Photography at the Bahá’í House of Worship
PLEASE NOTE
As of October 17, 2024, LARGE GROUPS AND FORMAL/STAGED PHOTOGRAPHY ARE NO LONGER ALLOWED IN THE GARDENS and photo permits are no longer required.
The area designated for formal, staged photography will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. You do not need to check-in at the Welcome Center. (See the blue area on the map below.)
General Requirements
To maintain a sacred and peaceful atmosphere,
- No photography is permitted inside the Temple Auditorium.
- Photo shoots of weddings, engagements, graduations, Quinceañeras, or similar activities, are not permitted in the gardens and are only allowed in the beautiful outer gardens at the corner of Sheridan Road and Linden Avenue, as shown in blue on the map below.
- Personal, informal photography is permitted in the gardens, Welcome Center, and exterior surroundings as long as care is taken to show courtesy to others and respect to the sacred environment.
- Please do not block entrances, pathways, or garden areas. (See map on this page.)
- Use of live or recorded music or sound effects, costumes, balloons, banners, furniture, and other props, as well as clothing changes are not permitted on the House of Worship property. (The restrooms may not be used for clothing changes.)
- Alcohol, smoking, or vaping, swearing/vulgar language, loud voices and excessive noise, as well as engaging in violent and destructive behavior, wearing sexually revealing clothing or posing in sexually provocative ways are not allowed on the House of Worship property – including in the parking lots, the Welcome Center, the gardens, and the Temple Auditorium.
- Other prohibited activities include eating, picnicking, running, skateboarding, and bicycling in the gardens (see bike racks at the entrance to the parking lot).
- No climbing on or wading in reflecting pools or fountains, no picnics, no walking in or entering garden beds or mulched areas not intended for walking. Please do not bring any pets or other animals except registered service animals onto the property or gardens.
- The Baha’i House of Worship is private property, and we reserve the right to restrict access to certain areas, or to revoke access at our discretion without notice. Disruptive behavior could result in a request to leave the property and/or calls to local police.
The Bahá’í House of Worship
is a place for prayer, meditation, and exploration about the connection between worshiping God and offering service to humanity. It is for people from all beliefs, cultures, and backgrounds. All are welcome to enjoy the beauty of the gardens and the unique design of the building; to gather on its grounds for fellowship, prayer and reflection.
While personal, informal photography is permitted in the gardens, we ask that all visitors observe a few guidelines in keeping with the sacred purpose of the building and to ensure an uplifting experience for all.
Current Restrictions
NO PROM PHOTOS
We regret that it has become necessary to prohibit prom photos from being taken on the House of Worship property, regardless of the size of the group. Alternatively, we encourage prom-goers to consider taking photos at Gillson Park.
Please note
The House of Worship reserves the right to refuse admittance for photography/videography and/or to change its photo policy without advance notice.
During your visit, you may be filmed, videotaped, and/or photographed by a House of Worship employee or contract photographer. Your attendance serves as permission for the use of your image by the Bahá’í House of Worship and its constituents.
“The holy fragrances of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár (Dawning place of the mention of God) vivify the souls of the righteous, and its vitalizing breezes confer life upon the pure in heart.”
– ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
