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Special Events 2016 Application Fees: Non-refundable Application Fees for 2016 Permits are as follows: Shoshone Point: $325 Shrine of the Ages: $200 Wedding (non-Shoshone Point locations): $100 Special Event: $200 Extended Day Hike: $175 Please note: Please email Commercial Services if you have questions about the 2016 Special Use Permit applications.
Grand Canyon National Park is home to many beautiful landscapes which make it a popular place for weddings and special events. Most special events and activities held in the park require a special use permit, issued only after the National Park Service (NPS) determines that the activity will not cause derogation of the park's resources or values, visitor experiences, or the purpose for which the park was established. Please email Commercial Services at grca_permits_mail@nps.gov if you would like to review the specific conditions for your requested event prior to submitting your application.
Special EventsA special use permit is required for activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large. These activities require some degree of management from the National Park Service if there is the potential for interference with visitor use, congestion of a highly visited area, or possible impact on park resources. Application Form -- Fees Organized Group Rim-to-Rim and Extended Day Hike/Run Who is required to obtain a permit: Any organized, non-commercial (12-30 participants) or not-for-profit group (up to 30) conducting rim-to-rim and extended day hiking and running, including rim-to-river-to-rim, and rim-to-rim-to-rim that are operating in the inner canyon. The inner canyon is defined as the area below the Tonto Platform (Tipoff and Indian Garden) from the South Rim and below Manzanita Resthouse (Pumphouse Residence) from the North Rim. Groups are only permitted one permit per group. Groups may not break into smaller groups on different permits to accommodate group size. Groups whom must obtain a permit:
Commercial operations are not authorized under an SUP. What will be required with the SUP?"
Additional conditions and further details of these requirements will be outlined in the SUP. The NPS is currently preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Backcountry Management Plan. Organized, non-commercial, rim-to-rim and extended day hiking and running are among topics that will be addressed in the plan. The park expects to release a draft plan this fall for public review and comment. SUPs will be issued for rim-to-rim and extended day hiking and running to protect park resources and public interest until the plan is completed. WeddingsGrand Canyon's inspiring viewpoints and natural settings are ideally suited for small, informal weddings. All weddings, regardless of size, require an approved wedding permit issued by the National Park Service. Weddings may be scheduled up to one year in advance. Please review the Wedding Information Brochure for a list of ceremony sites in Grand Canyon National Park and indicate the specific location on the application. Shoshone PointThe National Park Service offers a site on the South Rim of Grand Canyon for reservation by groups wishing to host a wedding, celebrate a birthday, conduct a memorial service, hold a family reunion, or any similar non-commercial event. Shrine of AgesLocated just west of Park Headquarters, the Shrine of the Ages is an National Park Service facility that is used for a variety of events. The Shrine features an auditorium with seating for 250 and a smaller, multipurpose room which seats up to 60 people. Alcohol is not permitted within the building, while food is only allowed in the smaller room. If you are interested in reserving the Shrine, please contact Commercial Services at 928-638-7707 to check on availability prior to submitting an application. Application form -- Fees First Amendment ActivitiesFreedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are constitutional rights. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect park resources. The necessity of a permit to conduct First Amendment activities is determined by the group size. a. wants to hold a demonstration or distribute and/or sell printed matter somewhere outside a designated First Amendment area. A large group is defined as “more than 25 people” and is required to obtain a First Amendment Permit even if they are utilizing a park designated First Amendment site.
There are no permit fees associated with First Amendment permits. Application form Scattering of Cremation AshesPlease download the Scattering of Cremation Ashes Letter in order to scatter ashes from human cremains in Grand Canyon. There are specific rules and conditions outlined in the letter that are required of all ash scattering requests. There is no fee for the scattering of ashes. The Application ProcessSpecial Use Permit Application (67kb pdf file) Please send completed applications with the non-refundable permit application fee to: Grand Canyon National Park or email us your application to grca_permits_mail@nps.gov. After favorable review of your application, a Special Use Permit will be prepared and e-mailed to you for signature. Upon receipt, you will need to review, sign and return the permit to our office for final approval. After the permit is approved we will email you an authorized copy. The approved permit must be in your possession at the time of your wedding or event. Email is the preferred method of submitting applications. We require a minimum of 4 weeks to fully process a basic permit request. Complex special events may require more than 4 weeks to process. 
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Special Use Permit FeesPermit Fees non-refundable and are based on an annual cost recovery analysis conducted by Commercial Services. These fees include the cost of permit processing, administration and the basic monitoring of events. Larger events or other special uses that require additional management will incur higher fees. Payment can be made by cashier’s check, money order or credit card (which is the preferred method). Credit card information must include the name on the card, card number, expiry date, security code, and billing address that is associated with the card.
Additional InformationFor more information about Special Use Permits; |