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The Beatrix Farrand Garden: A beautiful venue for wedding ceremonies
NPS / C.S. Anderson III
Private parties may request that National Parks be used for purposes which do not benefit the general public. These situations are designated as "special use" cases, and they require written authorization in the form of permits from a park superintendent.
The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site was established to preserve in public ownership the historically significant property associated with the 32nd President of the United States of America.
The primary mission of the National Park Service is to preserve National Historic Sites such as the Home of FDR and its grounds unimpaired for future generations, by managing the use of park areas in a manner that will protect against the impairment of park values and purposes and then provide for public enjoyment.
On this page, you will find information on "special uses" and how private parties may ask for permission to use federal park spaces for private usage. Rules, regulations, oversight, and stipulations will be addressed further. Be aware of the National Park Service's primary responsibilities and that Congress has instructed the agency to follow this directive: "The authorization of activities shall be construed and the protection, management, and administration of these areas shall be conducted in light of the high public value and integrity of the National Park System and shall not be exercised in derogation of the values and purposes for which these various areas have been established..."
NPS/ C.S. Anderson III
Application Instructions
NOTICE: A permit is NOT required for any event with 8 or less people and without special equipment or props.
To request a special use permit for your private event, you must fill out an application and send it to our local Permit and Reservation Coordinator with payment for the application charge. Please read this page thoroughly to understand the process for permit application with the National Historic Sites of Hyde Park, NY. Use the collapsing panels below to have your submission questions answered.
You must first download the proper permit form and fill it out with as much specific information as is necessary.
On this page, three documents are available in the section titled "Application File Downloads". Please read the "'Special Use' Types" section to understand which of the three documents you need for your event.
More likely than not, you will need the NPS 10-930 Form because it covers most "special uses". Please be certain, though, that you do not need one of the other two options which concern filming and demonstrations.
Once you have filled out your application form, send the document to our Permit and Reservation Coordinator at "Greg_Washburne@nps.gov".
This is the only means of initiating communication with our coordinator, nut the coordinator may offer additional means of comunicating if necessary.
An application fee is due when you submit a form. Our coordinator will determine a means of aquiring your payment privately through email.
Applications must be received by our coordinator at least 14 days prior to any proposed event or activity requiring a special use permit.
No event assignment will be formally made until the application process is complete, the charges are paid, and a signed permit is received by the NPS.
Internally, our staff must process the application, evaluate the given information, generate a permit, and have it approved or denied by our site superintendent.
The permit application charge is $80 for the NPS 10-930 and NPS 10-932 forms. There is NO application charge for the NPS 10-934 form.
The application charge you pay is a combination of an administrative cost recovery and monitoring charge which reimburses our site and a fair market value charge which is paid to the Federal government for the use of the site.
This application charge does not cover any costs that may accrue if unintentional damage or misuse occured during your event. The National Park Service may additionally charge to recover other costs incurred (such as monitoring or maintenance) due to the activity, and may require proof of liability insurance from the permittee.
This application charge is non-refundable, unless the National Park Service must cancel the event due to closures, other required events, or emergency staffing concerns.
If your application is approved, you will be sent a permit form for your event through email.
This permit form's conditions must be read by you. You must sign and initial the document where necessary. You must also agree to conditions required by the NPS to ensure safety and to protect park resources.
Ideally, you can sign the form digitally for quicker submission and return. Yet, if you must sign the document physically, our coordinator willadvise you on how to send the document to us.
Once you have signed the permit, it must be returned to us for the superintendent’s final approval and signature.
You will be sent a copy of the final permit.
On the day of your event, you or a known representative must have your final permit with you at the event. You may present the permit physically or on your mobile device.
If you do not have your permit with you on the day of the event, the event will NOT be allowed to continue.
If your application is denied, you will be notified by email.
Though you may not be entitled to a reason for refusal, our coordinator will most likely discuss any changes that can be made for an approval.
Appropriate "special uses" can be found in the section marked "'Special Use' Types" on this page.
After reading this page thoroughly, if you are still not certain if you need a permit foryour activity, please email our Permit and Reservation Coordinator at "Greg_Washburne@nps.gov" for guidance.
Some "special uses" may not be appropriate for the park because of the size, scope, and/or impact to visitor enjoyment, park grounds, and facilities.
