Weddings

A Special Use Permit is required for weddings, elopements, vow renewals, and other ceremonies for groups of 6 or more in Valles Caldera National Preserve. Groups of 5 or less do not need a permit if the activity is conducted in areas open to the public, and the activity does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors. Ceremony sites in Valles Caldera National Preserve are located in areas that are open to the public. All locations are outdoors and rustic in nature and do not offer protection from the weather.

Things to Know Prior to Applying

• Special Use Permits must be issued to the individuals getting married, not by a third party (e.g. wedding planners).
• Weddings are permitted for a 2-hr. block of time. Banco Bonito will be permitted for a maximum of 4 hrs.
• Wedding permits have specific conditions that protect the park’s resources and allows all visitors to enjoy the park. Read carefully to determine whether your desired ceremony will be possible. You will be required to read and sign the permit prior to it being finalized.
• Do not wait until the last minute to apply for your permit. No requests are expedited, no exceptions.
• Exclusive use of any area is not permitted; therefore, ceremony sites will remain open for public use alongside your permitted activity.
• Consider carpooling. Access to parking may be difficult and parking spaces cannot be reserved or held in advance.
• In every permitted location except Banco Bonito, group size is limited to 10 individuals and 5 vehicles. Group size includes the wedding party, guests (including children), officiant, planners, photographers(s), etc. Banco Bonito group size is limited to 50 individuals and 30 vehicles.
• Photography and videography are allowed under the Special Use Permit during the permitted period. After your ceremony, you may also go to other locations in the park without an additional permit.
• Normal entrance fees apply to all vehicles associated with the ceremony.
  • Wedding permit holders will NOT be required to get a Timed Entry Reservation since the permit will be their reservation ticket unless you are wishing to go further into the backcountry.
• Weddings can only take place in designated site locations for groups of 6 (six) or more. Any indication of a ceremony taking place outside of these designated sites is considered a violation and is subject to citation of the Permittee.

Permit Locations

Locations are outdoors and rustic in nature and do not offer protection form the weather. The locations do not have restroom facilities at or near the ceremony locations. Permits will not be approved for any other area than those described below.

• History Grove – Ceremony only maximum 10 individuals and 5 vehicles.

• Missing Area – Ceremony only maximum 10 individuals and 5 vehicles.

• Foreman’s Cabin – Ceremony only maximum 10 individuals and 5 vehicles.

• Banco Bonito – Ceremony and reception maximum 50 people and 30 vehicles.

 

Terms & Conditions

General Park-Specific Terms & Conditions

• Emergency procedures: The Permittee will immediately report life-threatening incidents, whether involving the Permittee’s group or other parties, by calling a 911 operator. The park is located in Sandoval County at 39201 NM-4 or Mile Marker 39.
• Reporting accidents/injuries: The Permittee is required to formally report all incidents involving an accident, collision, fire, or injury within twenty-four (24) hours to NPS law enforcement staff through NPS Glen Canyon Dispatch at 928-608-6301, regardless of the extent of damages, and in writing to the NPS permit coordinator
• Helicopter evacuation or other emergency or special operations will be determined, arranged, and directed by the NPS.
• The use of unmanned aircraft (drones) is prohibited. The airspace over the park is regulated and administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A minimum 500 foot Above Ground Level (AGL) is required for all aircraft. All aircraft are prohibited from landing in the park.
• This permit does not grant permission to enter any closed buildings or areas.
• Vehicles must stay on the established roadways and parking areas. The Permittee must adhere to all speed limits and traffic conditions (20 MPH on open roads, 10 MPH near the Welcome Station and Baca Ranch Cabin District). Off-road travel is prohibited. Motorized wheeled vehicles and/or carts of all types are prohibited on trails. Vehicle access on unpaved roads may be restricted following weather disturbances to prevent resource damage.
• This Permit does not grant exclusive use of any area, including the approved ceremony site. The permitted location shall remain open to park visitors. Other park visitors shall not be requested to move themselves, their vehicles, or alter their selected activities by the Permittee or agents of the Permittee. Furthermore, all pathways and trails in the ceremony area must remain clear for visitors to freely use the path unimpeded.
• Parking is allowed in designated areas and along roadways so long as gates and roadways are not blocked and tall grass or other combustible material is not exposed to the undercarriage of vehicles with internal combustion engines (exhaust systems, including the catalytic converter, can be hot enough to cause ignition of flammable material). Parking along roadways must be in-line with the road (parallel to the direction of traffic flow) with the front and rear wheels on the driver-side of the vehicle on the edge of the road prism to limit traffic obstruction.
• Collection of plants, minerals (including obsidian), antlers, and cultural artifacts is strictly prohibited. Natural and cultural features will not be disturbed, damaged, altered or removed from the park. This includes cutting, tying and/or removing vegetation. Wildlife will not be harassed, harmed, disturbed, or fed. Photographing/filming of wildlife is permitted only when wildlife is viewed in its natural state.
• Digging, excavation, or other disturbance to the ground surface is prohibited without prior authorization from the Superintendent.
• The Permittee is responsible for any cleanup costs required as a result of spills or accidents resulting from activities during the permit. The Permittee is also responsible for any costs and charges associated with the restoration of the resource due to disturbed natural, cultural, and/or historic resources. Cleanup will be conducted in accordance will all applicable federal and state environmental laws.
• Government equipment may not be loaned, rented, or diverted from normal use for the purpose of the permit.
• With the exception of service animals, all domestic animals and pets are prohibited in backcountry areas and on hiking trails. Pets on leash are permitted within the Baca Ranch Cabin District and on the following hiking trails: Rabbit Mountain Loop, Cerro La Jara Loop, and South Valle Grande Trail.
• The park entrance gate is open from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm after Labor Day weekend until Memorial Day weekend (September - May) and 8:00 am - 6:00 pm from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend (May – September), unless otherwise posted. Entry and/or exit to/from the park outside of these hours will be coordinated with the NPS permit representative. Some delays may be experienced entering or leaving the park after normal operating hours. Please be advised that the backcountry vehicle route may be closed at any time during the open season for safety or resource protection.
• First aid and personal safety are the responsibility of the Permittee.
• Smoking is prohibited except within a personal motor vehicle. The use of electronic cigarettes is considered smoking, and the same rules apply.
• A signed copy of this permit and conditions must be kept on site with the Permittee at all times while exercising this permit and the park-provided vehicle permit must be placed on the dashboard of each vehicle associated with this permit. This permit must be made available upon request of NPS personnel.
• The Permittee will initial the bottom of each page of this permit as an indication that they have read and agreed to all the conditions in the permit.
• The Permittee shall adhere to all unit-specific regulations found in the Superintendent’s Compendium. 
• The activity may be canceled, delayed, or postponed subject to weather-related conditions, temporary closures in accordance with 16 U.S.C § 698v-11(b)(11)(B)(ii), or other park closures instituted by the Superintendent.

