Photography Guidelines & Fees

Photography at Union Station

With its historic architecture and iconic spaces, Union Station Kansas City is a popular setting for everything from family snapshots to engagement, graduation and wedding photography. Guests are welcome to take photos throughout publicly accessible areas of Union Station. The guidelines below help ensure photography can take place while keeping our spaces safe, accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Personal Photography

Casual, handheld photography for personal use is welcome and does not require a Photography Pass. This includes photos taken during a regular visit using a handheld camera or cell phone, provided the photography does not involve a planned or staged photo session or additional photography equipment.

Examples include:

Vacation and sightseeing photos
Casual family and friend photos
Photos taken during a visit to Union Station
Personal photos using a handheld camera or phone

If you are simply visiting Union Station and taking casual photos along the way, you do not need a Photography Pass.

Professional & Planned Photography

A Photography Pass is required for professional, posed, planned or staged photo sessions taking place in Union Station’s publicly accessible areas.

A pass is required for sessions such as:

Wedding and bridal photography
Engagement and proposal photography
Graduation and senior photography
Family portrait sessions
Maternity photography
Headshots and professional portraits
Prom and other special-occasion photography
Photography involving a professional or hired photographer
Organized group photo sessions
Quinceaneras
Other planned or staged portrait photography

A Photography Pass is also required whenever a tripod, monopod, external lighting or other additional photography equipment is used — even when the resulting photos are for personal use.

Photography Pass Fees

Professional/Group Photography — $75

A $75 Photography Pass is required for:

Weddings and bridal photography
Engagement photography
Graduation photography
Organized sessions involving 10 or more people

Personal/Small Photography Sessions — $25

A $25 Photography Pass is available for:

Planned photography for private/personal use
Photo sessions involving fewer than 10 people that do not fall within the Professional/Group Photography categories above

Both Photography Passes allow approved additional photography equipment, including tripods, subject to these guidelines and building conditions.

Using Tripods & Additional Equipment

The use of a tripod or other freestanding photography equipment requires a valid Photography Pass.

This includes:

Tripods and monopods
External or freestanding lighting
Light stands
Reflectors
Backdrops
Other freestanding photography or studio equipment

Photography equipment must never block entrances, walkways, stairways, elevators or access to attractions and public spaces. Union Station staff or Security may ask equipment to be repositioned or temporarily removed when necessary for guest safety or building operations.

Where Can I Take Photos?

Photography Passes provide self-guided access to publicly accessible areas of Union Station during the date and time for which the pass is valid.

A Photography Pass does not:

Reserve a particular location
Provide exclusive access to an area
Provide access to private or restricted spaces
Include admission to ticketed attractions or exhibitions
Guarantee that every public space will be available during your visit

Union Station is an active destination hosting private events, weddings, corporate functions, community events and other activities throughout the year. Certain areas may therefore be unavailable during your photography session.

Photography Passes may also be limited or unavailable on select dates due to private events, rentals or other Union Station activities. If you are planning a session and would like to inquire about space or date availability before purchasing a pass, please contact [email protected].

Photographers may not advertise, promote, host or sell bookable mini-session events or similar photography services at Union Station without prior authorization.

Any photography services marketed as taking place at Union Station without that authorization are not authorized or endorsed by Union Station and are not guaranteed to be accommodated.

Holiday Photography

Union Station is especially popular for photography during the holiday season. To make it easier for families and guests to capture holiday memories, a special photography policy is in effect from Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Day.

Complimentary Holiday Photography

During this period, handheld photography in publicly accessible areas of Union Station is complimentary — no Photography Pass is required.

This includes family photos, holiday card photos, engagement photos, graduation photos and other personal photography, provided only a handheld camera or phone is used.

Holiday Photography Using Additional Equipment

A Photography Pass is required during the holiday period when using:

Tripods or monopods
External or freestanding lighting
Light stands
Reflectors
Backdrops
Other freestanding photography or studio equipment

This applies even when the photos are for personal use. Because the holiday season is one of Union Station’s busiest times of year, photography equipment may not interfere with guest traffic or block entrances, walkways, stairways, elevators or access to holiday displays. Union Station staff or Security may ask photographers to reposition equipment when necessary.

Photography Inside Holiday Reflections

Guests with admission to Holiday Reflections are encouraged to capture personal photos and memories throughout their visit using a handheld phone or camera.

Photography Passes do not apply inside Holiday Reflections.

Organized, professional or staged photo sessions are not permitted inside the experience. Tripods, monopods, external lighting, light stands, reflectors, backdrops and other freestanding photography equipment are also prohibited. Admission to Holiday Reflections is required to enter the attraction.

Before Your Photo Session

Photography sessions are self-guided. Once you purchase a Photography Pass, please keep a digital or printed copy with you throughout your session and be prepared to show it to Union Station staff or Security upon request. All photography is subject to these guidelines, posted building rules and the direction of Union Station staff. Policies may be adjusted when necessary because of crowd levels, private events, building operations or guest safety.

To purchase a photography pass, please click here.

Questions about photography or space availability? Contact [email protected].