Photography & filming guidelines

According to Empire magazine the Old Royal Naval College is ‘the most popular filming location in the world‘.

The magnificent backdrops, inspiring interiors and spacious outdoor areas of the Old Royal Naval College feature regularly in documentaries, commercial campaigns, period dramas, music videos and major film productions.  

From Bridgerton and The Crown to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Old Royal Naval College is one of London’s favourite heritage film locations.  

Personal Photography 

We are keen for our visitors to enjoy their experience on our site and understand that taking and sharing of photographs can be a large part of that experience.  

Therefore, we are happy for you to take personal photographs using phones or small cameras and encourage you to share your experience and tag us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Use the hashtag #OldRoyalNavalCollege or #PaintedHall or tag us for a chance to be featured on our feed! 

Personal photography consists of general photographs of the site and buildings used to document and keep as a memory of your visit to the Old Royal Naval College. They are not to be used for commercial or financial gain. Please refrain from photographing or taking videos of any children or vulnerable adults without the express permission of their parent, carer or guardian.

Professional Photography

Professional photography of any kind is not allowed in any area of the Old Royal Naval College without prior permission. This includes modelling, influencer and sponsored content. If using professional equipment, you may be approached by a member of our staff to determine the nature of your photography.  

You will need prior authorisation for the use of tripods/monopods, drones, lighting, and props, as they can cause damage to the site. You will also need prior authorisation for the use of costumes, change of clothes, or anything that could negatively impact others experience of the site. If unsure, please ask a member of staff. 

Please click here to submit your enquiry.

Commercial Photography

Any photography for commercial purposes must be arranged in advance and we reserve the right to stop any commercial filming and photography which has not been appropriately authorised in advance. 

Applications for commercial filming should be submitted using the application form (link below) and sent to filming@ornc.org 

Provided appropriate time is given before a request, a licence will be issued, and a fee charged dependent on your requirements. 

Please click here to submit your enquiry. 

Wedding & Engagement Photography

You can hire our external spaces and the Painted Hall to take your wedding and engagement photos. We can offer customised photography packages, with capacity to offer food and drink options on request.  

All photoshoots must be booked in advance and all commercial photographers must have agreed to site rules to photograph on our grounds. Failure to do this will result in you being asked to leave the site. Please email filming@ornc.org to enquire further.

If you are interested in hiring our site for your wedding, please visit our wedding venue section.

Please note: The Painted Hall is only available for exclusive use between 9am-10am during weekdays.

Academic Filming & Photography

We will only consider requests if it forms part of your academic studies for students at either the University of Greenwich or the Trinity Laban School of Music.

In respect to photography and filming, while we are keen to support students undertaking studies on site, we have a responsibility to ensure the business of our site partners and the experience of visiting members of the public are not unduly affected.  

For academic requests, please download and return an academic media request form and return to filming@ornc.org

Download Academic Media Request Form

When students arrive on site, they are to go to West Gate Security and book in. On completion they are to return to West Gate and book their time out in the log. West Gate Security will inform Greenwich Foundation staff and others by radio that students are filming on site. 

Ultimately, we want academic activity, if approved, to be efficiently undertaken, successful and enjoyable for all parties. 

Commercial filming 

Every commercial photography shoot, television and film production supports our work to conserve and restore the glorious buildings and grounds of the Old Royal Naval College.

Please click here to submit your enquiry.

Filming of documentaries and press enquiries 

If you would like to capture footage of the Old Royal Naval College for historical purposes or would like to interview a member of staff on film for a press or media story, we can make all the arrangements to accommodate your crew.

Please contact info@chloenelkinconsulting.com and copy in filming@ornc.org for these enquiries.