Gulf Islands National Seashore - Permits (U.S. National Park Service)

A beach wedding is popular but a permit may be required.

Special use permits are required for any activity in the park, such as large weddings or regattas, that benefit an individual group or organization.

Special Use Permits ensure that the requested activity is appropriate for the area and will not unreasonably interfere with general public use.

Application fee is $50 (some additional permit provision costs may be required such as performance bonds or liability insurance). For additional information call FL 850-934-2620; MS 228-875-3962.

Conditions for Special Permits

Access for other park visitors must not be impeded.
Park entrance fees apply to all vehicles associated with the permitted event or activity.
Available parking is limited, often crowded and not guaranteed.
Request may be denied during periods of heavy use (such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day or weekends).
Events must not impact park resources.
Decorations, music, and equipment must be discussed with park staff prior to issuance of permit.
The permit holder is required to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and codes.

NPS Scientific Research and Collecting Permit

The National Park Service has a long history of encouraging educational discovery and scientific research in parks. Research and collection activities within Gulf Islands National Seashore are managed to prevent damage to the resources, to coordinate research activities, and to assist in the application of science to the management of the Seashore. For these reasons, a National Park Service permit is required for any collecting or research activity conducted within the Seashore. Permits may only be issued to official representatives of a reputable scientific or educational institution or a federal, tribal, or state agency to conduct scientific research activities. Persons interested in collecting or conducting research must make application to the National Park Service. Applications may be obtained from and submitted to the specific park of interest or online at: https://science.nature.nps.gov/research/ac/ResearchIndex.