In general, the National Park Service may permit a "special use" if the proposed activity will NOT:
cause injury or damage to park resources;
be contrary to the purposes for which the park was established;
unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in the natural, historic, wilderness, or commemorative spaces within the park;
unreasonably interfere with the interpretive, visitor service, other program activities, or administrative activities of the NPS;
substantially impair the operation of public facilities or services of NPS concessionaires or contractors;
present a clear and present danger to public health and safety;
result in significant conflict with other existing uses.
Application File Downloads
NPS/ C.S. Anderson III
"Special Use" Types
Different activities have different sets of requirements for permit approval.
In the collapsing panels below, you will find crucial information regarding multiple, common "Special Uses" that may or may not require a permit. To better understand what possibilities are available to you, please read these segments carefully.
Furthermore, some activities may be listed in a general category below that requires a permit, but local park rules still prohibit the activity. For example, under "Other 'Special Use' Types", sporting events are listed as a possible activity requiring a permit. However, our Superintendent's Compendium addresses that organized sports are prohibited on our grounds. For more information on NPS regulations in Hyde Park, NY, please go to the following webpage: Superintendent's Compendium - Home Of FDR
PERMIT APPLICATION TYPE:
Group of 8 or less people with no special equipment: NO permit necessary
Group of 9 or more people and/or special equipment: NPS 10-932
MORE INFO:
Any group of 8 people or less that do not need to stage equipment or use props does NOT need a permit to record footage in the open, outdoor space of a national park. As long as no damage is done, handheld equipment is freely allowed in this permit-free situation. Handheld equipment includes tripods, monopods, and handheld lighting equipment.
Otherwise, some filming, still photography, and audio recording may require a permit. This requirement depends upon the facts and circumstances. Contact the park for more information. Permit requirements will be consistent with 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) and 54 U.S.C. 100905. Possible situations in which media permits may be necessary are listed below:
Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity that occurs in closed areas, requires exclusive use of a site or area, or involves a set or staging equipment other than handheld equipment (such as a tripod, monopod, and handheld lighting equipment) requires a permit, unless the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
Filming, still photography, and audio recording that involves more than eight individuals requires a permit, unless the NPS has specifically notified an individual or group that a permit is not required, or if the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
If a permit is required for the reasons stated above, or if the NPS otherwise determines and then notifies an individual or group that a permit is required for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity, then engaging in that activity without a permit is prohibited. Violating a term or condition of a permit issued by the NPS for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity is prohibited and may result in the suspension or revocation of the permit, in addition to any penalties that may apply under 36 CFR 1.3.
Federal law at 54 U.S.C. 100905 states that permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording in park areas if certain requirements are met. These requirements address various topics, including, but not limited to, group size, location, equipment, potential impacts to resources and visitors, and the likelihood that the NPS will incur related administrative costs.
If any of these requirements are not met, the law allows the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the NPS, to require a permit for the subject activity.
Permit requirements are imposed by the superintendent under discretionary authority provided by 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2), which allows the superintendent to impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity, consistent with applicable legislation, to implement management responsibilities.
The general regulations for permits in 36 CFR 1.6 do not apply to permits issued for filming, still photography, and audio recording, which instead are governed by the statutory provisions in 54 U.S.C. 100905.
The imposition of permit requirements, on a case-by-case basis, for filming, still photography, or audio recording does not require rulemaking under 36 CFR 1.5(b).
Requiring a permit with reasonable terms and conditions in accordance with statutory requirements at 54 U.S.C. 100905 is not highly controversial, will not result in a significant alteration in the public use pattern of the System unit, will not adversely affect the System unit’s natural, aesthetic, scenic or cultural values, or require a long-term or significant modification in the resource management objectives of the System unit, because the permit requirement is limited in time and scope to the specific activities authorized by the permit, which contain terms and conditions that protect the values, resources, and visitors of the System unit, and implements federal law. 36 CFR 1.6(f)
Group of 8 or less people with no special equipment: NO permit necessary
Group of 9 or more people and/or special equipment: NPS 10-930
MORE INFORMATION:
Thank you for your interest in having your wedding at our site. Please keep in mind that the Home of FDR is a National Historic Site, and events need to be carefully regulated to ensure the safety of visitors and staff, as well as the protection of cultural and natural resources.
Please read the following information carefully. You are required to follow all federal regulations and failure to do so may result in the revocation of your permit. Please share this information with all of the members of your party.
