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:

1. The number of vehicles may be limited to reduce parking problems.
2. Entrance fees must be paid by all attendees.
3. The number of participants is limited to no more than 200 persons.
4. The duration of the ceremony is usually limited to 90 minutes.
5. No areas shall be closed to the general public during the ceremony. Exclusive use of an area is not permitted.
6. Areas normally closed to the public cannot be used, and certain sensitive resource zones (as identified by the park’s superintendent) cannot be used.
7. Music accompanying the event is limited to unamplified musical instruments.
8. Travel to and from the site must be via established trails and roads.
9. Post-event activities, such as receptions, are not permitted.
10. The use of rice or any other non native plant material is prohibited.
11. 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

1. 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. 
2. Enclose your check or money order for $100.00 to cover the non-refundable application costs.
3. 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.
4. We cannot process your application without items 2 & 3, listed above.
5. Submission of the application form and fee payment DOES NOT imply permission for any Special Park Use or event.
6. 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.
7. 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