Photography on Campus

Photography activities that require a permit

If you're a commercial photographer, filmmaker, or film and video company and want to use Capitol Campus for your activities, you must apply for a permit. 

Photography activities that don't require a permit

Government or press filming and photography activities don't require a permit.

You don't need a permit to take personal photos. You're allowed to take photos on the campus grounds and inside the Legislative Building. Tripods are not allowed.

How to get a permit

You should request a permit at least a month before the dates you plan to shoot or film. Permit requests can be complex, and we need time to review them.

Include the following information with your application:

• Shooting dates
• Copy of the script (if using one)
• Areas that you will use
• Number of people and vehicles you will bring to the filming location
• Name, address, and telephone number of the film maker or company 
• Name, address, and telephone number of the person who will represent you

How we determine permit approval

We consider whether:

• Your activities will infringe on the privacy of our clients and programs.
• Your presence on state property will disrupt state business unreasonably.

We may consult with other agencies depending on where you plan to shoot or film.

After you get your permit

Sign a contract

Once your request for a permit is approved, you must negotiate with us and sign a contract before you begin filming. 

Once we approve your contract, the Assistant Director of Facilities must approve and sign.

What the contract does

• Identifies filming dates and timeline for removal of equipment, supplies, and materials or debris after filming.
• Establishes the location fees and damage/cleaning deposit.
• Includes a rate schedule for reimbursing us for other expenses including staff time, parking, security and any other unplanned costs.
• Includes a hold harmless agreement to protect Washington State against any loss, injury, or damage that may result from the filmmaker’s presence on state property.

Certain areas under our care are extremely sensitive sites, and we have the authority to stop filming at any time. We may stop filming if you break any campus rules, raise security concerns, or violate your contract.

Washington State Patrol

We will consult with Washington State Patrol and coordinate security arrangements for your filming activities. When required by us, you must agree to final security arrangements with the Washington State Patrol at least one week before shooting. The final security arrangements will become part of your contract. 

Security arrangements are necessary to address things such as: 

• Site access limitations
• Street closures
• Traffic control

Your responsibilities

Before filming

You must:

• Pay permit fees, deposits or bonds.
• Submit a certificate of insurance naming Washington State as an additional insured. 
• Have a plan to protect the identification of certain clients and programs when your filming activities affect their privacy.
• Have your representative walk through the areas to be filmed with our representative.

During filming

You must:

• Comply with direction received from Washington State Patrol.
• Advise your crew that no disrespect or insensitivity to the buildings, grounds, tenants or general public will be tolerated.

After filming

You must remove all equipment, supplies, materials and/or debris.

Contact us

Please contact Events Services at (360) 902-8881 or campusevents@des.wa.gov.

Related laws and rules

Our photography and filming policy is based on:

• WAC 200-220 Use of the public areas of the capitol buildings and grounds
• WAC 296-800 Safety and health core rules