Weddings

A Special Use Permit is required for weddings, elopements, vow renewals, and other ceremonies in Bandelier National Monument. Ceremony sites are located in areas that are open to the public. All locations are outdoors and rustic in nature and do not offer protection from the weather.

Things to Know Prior to Applying

• Special Use Permits must be issued to the individuals getting married, not by a third party (e.g. wedding planners).
• Weddings are permitted for a 2-hr. block of time.
• Wedding permits have specific conditions that protect the park’s resources and allows all visitors to enjoy the park. Read carefully to determine whether your desired ceremony will be possible. You will be required to read and sign the permit prior to it being finalized.
• Do not wait until the last minute to apply for your permit. No requests are expedited, no exceptions.
• Exclusive use of any area is not permitted; therefore, ceremony sites will remain open for public use alongside your permitted activity.
• Consider carpooling. Access to parking may be difficult and parking spaces cannot be reserved or held in advance.
• Photography and videography are allowed under the Special Use Permit during the permitted period. After your ceremony, you may also go to other locations in the park without an additional permit.
• Normal entrance fees apply to all vehicles associated with the ceremony.
• Weddings can only take place in designated site locations. Any indication of a ceremony taking place outside of these designated sites is considered a violation and is subject to citation of the Permittee.

Application Fee

An application fee of $100.00 must be paid at the time of submitting the application and is non-refundable. Payment may be paid by visiting Pay.gov.

Cost Recovery Fees

Most permits will incur some cost recovery fees.

How to Apply

• Download and complete a Special Use Permit application. The application must contain detailed information about your wedding, such as the expected number of guests, vehicles, artificial flowers, and shade structures, etc. The more information you include on the initial wedding application, the faster your request will be processed. The permit is valid only for the date and time of your wedding.
• Send your completed application to [e-mail].
• Special Use Permit applications must be received at least one month in advance and will be reviewed in the order they are received.
• A minimum of 4-5 weeks (depending on activity and volume of requests) is required to process an application and issue a permit. Please submit requests in a timely manner.
• Place a secure credit card payment for the $100.00 non-refundable application fee at Pay.gov. Processing the permit cannot begin until payment has been received.
• After favorable review of your application, your permit will be emailed to you.

Submitting the Special Use Permit

Applications may be submitted by email, mail, UPS or FedEx.

Email: [e-mail]

Mail:
Special Use Permits Office
090 Villa Luis Martin Dr.
Jemez Springs, NM 87025
ATTN: Special Park Uses Coordinator