Permits & Reservations

 

Special Use Permits

A Special Use Permit (SUP) is required for all activities for which regulations at 36CFR Parts 1-7 and Part 14 specify that a permit is required. SUPs are required for weddings, public assemblies, special events, First Amendment rallies, filming, telecommunications, and right-of-way permits for utilities and roads, as well as for other non-visitor activities occurring on park land.

A special park use is defined as a short-term activity that takes place in a park area, and that:

• provides a benefit to an individual, group or organization rather than the public at large;
• requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the National Park Service (NPS) in order to protect park resources and the public interest;
• is not prohibited by law or regulation;
• is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the NPS; and is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee, or a lease.

SUP applications should be submitted well in advance. To contact us with questions regarding permits of any kind, please use this e-mail form.

Weddings

NOTE: Due to the seawall reconstruction project, wedding permits will not be issued for dates after December 31, 2025. Project completion date is still to be determined.

Please select the links below for information about having your wedding ceremony on the Castillo grounds. The forms are in PDF format. If you need them in another format, please contact us.

• Wedding Information
• Map of grounds
• Application

Click here for information about weddings at Fort Matanzas..

 

Still Photography & Filming

When is a permit needed?

Price v. Barr had no impact on how the National Park Service regulates still photography, so there are no changes in how the National Park Service regulates that activity. Still photographers require a permit only when:

1. the activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed; or
2. the activity uses model(s), sets(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the location's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities; or
3. a park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.

How do I apply for a permit?

You should submit a completed application along with the application fee to the park, where you want to film, or photograph, as far in advance of your planned date as possible. In addition, you should request a meeting with park staff if your proposed activity is unusual or complex. Early consultation with park staff will help them process the submitted application in a timely manner.

Additional Photography 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.
Short Application
Long Application

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. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of 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:

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

 

 

Reservations

Reservations are not required to visit the Castillo de San Marcos unless you are bringing a school group. For more information, visit our Field Trips page.

 

Commercial Use Authorizations

In compliance with federal law, the Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Monuments have instituted a commercial use authorization program.

All businesses who wholly or partly provide commercial services at the parks must obtain a commercial use authorization.

For additional information you may e-mail us.

All other Request

All other activities would be requested under this category. Please include detailed information in the Demonstrations and Distribution of Materials application about the proposed event to help speed the processing of your request. The forms are in PDF format. If you need them in another format, please contact us.