All photographers conducting business on Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) property or in FCPA facilities must obtain a photography permit. The permit is issued to an individual and is good for one year from the date of purchase. The $25 permit can be purchased online by credit card.
Where Can I Shoot Commercial Photography?
The annual Commercial Photography Permit covers commercial photography at over 400 parks without additional fees or reservations.
Reservations and Additional Fees (Colvin Run Mill, Sully Historic Site and Ellanor C. Lawrence Park)
- For small-group photo sessions (total of 11 people or fewer, including photography staff) within a 2-hour period, no additional fee or site Photo Session Reservations are necessary.
- For groups of 12-19 people (including photography staff) within a 2-hour period, a Photo Session Reservation (with additional fee) is required. The fee is $25 per hour with a two-hour minimum.
- For large groups of 20-74 (including photography staff) within a 2-hour period, the fee is $100 for each two-hour photo session and an additional $50 per hour thereafter.
- Reservations are confirmed when the fee is paid.
Reservations and Additional Fees (Green Spring Gardens)
- For small-group photo sessions (total of 11 people or fewer, including photography staff) within a 2-hour period, a Photo Session Reservation (with additional fee) is required. The fee is $15 per hour with a two-hour minimum.
- For groups of 12-19 people (including photography staff) within a 2-hour period, a Photo Session Reservation (with additional fee) is required. The fee is $30 per hour with a two-hour minimum.
- For large groups of 20-74 (including photography staff) within a 2-hour period, the fee is $120 for each two-hour photo session and an additional $60 per hour thereafter.
- Reservations for 12 or more people are confirmed when the fee is paid.
Green Spring Gardens has specific criteria regarding photography at their site. For more information, please view their guidelines information sheet.
The two-hour minimum was established to ensure photographers have sufficient time to prepare, conduct and pack equipment after the session. Photo Session Reservations and fees are processed by the individual sites, on a space-available basis.
The commercial photography permit does not give the holder permission to conduct classes on Park Authority property. This requires a Business Activity License. For more information, please visit the Park Use Permit page.
