Special Use Permits

Activities That May Require a Special Use Permit

Filming, Still Photography, & Audio Recording

When is a permit required?

Permits are issued in accordance with the EXPLORE act, codified at 54 USC 100905.

A permit is not required when:

1. The group size is 8 or less people, AND
2. The filming, still photography, or audio recording activity meets all of the following conditions:
   1. Occurs in areas open to the public;
   2. Uses hand-carried equipment only;
   3. Does not require exclusive use of a site; 
   4. Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
   5. Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.

• Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required. 

A permit is required when:

1. The group size is 9 or more people, OR
2. The filming, still photography, or audio recording activity does not meet any of the above conditions (2.1-5). 

Additional Requirements and Costs:

1. Insurance: depending on the complexity of your activity, general liability insurance may be required.
2. Location Fees: In addition to the standard cost recovery the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a location fee for filming, still photography and audio recording permits to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands under the following schedule:

Motion Picture

1-2 people (handheld cameras and tripods only): $0/day
1-10 people: $150/day
11-30 people: $250/day
31-50 people: $500/day
Over 50 people: $750/day

Still Photography & Audio Recording

1–10 people - $50/day
11–30 people - $150/day
Over 30 people - $250/day

Frequently asked questions:

1. What if my project is news gathering or non-commercial? All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
2. What about photography workshops? If you are planning a photography workshop, you may need a commercial use authorization. See the commercial use authorization page for more information.

First Amendment Activities

Permits are issued in accordance with 36 CFR §2.51 and 36 CFR §2.52.

Designated first amendment areas maps can be found at the end of the Superintendent’s Compendium.

Weddings & Ceremonies

When is a permit required?

A permit is not required if all the following are true:

1. No props, sets, decor, music, or other equipment will be used and
2. The group size* is 15 or less people.

A permit is required is required if any of the following are true:

1. Any props, sets, decor, music, or other set up is requested, or
2. The group size* is 16 or more people.
3. The requested location is an amphitheater, regardless of group size.

*Group size is all persons associated with the activity, including officiant, photographer, videographer, guests (children included), couple getting married, etc.

Additional Information:

• Photographers and videographers associated with a permitted event do not need an additional permit. Photographers and videographers associated with an event that does not require a permit are subject to the permit requirements listed above under “Filming, Photography, and Audio Recording”. Unmanned aircraft (i.e. drones) are prohibited within the boundary of Shenandoah National Park.

• Entrance fees apply to the wedding party and all guests.

• This office strongly recommends you not finalize your wedding plans until you are issued an approved SUP. Changes you make after receipt of the application in the permit office will require submission of a new application, emergencies and park operational changes notwithstanding.

• The permit office does not plan weddings/ceremonies and does not make recommendations for officiants or outside resources. You are encouraged to visit the park in advance of making your ceremony plans to familiarize yourself with available park resources and deciding where you want to hold your ceremony.

• Regardless of permit requirements, live flowers and plant material of any type (cut or potted) are not permitted at outdoor ceremonies in the Park. Any items such as rice, petals, seeds, confetti, etc. that are traditionally scattered during events such as a wedding are also prohibited.

• Before applying, review the "What to Know Before Applying" sections below for important information.

Hang Gliding & Paragliding

**2025 Update: Do not mail checks or applications. See "Applying for a Special Use Permit" below for information on submitting the application by email and application fee online.**

The use of devices designed to carry persons through the air in powerless flight is allowed at times and locations designated by the superintendent, pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit (36 CFR §7.l5(b)).

Permit Requirements

1. The permittee must maintain a current Cliff Launch (CL) certification and a minimum rating of (H3) for hang gliders or (P3) for paragliders while conducting permitted activities.
2. Scheduled landings within the boundaries of Shenandoah National Park are prohibited.
3. All flights shall not begin before sunrise and must terminate no less than 30-minutes prior to sunset.
4. Stunt flying, commercialization, advertising, publicity and/or competition flying are prohibited.
5. The permittee must wear a helmet while engaged in flying activity.
6. No cutting of vegetation or similar maintenance of the launch sites may be done without park approval/existing launch site maintenance permit.
7. Permittees must know and follow all FAA regulations.

Locations

Hang gliding & paragliding permits are only issued for the following locations:

1. Dickey Ridge, Mile 6.3
2. Hogback, Mile 20.5
3. Miller’s Head, Near Skyland Resort

Duration of Permit

Permits are valid from the date issued through December 31st of the current calendar year. Permittee’s must reapply annually.

Ash Scattering

When is a permit required?

The scattering of human ashes from cremation within Shenandoah National Park is allowed without a permit, under the following terms and conditions:

1. The remains to be scattered must have been cremated and pulverized.
2. The scattering of remains by persons on the ground and performed at least 100 feet from any trail, road, developed facility, or body of water
3. The scattering of remains from the air is prohibited
4. Ashes must be scattered over an area large enough so that they will not accumulate in one place
5. The use of commercial, for profit venture to distribute cremated remains in the park is prohibited.
6. No marker, urn or container of any kind may be left to commemorate the event

Any other circumstance requires a permit. Permits are also required for ceremonies or assemblies that might conflict with normal Park operations or result in impact to Park resources.

