Special Use Permit Application

Events, Ceremonies, and other special uses

Events, ceremonies including weddings, demonstrations and distribution of material may require a permit. Please email us regarding your use to determine if you need a permit, if any fees need to be paid for the permit, or use the links below to download a permit application and start the permit process. Please allow a reasonable amount of time for processing the permit.

 

Filming, Photography, and Audio Recording

The National Park Service conserves and protects areas of untold beauty, grandeur and historical importance for current and future generations. The tradition of capturing images of these special places started with explorers who traveled with paint and canvas or primitive cameras. Sharing these images helped inspire the creation of national parks. Today, visitors to national parks continue to memorialize their visits through filming and photography.

On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234) and has been codified at 54 U.S.C. 100905. Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service will manage filming, photography, and audio recording in park areas.
Key elements of the new law include:

• In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet 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 NPS.
• 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., special use permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
• All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
• When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.

• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.

Please check the Superintendent's Compendium for relevant laws and policies regarding park use

How do I apply for a permit?

Permit applications are available on paper at the visitor center or online from the links below, these forms are for George Rogers Clark National Historical Park only. For other parks, please visit the website of the park at which your activity will take place. We cannot forward your your application to the appropriate park.

The Park Service may establish location and cost recovery fees to cover the cost of application review, permit processing and related administrative and personnel costs.

Please request a meeting with park staff prior to submitting an application if your project is complex or unusual. Early consultation with park staff will help them process the submitted application in a timely manner.

 

Special Use Applications

Download application forms for common special park uses. Return completed forms to the Visitor Center or mail them to
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
Attn: Permits Coordinator
401 S. 2nd St.
Vincennes, IN 47591

• Events, weddings and other special uses
• Filming, still photography, and audio recording
• Demonstrations and distribution of material

 

Patrick Henry Square, the designated first amendment demonstration area is highlighted.

NPS Image

Patrick Henry Square is the designated first amendment demonstration area.