![]() A.Bautista Photo Congratulations! You've set a date and would like to take your wedding vows surrounded by the shimmering dunes of White Sands National Park. We know that you've got a lot to plan, so we've made the process of reserving your wedding location very simple. When to Submit Your Permit RequestWedding permit requests may be submitted up to six months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance of your requested date. Wedding LocationsThe group use area is the only area that you may reserve for your wedding. This is a semi-private location with limited access for the general public. There is an additional reservation fee for the group use area.You may hold your wedding in other areas within the park; however, keep in mind that these areas are open to the public. Other gated areas may be available but offer no amentities. Entrance and Other FeesAll participants will be charged entrance fees. Military TestsMilitary tests are scheduled anytime from one month to one day in advance and are subject to change, cancellation, or extension at any time. We recommend you call the park two weeks prior to your wedding, as well as both the day before and the day of your wedding to ensure that there are no missile-test closures planned during your wedding. In case of missile-test interference, the park may be able to reschedule your wedding at no extra charge. Public FacilitiesWhite Sands National Park does not have any indoor facilities available for public use. There are, however, picnic shelters, grills, and restrooms throughout the dunefield. You may use an RV or other camper as a place for the wedding party to prepare for the ceremony. ShadeOther than the picnic shelters, there is no shade in the dunefield. You are welcome to set up sun tents and other shelters to provide shade for guests. AlcoholWhite Sands National Park is closed to the consumption of alcoholic beverages all year except at the following locations: Yucca Picnic Area, Road Runner Picnic Area, Primrose Picnic Area, and Group Use Area. WaterNo water is available in the dunefield. If you need to fill up water containers, you can do so at the visitor center. We recommend having at least one gallon of water per person per day for each guest. Getting Your Guests to the Right PlaceYou are responsible for providing your guests with directions to the location of your wedding. Please download this map of Dunes Drive and distribute to your guests with information on how to get to your wedding location. TrashFor large groups, trash removal may be a condition of your permit. DecorationsWedding decorations add a personal touch to your ceremony. Because your wedding is taking place in a national park, there are regulations for acceptable decorations to ensure no non-native species are introduced and to protect the sensitive resources.
Acceptable Wedding Decorations
How to Apply for a Wedding Permit1. Complete and submit the special use permit application. The application must be received by the park no less than 21 days prior to the start of the event. If sending payment via mail, send payment to: 4. Once received, most applications for permits requests will be processed within 21 working days. Requests that involve multiple locations, complex logistics or coordination with other visitor activities will require a minimum of 30 working days to process. Projects that require environmental or cultural resource evaluation must be submitted no less than 90 days before the start of proposed activity(ies). If You Have Additional Questions...Please whsa_permits@nps.gov. Please write “wedding permit” in the subject line. |
Last updated: October 24, 2022