• Afternoon clouds cover the distance peaks of the iconic Boney Mountain

    Santa Monica Mountains

    National Recreation Area California

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  • Partial Park Closure Due to Hazardous Conditions

    Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa re-opens 5/14/13, with restrictions (sunrise to sunset, not all trails). Sandstone Peak & Mishe Mokwa trails will also open, as will Backbone Trail east of Point Mugu State Park boundary. Point Mugu backcountry remains closed. More »

  • Trucks on Cheeseboro Canyon Trail

    Occasional truck traffic (approx 6 trips per day) will take place on Cheeseboro Cyn Trail weekdays between 8am & 4pm for demolition and removal of Cheeseboro Tank. Should be completed by 5/24/13. Check back for updates or call 818-889-8996. More »

Permits

Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman was a television show filmed at Paramount Ranch in the 1990's.

The Santa Monica Mountains have been seen in movies, television shows, and even in photos as the backdrop for special events. This shinning star of the Greater Los Angeles can be the setting for your function, activity, or project.

The information found on this page and the corresponding links will assist you in your permit process, but please check with the park for further information or with specific questions.

 
Both Peter Strauss Ranch and Paramount Ranch can be a great venue for a wedding anytime of the year.

Note: This information only applies to areas managed by the U.S. National Park Service in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. For all other areas, you must contact the appropriate land owners

Do I Need a Permit?

The first question visitors commonly ask is, "Do I need a permit?" And the answer has been in our experience that if you think you need one, then you most likely do. Here is a brief list of some of the types of activities that require permits.

- If you want to film a movie
(this includes student films)
- If you want to have a special event such
as a wedding, birthday party, shindig, etc.
- If you want to take photographs for compensation or as part of a business
- If you want to enter a closed building
- Anything that is not normally done in the park

 
Actors playing western characters are sometimes seen during permitted filming at Paramount Ranch.

How Do I Get a Permit?

Before contacting the park it is strongly recommended that you have some information about your special activity. This includes but is not limited to:

Dates, times, total number of people, any activities to be conducted (games, moon-bounce, etc), what type of deliveries (food service, catering, etc), decorations, equipment, and most importantly, the location(s).

Requests for permits are taken by phone and/or e-mail in the order received. Leave a voice message and your call will be returned.

You can also check our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for more by clicking here.

 
Many different events take place at Paramount Ranch during the year such as the Topanga Banjo and Fiddle Contest.

Additional Information

A permit application and certificate of liability insurance for $1,000,000 naming the United States of America / National Park Service as the additionally issued is required for all National Park Service film and photography permits. A non-refundable application fee of $175.00 must be submitted with your application in order to secure a date on the permit calendar.

Restrictions

Photo shoots will not be scheduled during weekdays when commercial filming is taking place.

Filming or photography will not be scheduled on weekends or on government holidays.

Did You Know?

A community project led by the National Park Service has restored Zuma Lagoon.

Many hands spanning different generations and agencies continue to turn back the clock on damage to the fragile environment at Zuma Lagoon. After the removal of debris and the restoration of native plants, beach visitors now find a living wetland with 108 species of birds and colorful wildflowers.