Photo & Film Permits

Candid “vacation style” pictures for personal use only are permitted on Montalvo’s grounds, and may include the use of tripods and monopods. However, any additional photographic equipment and other uses for such photos require a permit in advance.

Wedding, engagement, prom, head shots, family portraits, model shoots, student projects, event-related, drone photo/videos, and all other professional portrait photography are permitted by appointment only and are subject to certain permit and fee requirements. Base permit fees for photography are dependent on the size of the party being photographed:

1–5: $200
5–10: $500
10–15: $750
>15: $1,000

Additional fees may apply depending on the scale and nature of the shoot.

At least two weeks prior to the requested date, please submit your Photography Permit Request and credit card authorization to Montalvo by email at permits@montalvoarts.org.

Commercial filming and photography are permitted by appointment only and are subject to the terms and conditions of Montalvo’s Film Production Agreement which includes certain fee, permit and insurance requirements. For details and fees with regard to any of the above, please contact the Events Department by calling 408-961-5829 or emailing events@montalvoarts.org.