Photo permits
near Denver.

Which parks west of Denver ask photographers for a permit, what it costs and how to get one. Checked in October 2026 by Mily & Danny in Genesee.

Start reading Photo sessions

The short version

A quick family snapshot is fine almost anywhere. Once a photographer is being paid, or the group or the gear gets bigger, many places ask for a permit. Rules change, so always check the park's own page before your session.

  1. Paid sessions usually need oneJefferson County Open Space, the Denver Botanic Gardens and Evergreen Lake all ask for a permit.
  2. Small and handheld is easiestIn Denver's parks, small groups with handheld cameras usually don't need a permit. Tripods, props and bigger groups change that.
  3. Leave the drone at homeDrones aren't allowed in Jefferson County Open Space or in Denver's mountain parks, including Red Rocks Park.

Place by place

What each one asked for when we checked in October 2026.

  1. Jefferson County Open SpaceLookout Mountain Nature Center, Mount Falcon, Elk Meadow and other county parks. Paid portrait photographers need the county's portrait permit. Since January 1, 2026, single-day permits are gone: the permit is $125 for the calendar year, bought online, and can take up to 10 business days. County permit page.
  2. Denver Mountain ParksRed Rocks Park, Genesee Park, Lookout Mountain Park and more. Denver's rules allow up to 5 people on mountain park trails without a permit, with handheld equipment only and no drones. Bigger shoots apply to Denver's Office of Special Events at least 5 business days ahead, and there's no fee to apply. Denver's film and photo page.
  3. Red Rocks AmphitheatreThe amphitheatre is run separately from the park around it. Check with Red Rocks directly before planning photos on the amphitheatre grounds, and plan around show days.
  4. Denver city parksSmall sessions are usually fine. Denver asks for a permit for 25 or more people in a city park, more than one tripod or any equipment beyond handheld items, or anything that blocks a sidewalk or path.
  5. Denver Botanic GardensEvery portrait session needs a permit, even with a friend behind the camera. A one-time permit is $150 for 1 to 6 people ($125 for members), covers up to 2 hours during open hours, and should be booked at least a week ahead. Pets aren't allowed. Gardens photography page.
  6. Evergreen LakeCommercial photo shoots need a permit from the Evergreen Park & Recreation District. Apply online; approved applications pay a $25 fee, and replies come within about 5 business days. Evergreen Lake page.
  7. Colorado state parksEach state park sets its own rules, and many ask for a photography permit on top of the entrance fee. Call or email the park before your session.
The snowy Indian Peaks under a blue sky, framed by two tall pine trunks above the stone wall

A private option, with no park permit

To be upfront, this one is ours. At Vista Amada in Genesee there's no park permit to buy: your session covers the place, only your group is here, and there's a restroom for outfit changes. The deck, the stone patio and the pines all face the Indian Peaks.

See our home

Rules and prices change. We read each park's own page in October 2026, but please confirm with the park before you book. If you spot something out of date, tell us and we'll fix it.

Plan your session

Bring your own photographer, have Danny take your photos, or ask us for names of local photographers whose work we like. Send us your date and we'll write back to talk it through.

Ask about a date

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