Permits

For more information:

Call our Special Park Uses Ranger at [phone] or e-mail us.

 

A stone chimney at one of the picnic areas in the park.

NPS | Katy Cain

Picnic Grove Reservations

The following picnic groves require reservations for events between May 1 and November 30--
Picnic Grove 1
Picnic Grove 6
Picnic Grove 7
Picnic Grove 8
Picnic Grove 9
Picnic Grove 10
Picnic Grove 13
Picnic Grove 24

Reservations for these sites must be made online at www.recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777 (10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. ET). Reservations are by the half-day.
A half-day is from either 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. or 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. (or dark, whichever comes first).

Keep in mind that groups transported by bus may only reserve Picnic Groves 1 and 24, which are served by wider city streets that can accommodate oversized vehicles.

Review our picnic regulations.

 

Special Park Use Permits

For information on policies for public gathering permits such as Special Events and First Amendment Demonstrations in Rock Creek Park, contact the park Permits Specialist at 202-895-6013 or e-mail.

For permit application forms and submission information, visit the regional permits page.

For more information about commercial filming & photography, visit Commercial Filming & Still Photography (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).

Permits for right-of-way uses, construction, or for using or crossing parkland are obtained from the Division of Resource Management for Rock Creek Park, 202-895-6000.

 

A couple in wedding attire photographed in Georgetown Waterfront Park

NPS/K. Cain

Weddings

Special use permits are issued for small wedding ceremonies only in four locations in the park:

• Georgetown Waterfront Park

• Old Stone House (garden area only)

• Montrose Park

• Meridian Hill Park

Ceremonies must meet the following criteria:

• Maximum participant limit is 50 people.
• Duration: no longer than two hours.
• Ceremonies can not interfere with other regular park activities or patrons
• Events must occur between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Decorations and chairs are not permitted.

To hold a wedding in Rock Creek Park, you must first send a letter to the park superintendent requesting permission to do so. Your letter should include the following information: location, number of participants, time, acknowledgement of the required $200 fee, and a note stating that you will leave the park site in good condition. Also, please include your phone number, a mailing address, an email address, and a check in the amount of $200.00 made out to the National Park Service. Cash and credit cards are not accepted.

 

The fee for a wedding permit is $200.00. The fee is non-refundable.The letter and check should be sent to:

Rock Creek Park
Attn. Special Use Permits
3545 Williamsburg Lane NW
Washington DC 20008

Applications and payment must be received at least one month in advance of desired ceremony date.

 

Sports Field Permits

Reservation are required at sports fields at Rock Creek Tennis Center at 16th Street NW & Kennedy Street NW (four sports fields) and Fort Reno (two sports fields).

Requests for athletic field reservations may be completed online through the DC Department of Park and Recreation Permit Office:
http://dpr.dc.gov/node/496592.

 

DPR Permit Information

Note: Fees vary.
The DPR permit office is located at 1250 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20009.

• The office hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
• Customers who wish to discuss permit issues (approvals, denials, pending requests,) or general questions concerning a permit can schedule a meeting or conference call via 202-671-2597.

 

Research Permits

Visit https://www.nps.gov/rocr/parkmgmt/researchpermits.htm or call 202-895-6000 for further information.

 

Looking for something else?

• 

  Rules and Regulations

  The rules and regulations you need to know to stay safe in Rock Creek Park.

• 

  Pets in the Park

  Want to bring your pet in the park? Follow these rules to make sure you and your pet have a good time!

• 

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Here is a list of some of our most frequently asked questions.