36 CFR §2.62 – Memorialization, Superintendents Compendium

Special Events

Many special events, including large group hiking or biking events, require a Special Use Permit in order to be conducted on Shenandoah National Park land. 

Submit an application (below) for consideration.

Note: if you are charging a fee for participation in your event, you likely require a commercial use authorization (CUA) for conducting business in the park (36 CFR §5.3). See our CUA webpage for more information. 

36 CFR §2.50

 

What to Know Before Applying

Locations

• Applications must include a specific requested location in order to be considered. Second or third choices can be listed on the application in the event that your primary choice is unavailable at the date/time of your request. However, backup locations can not be approved in the final permit because only one permitted activity is issued per location.

• Your permit does not grant exclusive use of the requested location. The area must remain open to the public for the entire duration of the permitted event. Permitted activities may not unreasonably interrupt the visitor experience.

• Overlooks have individual person/vehicle limits due to available space and popularity. Applications for the following overlooks, under the listed group size, are generally able to be approved. Applications for overlooks outside of this list are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
  • Pass Mountain: 30 people, 10 vehicles
  • Jewell Hollow: 30 people, 10 vehicles
  • Thorofare Mountain: 25 people, 6 vehicles
  • Crescent Rock: 4 people, 4 vehicles
  • Tanners Ridge: 30 people, 6 vehicles
  • The Point: 20 people, 6 vehicles
  • Swift Run: 20 people, 6 vehicles
• Amphitheaters may be requested for special use activities. Most amphitheaters are unavailable in the evenings from spring to fall due to scheduled ranger programs. Park programs and events take precedent over special use activities.
  • Skyland Amphitheater
  • Big Meadows Amphitheater
  • Lewis Mountain Amphitheater
  • Loft Mountain Amphitheater
• Other locations are reviewed case-by-case, based on the specific application. 
• Special events, weddings, and ceremonies at the in-park resorts do not require a special use permit if coordinated by the authorized concessions operator, Delaware North at Shenandoah National Park. Contact the Delaware North group sales office at 866-383-2922.

Dates & Times

• Due to extremely high visitation, no special use permit will be issued for an overlook or trail after 10am on Saturdays and Sundays in October and November. Weekends in September and Friday evenings in October and November will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may be denied at popular locations or for large groups.

• Road closures are common in the winter and spring due to snow and ice and may occur in the summer due to storms knocking down trees. If the road is closed to the public, you will not be able to conduct your special use activity and application fees are non-refundable.

Equipment

• Include all specific equipment requested for your activity in your application for review.

• Live flowers and plant material of any type (cut or potted) are not permitted in the Park. Any items such as rice, petals, seeds, confetti, etc. that are traditionally scattered during events such as a wedding are also prohibited.

Regulations

The following is an incomplete list of activities that are prohibited by Title 36: Code of Federal Regulations. These apply to all visitors, regardless of if a permit is required.

1. Travel Off Trail (§1.5): Leaving a designated trail or walkway to shortcut between portions of the same trail or walkway, or to shortcut to an adjacent trail or walkway is prohibited.

2. Entering Closed Areas (§1.5): Entering closed or out-of-bounds areas is prohibited.

3. Preservation Of Natural, Cultural & Archeological Resources (§2.1):

   1. Ground-disturbing activity (including digging or driving posts) is prohibited. 

   2. Moving or damaging natural, historical, or archeological features is prohibited.

   3. Collecting or disturbing any animal, plant, rock or any other natural, historical or archeological resource is prohibited.

   4. Cutting of branches or collecting vegetation is prohibited.

4. Audio Devices (§2.12): Audio devices (e.g. musical instruments, speakers, public address systems etc.) are generally prohibited from all trails and wilderness areas. Use of audio devices such as musical instruments and speakers may be requested in your application for overlooks. Use of audio devices such as musical instruments, speakers, and public address systems may be requested in your application for developed areas such as picnic areas or amphitheaters.

5. Entrance Fees (§2.23): entrance fees are required for participants of a special use permit. First Amendment activities are exempt.

6. Distribution of Printed Matter (§2.25): the sale or distribution of printed matter is prohibited unless authorized by a First Amendment permit or in a designated First Amendment area.

7. Modifying NPS Facilities (§2.31): tampering with and vandalizing NPS facilities or structures (such as signs, fences, and posts) is prohibited. This includes attaching anything to, covering, or removing them.

8. Fundraising (§2.37): No fundraising or collection or money, goods or services is permitted (unless authorized by a First Amendment permit).

9. Memorials (§2.62): installation of a monument, memorial, or other commemorative installation is prohibited.

10. Vehicle & Road Use:

    1. All vehicles must remain on established roads and parking areas (§4.10).

    2. The permitted activity must not impede traffic (vehicle or pedestrian) (§4.13).

    3. All vehicles must park in designated parking spaces or pull-outs. Parking on roads or road shoulders is prohibited (§4.13).