Wedding Ceremonies
General Information
At the Home of FDR National Historic Site, only one area is approved for weddings: the Beatrix Farrand Garden. Use the following link to learn more about the garden: Beatrix Farrand Garden website.
Weddings may be held in the Beatrix Farrand Garden all year round.
As a courtesy, we ask that you reserve your wedding date at least 14 days in advance. If you do not, your requested date may not be available.
Weddings are NOT allowed on holidays or on days when other special events have already been scheduled.
The wedding party attendee limit is 30 people. This limit includes all wedding personnel such as the photographer, videographer, clergy, officiant, groomsmen, and bridesmaids.
As with most special use permits, the permit application charge for this activity is $80.00.
The permit form application is NPS 10-930 which is downloadable at the top of this page.
Bring your permit with you on the day of the event to show the monitoring ranger.
Remember that your application and the permit are different. You must send the application to our permit coordinator. If your application is approved, the permit coordinator will send you back a permit which you and our superintendent must sign.
No event can actually be scheduled until the permit is read and signed by all relevant parties.
Even with your permit, you do NOT have exclusive rights to the garden. Other visitors are free to use the garden area and may not be asked to leave unless behaving improperly.
We will do everything possible to make your day a great one, but you and your party are responsible for following all park regulations and the conditions of your permit.
If there are any accessibility concerns or requirements for your event, please include this information in your initial permit application. We will do our best to assist you.
Items or elements that are NOT permitted:
live animals
bubbles, balloons, streamers, and confetti
food of any kind including rice or birdseed
sound amplification equipment and musical instruments that require such equipment
tents, canopies, props, tables, stanchions, ropes
chairs and stools
Two folding chairs are permitted for guests that cannot stand during the event.
If more accomodations are necessary for accessibility reasons, please include this information in your initial permit application.
Activities or services that are NOT permitted:
wedding receptions
toasting
picking or damaging plants or flowers
standing in flowerbeds
moving or interfering with garden equipment
launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft (e.g. drone)
standing or parking in the fire lanes at any time
Cautionary Information:
Keep umbrellas handy in case of inclement weather.
The Bellefield Mansion connected to the Beatrix Farrand Garden is not open to the public or your party for shelter, bathrooms, or indoor staging.
The Henry A. Wallace Visitor Center is available for restroom usage and general amenities during business hours. However, if your wedding party does visit the visitor center, no one in your party may interfere with normal park functions or tours. Furthermore, you may not use any area of the visitor center as a staging area for your event.
Please remember that the garden is full of flowers, insects, and bees. Find out if anyone in the wedding party is allergic to any plant life, bee venom, wasp venom, or relevant species. If the allergic participant must attend, bring appropriate medication.
The permit holder should ensure that a member of the party has a cell phone in case of emergencies.
Notify an NPS staff member immediately if there are any injuries, damages, safety hazards or security concerns. During working hours, an attendant should be at the front desks in the Henry A. Wallace Center.
PERMIT APPLICATION TYPE:
Group of 8 or less people with no special equipment: NO permit necessary
Group of 9 or more people and/or special equipment: NPS 10-932
MORE INFORMATION:
For groups of eight or fewer people, a permit is NOT required for photography or videography events.
As long as you have no large, specialized equipment, your group of 8 or less can take engagement or wedding photos anywhere on the grounds during normal operating hours.
If your group exceeds 8 people or you require large, specialized equipment, your wedding photography session will be regulated to the Beatrix Farrand Garden, and you must apply for a special use permit.
As with most special use permits, the permit application charge is $80.00.
The permit form application is NPS 10-932 which is downloadable at the top of this page.
A wedding photography session has a participant limit of 30 people.
Wedding photography requests involving 9 to 30 participants will be accepted all year round.
We ask that you reserve your recording date 14 days in advance to ensure that we can be ready for your arrival.
The photography session must also not conflict with any other special events in the garden that have already been scheduled. Thus some days may be unavailable due to high visitation, holidays, or other special events.
The general and cautionary information concerning weddings also applies to wedding photography sessions.
PERMIT APPLICATION TYPE:
NONE because the activity is prohibited.
MORE INFORMATION:
All areas of the park are closed to remote-controlled devices including but not limited to airplanes, helicopters, cars, boats, and similar objects.
Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, or Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.
Definition: The term "unmanned aircraft" means a device that is used or 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 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 commerce.
