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The Beatrix Farrand Garden: A beautiful venue for wedding ceremonies
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Private parties may request that National Parks be used for purposes which do not benefit the general public. These situations are designated as "special park 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 park uses and permissions for using federal spaces. 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..."
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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 park use permit for your event, you must fill out an application and send it to our local Special Park Use Permit 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 Park 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 park 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 "NER_ROVA_Permits@nps.gov".
This is the preferred means of initiating communication with our coordinator, but the coordinator may offer additional means of communicating if necessary.
An application fee is due when you submit a form.
Applications will be processed on a first come-first served basis.
What is a COMPLETE application?
A complete application will be:
signed by you,
dated,
fully filled out by you (please be as specific as possible with event details),
include the permit application fee paid by you via check, money order, or credit over the phone.
Applications can take up to 14 days to process. To ensure that we can be ready for your arrival, please submit your completed application for a special park use permit to our coordinator as early as possible.
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 $125 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 will advise 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 park uses" can be found in the section marked "'Special Park 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 Special Park Use Permit Coordinator at "NER_ROVA_Permits@nps.gov" for guidance.
Some "special park 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 park 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
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"Special Park 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 Park Uses" that will need a permit if any of the four requirements are not met. If the NPS determines and then notifies an individual or group that a permit is required for an activity, then engaging in that activity without a permit is prohibited. Violating a term or condition of a permit issued by the NPS is prohibited and may result in the suspension or revocation of the permit, in addition to any penalties that may apply.
Each special park use only requires one permit.
For example, a wedding that will also have photography and filming only needs one permit application. You do not need to fill out a permit for the wedding, photography, and filming separately. Instead, include all relevant details in the one application. To better understand what possibilities are available to you, please read the collapsible panel segments carefully.
If you meet the following 4 requirements, then NO permit is necessary:
The activity occurs in an area open to the public.
Your group is comprised of 8 or less individuals.
No special equipment for staging or creating a set other than handheld equipment such as tripods, monopods, and handheld lighting.
The activity does not require exclusive use of a site or area.
If not, then a permit is necessary.
Then, you will need to fill out a NPS 10-932 Form for filming, photography, and audio recording.
The park grounds are open to the public for visiting and special park use. The permitted area will remain open to the public to the same extent that it is open to the public during regular park visiting hours, and the permitted work or activities may not unduly interfere with the public’s use and enjoyment of the permitted area.
Regulations and Restrictions for Filming & Photography within Park Historic Buildings
The park will not permit any use that would cause unacceptable impacts on the cultural and natural resources. The park’s historic houses are not stage sets, but museums, and have limited space and very few amenities to support filming production.
Filming within park historic buildings will require ranger monitoring which will accrue monitoring and location fees which you will be required to pay.
Generally, filming and photography activities are limited to the same areas accessed by the public.
The following activities are restricted from park historic buildings:
Walk & Talk filming format is NOT permitted except in public access spaces where all cameras and lighting remain stationary.
Due to the sensitivity of museum collections, most activities may NOT occur in furnished rooms beyond stanchions or barriers.
Costume changes and makeup activities may NOT occur in the historic house.
Members of the crew may not wander the house unattended. All members of the production crew must remain within park staff’s line of sight.
Additional Requirements:
A location manager must be onsite at all times to address park concerns.
All cameras and lighting equipment must be stationary.
Only essential crew and talent will be permitted in the house during the activity.
Security tags designating essential crew, supporting crew, and talent will be issued and must be worn at all times. Supporting crew generally may not be in the house during a film shoot.
On the day of filming, before filming activity begins, all members of the production crew must be present for a meeting to go over the house rules and restrictions.
Entering and exiting the building is tightly controlled. In many circumstances, exiting will require a park staff escort.
All film, photography and sound equipment must be listed on the permit application. No last-minute changes or additions will be permitted.
If you meet the following 4 requirements, then NO permit is necessary:
The activity occurs in an area open to the public.
Your group is comprised of 8 or less individuals.
No special equipment for staging or creating a set other than handheld equipment such as tripods, monopods, and handheld lighting.
The activity does not require exclusive use of a site or area.
If not, then a permit is necessary.
You will need to fill out a NPS 10-930 Form, the Application for Special Use Permit.
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 $125.00.
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.
This activity is PROHIBITED. No permit will be issued.
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.
You will need to fill out a NPS 10-930 Form, the Application for Special Use Permit, if you intend to do any of the activities in the list below.
NOTE: If you do not see your activity in the list below, ask our Special Park Use Permit Coordinator over email if your specific activity is allowed. Not every "special park 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.
If you meet the following 4 requirements, NO permit is necessary:
Demonstrations are allowed within park areas designated as available by the park superintendent.
Your demonstration involves 25 persons or fewer.
Your demonstration has only hand-carried signs. NO stages, platforms, or structures.
No demonstrators will unreasonably interfere with other permitted demonstrations, special events, or park program activities.
If not, a permit is necessary.
Then, you will need to fill out a NPS 10-934 Form for Demonstrations and Distribution of Materials.
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.
A few, crucial details about requesting a First Amendment activity at the Home of FDR National Historic Site:
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.
The sale of merchandise is prohibited including T-Shirts, clothing, arts, and crafts during First Amendment events and other special use activities in the park.
Printed matter that violates a law or regulation can not be distributed at a First Amendment activity. Please elaborate on what you wish to distribute in the NPS Form 10-934 or in an email inquiry to the Special Park Use Permit Coordinator.
All permits must be signed by both the superintendent and the permitee before a permit is valid and use of the site is authorized.
Home of FDR - Map for Demonstrations and Distribution of Materials
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.
You may NOT conduct commercial activities in a national park unit without a valid CUA.
If you have booked a group tour with Recreation.gov, a CUA does not apply to you.
What is a CUA?
A commercial use authorization (CUA) allows an individual, group, company, or other for-profit entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within a national park unit.
The National Park Service (NPS) issues CUAs to manage a wide-range of commercial visitor services in addition to road-based commercial tours. Federal law mandates the NPS issue CUAs only for commercial activities and visitor services that:
are determined to be an appropriate use of the park,
will have a minimal impact on park resources and values, and
are consistent with the park purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.
Why does the NPS require CUAs?
The requirement is in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36, Chapter 1, Section 5.3. It is illegal to conduct business in a park area without a permit, contract, or other written agreement. Additionally, Public Law 105-391 Section 418, passed in 1998, provides NPS the authority to issue CUAs to allow business operations and requires NPS to collect a reasonable fee for CUA administration and management.
Do I need a CUA?
A CUA is required if you provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for members, clients, or the public that:
take place at least in part on lands managed by the National Park Service,
use park resources, and
result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.
If a National Park Service representative is hosting your experience or providing your tour, then you do not need a CUA. If you have booked your experience through Recreation.gov, you do not need a CUA.
For more information concerning CUAs, please go to the following NPS website: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cua/index.htm. You may also contact our Special Park Use Permit Coordinator at "NER_ROVA_Permits@nps.gov".
