Photography and filming
From Bridgerton and The Crown to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, our magnificent backdrops, inspiring interiors and spacious outdoor areas have featured regularly in documentaries, commercial campaigns, period dramas, music videos and major film productions.
We are keen for our visitors to enjoy their experience on site, and we understand that taking and sharing photographs can be a large part of that. We encourage visitors to familiarise themselves with our guidelines to ensure their photography does not impact the safety of other visitors or damage our historical buildings.
Whether you’re snapping a quick photo on your phone or planning a professional shoot, please refer to this guide to understand what’s allowed within our premises.
Personal photography
Personal photography consists of general photographs of the site and buildings, taken to document and remember your visit. These images are for personal use only and must not be used for commercial or financial gain. We encourage you to share your experience online. Make sure to tag us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for a chance to be featured on our feed (@oldroyalnavalcollege). When taking photographs, please be considerate of other visitors. Please only photograph or film people with their consent.
Commercial photography
Professional photography includes influencer content, sponsored shoots, product placement photography, modelling, or any photography intended for commercial use. This includes the use of professional equipment, such as tripods, monopods, lighting, drones, or props.
Photography of this kind is not permitted on site without prior permission, as these items can pose risks to the site and may disrupt the experience of other visitors. Our staff reserve the right to halt unauthorised photoshoots if they deem appropriate. If you are unsure whether your photography qualifies as professional, please speak to a member of staff or contact us in advance at filming@ornc.org.
Use of costumes and outfit changes
We welcome cosplayers, and costume enthusiasts during our Social Media Mondays, which take place every Monday from 10am to 5pm. During this time, visitors are welcome to use ring lights and phone tripods as long as they don’t cause any damage to our site or disrupt the visit of other members of the public. Our staff reserve the right to stop the usage of certain items if they deem appropriate. If you are wearing a costume or changing outfits outside these hours, you may be asked to return for the following Social Media Monday.
Social Media MondaysWedding and engagement photography
You can hire our external spaces and the Painted Hall to take your wedding and engagement photos. We can offer customised photography or engagement 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.
Find out moreAcademic filming and photography
We will only consider academic requests from University of Greenwich and Trinity Laban School of Music students. To apply, please download the academic media request form and return it to filming@ornc, detailing what the shoot consists of, how many people will be involved in it, and how this project forms part of your academic studies. If your application is successful, you will be asked to submit a formal application via Filmapp.
Download Academic Media Request FormPress use
Drone policy
As a Grade-I listed heritage site within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we don’t permit the use of drones without prior authorisation as it poses potential risks to the architectural integrity of our historic buildings and to the public. Damage resulting from unlicensed drone activity may lead to prosecution under The Criminal Damage Act 1971.
Find out more