Justification: Activity detracts from the historic setting of the park and poses a risk to visitor safety.
PERMIT APPLICATION TYPE:
Group of 8 or less people with no special equipment: NO permit necessary
Group of 9 or more people and/or special equipment: NPS 10-930
NOTE: Ask our Permit and Reservation Coordinator over email if your specific "special use" is allowed. Not every "special use" for the NPS is permitted at every park.
MORE INFORMATION:
The following types of activities require permits as authorized by Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations and are listed in the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt NHS Superintendent's Compendium. Engaging in the following activities without first obtaining the required permit is prohibited:
Carrying or possession of a weapon, trap, or net unless necessary to support related activities
Collecting research specimens (plants, fish, wildlife, rocks, or minerals)
Operating an unauthorized public address system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued
Aircraft and Air Delivery
Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter, or other airborne means
Removal of downed aircraft
Noncommercial soliciting
Explosives
Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives, blasting agents, or explosive materials
Using or possessing fireworks
Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events
Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades, and other public expressions for
groups greater than 25 people
Sale or distribution of printed matter for groups greater than 25 people
Memorialization - Scattering of human ashes or remains, leaving markers, tributes or memorials
Engaging in or soliciting any business (requires a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the U.S.)
Construction of buildings, or other structures, boats, docks, road, trails, paths, etc.
For more info regarding Title 36 CFR, Parts 1-7 and how those federal regulations relate to rules and permits at the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites of Hyde Park, NY, follow this webpage link to the Superintendent's Compendium: Superintendent's Compendium - Home Of FDR.
PERMIT APPLICATION TYPE:
NO permit necessary
MORE INFORMATION:
Breaking News is defined as an event that cannot be covered at any other time or location and is covered under freedom of the press.
The filming of news-breaking events does NOT require a permit.
During an unforeseen event, filming is subject to restrictions and conditions necessary to protect park resources, public health, and public safety.
PERMIT APPLICATION TYPE:
Group of 25 or less people: NO permit necessary
Group of 26 or more people: NPS 10-934
MORE INFORMATION:
The exercise of First Amendment rights includes the freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of the press.
Examples of First Amendment activities include public demonstrations, assemblies, and other forms of public expression of opinions and views.
NOTICE: A permit is NOT required if a group contains 25 people or less for a public assembly, meeting, gathering, demonstration, parade, or other public expression event. The limit of 25 people applies also to groups selling or distributing printed matter.
A few, crucial details about requesting a First Amendment activity at the Home of FDR National Historic Site:
For groups exceeding 25 people, the exercise of First Amendment rights requires a permit at each of the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites in Hyde Park, NY.
First Amendment Activities require a unique permit form different from the general permit form. This unique form can be downloaded on this page and is named: NPS Form 10-934 - Application for Special Use Permit Demonstrations and Distribution of Materials
NO fees, charges, bonding, or insurance requirements apply to this permit classification.
The National Park Service may NOT regulate the content or message in any way of a First Amendment activity.
Yet, the NPS requires certain information about the event to properly protect park resources. This required information merely includes elements such as time, place, nature, and execution of the intended event.
Participants in First Amendment activities are still expected to follow all federal, state, and local laws during demonstrations.
Some areas on the grounds can be requested for First Amendment activities, but many areas are unavailable because a demonstration could disrupt regular park operations or public safety.
Oftentimes, First Amendment activities will be regulated to one of two locations on the grounds of the Home of FDR. Please click the image below on this page titled "Home of FDR - Public Assembly Map" to view the pre-designated areas.
Generally, the sale of merchandise including T-Shirts, clothing, arts, and crafts is prohibited during First Amendment events and other special use activities in the park.
There are some exceptions to what printed matter can be distributed at a First Amendment activity. Please elaborate on what you wish to distribute in the NPS Form 10-934 form or in an email inquiry to the Special Events Coordinator.
All permits must be signed and all permit conditions agreed upon by both the applicant and the superintendent before a permit is valid and use of the site is authorized.
Home of FDR - Public Assembly Map
Click on the text in the image thumbnail directly below to view a map of the Public Assembly areas at the Home of FDR National Historic Site. The Designated Free Speech Areas for public assembly and First Amendment activities are marked on the map by two, red rectangles.
For more info on public assemblies, check the element "36 CFR §2.51 – Public Assemblies" in our Superintendent's Compendium.
