Permits

Special Park Uses

Certain types of activities require a special use permit. These include many types of organized gatherings, distribution of printed material and other public expressions of opinion, and other activities that are controlled or prohibited. See the information below.

• A special park use is defined as a short-term activity that takes place in a park area, and that:

  • Provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large;

  • Requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the National Park Service (NPS) in order to protect park resources and the public interest;

  • Is not prohibited by law or regulation;

  • Is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the NPS; and

  • Is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee, or a lease.

• Read all conditions, guidelines and restrictions.
• Fill out and return permit application. Application deadlines vary by activity, please see below. Download the application for Special Park Uses. For permits for non commercial filming/photograpy related events see below.
• Your permit will be created and returned for your signature.
• When received with your signature, your permit will be approved and returned to you.
• For more information and forms contact the Park at 419-285-2184 or e-mail us.

Fees and Restrictions

Application Fee and Cost Recovery

The following are examples of charges you may incur as a part of the permitting process.

• Application fee, nonfefundable: $75.00
• Monitoring fees: $25 - $60 per hour depending on complexity of event and staffing levels (2 hour minimum).

Wedding Permits

The park does allow wedding ceremonies on select locations on the grounds of the Memorial. No wedding ceremonies will be held on the plazas, rotunda, or observation deck of the Memorial. For wedding ceremonies you must obtain a Special Use Permit. For more information contact the park at 419-285-2184 or e-mail us. A permit is not required for wedding photos. Application for Special Use Permit.

Filming

On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234) and has been codified at 54 U.S.C. 100905. Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service will manage filming, photography, and audio recording in park areas.

• 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.

Those interested in commercial filming activities within Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial are encouraged to email us directly for more information about filming and to discuss how to minimize potential impacts to visitors and sensitive park resources. Application for Filming and Still Photography.

Commercial Use Authorizations

• Commercial Use Authorizations authorize a private person, corporation, or other entity to provide commercial services in the National Park. Approval from the Superintendent through a Commercial Use Authorization is required before any commercial operations can begin in the park.

• For more information contact the Park at 419-285-2184 or e-mail us.