A special use permit is required for any ceremony in the park. Follow the guidelines outlined here to ensure that your special use permit is in place in time for your special occasion. All special use events and activities, including weddings, held in the park require the submission of an application and fee at least three weeks in advance. Until a special use permit is approved and issued, the requested date and location cannot be guaranteed.
The location you choose may depend on the size of your group - or vice versa. No wedding permits will be approved for any group larger than 30 persons, and some sites have further restrictions. Please keep in mind that public areas and visitors may not be excluded from these areas. Permits will only be approved for the following areas: North View Overlook (30 participants max), Chessman Ridge Overlook (10 participants max), Point Supreme Overlook (30 participants max), Spectra Point (10 participants), Ramparts Overlook (10 participants max).
Application fee covers the initial two hours spent on your application, including administrative costs incurred to communicate with applicant, park staff, wedding coordinator, etc. Additional fees will be incurred for any additional time necessary at the rate of $50 per hour. Monitoring fees of $50 per hour, per monitor (including travel time to permit location) may also be incurred, depending on location and complexity. Monitors are typically required for any approved wedding permit that is complex in nature, is of a large group size or is held in a location where there is a concern of impacts to visitors or resources.
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This permit does not guarantee exclusive use of an area. The area will remain open to the public during park visiting hours. Permit activities will not unduly interfere with other park visitors' use and enjoyment of the area. Visitors will be allowed to watch the wedding ceremony and activities.
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Activities will be spot checked by NPS personnel for compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit and to ensure that no resource damage is occurring.
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Foot travel will be restricted to established roadways and identified permitted trails.
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No physical changes may be made to environment.
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Any decorations will need prior approval.
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Throwing of confetti, rice, birdseed and similar items is prohibited.
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Releasing birds, butterflies, or other animals is prohibited.
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Access to visitors may not be blocked or impeded by wedding activities. Use may be monitored for compliance.
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Vehicles must be parked in designated parking areas.
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Any trash must be removed from the area at the completion of the event.
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No public address system or amplified music is permitted: (Re: 36CFR 2.12). Noise levels must not exceed normal speaking volumes.
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Open fires are allowed only in designated sites.
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Compliance with all terms and conditions of the National Park Service Special Use
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Permit and any additional instructions required by the NPS is mandatory.
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Electrical power will not be furnished nor will generators be allowed.
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Erecting of banners, signs, etc. is prohibited.
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Food service is prohibited (except at designated picnic/camping areas).
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A separate Commercial Photography Permit may be required depending on the complexity of the project.
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Visitors entering the park for the wedding are subject to the entrance fees.
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Commercial vehicles are subject to the standard commercial entrance fees.
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Chairs are not permitted at Ramparts or Spectra Point.
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Live plants and/or flower arrangements are permitted provided that neither live plant or flower arrangements contain any seed pods whether dried or live.
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Do not approach condors closer than 150 feet. Do not approach other wildlife closer than 25 feet.
