Special Use Permit - Weddings

If you are interested in holding your marriage ceremony at Cape Lookout National Seashore, the following information will be helpful in making your plans. A Special Use Permit is required to hold a wedding anywhere within Cape Lookout National Seashore. Until a Special Use Permit is approved and issued, the requested date and location cannot be guaranteed (permits do not guarantee exclusive use of the area). Follow the guidelines outlined below to ensure that your permit is in place in time for your special occasion.

Obtaining a Wedding Permit
In order to obtain wedding permit, you must first fill out an application. Download the application that is appropriate for your group size, fill out with your information, and email a copy to [e-mail].

Application for 49 or Less Attendees at Wedding Permit
Application for 50 or More Attendees at Wedding Permit

After sending your application, you will be contacted within 7-10 business days to collect payment. Once we receive your payment, a permit will be emailed to you for a signature. Requests which involve multiple locations, complex logistics, or coordination with other visitor activities will require a minimum of 15 working days to process. Projects which require environmental or cultural resource evaluation must be submitted not less than 30 days before the start of proposed activities. Applications are processed in the order in which they are received.

Note: If you are unable to fill out application digitally, you may print application, complete, and scanned copy to [e-mail]. If you are unable to submit the application digitally, call Harkers Island Visitor Center [phone] to request an application to be mailed to you.

Location

Please indicate the specific location on the application. The Special Use Permit does not allow your ceremony to restrict other park visitors from your chosen location nor does it guarantee you a specific site.

The following areas are restricted for use (are generally not available):

• Cape Lookout Lighthouse
• Cape Lookout Visitor Centers
• All docks
• The main pavilion/shade shelter at the Cape Lookout Light Station Visitor Center

 

Cost Recovery
The authority for the National Park Service to recover and retain costs associated with managing special park uses is found at 16 U.S.C. 3a, 16 U.S.C. 460l-6d, and 31 U.S.C. 9701. Charges established for a Special Park Use under this authority are intended to recover costs associated with managing that activity and not to generate revenue beyond actual cost.

For weddings with 49 people or less, there is a $50 application fee. Applicants also must pay an administrative fee of $50, totaling to $100. For memorials with 50 people or more, there is a $50 application fee and a $100 administrative fee, equaling to $150.

Application Cost: Must be submitted at the time of the initial application. This is a non-refundable payment.

Administration Cost: Payable when the permit is approved and prior to beginning the event. This is a non-refundable payment.

Monitoring Cost: If the event requires NPS supervision for resource protection or the health or safety of visitors, the cost* will be estimated and payable when the permit is approved and prior to beginning the event. The scope and complexity of the permit activity will determine the level and type of supervision. The fee includes employee travel time to and from the event location.

*Generally a $50.00 per hour per monitor charge is the rate for monitoring.

Federal procedures (31 USC 7701) requires your Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number on the back of all checks accepted for deposit. You must supply your Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number in order for your check to be accepted and your application to be processed.