A Special Use Permit is required for activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization, rather than the public at large and for activities that require some degree of management by the National Park Service in order to protect park resources and the public interest.
Permit applications for special events require a $75 non-refundable processing fee and must be received by the park no sooner than 1 year in advance. At this time the park only accepts checks, which must be mailed to the address on the application form. Checks must be made payable to the "National Park Service."
Exceptions to Closures and Public Use Limits; including any use that falls outside the hours of operations (sunrise to sundown)
Ceremonies
Apart from activities where there is a meaningful association between the park area and the events, the park will generally not issue permits for ceremonies. While there is an exception of small ceremonies with conditions, any other ceremonies with 11 or more people participating is required to apply for a permit.
Small ceremonies with a total size of 10 people including participants and witnesses/guests, are allowed without a permit under the following conditions. Any ceremonies not meeting these conditions either require a permit or are not permitted in the park.
No “props” (including a podium, chairs, or other associated equipment or materials) are used.
No sound amplification equipment is used.
The ceremony is held in a location that it does not interfere with other park activities.
The ceremony is not held in the North Bridge area between Monument Street and the river nor is it held on the allee (path) anywhere including adjacent to the Minute Man Statue. (including the Bridge itself and the benches by the river).
The ceremony is not held in the Buttrick Garden (“Formal” Garden area adjacent to the North Bridge Visitor Center).
All vehicles associated with the ceremony will be parked according to law and regulation in visitor parking areas.
Park sponsored activities and activities for which a permit have been issued will be given priority over an area.
The North Bridge, and vicinity, is a site of national significance and has become a major focus of historical programming, contemplation and commemoration. As such, it is one the most frequently sought out locations for Special Uses at Minute Man NHP. Minute Man NHP restricts the use of the North Bridge, the area adjacent to the monuments, and the benches by the North Bridge, so as to best preserve and reserve that space for historical interpretation. Except for NPS, Town of Concord, or certain other official government activities, permits issued for Special Uses by the North Bridge, the Monuments, or the benches are issued for only “after hours” (generally 6pm or later), or rarely, very early in the morning. Exceptions to these guidelines are rarely granted due to the exceptional value the activity represents for the visitors or the park.
Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are Constitutional Rights. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect park resources. Therefore, all First Amendment activities with over 25 participants require special use permits, and the park may regulate the time, place, and manner in which they are conducted. First Amendment activities with less than 25 participants who utilize designated first amendment areas do not require a permit. Some examples of special events that require permits are:
In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:
Occurs in areas open to the public;
Uses hand-carried equipment only;
Does not require exclusive use of a site;
Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.
Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.
Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs)
A commercial use is defined as any activities, services, agreements, or anything offered to park visitors and/or the general public for recreational purposes which uses park resources or is undertaken for or results in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit to an individual, organization, or corporation, whether or not such entity is organized for purposes recognized as non-profit under local, state, or federal law. You are required to apply for a CUA if any of the following apply:
commercial transportation/tour operators and those who own, lease, charter their vehicles to other tour operators, or rent their vehicles from such places as a rental company for commercial tour purposes
person(s), organization, or group that arranges for the transportation and tour services, assumes responsibility for financial risk and management, and determines who shall be transported upon what terms, conditions, or charges
provide guided trips or services for biking, hiking, tours, or other approved activities for the public.
photography or painting workshops or tours
Forms and Contact
For small events, like those that do not involve the setup of substantial equipment or involve large numbers of staff or participants, the short form can be used. Otherwise please use the long form.
If you have questions about Special Use permits or CUA’s, or would like to submit an application, please email the Chief Ranger’s Office at e-mail us or call 978 318 7828 (this is a voicemail only line and is checked twice weekly).When you inquire via email or phone, please include the following information. This will help us get you feedback quickly.
Nature of the event or activity (i.e., special event (what kind?), First Amendment activity, filming, etc.)
Dates for your event or activity
Location requested and any alternates
How many participants
How many vehicles are anticipated
Any equipment or structures that will be used (special requests)
Please note that submitting your completed application forms back to us electronically will decrease the processing time of your application and will increase your chances of getting your first-choice dates and times.
Last updated: April 3, 2025
Park footer
Contact Info
Mailing Address:
North Bridge / Park Headquarters
174 Liberty St.
Concord,
MA
01742