Wedding Activity-Specific Conditions

• The Permittee is authorized a total of five (5) vehicles and a maximum of ten (10) participants (including individuals hired by the Permittee such as an officiant or photographer). Vehicles must be parked in a designated parking area.
• The activity must occur on hardened areas at the event site and must not impact vegetation in any way.
• Fires or open flames of any kind (including candles) are not permitted.
• The duration of the activity is limited to a maximum of two (2) hours at the event site, including time for arrival, set-up, ceremony, photos/video, clean-up, and departure.
• Weddings are not permitted in park facilities, along roads, within roadside turnouts, parking areas, and overlooks on highway 4. 
• The event site must be cleaned up and restored to its prior condition. The Permittee will ensure all trash and other items are picked up and packed out at the end of the activity. Please respect the park’s resources and tread lightly. Leave No Trace principles and practices shall be closely adhered to.
• Event sites cannot be reserved for the exclusive use of the permitted activity. Other visitors may be present in the area, and scheduled park programs or activities may be taking place at the same time and in the same general area. Please refer to the park website (https://www.nps.gov/vall/planyourvisit/ranger-led-activities.htm) to plan around scheduled activities.
• Attaching decorations (e.g., banners, flower stands, lights, objects, signs, streamers) to or placing them on any natural or historic object or any park sign, bench, post, structure, or facility is prohibited. Only handheld items that can be carried at all times are permissible.
• The use of shade structures, table, chairs, tents, carpet runners, floral displays, alters, arbors, arches, banners, signs, balloons, and other similar items is prohibited.  Portable chairs (provided by the Permittee) may be used to accommodate guests with special needs, provided they are approved in advance by the permit coordinator.
• The use or dispersal of items customarily thrown or released during a recessional or send-off (e.g., butterflies, birds, rice, flowers (real or artificial), birdseed, silly string, confetti, balloons, etc.) is prohibited within the park.
• The use of a generator is prohibited.
• Food services are prohibited. Minimal food, drink, and picnic items are permitted but must follow strict bear safety/food storage protocol.
• Artificial flowers are limited to hand-held bouquets and boutonnieres. The use of live or dried natural plants and flowers is prohibited.
• Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. §§ 2.12 (Audio Disturbances), the use of amplified sound and equipment (e.g., electronic musical instruments, microphones, speaker units, etc.) is prohibited. Voice communication will be at a minimum level to adequately address the immediate event audience. Vocal communication with or to the public shall not exceed normal conversational volume (60 decibels at 50 feet). Shouting or raising voice volume to call the attention of the public is prohibited. Vocal communication with or to the public shall not unreasonably disturb nonparticipating person(s) in, or in the vicinity of, the area.
• Park facilities, restrooms, and other building may not be used for ceremony preparations (e.g., dressing, picture-taking, rehearsals, waiting areas, etc.) or in the event of inclement weather.
• Construction may take place on a scheduled or emergency basis at any time or location throughout the park, which could impact the permitted activity. Please work with the permit coordinator to avoid conflicts with scheduled construction activities and to discuss any changes to the event site.
• Vehicles entering the park for the wedding are subject to the entrance fee and backcountry vehicle pass reservation system requirements.

