Weddings at Friendship Hill

If you would like to have a wedding in the park, you must first obtain a Special Use Permit for wedding-related activities. Please call 724-329-2501 to arrange a permit. You must call 14 or more days in advance in order to be considered for a wedding-related Special Use Permit.

The following restrictions apply to all wedding-related events. Please read this page carefully to be certain you are interested before calling. These conditions must be agreed to in writing:

1. Application for a special use permit to hold a wedding on the grounds at Friendship Hill National Historic Site will be subject to a $50.00 non-refundable application fee. Payment of this fee does not guarantee your application will be approved.
2. In accordance with Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations an application, in writing, must be submitted in time to reach the Superintendent at least 14 days in advance of the proposed event. Wedding-related events not meeting this time requirement will not be granted and the applicant will be so notified by phone, if possible.
3. Due to the size of the designated wedding area, the restroom facilities, parking spaces available, and out of respect for other park visitors, weddings are limited to a total guest count of 30 people. Wedding party is included in the 30, bride and groom are not.
4. Application approvals depend upon a number of factors including amount of equipment needed, possible impediment of the visiting public to the site during the wedding activities, etc. The final decision lies with the park Superintendent. (See specific rules below for details.)
5. Fees for weddings are scheduled based upon the costs the park incurs for your wedding to take place. Factors determining fees include the number of guests and requirements of the wedding party. Additional fees will be charged to the permittee to cover unbudgeted costs, such as overtime, staff time to assist with the activities, pre-event activities, post-event cleanup, damages, repairs, supplies, and materials. Any such charges will be based on actual costs and billed after the event.
6. The park grounds are open from sunrise until sunset. The Gallatin House and driveway leading to the knoll area are open from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Access into that area by vehicle is restricted to those hours. Foot traffic is permitted during the remainder of the park’s official hours of operation.
7. The only area designated for weddings is the picnic area located to the west of the main parking area. A wedding related special use permit will allow use of this area for 2 hours on the day of the event. The permitted area is a flat grassy area with one pavillion. Permits will not be issued for weddings and other activities on the historic knoll that do not promote the history and provide educational value.
8. The National Park Service does not supply shelters, chairs, tables, sound, or any other type of equipment, which may be needed by the wedding party. All equipment and supplies must be provided by the wedding party. Electricity is not available at designated site.
9. The permitted activities must not unduly interfere with the operation of public use facilities, activities, or other programs within the park.
10. Any activities deemed inappropriate by the park staff on duty will be halted immediately. Depending upon the severity of the activity, participants may be asked to leave the park.
11. Any music provided by the wedding party must be kept at a volume, which does not impact the experience of other visitors.
12. No alcoholic beverages are permitted within 300 feet of the Gallatin House or other visitor use facilities. No are alcoholic beverages permitted on or within 10 feet of all roads, trails, walkways, and parking lots.
13. All vehicles will be parked in the main parking lot at the foot of the knoll.
14. The permitted is responsible for any and all damages caused by the permitted or their patrons to the permitted cultural and natural resources, and facilities during the time of the permit.
15. The permitted is responsible for collection and removal of all trash and litter from the designated wedding area. Trash must be carried out of the park. No trash bags will be provided by the park.
16. All Federal, State, and local laws and regulations will be enforced. Failure to comply will be grounds for revocation of the permit.
17. The special use permit, once granted and approved, is not transferable.

If you have any questions regarding these rules, please contact the park at 724-329-2501. You can also email the Special Use Permit Coordinator or Site Manager.

The National Park Service thanks you for your cooperation in following these rules to preserve and protect the park and its resources as well as experience of other visitors.

 

The designated location for weddings at Friendship Hill the picnic area near the main parking area.