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      • Special Use Permits

Special Use Permits

Special Use Permits (SUPs) are issued for short-term activities such as weddings, ceremonies, first amendment activities, family reunions, organized special events, etc that provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large. These activities require some degree of management from the National Park Service if there is a potential for interference with visitor use, congestion of a highly visited area, or possible impact on park resources.

Examples include ash scattering, family reunions, church services, first-amendment demonstrations, political events, public assemblies, and weddings and other ceremonies.

For more information about special use permits or to determine if your activity requires one, please call [phone] or e-mail us with the subject line "Attn: Special Use Permits." Applications for permits should be submitted well in advance, preferably two-to-three months before the event, for consideration and processing.

Special Use Permit Applications and Guidelines

General Special Use Permit Application

Ash-Scattering Guidelines

Scattering cremated human remains ("cremains") in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks should be a small private activity, held away from high-visitor-use areas. A permit is not required, but all park regulations must be followed as outlined in the attachment.

 

Weddings

General Wedding Permit Information
Wedding Locations
Wedding Permit Application

Demonstrations (also referred to as First Amendment Permits)

Demonstrations include picketing, speechmaking, marching, holding vigils or religious services, and all other like forms of conduct that involve the communication or expression of views or grievances, engaged in by one or more persons, the conduct of which is reasonably likely to attract a crowd or onlookers.

Demonstrations involving 25 people or less may be held without a permit within designated areas, provided that:

1. The group is not merely an extension of another group already using the park for a demonstration or First Amendment activity.
2. The group will not unreasonably interfere with other permitted demonstrations, special events, or park program activities.
3. Hand-carried signs may be used but stages, platforms, or structures may not be used.
4. While it is not mandatory, the organizer is requested to provide reasonable notice of the proposed event to the park superintendent, including whether or not there is any reason to believe there may be an attempt to disrupt, protest, or prevent the activity.

Demonstration / First Amendment Permit Application
Demonstration / First Amendment Location Maps