NPS Photo Special Use Permit - Events (e.g. weddings, baptisms, organized picnics)Tumacácori National Historical Park, as a unit of the United States National Park Service permits such special use activities when they are consistent with the park’s mission and will not harm the resource or interfere with the visitor experience. No special use will be allowed that will have an adverse impact on the park resources or negatively affect visitor use and enjoyment by interrupting or conflicting with regularly scheduled park activities. When is a permit needed?A Special Use Permit is required for short-term activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization, rather than the public at large and for activities that require some degree of management by the National Park Service in order to protect park resources and the public interest. Most weddings, baptisms, family reunions, and other events falls under this category. How do I apply for a permit?1) Contact the park's special use permit coordinator to determine if your event is within the park's guidelines. You can also do this in person or by phone at 520-377-5060. 2) Submit a completed application along with the $130.00 nonrefundable application fee to the park at least two weeks in advance of the date(s) desired. You may be required to meet with park staff in advance of the event to insure that your event will be successful and that all special requirements will be met. What fees will I have to pay?The National Park Service has been directed by Congress to recover all costs incurred by the Park in processing and monitoring any special uses of its lands, facilities, and/or staff. Tumacácori uses the following cost recovery schedule:
Are there any other costs or permit requirements?Events that propose to use the visitor center, mission church and/or immediate grounds, must occur before or after the park’s operating hours (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM). National Park Service employee must be present to monitor the event, including set-up and clean-up. The permittee may be required to provide certain facilities or services directly as a condition of the permit. Some examples are portable sanitation facilities, utility costs, security or emergency medical services, county licenses, and/or salary and travel costs for additional National Park Service personnel. Depending on the size and nature of the event, you may also 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. 
NPS Photo Special Use Permit - Commercial FilmingEffective October 28, 2022 and following a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia on October 21, 2022, the National Park Service (NPS) functionally reinstated previous laws and regulations related to commercial filming in national parks. The NPS has rescinded the interim guidance that was in place during litigation and has returned to longstanding laws and regulations governing commercial filming in parks. This means that all commercial filming that occurs within a unit of the National Park System requires a permit. "Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. Individual parks may require a permit for non-commercial filming if a permit is necessary to manage the activity to protect park resources and values, minimize conflict between user groups, or to ensure public safety. More details about filming and permits in parks are available online: Filming & Still Photography Permits (U.S. National Park Service) Special Use Permit - Still PhotographyStill photographers require a permit only when:
How do I apply for a permit?Permit applications are available through each park's administrative office or website. 1) Contact the park's special use permit coordinator to determine if your commercial operation is within the park's guidelines. You can also do this in person or by phone at 520-377-5060. 2) Submit a completed application along with the $130.00 nonrefundable application fee to the park at least two weeks in advance of the date(s) desired. You may be required to meet with park staff in advance of the event to insure that your event will be successful and that all special requirements will be met. 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. 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:
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. See the commercial use authorization page for more information. Tours Requiring ReservationsSome interpretive programs require reservations in advance. Call 520-377-5064 for details.
Some programs require reservations and a fee. |
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Last updated: May 6, 2025