Permits & Reservations

Arch Reservations

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

Filming and Still Photography Permits

• In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:

• 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 NPS. 

• Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.

• All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.

• When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.

• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.

• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required. 

A special use permit (SUP) is not required for still photography for any group size that meets all of the criteria listed above.

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). For questions specific to filming and still photography at Gateway Arch National Park, please email us.

If a permit is required, the application form can be found here.

Drone Use

Launching, landing, and operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Gateway Arch National Park is prohibited. The airspace above the park is restricted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA_ID 20170518). Permits will not be issued for unmanned aircraft use.

Activities that require a permit

The following activities are prohibited without a permit. Criteria for approving or denying permits are established by applicable law (statutes and regulations) and policy. Permitted activities are subject to applicable terms and conditions.

• Some filming, still photography, and audio recording (depends upon the facts and circumstances; contact the park for more information) 36 CFR 1.5 and 54 U.S.C. 100905;

• Specimen collection for research purposes. 36 CFR 2.5;

• Gathering of plants or plant parts by Federally recognized Indian tribes. 36 CFR 2.6;

• Operating a power saw in developed areas and a motor or engine in undeveloped areas. 36 CFR 2.12;

• Operating a public address system 36 CFR 2.12;

• Soliciting or demanding gifts, money goods or services. 36 CFR 2.37;

• Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives; using or possessing fireworks or firecrackers. 36 CFR 2.38;

• Conducting a special event. 36 CFR 2.50;

• Conducting a demonstration by groups of more than 25 people. 36 CFR 2.51;

• Selling or distributing printed matter and other message-bearing items by groups of more than 25 people. 36 CFR 2.52;

• Engaging in or soliciting any business. 36 CFR 5.3;

• Constructing or attempting to construct any building, structure, road, trail, path, or utility. 36 CFR 5.7; and

• Rights-of-way. 36 CFR part 14.

Special Events

Special Use Permits (SUPs) are required for special event activities conducted within the boundaries of Gateway Arch National Park in accordance with 36 CFR 2.50.  

After-Hours Indoor Events

The Old Courthouse may be available, at the Superintendent's discretion, for up to two (2) after-hours Special Use Permits (SUPs) per month.

After hours indoor SUP requests will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis for events occurring during the following periods:

• September 8, 2026 - November 19, 2026
• January 4, 2027 - May 27, 2027

After-hourse SUPs will not be issued for indoor events during Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day or between November 20, 2026, and January 3, 2027.

Gateway Arch National Park will continue evaluating its capacity to accommodate after-hours SUPs in the Visitor Center for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027.

Application Information

Applications for Special Use Permits for special events require a nonrefundable $200 application fee and are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Completed applications may be emailed to us.

The application for a Special Use Permit can be found here.

CLICK HERE FOR FIRST AMENDMENT PERMITTING INFOMATION