Photographers and Family Portraits
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. All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under Section 125 of the EXPLORE Act. It does not matter whether the activity is commercial, non-commercial, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
Weir Farm NHP does not require a permit or a fee for filming or still photography activity that involves fewer than 8 individuals arriving in 2 cars or less, so long as the activity occurs in an area open to the public; does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; does not require the exclusive use of a site or area; and does not involve a set or staging equipment other than handheld equipment, such as a tripod, monopod, or handheld lighting equipment.
Reservations are required for groups arriving in more than 2 cars for photography/filming sessions in the Park, including but not limited to family portraits, school photos, and engagement photos. Photography/filming sessions with more than 8 people or with sets or staging will require a permit. Sessions/requests for more than 2 cars are scheduled based on park capacity and visitation by making a reservation, similar to a group visit request, by calling or emailing the park and obtaining permission in advance.
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.
Permits
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 that require some degree of management from the National Park Service to protect park resources and the public interest.
Weir Farm National Historical Park issues permits for a variety of special activities, including portrait photography sessions that extend beyond the 2 car/8 person limit. At Weir Farm NHP, a permit is required for Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording activity that includes more than 8 persons and/or more than 2 cars. 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.
The process is simple and the permit coordinator can be reached at 203-834-1896 ext. 13 or e-mail us for questions. Please contact the permit coordinator for more information or fill out the application below. The fee for a special use permit application is $50 and there may be additional cost recovery fees depending on the activity. Please note that the park does not permit weddings or similar events.
A Special Use Permit may be required for certain activities such as political events, public assemblies, demonstrations, the distribution of literature, church services and other activities commonly referred to as "First Amendment" activities. By law, the NPS has established places in the park where First Amendment activities can be accommodated. Weir Farm NHP's First Amendment sites are identified in the Superintendent's Compendium. Individuals and small groups (fewer than 25 people) do not need a permit for First Amendment activities in the designated First Amendment areas within the park. Groups larger than 25 people must obtain a permit, but are not required to pay an application fee.
How To Apply for a Special Use Permit
Complete application and mail to Kristin Lessard at the Park address found on the first page of the application or email to e-mail us. Allow AT LEAST 5 business days for processing (10 business days for First Amendment requests) of applications.
Completed application must be accompanied by an application fee in the form of a personal check, cashiers check or money order in the amount of $50.00 made payable to National Park Service. Please do not make checks out to Weir Farm National Historical Park. Application and administrative charges are non-refundable. A non-refundable processing fee should accompany the application unless the requested use is an exercise of a First Amendment right. Your permit may require the payment of cost recovery charges and proof of liability insurance naming the United States of America as also insured.
Link to Weir Farm NHP General Special Use Permit Application Form
Reservations
Tours are free and are offered first-come, first-served. For more information read the section on Guided Tours. Groups of 8 or more can make advance reservations for a group tour by emailing wefa_interpretation@nps.gov and scheduling a group visit.
