Permits & Reservations

Basic Permit Information

A permit is required to conduct activities including, but not limited to:

• Organized recreational events
• Ceremonies
• Public assemblies/meetings/gatherings/demonstrations/parades/etc. by groups of more than 25 people
• Sale or distribution of printed material (not solely advertising) by groups of more than 25 people
• Memorialization
• Business operations

For more detailed information, see the park Superintendent’s Compendium or 36 CFR Sections 2.50, 2.51, or 2.52 . You can also contact the park's Special Use Permit Office.

Current National Park Service policy states that “A permittee may not collect admission, parking, or any other monies associated with a special event on park property.” All permittee monetary transactions must take place outside the park.”

Check out the link below for more information about permits for filming and still photography in the National Park Service.

 

Filming & Still Photography Permits Information

For more information on Commercial photography and filming at Manassas NBP, click on the drop-down arrow below.

 

Commercial Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recordings

• When is a permit needed for commercial filming?

Answer: All commercial filming requires a permit.
 

• What is commercial filming?

Answer: "Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. Examples include, but are not limited to, feature film, videography, and documentaries. Commercial filming may include the advertisement of a product or service, or the use of actors, models, sets, or props. 
 

• Does non-commercial filming require a permit?

Answer: Individual parks may require a permit for non-commercial filming if necessary to manage the activity, to protect park resources and values, to preserve wilderness character, to minimize conflict between user groups, or to ensure public safety. Examples of non-commercial filming include, but are not limited to, filming for tourism bureaus, convention and visitor bureaus, and student filming. If you have questions about whether a non-commercial film project requires a permit, please contact the park where you intend to film in advance.

In most cases, a permit is not necessary for casual filming for personal enjoyment. 

 

• When is a permit needed for still photography? 

Answer: In most cases, still photography does not require a permit. A permit is required for still photography only when: 

1. the activity takes place in an area closed to the public; or 
2. the activity uses a model, set, or prop; or 
3. the National Park Service would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity. 

A “model” means a person or object that serves as the subject for still photography for the purpose of promoting the sale or use of a product or service. Models include, but are not limited to, individuals, animals, or inanimate objects, such as vehicles, boats, articles of clothing, and food and beverage products. Portrait subjects, such as wedding parties and high school graduates, are not considered models, if the image will not be used to promote or sell a product or service.

• Audio recording does not require a permit unless:

It takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed;
It uses equipment that requires mechanical transport;
It uses equipment that requires an external power source other than a battery pack; or
 

• The agency would incur additional administrative costs to provide management and oversight of the permitted activity to:
  • (i) Avoid unacceptable impacts and impairment to resources of values; or
  • (ii) Minimize health or safety risks to the visiting public.

Violating a term or condition of a permit issued under to this action may also result in the suspension and revocation of the permit by the Superintendent.

Because of the special purpose and nature of the Battlefield, reasonable restrictions may be placed on the time and location of the permitted activity. Activities in cemeteries or other sensitive areas (e.g. threatened/endangered species habitat) may be limited or prohibited. Park grounds are only open during daylight; no permits will be issued outside of normal operating hours. News gathering activities that involve filming will be evaluated the same as other filming activities.

 

 

Obtaining a Permit

Applying for a Permit

Persons interested in applying for a permit should contact the permit office by email. They can answer questions and provide the application form if required. A non-refundable application fee of $100 is required. Payment can be made by check or money order made out to National Park Service. Allow at least three weeks for the review and approval process.

Cost Recovery

Applicants are required to pay any administrative costs associated with the application's review and possible issuance of a permit. These costs will be billed before the issuance of a permit, and must be paid even if a permit is not issued.

Other costs may be incurred by the National Park Service due to a permitted event, including- charges for monitoring the event, traffic and parking control, and other associated costs. A Special Use Permit will include an estimate of these costs and the permittee will be billed for these services after the event. Permit holders must supply all equipment required for their event.

For More Information

Any questions regarding special use permits should be directed to the park's permit office

School Visits and Staff Rides

School field trips and staff rides do not require permits. Teachers should visit the park's education landing page for information on setting up a school field trip to the battlefield.

Groups interested in setting up a staff ride at Manassas NBP, please send us an email.