**At the present time (June 2022), no commercial photography or film permits are being issued by the Navajo Nation due to COVID-19. When the Navajo Nation reopens at 100% we will update this page accordingly.**
The quick definition of commercial is that you plan to sell the photo or film footage. You can be a professional photographer and shoot Antelope Canyon with no intention of selling the photographs.
Here’s an excerpt from the Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation page:
Requests for commercial filming and photography in areas under the authority of the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department are received regularly. The purpose of these Commercial Filming and Photography Policy and Procedures is to establish guidelines to be followed in the application for, review, approval/disapproval, of commercial filming and photography permits.
Navajo Parks and Recreation Department shall allow commercial filming and photography in tribal parks, recreation areas, and monument only in a manner consistent with these policies and procedures.
Navajo Parks and Recreation Department, has the authority to issue filming permits in tribal park areas pursuant to Government Services Committee resolution GSCJY-18-04, Section IV. J.
These policies and procedures apply within tribal parks, recreation areas, monuments, and other areas under the authority and supervision of the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department. The policy and procedures also apply specifically to filming and photography undertaken for commercial purposes, i.e. for financial gain or public display and exhibition.
The following processing and monitoring fees will be assessed upon approval of your application:
- $100 Processing Fee for All Applications that have all the required information for one (1) person/entity. ($25 additional Processing Fee that involves requests for additional documentation or revisions.)
- $200 Processing Fee for Weddings, Film companies or Photography workshops that involve four (4) or more people.
- $500 Processing Fee for all “After-the-Fact” requests for photography permits. (Permits should be acquired before photo is taken).
- $250 Land Usage Fee for all areas. (NN Code, §17.)
- Staff/Monitoring Fees:
1-3 days: $50/day/staff/on-site
4+ days: $100/day/staff/on-site - Other fees for vehicles, backcountry site use, and a security deposit may apply.
Interested parties should fill out this Official Application for Filming/Special Use Permit or Application for Commercial Photography Permit and submit it to the Navajo Nation Department of Parks & Recreation for final approval.
37 Responses
Hi Alley and Happy 2023!
I am interested in photographing Upper Antelope Canyon.
It will be just me and a camera.
Hopefully…handheld I may get a pic or two good enough to sell.
I went to the Navajo website, on the permit it no longer lists Antelope Canyon!?
Any updates?
Thank You!!!
Hi John,
Happy 2023 to you, too!
At the present time, commercial photography permits are not being issued for the Antelope Canyons, which are technically part of the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park lands. As to when they will resume, unfortunately, we have yet not been informed. I would recommend contacting the Navajo Tribal Parks & Recreation Department directly at (928) 871-6647 or info@navajonationparks.org
Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Hi
Can I share photo and video with face book and you tube when I visited at Antelope Canyon? or need to any permit?
Hi Joseph,
Sharing your photos and video on social media does not require a permit, unless your accounts are monetized. The rule of thumb is as long as you’re not trying to make money off your images, you’re OK.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Alley 🙂
Hello I would like to do a music video very small independent project with five people involved who do I need to contact and how much will it cost
Hey Eva,
I am not sure when your music video project will take place, but the Navajo Indian Tribe is not issuing any commercial photography or filming permits at this time. You would need one to film in the Antelope Canyons. This is due to COVID-19 and the fact that many facilities and tours are operating at 75% capacity. If your project can be rescheduled for a future date, you would need to fill out a commercial film permit application . A $100 processing fee will be charged for all applications that have all the required information for one (1) person/entity; a $25 additional processing fee that involves requests for additional documentation or revisions will apply. $200 Processing Fee for Weddings, Film Companies or Photography workshops that involve four (4) or more people.
$500 Processing Fee for all “After-the-Fact” requests for photography permits. (Permits should be acquired before photo is taken). $250 Land Usage Fee for all areas.
Unfortunately, we do not know when the Navajo Tribe will resume issuing commercial film permits. You might start considering alternate locations not situated on tribal lands for your music video project, or call 928-871-6647 for more information.
If you require further information please contact me directly at horseshoe.bend.az@gmail.com.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Hi, I have taken several photos of Antelope Canyon as I live in Colorado. I was thinking of donating some photos of the Canyon to a non-profit organization. They, of course, will sell them at auction. Do I still need to get a permit? And, if I apply for a permit, does it matter that I am not a professional photographer? (I noticed that the application requests the name of my company).
Thanks
Hi Nancy,
Boy, that’s a good question and I have had no luck getting an answer via the Navajo Parks & Recreation website.
I would recommend phoning them at (928) 871-6647 or contacting them by e-mail info@navajonationparks.org
Good luck and thanks for contacting us,
Alley 🙂
Hi,
I was planning on taking my engagement photoshoot in April at the Antelope Canyon with a freelance photographer. What do I need to do for permits? Is it required for a tour guide company?
Hi Rhiann, and congratulations on your upcoming nuptials!
To take an engagement photo shoot in the Antelope Canyons requires permission from the Navajo Indian Tribe, on whose lands these canyons are situated. Since a guided tour is required to enter the Antelope Canyons, then you would need to coordinate with one of the tour guide companies to arrange this. Extra costs, on top of the regular tour fees, will most likely be involved.
If those requirements sound a bit inconvenient, that’s understandable. You might find it preferable to work with a local wedding/engagement planning service that can handle all the arrangements for you for a flat fee. There are several companies offering these services, but the one I’m most familiar with is Monumental Arizona Weddings (I know the owners personally). For more information, visit http://www.AntelopeCanyonWeddings.com or phone 480-980-8121.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
I am looking to plan a family vacation during g spring break. We always take family pictures at a beautiful destination to capture the memory!! Any recommendations on local photographers to use?
Hi Lacey,
Boy, that’s a good question, unfortunately, the best photographer in Page, AZ, I was personally acquainted with passed away a few years ago 🙁
You might consider joining the Page, AZ, Community Billboard group on Facebook and posting an inquiry there. You could also contact the Page/Lake Powell Hub, the local visitors center, for referrals. Their phone # is (928) 608-5749. If you happen to talk to Gordon, tell him Alley said “hi” 🙂
Hope you find what you’re looking for. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley
Hi – Me and a photographer are planning to take commercial pictures at the antelope canyon. We are traveling in from Germany and carry very small equipment with us – what is the best person / general email address I could write to in order to talk everything through in detail? I prefer emailing to calling as it is a couple of different matters I would need advice on and I can’t seem to be able to open this link you have directed people to before: navajonationparks.org/permits/commercial-film-photography/
Thank you very much!
Hi Maddie,
Sorry about the troubles with that link. It appears that their site may be down temporarily.
E-mail addresses for Antelope Canyon tour outfitters (since you’ll ultimately be traveling with one) are as follows:
Chief Tsosie’s Antelope Slot Canyon Tours – chieftsosie@yahoo.com
Roger Ekis’ Antelope Canyon Tours – tours@antelopecanyon.com
Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours – phone 928-310-9458 or 928-691-0244 (sorry, couldn’t find an e-mail)
Adventurous Antelope Canyon Photo Tours – aacptreserve@gmail.com
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