Filming and Photography at Montsalvat

Conditions, Permits and Bookings 

We ask that all visitors to Montsalvat abide by our filming and photography conditions and guidelines to ensure the safety of all, and so that all visitors to Montsalvat can enjoy their experience here.   

  1. General visitors to Montsalvat are welcome to document their visit by taking photos or videos for their own personal use, and no Permit or booking is required for this. Visitors are permitted to use mobile phone cameras or small handheld cameras to take photos for their personal use. 

  2. The use of specialized photography and filming equipment such as reflectors, tripods, lighting or sound recording devices are not permitted except where a booking has been made and a Permit obtained. 

  3. Photography groups and hobbyist photography groups who wish to visit and photograph Montsalvat are welcome to do so without the obtainment of a Permit, provided that they meet the conditions as laid out in guidelines number (1 and number (2 

  4. The wearing of a nice outfit is permitted while taking casual photographs during your visit. However, if you have several bags or suitcases, containing many costumes or props, this is considered a photoshoot and requires a Permit and a booking made in advance of 7 days prior. If you are unsure, please enquire. 

  5. The flying of drones and drone photography is strictly prohibited except with prior approval from Montsalvat staff, which must be obtained in writing in advance of 7 days prior and a booking and Permit must be obtained. Those who obtain permission must follow the general guidelines and regulations as laid out on the CASA website. 

  6. The below types of filming and photography require a booking and the obtainment of a Permit; 

    • Commercial, promotional, brand or product filming or photography 

    • Professional filming or photography (you are, or have obtained a hired photographer/videographer) 

    • Wedding, engagement and proposal photography (Please note that weddings, ceremonies, and services are considered Events, rather than photography bookings, and must be approved and booked in advance by the Montsalvat Events team. Please see the Events at Montsalvat page and fill in the form found here to enquire further about hosting your Event at Montsalvat)

    • Student filming - Montsalvat offers special student discount rates for eligible student projects and productions. Please enquire to find out if your project is eligible for Montsalvat’s student discounts.  

    • Filming and photography for professional social media accounts 

    • Films and short films 

    • Personal photoshoots that are more than “documenting your visit”, containing costumes, outfit changes, props, sets or lighting equipment; that could be considered a “photoshoot” rather than just “taking photos” 

  7. To make a film or photography booking and obtain a Permit at Montsalvat, please complete the enquiry form found at the bottom of this page, at least 7 days prior to your preferred date. 

  8. Montsalvat is a Heritage property, and much of its artwork, furniture and buildings are Heritage listed. Please do not touch or lean on the windows or walls. Please do not climb or stand on any furniture, walls or buildings. We kindly ask that you please respect our grounds, buildings and artworks, so they may last for many more years to come.  

  9. Montsalvat is a family friendly creative precinct which is open to the public for tourism. Certain activities, portrayals or visuals that may be deemed sensitive to our public visitors. This includes nudity (partial or full), violence, horror or screaming (any portrayals of trauma), gore (including prosthetics and sfx makeup), sexual portrayals, weapons (especially those that could be considered realistic), and stunts of any kind. Please list any of the above, or any other potential sensitive activity when you complete an enquiry form. Failure to notify Montsalvat staff of potentially sensitive content, activities or portrayals prior to the beginning of your booked session may result in the immediate termination of your booking. 

  10. The following items are strictly forbidden: 

    • The use of smoke or haze machines 

    • Open flame, wax candles  

    • The movement of furniture and artwork, altering, affixing to or damaging buildings in any way

    • The flying of drones 

*Exceptions may be granted in special cases where a booking is made and a Permit obtained. 

Thank you for respecting our guidelines and conditions around filming and photography at Montsalvat. As a not-for-profit, creative organisation, all revenue generated is utilised to maintain our beautiful precinct, assist with the ongoing running costs of our creative programmes, and ensures that Montsalvat continues to thrive into the future.