Permits and Reservations

 

All weddings take place outside at the amphitheater. Please note, there is no indoor option due to rain or other inclement weather.

NPS

What are special use permits?

Special Use Permits are written authorization required for any activity that provides a benefit to an individual group or organization rather than the public at large. A permit is also required for an activity not initiated, sponsored, nor conducted by the National Park Service that is disruptive or potentially disruptive to normal park operations. It includes considerations for afety, resource protection and normal park visitation.

If you are unsure if the activity you have planned requires a Special Use Permit, please email the Special Use Permit Coordinator.

Permit Fee

A $50 non-refundable application fee must be submitted with the application form for the application to be considered. If the permit is approved and issued, additional fees will be charged to recover costs incurred by the National Park Service for administering the permitted activity.

Filming

Do I need a permit to film, take still photographs, or record audio?

No, provided the filming, still photography, or audio recording activity involves eight or fewer individuals and meets all of the following conditions:

• Occurs in areas open to the public;
• Uses hand-carried equipment only;
• Does not require exclusive use of a site;
• Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
• Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service.

If you believe that your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity may require a permit, please contact the special use permit coordinator for more information.

NPS Filming and Still Photgraphy Information

What fees will I have to pay?

The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for still photography permits. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application.

In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. The National Park Service uses the following still photography fee schedule:

• 1–10 people - $50/day
• 11–30 people - $150/day
• Over 30 people - $250/day

Natural and Cultural Resource Disturbance

Special Use Permit applications involving any natural or cultural resource disturbance must provide a location map and Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory Environmental Review (PNDI) receipt for Threatened and Endangered Species. The park is responsible for completing NEPA and Section 106 reviews and the applicant should allow adequate time for those reviews to take place after the permit application has been received by the Park staff. For further clarification and additional information, please e-mail the Special Use Permit Coordinator.

Reservations

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site does not take reservations for the picnic area or pavilion. It operates on a first come, first served basis.