Special Park Uses
Certain types of activities require a special use permit. These include many types of special events, sporting events, wedding ceremonies, and other organized gatherings. See the information below.
A special park use is defined as a short-term activity that takes place in a park area, and that:
- Provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large;
- Requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the National Park Service (NPS) in order to protect park resources and the public interest;
- Is not prohibited by law or regulation;
- Is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the NPS; and
- Is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee, or a lease.
To apply for a permit
-
Fill out a permit application. Download the application to begin. Application deadlines and restrictions vary by activity type. Please see below for more information.
-
Permits requiring an application fee can be paid via check or money order addressed to The National Park Service. Applications can be mailed to
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Special Use Permits
15610 Vaughn Road
Brecksville, OH 44141
-
Your permit will be created and returned via email for your signature. When received with your signature, your permit will be approved and returned to you.
-
For more information, contact the Permit Coordinator at 440-546-5904 or e-mail us.
Wedding permits
There are many beautiful settings for weddings in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. For wedding ceremonies, you must obtain a special use permit. A permit is not required for wedding photos. Contact the Permit Coordinator at 440-546-5904 or e-mail us for more information about events, locations, and current availability.
- Application fee, nonrefundable: $75
- Application deadline: 30 days (applications may be submitted up to one year in advance)
Available locations
- Brandywine Falls
- Ledges & Octagon
- All weddings occurring inside the Ledges or Octagon shelters, or events occurring in the adjacent fields with 20 or more total participants requires reservation of the shelter for an additional cost
- Horseshoe Pond
- Kendall Lake
- Indigo Lake
- Howe Meadow
- Everett Covered Bridge
- Pine Hollow
- Other location requests will be considered based on availability, season, or size of the event
Date restrictions
Permits will not be issued on the following dates:
- Memorial Day weekend (Friday–Monday)
- Labor Day weekend (Friday–Monday)
- Independence Day and associated weekends
- No events will be permitted at Brandywine Falls on weekends, holidays, or during the month of October
Event permits
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a great setting for events like races, meets, fundraisers and more! A permit is required for hosting an event in the National Park. For more information contact the Permit Coordinator at 440-546-5904 or e-mail us.
- Application fee, nonrefundable: $75
- Application deadline: 90 days (applications may be submitted up to one year in advance)
Date restrictions
Permits will not be issued on the following dates:
- Memorial Day weekend (Friday–Monday)
- Labor Day weekend (Friday–Monday)
- Independence Day and associated weekends
- No events will be permitted at Brandywine Falls or on the Brandywine Gorge Trail on weekends, holidays, or during the month of October
- Events on trails will not be permitted from December 1–June 1 due to trail conditions
Location restrictions
Events taking place on trails will only be permitted on the following trails:
- Salt Run Trail
- Lake Trail
- Cross Country Trail
- Oak Hill Trail
- Plateau Trail
- Towpath Trail (location depending on size of the event and time the event takes place)
- Buckeye Trail
No permits will be issued at the following locations:
- Blue Hen Falls
- Old Carriage Trail
- East Rim Trails
- No events will be permitted at Brandywine Falls or on the Brandywine Gorge Trail on weekends, holidays, or during the month of October
- Other location requests will be considered based on availability, season, or size of the event
Filming, still photography, and audio recording permits
On March 14, 2025, the NPS issued guidance about how the NPS must implement Section 125 of the EXPLORE Act (Public Law 118-234) as it relates to the management of filming, still photography, and audio recording in park areas. All filming, still photography, and audio recording activity is treated the same under Section 125 of the EXPLORE Act. It does not matter whether the activity is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering. For more information contact the Permit Coordinator at 440-546-5904 or e-mail us.
In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording. A permit is not required if the filming, photography, or audio recording meets all of the following conditions:
- It involves eight or fewer individuals
- It occurs in areas open to the public
- It uses hand-carried equipment only
- It does not require exclusive use of a site
- It does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors
- It is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS
- Permittees must follow all park rules and regulations
Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration, or other activity.
When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the NPS will charge an application fee of $75.00, and some events may require additional fees to recover costs to administer or monitor the permit.
The operation of remote-controlled airplanes, helicopters, drones, gliders, boats, trucks, or cars and other like objects and the launching of missiles or model rockets is prohibited. Permits will not be issued for these activities when associated with filming or photography projects. For more information on this restriction, visit the Superintendent’s Compendium.
Location restrictions
- Boston Mill Visitor Center area
Other location requests will be considered based on availability, season, or size of the event.
Research and collection permits
If you are planning a university project and considering doing research in Cuyahoga Valley, please visit the NPS Research Permit and Reporting System website for more information. If you are looking for possible PhD or Master's degree research projects in the national park, we can provide you with a catalog of research project suggestions.
For more information contact Ryan Trimbath at 440-724-3877.
First Amendment area permits
Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are rights protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, and in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations. People may exercise these rights in national parks, but the NPS still retains its responsibility to protect park resources and prevent impacts to park visitors.
The areas listed below are designated in the Superintendent's Compendium for demonstrations and the sale or distribution of printed matter. Maps of the areas can also be found in the Superintendent’s Compendium.
- Canal Exploration Center
- Station Road Bridge Trailhead
- Boston Store
- Happy Days Lodge
- Howe Meadow
These areas may be occupied by groups of 25 or fewer persons without a permit. However, a permit is recommended in order to assure space will be available at a particular site, and a permit is required for events with 25 or more persons. There is no permit fee associated with First Amendment area permits.
For more information, contact the Permit Coordinator at 440-546-5904 or e-mail us.
Scattering of cremains
There is no application fee associated with a scattering of cremains permit. For more information and to receive your letter of permission from Cuyahoga Valley National Park, please contact the Permit Coordinator at 440-546-5904 or e-mail us.
Scattering of cremains permits must honor the following conditions:
- The scattering of cremains is accomplished out of the sight of any public access, including roads, walkways, trails, and parking areas
- All such activity occurs at least 100 yards from any water source
- Cremains are spread over an area large enough that no single portion is accumulated in one place
- No marker of any kind is left to commemorate the event
Commercial Use Authorizations
Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) authorize a private person, corporation, or other entity to provide commercial services in the national park. Approval from the Superintendent through a CUA is required before any commercial operations can begin in the park.
At this time commercial use for the Cuyahoga River is limited.
For more information visit our
CUA page or contact the Permit Coordinator at 440-546-5904 or
e-mail us.
Reservable facilities
Picnic shelters
The Ledges and Octagon Shelters in the Virginia Kendall area are reservable for day use by visiting the online national reservation system, www.recreation.gov and paying with a credit card. Reservations cannot be made over the phone at this time.
Other facilities
For more information about Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park facility rentals, call 330-657-2909 ext. 130 or visit their space rental page.
Camping
Camping is not permitted in the national park. Please visit our camping page for more information.
