Obtaining a permit for formal photos at Hartford City Hall...?

Call the city hall.

I did. Does it sound normal that you have to provide a copy of your homeowners insurance and pay $500.00 just to take a few formal pictures inside?

Are you using a professional photographer? I'd call them and see if they can help facilitate. Mine signed as a co-applicant on the application and provided the hold harmless agreement. I think the $500.00 fee is for ceremonies, not necessarily using City Hall for photos. My venue advised going through the photographer because apparently City Hall is notoriously difficult to work with unless the photographer provides the app and hold harmless.

Kejuan Dillard is the contact at City Hall who approves the use of the space. It's really popular, so I'd try to get permission as soon as you can. Once you get the application faxed to them, I would follow up to make sure they received it. We had approval within a few days.

ETA: We didn't need to provide proof of insurance because our photographer had his insurance on file with City Hall, so that may be why it's easier to go through your photographer.

Ashley I think that is my problem. My photographer doesn't have photographer insurance because he is a professional photographer but does not have a insurance. He does it mostly on the side. So in return I believe thats why I need a copy of homeowners insurance.

Ashley I just creeped on your profile We are getting married at the same venue!! I can't wait to hear all about it!

I love the Society Room! It was the first thing my fiancé and I decided on. I just looked at the application on the Hartford.gov website and it really looks like you just need to fill out the app, sign the hold harmless agreement, and send a copy of your homeowner's insurance. I'm not sure about the $500 since we absolutely did not have to pay that to get approval for photos. Even if there was a fee, $500 seems extremely high given Elizabeth Park costs $50 for non-residents.

I'd probably call Keyjuan directly if that isn't who you spoke with...

I love it so much too! We walked in and knew it was where we wanted to get married. It's the first thing we decided on too! .... I will get our homeowners insurance card tonight and send the application in tomorrow. Fingers crossed! Thank you for your help!!

If your photographer doesn't have insurance you have a bigger problem, assuming that he is doing your wedding photography. Most venues will not let him enter the building without a certificate of insurance.

The fee sounds like it might be for a ceremony, so you should check to see if that is the same fee for just photography.

Ok, thanks for the information Celia.

Did you fax the application or bring it to City hall in person? If in person- where did you bring it? I have the application but the website does not seem to be working; and I can't remember which office/room to bring it! Thanks