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Golden Gate National Recreational AreaComposite photo showing permitted activities in the GGNRA: triathlons, commercial filming, weddings, and sand soccer.
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Golden Gate National Recreational Area
Permits
 

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is home to many unique and beautiful landscapes that are ideal venues for a variety of special activities such as cultural programs, picnics, wedding ceremonies, festivals, athletic events, and film and photography projects.

Do you need a permit? Picnics with fewer than 50 people, athletic events with fewer than 30 people and  beach fires with fewer than 25 people do NOT need a permit. Picnic tables and beach fire rings are first-come, first-served and are not reservable. Individuals taking still photos in public areas without props, sets or models do NOT need a permit.

Please click on the links to the right for more detailed information.

To obtain a permit, please fill out one of the forms located here: Permit Application Forms and Brochures/Information

Click here for: Park Maps

Click here for: Calendar of Events in the Park

Click here for: Permit Cost Estimates

Please note that the information on these pages is for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, part of the National Park Service. To get a permit in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, you can call 415-831-5500 or visit the park's website. GGNRA does not issue permits for the Presidio Trust, Mt. Tamalpias, Vista Point, Marina Green, Angel Island, or Fort Mason Center. 

For more information, please explore the links on this page. If your question is still not answered, you can contact the staff below. Please note that we write over 1000 permits a year, and are usually quite busy. Filling out the application form and sending it in is the fastest way to begin planning your event. If your event or film shoot covers more than one location you need only write to one permit specialist.

Email is the best way to reach anyone in the office. Please click on the email link below and be sure to include the size of your event, date requested and location requested. Thank you.

Ceremonies anywhere within the park and other Event or Film permits South of the Golden Gate Bridge
James Sword—(415) 561-4373 or e-mail us

Picnics and Beach Fires 
James Marks—(415) 561-4374 or e-mail us 

Fort Mason Officer's Club 
Managed by Next Course. Contact Pat Swan at (415) 441-7700 

Large Event and Film Permits on Alcatraz Island or areas North of the Golden Gate Bridge
Alexandra Picavet—(415) 561-4301 or e-mail us

Chief of the Office of Special Park Uses 
Noémi Margaret Robinson —(415) 561-4371 or e-mail us

Budget Assistant to the Office of Special Park Uses 
Janet Szwed—(415) 561-4372 or e-mail us

 

Permit applications, certificates of insurance, and correspondence to anyone in the Office of Special Park Uses may be faxed to (415) 561-4305.

As of May 1, 2008, the permit office can no longer accept checks, cashier's checks, or money orders for payment. All permits must be paid by credit card. If you do not have a credit card, please contact the permitting office before submitting your application. Thank you.

A newlywed couple outside of Fort Mason Chapel
Weddings and Ceremonies
Celebrate at Ft. Mason Chapel or a beautiful outdoor setting.
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A video camera and set light near Fort Point
Filming and Photography
Get that perfect shot at our famous sites.
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Picture of the Avon Breast Cancer Walk-a-Thon setup at Crissy Field with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.
Special Events
Have your next large event or race in a picture perfect setting.
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A western gull standing on a building on Alcatraz Island
Events and Overnights on Alcatraz
Make it a night to remember on Alcatraz.
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Fort Mason dock area filled with army supplies  

Did You Know?
Fort Mason's San Francisco Port of Embarkation played a critical role during World War II. During the 45 months of war, 1,647,174 passengers and 23,589,472 measured tons of supplies were shipped out to the Pacific from here.

Last Updated: October 20, 2009 at 18:01 EST