Permits are required for special events and non-traditional uses of the park. Want to stage a photo-shoot, exercise your first amendment rights, or hold a special event at the park? Because these are not typical uses of our park and can have a significant impact on park visitors and resources, staff will review permit applications to determine whether your proposal would have a detrimental effect on the park or impact our regular visitors and will evaluate your permit request.
Please note that while a special park use may meet the above criteria, not all activities are approved based on park specific resources, visitation, and potential impact. There are many regulations for the use of National Parks for private events. These guide us to appropriately approve permitting requests. The laws guiding our permit process include, but are not limited to, 36 CFR § 2.50, §1.5(d), and 43 CFR Subpart A. These laws and regulations allow us to appropriately approve permitting requests. To learn more about these laws, review the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Activities that Require a PermitThe following include, but are not limited to, activities that require a permit:Guidance for permitting special events is found in 36 CFR § 2.50 - Special events. This regulation stipulates the following conditions for approving and denying special event requests:
(a) …There is a meaningful association between the park area and the events, and the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park area, and a permit therefor has been issued by the superintendent. A permit shall be denied if such activities would: (1) Cause injury or damage to park resources; or (2) Be contrary to the purposes for which the natural, historic, development and special use zones were established; or unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in wilderness, natural, historic, or commemorative zones. When filming, photography, and sound recording activities occur in national parks, they must be consistent with the protection of park resources and avoid conflict with public use, the educational nature of the park, and the enjoyment of the park by all visitors.
Sunken Road National Cemetery Old Salem Church and grounds Ellwood and grounds Jackson Death Site and grounds
Filming
Still Photography
The National Park Service will authorize the use of park land for public assemblies, meetings, demonstrations, religious activities, and other public expressions of views protected under the First Amendment of the U. S. Constitution, in accordance with 36 CFR 2.51 or 36 CFR 7.96. A permit for demonstrations in First Amendment designated areas is required if there are more than 25 people in a group. First Amendment areas are first come, first serve, so applying for a permit regardless of group size is recommended. Designated First Amendment areas are located within the following places (links to image displaying permit area): A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a permit that authorizes suitable commercial services for park visitors within Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. The term of the CUA may not exceed 2 years and no preferential right of renewal or similar provisions for renewal may be provided.
Weddings and Similar Commitment CeremoniesWeddings are not approved special events. While we are happy that you would consider Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park for an occasion as special as your wedding, special events held at the park must "have a meaningful association between the park area and the events, and the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park area."Apply for a PermitTo file a permit application, download and submit the appropriate permit form:
Email completed permit applications to frsp_permits@nps.gov. Application FeesThe standard application fee for a Special Use Permit is $100. The application fee includes administrative time; including phone calls, correspondence, application review, and project consultation, scheduling park staff, permit issuance, follow-up and billing. Fees can increase based on the administrative need, scale or impact of the event, as decided by the Superintendent and Chief Ranger. Attn: Permit Coordinator Questions?Please contact the Chief Rangers Office for additional permit information at 540-693-3200 x3010 or e-mail us. |
Last updated: January 11, 2021