Banco Bonito Large Wedding Activity-Specific Conditions

• The Permittee is authorized a total of thirty (30) vehicles and a maximum of fifty (50) participants (including individual hired by the Permittee such as an officiant or photographer. Vehicles must be parked in the designated Banco Bonito parking area.
• The duration of the activity is limited to a maximum of four (4) hours at the Banco Bonito site, including time for arrival, set-up, ceremony, photos/video, clean-up, and departure.
• Weddings are not permitted in Park facilities, along roads, within roadside turnouts, and parking areas.
• The event site must be cleaned up and restored to its prior condition. The Permittee will ensure all trash and other items are picked up and packed out at the end of the activity. Please respect the Park’s resources and tread lightly. Leave No Trace principles and practices shall be closely adhered to.
• The Banco Bonito site cannot be reserved for the exclusive use of the permitted activity. Other visitors may be present in the area, and scheduled Park programs or activities may be taking place at the same time and in the same general area. Please refer to Park website (https://www.nps.gov/vall/planyourvisit/ranger-led-activities.htm) to plan around scheduled activities.
• Attaching decorations (e.g., banners, flower stands, lights, objects, signs, streamers) to or placing them on any natural or historic object or any Park sign, bench, post, structure, or facility is prohibited. Only handheld items that can be carried at all times are permissible.
• The use or dispersal of items customarily thrown or released during a recessional or send-off (e.g. butterflies, birds, rice, flowers (real or artificial), birdseed, silly string, confetti, balloons, etc.) is prohibited within the Park.
• The use of arbors, arches, platforms, podiums, carpet runners, floral displays, banners, signs, and ballons are prohibited within the Park.
• The Permittee is responsible for providing tables, chairs, and shade structures. Shade structures must be secured with weights, sandbags, barrels, or water jugs. Staking into the ground is prohibited.
• A gas-powered generator may only be used with a drip/containment barrier.
• Personally-owned gas and electric grills are allowed. Wood or choral fires of any type (including candles) are prohibited.
• Catering is authorized as long as the contracted service complies with all permit conditions. All catered meals are for event participants only and a fee may not be charged on site to participants, nor may food be distributed to the general public.
• All trash must be stored in adequate containers and removed for proper disposal after the event. Trash will not be disposed of within the Park or Park facilities.
• Artificial flowers are limited to hand-held bouquets and boutonnieres. The use of live plants or dried natural plants and flowers are prohibited.
• Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. §§ 2.12 (Audio Disturbances), the use of amplified sound and equipment, (e.g., electronic musical instruments, microphones, speaker units, etc.) is prohibited. Voice communication will be at a minimum level to adequately address the immediate event audience. Vocal communication with or to the public shall not exceed normal conversational volume (60 decibels at 50 feet). Shouting or raising voice volume to call the attention of the public is prohibited. Vocal communication with or to the public shall not unreasonably disturb nonparticipating person(s) in, or in the vicinity of, the area.
• Park facilities, restrooms, and other building may not be used for ceremony preparations (e.g., dressing, picture-taking, rehearsals, waiting areas, etc.) or in the event of inclement weather.
• The use of an officiate and/or photographer hired by the Permittee is covered by this permits. 
• Construction may take place on a scheduled or emergency basis at any time or location throughout the Park, which could impact the permitted activity. Please work with the permit coordinator to avoid conflicts with scheduled construction activities and to discuss any changes to the event site. 
• Vehicles entering the Park for the wedding are subject to the entrance fee.
• The gate must be secured at all times. The Permittee is responsible for properly closing and locking the gate upon exiting the event and will not open the gate for, nor distribute the gate combination to anyone outside of the Permittee’s party. The Permittee will have an attendant available to operate the gate and let participants in.

Permit Fees

Application Fee
An application fee of $100.00 must be paid at the time of submitting the application and is non-refundable. Payment may be paid by visiting Pay.gov.

Cost Recovery Fees 
Most permits will incur some cost recovery fees.

 

Application Fee

An application fee of $100.00 must be paid at the time of submitting the application and is non-refundable. Payment may be paid by visiting Pay.gov.

Cost Recovery Fees

Most permits will incur some cost recovery fees.

How to Apply

• Download, complete, and send in a Special Use Permit application. The application must contain detailed information about your wedding, such as the expected number of guests, vehicles, artificial flowers, and shade structures, etc. The more information you include on the initial wedding application, the faster your request will be processed. The permit is valid only for the date and time of your wedding.

• Special Use Permit applications must be received at least one month in advance and will be reviewed in the order they are received.

• A minimum of 4-5 weeks (depending on activity and volume of requests) is required to process an application and issue a permit. Please submit requests in a timely manner.

• Place a secure credit card payment for the $100.00 non-refundable application fee at Pay.gov. Processing the permit cannot begin until payment has been received.

• After favorable review of your application, your permit will be emailed to you.

Submitting the Special Use Permit

Applications may be submitted by email, mail, UPS or FedEx.

e-mail us

Valles Caldera National Preserve
090 Villa Luis Martin Dr.
Jemez Springs, NM 87025
ATTN: Special Park Uses Coordinator