    4. Commercial transportation is prohibited unless specifically requested in your application and approved with your permit (§5.4).

    5. The use of a bicycle is prohibited except on park roads, in parking areas and routes designated for bicycle use. Operating a bicycle during periods of low visibility, or while traveling through a tunnel, or between sunset and sunrise, without exhibiting on the operator or bicycle a white light or reflector that is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and with a red light or reflector visible from at least 200 feet to the rear is prohibited. Operating a bicycle abreast of another bicycle is prohibited (§4.30).

11. Advertisements (§5.1): commercial notices or advertisements shall not be displayed, posted or distributed.

12. Construction (§5.7): Construction of any temporary or permanent structures is prohibited.

Protecting the Park

Leave No Trace: Shenandoah National Park is a Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site. Whether you are hiking and camping in Shenandoah National Park or driving down Skyline Drive, following Leave No Trace principles will help protect the Park and its resources for you and future visitors. The seven principles are:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Rock Outcrops: The rock outcrops of Shenandoah National Park are some of the largest in the region and contain many significant vegetation communities and rare plant and animal populations. Here are ways to protect these areas during your event:

1. Respect posted closure signs and barriers.
2. Use only existing trails at rock outcrops.
3. Do not create new informal social trails.
4. Resist the temptation to bushwhack or go off-trail at outcrop sites.
5. Be careful to avoid trampling of small plants and lichens.
6. Pack out all of your trash and keep a firm grip on your lunch. Sudden winds on exposed outcrops can result in accidental littering.
7. Climbers: Follow the Park's Rock Climbing Guidelines.

 

Applying for a Special Use Permit

Step 1: Know When to Apply

In order for a permit to be issued by the requested date, it is recommended that a complete application is submitted at least 30 days in advance. 

An application will not be considered complete without dates, times, locations, and equipment. If your application is missing these details, or if they change during the application process, a new application may need to be submitted. 

Step 2: Submit an Application

Fill out the appropriate application below and email it to [e-mail].

• First Amendment - NPS Form 10-934 Application for First Amendment Permits

• Filming, Photography & Audio Recording - NPS Form 10-932 Application for Filming/Still Photography Permits

• Hang Gliding & Paragliding - NPS Form 10-930 Application for Special Use Permits

• All other special uses - NPS Form 10-930 Application for Special Use Permits

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

After the Office of Special Park Uses receives your application via email, we will send you an electronic bill via Pay.Gov. Follow the prompts in the email to pay your application fee. This is the fee to process your application and is non-refundable, even if a permit is not issued or you choose to cancel your application. This application fee must be paid prior to moving forward with the permit process. 

• First amendment – no application fee
• Hang gliding/paragliding – $50.00 application fee

• All other activities – $150.000 application fee

The Office of Special Park Uses will receive automatic notice when you've paid your application fee. At that time, we will review your application materials and determine if a permit can be issued.

Step 4: Issuing a Permit

If your activity is approved, a permit containing applicable terms and conditions will be sent you. The permit must be signed by the responsible person and returned to the park for final signature by the Park Superintendent. A fully executed permit containing both signatures is required before the permitted activity may begin.

Permittees must have a hard copy or downloaded digital copy of the entire document with you while you are in the park. It is your responsibility to have read and follow all of the conditions listed in your permit.

Step 5: Pay the Cost Recovery Fees

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the National Park Service may recover all costs of providing necessary services associated with special use permits (54 U.S. Code § 103104). This amount will vary depending on the size and complexity of your permit but an estimate will be provided to you beforehand and will be included in your signed permit.

After your permitted activity is concluded, the Office of Special Park Uses will send information on paying the remaining costs, if applicable.

The following may apply:

1. Hourly fee: approximately $50/hour. The exact hourly fee is based on the specific employee’s salary and may be charged if any of the following activities are required for your permit:

   • Monitoring: permits may require full-time or intermittent monitoring by NPS staff for the protection of resources and visitor experience, and to ensure full compliance with all conditions of the permit. The level and type of monitoring will be determined by the Office of Special Park Uses based on your application. If monitors are required, your permit will only be issued subject to availability of monitors on the dates and at the locations requested. 

   • Interviews: All interviews and filming or photographing of NPS staff members will be assessed at the specific employee’s hourly rate.

   • Scouting: If a permittee requests a scouting trip with or by the Special Park Uses Coordinator, staff time will be assessed.

   • Extended administrative time: Any activity that is particularly complex is subject to the hourly fee. This fee covers additional administrative time needed beyond the time covered by the application fee. This rate does not preclude any of the other fees and is applied per hour/per staff member.

2. Government Vehicle Mileage Fee: $0.70/mile. We currently charge $.70/mile on government vehicles used for monitoring and other activities associated with your permit.
   
   Please note: Filming, Photography, and Audio Recordings that require a permit are subject to location fees. See the above activity specific section for more information.