Formal Photography

Lincoln Park Zoo’s unique gardens, animal habitats, and historic features create an ideal setting for visitors who want to memorialize their special day.

While the zoo encourages visitors to take photos for personal use, location permits are required when using the zoo’s unique assets as a backdrop for formal posed photography—including for weddings, proms, graduations, professional family photo shoots, and similar events.

Permits

The zoo charges $150 per session for formal photography permits. This payment is considered a tax-deductible donation and helps keep Lincoln Park Zoo free and open 365 days a year.

Exceptions

Visitors who have rented space at Lincoln Park Zoo for a wedding ceremony, wedding reception, or other special occasion can take photographs or videos during their rental time with no additional fee.

Rules & Regulations

• Permits are issued for one-hour sessions, subject to availability.
• Payments are accepted by credit/debit card, check and cash.
• All payments must be made payable to “Lincoln Park Zoo.”
• For weekend photo shoots, signed authorization forms and payment must be processed by the preceding Friday.
• Photography taking place outside regular zoo hours may incur additional fees.
• Shoots will be canceled if they cause damage to zoo property or plants, injury to a zoo animal, or unreasonable disruption to other zoo guests.
• Guests cannot bring animals, plants, balloons, or props onto zoo property, including Nature Boardwalk, Café Brauer and gated grounds. Please consult Lincoln Park Zoo’s Code of Conduct for additional information.

Request a Permit

To request a formal photography permit, email Hana Johnstone at hjohnstone@lpzoo.org.

Please provide your preferred date, time, and location as well as the reason for the photography session.

DOWNLOAD PERMIT APPLICATION