Each year Pecos national Historical park receives a number of requests to use the mission church for wedding ceremonies. It the policy of the National Park Service (NPS) to allow these Special Park Uses provided they, “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.”
Not all wedding requests we receive are for appropriate uses of park managed resources and, since they are privileges and not rights, some are denied. Others, though perhaps appropriate, by virtue of their size and scope would create a significant impact on the quality of a visitor’s experience and safety, or result in a derogation of the values and purposes for which the park was established.
In general the following conditions apply for wedding ceremonies:
- The number of participants is limited to no more than 200. Monitoring costs are based on the number of participants.
- Entrance fees must be paid for or by all attendees.
- The number of vehicles should be kept to a minimum to reduce parking problems.
- No areas shall be closed to the general public during the ceremony. Exclusive use of the area is not permitted. However, after hours or evening weddings are allowed when Daylight Savings Time is in effect.
- Areas normally closed to the public cannot be used and certain sensitive resource zones cannot be used.
- Music accompanying the event is limited to unamplified musical instruments.
- Flowers; cut, potted, and/or artificial; are allowed. However, the throwing of flower petals, rice, or other non native material is prohibited.
- Travel to and from the site must be via established trails and roads.
- Post-event activities, such as receptions, are not permitted. Wedding photos are considered part of the ceremony.
- Pecos NHP does not supply any equipment (ex. chairs) to conduct the wedding.
- Fires or open flames of any kind are not permitted. This prohibition includes candles.
- Participants are not permitted to take or consume food, drink, or tobacco in the church complex.
- An approved, signed copy of the permit must be in your possession during the ceremony.
Other stipulations may be added depending on the specific nature of your request.
WHO MAY APPLY
Any individual, group, society or organization may apply for a Special Use Permit. The applicant for the permit must assume full responsibility and liability for the Special Park Use.
Permit Dates
Potential applicants should check with the park on availability of dates prior to submitting the application and non-refundable application fee.
Permitting Process
- Application: To apply for a permit, complete the form 10-930 and submit it to the Special park Use Coordinator, Pecos National Historical Park allowing a minimum of 4 weeks for evaluation by the park staff before the start date for your activity in the park. All efforts will be made to expedite the permitting process, however permits completion may take longer than 4 weeks.
- Enclose your check or money order for $100.00 to cover the non-refundable application costs.
- Include your tax payer ID# or social security number. In compliance with the requirements of the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, the applicant must submit his or her social security number or federal tax ID number when completing the permit application.
- We cannot process your application without items 2 & 3, listed above.
- Submission of the application form and fee payment DOES NOT imply permission for any Special Park Use or event.
- Following receipt of an application for a Special Use Permit, an evaluation will be made of the requested activity. Denials will be communicated in writing.
- If the requested activity is approved, a Special Park Use Permit, outlining terms and conditions governing the special use, NPS cost information, bond and insurance requirements (if any), and payment instructions will be sent to the applicant.
Please return the completed application along with the $100 processing charge to the Special Use Permits Coordinator at the address below.
Send to:
Special Use Permits Coordinator
Pecos National Historical Park
P.O. Box 418
Pecos, NM 87552
For additional information, call (505) 757-7512
