Wedding Permits

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 will resume 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.
• Applicants must choose a location from the currently approved locations.

Additional Information

• 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.
• The 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.
• If your event simply involves a wedding-related photoshoot and a ceremony is not planned, the applicant must still apply for a wedding permit. On the wedding application please specify “wedding photos only.” We allow wedding anniversary events, elopements, and engagement photo sessions as well, which also require a wedding permit. A film permit is not required if the imagery won't be used commercially. However, if the wedding-related photo imagery (or video) will be used commercially, two permits are necessary: a wedding permit (applicable per the wedding couple) and a film/photo permit (applicable per the photographer or company).
• 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.
• You will need to provide your own officiant for your ceremony. Refer to the California Department of Public Health's marriage license, registration, and ceremony information web page for information on marriage laws in California.
• 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. Shuttles are not currently running but may be available in summer 2021 if COVID-19 guidance allows. Special conveyances, including but not limited to horse drawn carriages and hot air balloons, are prohibited.

Ready to Apply?

1. Review all of the above information and all Permit Conditions.
2. 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.
3. Complete the Wedding SUP application, and return to us via email at [e-mail] along with proof of the $150 non-refundable application payment (see payment instructions below). Allow 30 days for processing.
4. If approved, we will email you a draft permit for your review and signature.
5. You will sign and email the signed permit back to us to be finalized by the Superintendent.
6. 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.
7. 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

1. Go to Pay.gov
2. Type “SEKI” into the search bar
3. Scroll down to “Sequoia and Kings Canyon NP Wedding Permit Fees” and select “Continue”, then select “Continue to the Form”
4. Fill out the form completely and select “Continue”.
5. 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.