Permits & Reservations

Certain types of activities require a Special Use Permit (SUP). These include many types of organized gatherings, distribution of printed material and other public expressions of opinion, and other activities that are controlled or prohibited.

Some common activities that require a permit include:

• Commercial Photography
• Weddings
• First Amendment Activities
• Competitive Event

Please remember that this is a museum and historic site and is not designed or intended for private parties, receptions, or recreational purposes unrelated to the park's mission. A large, indoor meeting space is also not available at the park. For more information about special use permits please call [phone] or email the park's special use coordinator.

Applications for a permit must be submitted in advance. You may use either the short (10-931) or long (10-932) form depending on the complexity of the project. Unless requested use is an exercise of a First Amendment right or commercial filming, applications must be accompanied by a non-refundable, $75 check made out to "The National Park Service." Permit may require the payment of cost recovery charges, a location fee, and proof of liability insurance naming the United States as also insured.

Permit Application Forms
Permit Application, short form (831 KB pdf)
Permit Application, long form (836 KB pdf)

Weddings

Wedding ceremonies are permitted in four specific locations in the historic core of the park after 5:00 PM. Receptions are not permitted.

Fees:

• The Formal Gardens (limited to 35 people) $850
• The Bowling Green (125 people) $950
• Lawn adjacent to the Birch Allee, (150 people) $1060
• Area by the Temple, (150 people) $1060

Still Photography

When is a permit needed?
Still photographers require a permit only when:

• The activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed; or
• The activity uses model(s), sets(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the location's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities; or
• A park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.

Application forms can be found here:
Commercial Photography Permit, short form (837 KB pdf)
Commercial Photography Permit, long form (849 KB pdf)

What fees will I have to pay?
The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for still photography permits. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application.

In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. The National Park Service uses the following still photography fee schedule:

• 1–10 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. Please contact the park directly at [phone] for more information.