Permit Related COVID-19 Updates:

THE GARFIELD & LINCOLN PARK CONSERVATORIES ARE CLOSED AND BUCKINGHAM FOUNTAIN IS OFF UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Media Permits will not be issued for events prior to July 1st. All Permit Applications must follow the guidelines for the current phase according to the City’s “Protecting Chicago” framework which can be found here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/reopening-business-portal.html. The District strongly urges patrons to take precautions to protect their health and the safety of others while in our parks. Face coverings are required at all times.

Refund Policy for Existing Permits: 

Events through September 7th:  Amendment fee waived for postponing to a later date in 2020*; cancellations result in a refund of the entire security deposit and permit rental fee.
Events after September 7th:  Follow Amendment and Cancellation policies as listed on page 1 of the Special Event Permit Application.

*We are unable to postpone events into next year. Media Permit Applications for 2021 are accepted beginning Friday, November 6, 2020.

Cancellations and postponements must be done via email.

Contact us at MediaApp@chicagoparkdistrict.com or by leaving a voicemail at (312) 763-6710 and a staff member will return your call.
 



A permit is required for the following types of filming and photography

  • Non-commercial use, such as engagement, wedding, and other special occasions
  • Commercial, such as advertising, catalog photos, publications
  • Documentary
  • Web-based media
  • News media filming & photography 
  • Student projects
    • Student applicants will be required to submit proof of enrollment in an accredited school working on a class project, to qualify for a student rate.
       

2020 Permit Pricing

$35 Application Fee plus the following amounts:

MEDIA PERMIT TYPES SECURITY DEPOSIT PERMIT FEES INSURANCE REQUIRED


Non-Commercial Filming/Photography
e.g. Wedding Photos
No Fee


$45 (per location, per hour)
No


Non-Commercial Student Filming/Photography
No Fee


$45 (per location, per date)

Yes


Still Photography
$520


$875 (per location, per date)
Yes


Filming Level 1
1-5 crew, talent, vendors, volunteers, etc.

$200


$310 (per location, per date)
Yes


Filming Level 2
6-12 crew, talent, vendors, volunteers, etc.

$520


$500 (per location, per date)
Yes


Filming Level 3
13-20 crew, talent, vendors, volunteers, etc.

$520


$1,125 (per location, per date)
Yes


Filming Level 4
21 and greater crew, talent, vendors, volunteers, etc.
$5,200


$2,100 (per location, per date)
Yes

Note: Media Permit availability may be limited during peak periods. Additional fees may apply for indoor locations which vary by site.

 

Reserving a Permit
 

Reserving a Permit for Non-Commercial Photography at the Following Select Locations

  • At Garfield & Lincoln Park Conservatories, and Buckingham Fountain - NEW Online reservations are available!
    Click on the button below to reserve a permit online for non-commercial media at Garfield & Lincoln Park Conservatories and Buckingham Fountain.

    Reserve a Non-Commerical Permit for Conservatories or Buckingham Fountain

     
  • At Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, Lincoln Park Zoo, Maggie Daley Park and Cancer Survivors Garden, Millennium Park, and Olive Park
    These sites are not managed by the Chicago Park District.  Please contact the location directly for media permits.
    * Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool | (773) 883-7275
    * Lincoln Park Zoo | (312) 742-2000
    * Maggie Daley Park & Cancer Survivors Garden | (312) 552-3000
    * Millennium Park |  (312) 744-6050
    * Olive Park |  (312) 744-8758
    Note: The fees listed above do not apply to these locations. Confirm fees with the location directly.  
     

Reserving a Permit for News Media Filming & Photography

To conduct a professional journalism-based activity on park property an approved News Media Confirmation Form is required.  To obtain this form, contact the Chicago Park District Department of Communications at (312) 742-4786. Fees do not apply for news media filming & photography.

 

Reserving a Permit for All Other Filming & Photography

 

 


For any additional questions, view our Frequently Asked Questions page, or call (312) 763-6710.