Permits & Reservations

Arch Reservations

To make a reservation to ride to the top of the arch, visit Gatewayarch.com's ticket sales site.

Filming Permits

In some cases, permits are required to film or record audio on National Park Service land. You do not need a permit if your filming, still photography, or audio recording meets all of the following conditions:

• Eight or fewer participants;
• 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 National Park Service.

If any of those conditions do not apply, you will need a permit. Here is a filming permit application.

For more information about filming at National Park Service sites, please visit this link: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (U.S. National Park Service).

Motion Picture Filming

• 1–8 people - Free, no permit needed
• 9-10 people - $150/day
• 11-30 people - $250/day

Still Photos and Audio Recording

• 1–8 people - Free, no permit needed
• 9-10 people - $50/day
• 11-30 people $150/day
• Over 30 people: $250/day

Are there other permit requirements?

You may be required to obtain liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured in an amount commensurate with the risk posed to park resources by your proposed activity. You may also be asked to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary.

What about photography workshops?

If you are planning a photography workshop, you may need a commercial use authorization. See the commercial use authorization page for more information.

 

Special Use Permits

There are several types of special use permits necessary for certain activities/events held at Gateway Arch National Park. For example, permits are required for after-hours events or for exclusive access to a space. Here is a general application for a Special Use Permit.

Outdoor Events

Contact the Permits Office at 314-655-1611 or by email for applications for general outdoor events and for walks/runs.

Indoor Events

Guidelines for After-Hours events at the Gateway Arch Visitor Center

First Amendment - Public Assemblies and/or Distribution of Printed Matter or other Free Message-bearing Items

The NPS authorizes the use of parks for public expressions of views protected by the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment.

If 25 or fewer people are participating, no permit is required. If 26 or more people are participating, a permit is required. Permits are free. An application for a first amendment permit is available here.

First amendment activities must take place in a specific area as defined by that park's Superintendent's Compendium.

Further Questions

Please contact the Park Permits Office at (voice) 314-655-1611, or by e-mail.