The Giant Forest Museum and patio area are surrounded by giant sequoias and make an ideal wedding location, but conditions vary across the seasons. The photo on the left was taken in early September, while the photo on the right was taken in early April. Photo left: NPS; Photo right: Kirke Wrench
What could be a better backdrop for your wedding day than the giant sequoias near the Giant Forest Museum or the wide foothills view from Beetle Rock? Please read through all of the information listed below to learn more about holding your wedding ceremony in these beautiful parks.
Update on New Wedding Permit Applications
We are excited to announce that we resumed accepting Special Use Permit applications on April 15, 2021. Applications may be submitted up to one year in advance of the event date. Applications must be submitted a minimum of 90 days prior to the event date to be considered. For example, an application submitted on April 15 must have an event date no sooner than July 15 to be considered. Please read the information below before applying.
Please note: Special requests for group size limits or locations outside of the amended conditions below will not be considered.
Amended Conditions for Special Use Permits in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI), in coordination with Federal, State, and Local guidelines, have amended current special use permit conditions. The following conditions apply until further notice:
All groups are limited to a maximum of 15 people, including the wedding party and officiant.
Face masks are required in all NPS buildings and facilities. Masks are also required outdoors on NPS-managed lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Check the NPS Public Health Update (U.S. National Park Service) page for more information.
Permit conditions are subject to change prior to the event as circumstances and guidance evolve. Permit holders are responsible for following conditions that are current on the date of their event.
A special use permit is required for any wedding, commitment ceremony, or elopement held at any of the approved locations within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Currently we are only allowing weddings at the approved locations. If you wish to hold a photo shoot only, with no wedding, elopement, or commitment ceremony, you may be required to obtain a photography permit. Please visit Filming and Photography Permits and contact seki_permits@nps.gov if you have additional questions.
The special use permit cost is $150. Payment is due at the time of application and is not refundable due to weather or other unforeseen events.
The maximum time allowed for outdoor events is three hours.
If you have guests who require chairs, please include number of chairs in special requests on your application. You are responsible for supplying, setting up, and removing chairs during your event time period. They must not obstruct or block public use of the area.
Cell service is not typical at event locations. You should ensure all guests have printed directions to the event locations prior to arriving at the park.
Entrance fees into Sequoia and Kings canyon National Parks are not waived for either wedding participants or guests.
The wedding permit does not allow your ceremony to restrict other park visitors from your chosen location nor does it guarantee you a specific site. Any activity not allowed by the general public will not be allowed by a wedding party. It is recommended that you schedule your ceremony for early or late in the day. By doing so, your wedding will have more privacy.
Receptions may be held only in concessioner facilities or on private property. Delaware North Parks & Resorts have facilities in both parks. DNC provides food service, lodging, grocery, and gift shops as well as catering services for receptions. To reserve an area for a wedding reception at a location operated by Delaware North, please visit their website at www.visitsequoia.com.
All vehicles, including motorcycles, must be parked in designated areas only; no off-road traffic is permitted. Parking is limited, so it is recommended that all wedding participants and guests carpool to the site. Due to COVID-19 mitigation measures, a limited number of shuttle routes will be in operation starting Memorial Day weekend and the number of riders will be restricted to allow for social distancing. Please check the Park Shuttles webpage for more details and route information. Special conveyances, including but not limited to horse drawn carriages and hot air balloons, are prohibited.
2021 Potential for Smoke Impacts
When choosing a wedding date and location, please note that the Fire Management Team at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks reduces hazardous fuel loads and manages for wildfire risk throughout the year by initiating prescribed burns and mechanical fuel reduction projects. The projects planned for 2021 (found here) are listed by location.
Permits are not refundable in the event of closure due to fire, weather, or other unanticipated events. We are unable to contact permit holders individually if/when wildfires or prescribed burns occur, so please be sure to check for updates here and on the Current Conditions webpage.
Below are estimated anticipated smoke impacts that may occur at each specific wedding location if a prescribed burn is taking place in the area Please be aware that fire and smoke can be present at any time and that the times listed for each location are estimates only. Prescribed burning is dependent on weather, site conditions, fire personnel staffing, and air quality.
Giant forest area
Typically burned sometime from June to July and/or late September to winter
Sunset Rock - Light to moderate smoke can be anticipated in the morning hours Beetle Rock - Light to moderate smoke can be anticipated in the morning hours Giant Forest Museum Patio - Moderate smoke can be anticipated in the morning hours Halstead Meadow - Negligible light smoke may drift over from Giant Forest prescribed burns Crescent Meadow - Light to moderate smoke can be anticipated in the morning hours Long Meadow / Wolverton - Light to moderate drift smoke may settle
North Fork / Dorst area
Typically fall / late fall burn window
Lost Grove - Heavy smoke in the morning, along with fire personnel and equipment in the area.
Grant Grove area
Typically fall / late fall, but potential for early summer
Panoramic Point - Light to moderate smoke may drift across Panoramic Point in the morning hours. Muir Rock/Roads End – Negligible light smoke may settle into canyon from Grant Grove prescribed burns
Choose an approved location, date, and time. Choose alternates in the event that your first choice is unavailable. Wedding permits will not be issued for heavy use periods including Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekend.
Complete the Wedding SUP application [Applications are not currently available while the parks are closed due to the KNP Complex Fire], and return to us via email at seki_cua@nps.gov along with proof of the $150 non-refundable application payment (see payment instructions below). Allow 30 days for processing.
If approved, we will email you a draft permit for your review and signature.
You will sign and email the signed permit back to us to be finalized by the Superintendent.
The finalized permit must be issued by the NPS a minimum of 30 days prior to the event date or the application will be cancelled. No changes may be made to the finalized permit.
Carry the permit with you on the day of your event. Please keep in mind that cell service is not typical at the event locations, so you should print a copy of your permit.
How to Pay for the Application Fee using Pay.gov - Home
Scroll down to “Sequoia and Kings Canyon NP Wedding Permit Fees” and select “Continue”, then select “Continue to the Form”
Fill out the form completely and select “Continue”.
Save a screenshot of your proof of payment and include it with your application.
Available Locations for Weddings
Descriptions and photos of wedding locations are available online. Please be aware that all locations are at elevations that receive snow, typically from November through April. Some locations not accessible to vehicles when road conditions become impassible due to snow. Please check our location-specific road information and our winter driving information page before choosing a location. Before your arrival, please also visit our current park conditions page.
Sunset Rock
Beetle Rock
Giant Forest Museum Patio
Halstead Meadow
Crescent Meadow (road closes to vehicles when it becomes impassable to snow)
Long Meadow / Wolverton
Lost Grove
Panoramic Point
Muir Rock / Road's End
No other locations will be considered until further notice.
