Special Use Permits

 

What is a Special Use Permit?

A special park use is a short-term activity that takes place in a park area and:

• Provides a benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large;
• Requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the NPS in order to protect park resources and the public interest;
• Is not prohibited by law or regulation; and
• Is neither initiated, sponsored, nor conducted by the NPS.

Example of activities requiring a Special Use Permit within Mammoth Cave National Park include weddings, memorial services, filming and/or photography, special assemblies, First Amendment activities, organized trail events, and athletic events.

 

Activities that Require a Special Use Permit

Filming, Photography, & Audio Recording

A permit may be required. Visit our Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording page for more information.

First Amendment Activities

Freedom 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. First Amendment activities such as the distribution and/or sale of printed matter, religious services, public demonstrations or assemblies are permitted to take place in designated locations near the parks visitor center.

To apply for a Special Use Permit for First Amendment activity, please use the 10-934 Application Form. There are no fees associated with First Amendment Permits. 

Contact us for more information on designated First Amendment areas and permits.

Scattering Cremated Remains

Park regulations allow for the scattering of cremated human remains within the park. You must download and carry a copy of the Mammoth Cave Scattering of Ashes Letter, and adhere to the specific rules and conditions outlined within the letter. There is no fee for the scattering of ashes.

Weddings

The park’s natural and scenic backdrops can serve as a beautiful location for your simple and quiet wedding ceremony, but specific guidelines regarding noise levels, decorations, number of attendees, and event times must be followed. Please note, weddings are prohibited inside caves in the park.
 

Frequently Asked Questions:
Where can we get married in the park?	Weddings may take place in the outdoor amphitheater located near the Cavers Camp Store. Please note: Weddings are not permitted to take place in any cave inside the park.
How many guests are permitted?	The capacity of the amphitheater is no more than 150 persons.
What time can we hold our wedding ceremony?	Weddings for which a permit has been issued may take place between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time on the approved date.
What type of decorations may we use?	Decorations must be freestanding and no decorations may be affixed to park surfaces. No holes can be made in any surface (including trees) using nails, tacks, staples or any other similar items. Balloons are not permitted. Items such as ribbon or netting which can be tied are permitted.
Can we use candles as part of our ceremony?	No open flames are permitted. Candles, candles with globes, lanterns, etc., are not permitted.
Can my guests throw rice or flower petals during my ceremony?	No items can be thrown on the ground including birdseed, rice, or aany type of real or artificial flower petals. Bubbles are an acceptable alternative.
Can we release butterflies during our ceremony?	No release of doves, butterflies, or other living creature is permitted.

Please use the 10-930s Application Form to apply for a permit to hold a wedding in the park's outdoor  amphitheater. Contact us for more information on additional wedding conditions and guidelines.

Other Special Uses

Some activities that fall outside normal visitation at Mammoth Cave National Park also require obtaining a Special Use Permit. Examples would be an organized public gathering, operation of a public address system in connection with a public gathering and other activities.

Please use the 10-930 Application Form to apply for these activities. Contact us for more information.

 

How to Apply

Step 1

Download and complete the appropriate Special Use Permit application form indicated for your activity. (See table above.) If you are unsure of what form to use, contact us.

Step 2

Send your completed application along with any associated documentation to the park’s Special Use Permit Coordinator and submit the required $180 non-refundable application fee via check or online at Pay.gov: Special Use Permit Processing Fee - Mammoth Cave National Park.

Please note: There is no fee associated with permit requests for First Amendment activities.

Additional Information

Applications are handled in the order they are received. Priority will not be given to urgent requests nor will the park reply by express mail. Permit applications for events which involve multiple locations, complex logistics, compliance review, or coordination with multiple NPS divisions or visitor activities may require additional processing time.

Requests for permits are evaluated based on the information in the application. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to attach maps, description of activity, check in points, what support will be provided, etc. to assist the park staff in evaluating the request.

 

Contact Us

Contact us for questions or more information about Special Use Permits in the park or send completed applications to the address’ below.

Email

[e-mail]

Phone
[phone]

Mail
Special Use Permit Coordinator
Mammoth Cave National Park
P.O. Box 7
61 Maintenance Road
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259

 

Commercial Use Authorization

Mammoth Cave National Park's Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) program authorizes the provision of suitable commercial services such as canoe and kayak livery services, guided tours and workshops to park area visitors. Information on how to apply for a CUA permit for your commercial services can be found on our Commercial Use Authorization page.