Information for planning a wedding on park grounds
George Rogers Clark Memorial.
National Park Service
Wedding Permit Process:
An application for special use of park grounds (NPS Form 10-930s) must be completed, signed, and returned to the park office. A three-week lead time is requested, five days is minimum.
Applicant name - Please list the individual applying for the permit. (This does not have to be the bride or the groom.)
Do not include a social security number, even though there is a line for that information on the form.
Write a brief description of planned setup including location and number of chairs, tables, arches, and decorations. A rough estimate is fine, however if things change, please contact the permit coordinator so that the permit may be adapted. If using a rental company, please list the name of that company.
Include the desired location within the park. (See location information below)
A permit will be created by the park's special use permit coordinator.
When the permit is ready, notification will be sent by the permit coordinator to the contact listed on the permit. It is your responsibility to ensure the contact information is correct and accessible to the point of contact.
A $50 processing fee which is due when the completed permit is picked up. (Please note that this fee is non-refundable.) The permit is not valid until the Superintendent has signed the permit and the fee has been paid. Although the application has a segment which seeks information pertaining to credit cards, please do not complete that segment.
Proof of liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 naming the park as an additional insured is mandatory. (This may available from your regular homeowners or renters insurance provider.) This document must be submitted to park officials before the event date. (The permit is not valid without this document.) The George Rogers Clark National Historical Park must be listed on the policy as an additional insured entity or as the certificate holder.
Dates
Only one permit for a wedding or an event is typically issued for any single day. That day will not be reserved for any wedding until the above process is completed.
Numerous events take place on or near park grounds throughout the year. The park staff will make an effort to inform you of events, which are scheduled for the same day as your planned wedding.
There is no guarantee that other activities will not occur on the same day. It is suggested that you contact the Vincennes/Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau (812-886-0400) and the Knox County Chamber of Commerce (812-882-6440) to inquire about planned events which may be scheduled on your chosen date.
Location:
Barnett sidewalk (located between Second St. and the memorial) is the most common location for weddings on park grounds. Weddings at this location may be scheduled for any time of day.
Front of the memorial, including steps and mall area, may be used for weddings. However, services on the memorial steps or immediately in front of the steps are permissible only after 5 p.m.
The South lawn is the only permissible location for a tent and must be set up and removed the same day as the wedding. Permission for this activity must be included in the permit.
Other locations in the park may be used. Please be specific and work out details with the park's special use permit coordinator. Take into account the location of the sun at the time and date of your wedding. If considering the North end of the park, please be aware of the traffic noises on Vigo Street.
Logistics:
No electrical power is available on park grounds (except on Patrick Henry Square). The use of generators is allowed, but may not be placed directly on the lawn, nor upon neighboring property.
No facilities are available on grounds for changing, or gathering. A motor home/trailer may be parked along Second Street adjacent to the park for those wanting to provide their own changing facilities.
Please do not park any vehicle so as to block the sidewalk leading to the memorial.
No restroom facilities are available on grounds after 5 p.m.
The park parking area closes at 5 p.m. Eastern Time and will not be available for event guests.
Access:
When conditions allow, the park has designated routes for vehicle access if a vehicle is needed to load or unload equipment or supplies.
Please indicate in the permit application if vehicle access is desired and park management will determine if conditions allow vehicle access and which route should be taken to reach the wedding site.
Vehicles are only allowed on paved areas and only if specifically mentioned in the permit.
Vehicles should be removed as soon as unloading is completed.
Rules for planing purposes:
Decorations may not be attached to any cultural or natural object, bench, handrail, fence, shrub, tree or other park property.
The steps of the monument must be accessible to visitors between 9 A.M. and 5 P.M daily. If steps are used for photography during open hours visitors may not be blocked or discouraged from entering or leaving the memorial.
The area must be left in the same condition as found. Any damage to park property by, or as a result of the permit holder, will be replaced or repaired at the cost of the permit holder.
Any activities that are not specifically mentioned in the permit would require additional permission from the Park Superintendent.
A wedding tent is permissible on the south lawn only and must be set up and removed the same day as the wedding. Permission for this activity must be included in the permit.
Music may be played at any given time during the daylight hours, so long as the volume is kept at a respectful level. This means that the sound may be heard only within the immediate area in which the event is being conducted. Also, an amplifier (speaker) may be used.
Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of George Rogers Clark National Historical Park is prohibited. ---The term, unmanned aircraft, means a device that is used or is intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or to control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g. model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or for commerce.
Only bird seed (no rice) may be thrown.
Along the streets in front of the Old Cathedral, adjacent to the park grounds, parking is not allowed between 4:30 P.M. and 6:30 P.M., Saturdays.
Clean-up must be completed the same day as the event. The permit holder is responsible for removal of all trash generated by the event.
Balloons may NOT be released on National Park Service property.
Other regulations, conditions, or permissions may apply to a permit and will be listed on the permit.
