
Annual Still Photo
Enjoy using the Minneapolis Parks for beautiful photographic backgrounds. Pass is for individual or group portraits. Pass is valid for a 12-month period from the month of purchase.
Annual Photography Policies, Procedures & Schedule of Fees
All event organizers should thoroughly review the Annual Photography Permit Application prior to applying for a permit. This will help answer numerous questions you may have when completing the application
- Photography Permit Application [PDF]
- See FAQ Tab
Ways to Apply for a Permit:
Option 1: Online
Apply for a PermitOption 2: PDF Application can be emailed, Faxed or Mailed.
Application Process:
Step 1: Complete the Annual Photography Permit Application in its entirety, if sections are left blank your application will not be accepted.
Step 2: Submit the completed application to MPRB staff using one of the submittal options below.
- Email a PDF version to permits@minneapolisparks.org
- Mail or bring in a copy to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (2117 West River Road North Minneapolis, MN 55411)
- Fax in a copy to 612-314-8675
Step 3: Your application will be reviewed by MPRB staff in the order in which it was received. Please plan on submitting your application at least 10 days prior to your requested date(s).
Step 4: Staff will then approve the permit or have follow-up questions/reasons for denial.
Video Filming
Filming Policies, Procedures & Schedule of Fees
All event organizers should thoroughly review the Filming Permit Application prior to applying for a permit. This will help answer numerous questions you may have when completing the application
- Filming Permit Application [PDF]
- See FAQ Tab
Application Process:
Step 1: Complete the Filming Permit Application in its entirety, if sections are left blank your application will not be accepted.
Step 2: Submit the completed application to MPRB staff using one of the submittal options below.
- Email a PDF version to permits@minneapolisparks.org
- Mail or bring in a copy to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (2117 West River Road North Minneapolis, MN 55411)
- Fax in a copy to 612-314-8675
Step 3: Your application will be reviewed by MPRB staff in the order in which it was received. Please plan on submitting your application at least 10 days prior to your requested date(s).
Step 4: Staff will then approve the permit or have follow-up questions/reasons for denial.
Documentary Fees
$262 per day and location
Low Impact Commercial Fees
$525 per day and location
Low impact is defined as:
- Less than five crew and less than ten talents
- A maximum of two crew trucks allowed
- No semi-trailers
High Impact Commercial Fees
$1,050 per day and location
Major Motion Picture
Fees negotiable based on impact
Change Order Fee
You will need a new permit.
$50 per change order
Insurance Information
Applicants must file a certificate of insurance in the amount of $250,000/$750,000 for bodily injury – $300,000 property damage with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board as an additional named insured for the time associated with the event.
Send certificate of insurance to:
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Special Services/Permits
2117 West River Road
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55411
Drones
Drone Use Application, Procedures & Fees
Approved Drone Permit uses are listed below. Permits are required for all drone flight that is from, within and on Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board property.
Approved Permitted Uses
- Construction documentation
- Bridge Inspection
- Public Safety
- Emergency Services
- Commercial Filming/Photography
- Media (Professional Accredited Press)
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board reviews applications on a case-by-case basis and consent or deny requests based on location conditions and specific agency guidelines.
Drone Use Permit Application [PDF]
Documents required to be submitted along with a Drone Use Application:
- Filming/Photography Permit Application (if necessary)
- Site Plan, included Detailed Flight Plan
- Drone Insurance
- FAA Pilots License
- Drone Registration Certificate
Application Process:
Step 1: Complete the Drone Use Permit Application in its entirety if sections are left blank your application will not be accepted.
Step 2: Submit the completed application to MPRB staff using one of the submittal options below.
- Email a PDF version to permits@minneapolisparks.org
- Mail or bring in a copy to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (2117 West River Road North Minneapolis, MN 55411)
- Fax in a copy to 612-314-8675
Step 3: Your application will be reviewed by MPRB staff in the order in which it was received. Please plan on submitting your application at least 10 days prior to your requested date(s).
Step 4: Staff will then approve the permit or have follow-up questions/reasons for denial.
Drone Use Fees:
$100 per day and location
Insurance Information
Applicants are required to submit a Certificate of Insurance in the amount of $1,500,000 for General Liability Coverage with the MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD listed as an additional insured for the event and date(s) of all preparation for such event occurring on MRPB property.
Send certificate of insurance to:
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Special Services/Permits
2117 West River Road
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55411
FAQ
Why do we require a photography/filming permit in the parks?
What is the difference between commercial and still photography on the application?
Commercial Photography: These photographs are often used for the promotional marketing of a business including website placement, product previews, and business card/marketing material images.
Still Photography: It applies to low impact (minimal props and equipment) photo session for personal use by a private individual, these are typically to document a time in your life – not for high-traffic viewing or advertising.
What are the location limits of my permit?
You are limited to the physical park location your permit lists, unless otherwise stated in the notes a permit. For example, you may not take photos at Lake Nokomis if your permit lists only Minnehaha Park as your permitted location.
Do I require insurance for photography/filming?
Still Photography: No, for personal use photography we do not require insurance
Commercial Photography and Filming: Yes, we do require insurance, please see each application for minimum limits required.