Special Use Permits

Photography and Filming

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, between 9:00 A.M and 5:00 P.M.;

• 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 at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

If your activity does not meet the guidelines above, please submit a permit application 30 days prior to your requested date. The application can be send via email to saan_permits@nps.gov or in person.

Application for Special Use Permit: Filming, Photography, and Audio Recording

Questions about permits?
Contact Park Headquarters at 210-534-8833 ext. 242 or by email at saan_permits@nps.gov

We can answer preliminary questions regarding a permit, but will require an application and non-refundable $50 application fee to engage further. Please note the 30-day minimum time required for issuing standard permits. For larger, more complex events (Ex: Over 50 people, catering, substantial equipment), there will be a 90-day minimum for application submission.

It is the policy of the National Park Service to allow Special Uses that are not in conflict with law or policy; will not result in derogation of the values and purposes for which the park was established; do not present a threat to public safety or property; and do not unduly interfere with normal park operations, resource protection, or visitor use.

Cost Recovery (16 U.S.C 3a)

The National Park Service (NPS) does charge a cost recovery for managing any special park use permit activities. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of your permit. The $50 application fee must be submitted with your application. And while we are happy to provide an estimate of costs, we will not be able to provide a final amount until an application has been received and processed.

First Amendment Permits

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

First Amendment Permit Application

Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are rights protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. People may exercise these rights in national parks, but the National Park Service still retains its responsibility to protect park resources and prevent conflict among park visitors. Therefore, the National Park Service establishes guidelines for setting the time, place and manner (number of participants, use of facilities and type of equipment) for the events to occur.

Application processing costs for first amendment demonstrations are not required. No payment is required when submitting the demonstration application; however, all applications are reviewed by the park to ensure the activity meets the criteria of a demonstration. Organizers are responsible for all costs associated with producing the demonstration.

Event Permits

Can I host an event at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park?

There will be a 90-day minimum to apply for large and complex events.

Depending on the size of the event, the NPS may require documentation including, but not limited to: Event layout/route maps, parking plans, onsite EMS, or contracted law enforcement. Additionally, advertising for an event is prohibited prior to permit issuance.

It is also prohibited for applicants to use NPS branding for their event.

Find the application form here.

No Drone Zone

Launching, landing, or operating unmanned or remote-controlled aircraft or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

San Antonio Missions is a small metropolitan park with high concentrations of buildings and visitors. The prohibition is needed to protect historic structures from possible damage caused by unmanned aircraft, the protection of cultural view sheds from encroachment and for the protection of park staff, visitors, and property from falling objects.

The term “unmanned aircraft” means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.

To see the park's Laws and Policies see the Superintendent's Compendium.