Photography Request Form

The Grand Rapids Downtown Market’s grounds and facilities are popular locations for photography, cinematography, and videography shoots, and are offered on a limited basis as outlined in this policy.


Photography for social events or commercial use requires special permission, application and location fees. The purpose of this policy is to enhance the guest experience, offer limited access for commercial photographers, and protect the copyright laws and intellectual property rights of our tenants.

The safety of our visitors and the quality of their experience at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market are of the utmost importance. To ensure a pleasant experience for all guests, photography must be conducted without disruption to the Grand Rapids Downtown Market’s operations or limitation to the accessibility of spaces, staircases, entrances/exits and high traffic areas.

We reserve the right to refuse permission or to terminate a shoot at any time. Any misuse of property or failure to comply with these guidelines will result in expulsion from the Grand Rapids Downtown Market property without a refund if applicable if it is not in the best interest of guests or conflicts with the Grand Rapids Downtown Market’s mission and/or operations. These rules and requirements are subject to change without prior notice at the discretion of the Grand Rapids Downtown Market.

Any use of a “prop” that may resemble a weapon must be indicated on the application and will require prior written authorization.

Signs, banners, directional arrows, distribution of printed material to the general public, or other forms of commercial advertising is prohibited.

For media requests please contact marketing@downtownmarketgr.com.

Please read the following guidelines carefully.

Individual Personal, Amateur and Recreational Photography

Guests may take photos for personal use according to the photography and film policies outlined here. Photos must be taken during regular operating hours and in public areas only. Certain areas of the Grand Rapids Downtown Market may not be available due to private party reservation. For groups of 4 or more, a formal request is required. Amateur photographers that are providing photography services for special occasions, please see next section. Ancillary photography equipment including but not limited to: shades, backdrops, furniture, lighting, props, carts or wagons is prohibited.

Special Occasion Photography by Professional/Commercial or Amateur Photographers - RENTAL AGREEMENT NOT REQUIRED

(high school or college formal events, weddings, family portraits, company head shots, commercial and/or business, etc., including any situations where photographer sells produced images, uses imagery for advertising, and/or is paid for service while on property)

By reservation only. Please complete the online request form below.

A fee of $100/hour, maximum of two hours, will provide NON-EXCLUSIVE use of The Grand Rapids Downtown Market’s approved spaces during regular operating hours. Depending on the nature of the shoot and size of the group, a rental agreement may be required and a staff member may be assigned to oversee the shoot and guide you to approved locations. Additional event rental fees may apply. We reserve the right to refuse permission or terminate a shoot at any time if it is not in the best interest of guests or conflicts with the Grand Rapids Downtown Market operations and event rental schedule. Any cancellation notice will be communicated at least 24 hours in advance. The option to reschedule or receive a refund will be available.

Special Occasion Photography by Professional/Commercial or Amateur Photographers - RENTAL AGREEMENT NOT REQUIRED

(high school or college formal events, weddings, family portraits, company head shots, commercial and/or business, etc., including any situations where photographer sells produced images, uses imagery for advertising, and/or is paid for service while on property)

By reservation only. Please complete the online request form below.

A fee of $100, maximum of two hours, will provide NON-EXCLUSIVE use of The Grand Rapids Downtown Market’s approved spaces during regular operating hours. Depending on the nature of the shoot and size of the group, a rental agreement may be required and a staff member may be assigned to oversee the shoot and guide you to approved locations. Additional event rental fees may apply. We reserve the right to refuse permission or terminate a shoot at any time if it is not in the best interest of guests or conflicts with the Grand Rapids Downtown Market operations and event rental schedule. Any cancellation notice will be communicated at least 24 hours in advance. The option to reschedule or receive a refund will be available.

Special Occasion Photography by Professional/Commercial or Amateur Photographers - RENTAL AGREEMENT REQUIRED

(high school or college formal events, weddings, family portraits, company head shots, commercial and/or business, etc., including any situations where photographer sells produced images, uses imagery for advertising, and/or is paid for service while on property)

By reservation only. Contact the Events Department at events@downtownmarketgr.com to enter into a Facility Rental Agreement. Standard facility rental fees apply.

An event rental agreement, will provide EXCLUSIVE use of The Grand Rapids Downtown Market’s approved spaces. A staff member may be assigned to oversee the shoot and guide you to approved locations.

Deadline for Application

Requests to film or shoot photography at the Market must be made a minimum of 7 days prior to the proposed film date. Larger and more complicated productions will require a longer lead time. Requests of less than 2 business days notice will not be granted. Photoshoots are booked no further than 30 days out.

Cancellation Policy

The client must notify Grand Rapids Downtown Market, in writing or by email, at least 24 hours in advance if it becomes necessary to cancel the shoot and all fees will be refunded. If cancelled without 24 hours notice, all fees will be forfeited.

Insurance and/or Indemnification

In using The Grand Rapids Downtown Market for your shoot, you agree to assume complete financial liability and responsibility for any damage or loss of property belonging to The Grand Rapids Downtown Market, and for any personal injury incurred during or as a result of such use.

Risk of Loss

The Grand Rapids Downtown Market does not assume responsibility for damage or loss of any merchandise, equipment, or personal articles left in the facility prior to, during, or following your event. Do not leave valuables unattended. A “lost and found” is located in the administrative office on the second floor.

Grand Rapids Downtown Market Etiquette

Do not move or touch any plants.
Do not move any furniture.
No pets.
No food or alcohol in the spaces.
No smoking. We are a smoke-free environment, there is no smoking on the Grand Rapids Downtown Market property.
Supervise children at all times. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.