Special Use Permits

Providing opportunities for appropriate public enjoyment is an important part of the National Park Service mission. Approval of any special uses of the park-unrelated to public enjoyment-may be allowed if not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation. However, the National Park Service can only allow uses that are (1) appropriate to the purpose for which the park was established, and (2) can be sustained without causing unacceptable impacts.

Filming and Still Photography Permits

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.

Find more detailed information on our filming and still photography permits page.

First Amendment

Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are rights protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. Find out more information about whether a permit is needed by visiting the First Amendment page.

Application Deadlines

APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN THE FOLLOWING TIME FRAMES:

WEDDINGS
If no more than 25 persons will be at the event—2 weeks prior to the event.
If more than 25 persons will be at the event—8 weeks prior to the event.

EVENTS
Events that will take place on existing approved trails—8 weeks prior to the event

OTHER
All other requests should be processed within 14 days if the application is complete and without alteration. Requests involving multiple locations, complex logistics, or coordination with other visitor activities will require a minimum of 30-45 days to process.

Application Package

The application package must include the following:

• a complete Special Use Permit Application including a detailed description of proposed event;
• the application fee payment.

Other items to include in the package if applicable are:

• maps, routes, or site diagrams depicting location of event, staging areas, construction areas, and ingress and egress routes;
• a list of all personnel, equipment and materials;
• a list of all vendors providing service for the event;
• a proposed time frame for activities; and
• contractor contact information.

Additional administrative, location and/or cost recovery fees may also be charged.

Incomplete applications may be returned to the applicant without action. The Park will attempt to reach the applicant to resolve minor issues but may return the application without action if unable to reach the applicant over three business days. Applicants are encouraged to provide reliable daytime telephone contact information.

Once a special use permit is officially signed by the Park Superintendent, modifications or changes MUST be submitted through another application along with the fee in order to be considered.