Grand Canyon National Park is continuing to evaluate and adapt to changing COVID-19 guidance, and to adjust operations as needed.Visit this page for a list of what is open, and for park-wide updates >Please note that park guidelines continue to change due to the effects of COVID-19 in and around Grand Canyon. The Park Superintendent is currently limiting group sizes within the park to 10 or fewer people until further notice. Also, Coconino County has issued a proclamation requiring face coverings or masks be worn whenever social distancing is not possible. (Specific details of the proclamation, effective June 20, 2020: https://www.coconino.az.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=22000.)
Grand Canyon National Park is home to many beautiful landscapes which make it a popular place for weddings and special events. Most special events and activities held in the park require a special use permit, issued only after the National Park Service (NPS) determines that the activity will not cause derogation of the park's resources or values, visitor experiences, or the purpose for which the park was established. Please email Commercial Services at grca_permits_mail@nps.gov if you would like to review the specific conditions for your requested event prior to submitting your application. Note: Special Use Permits only allow the use of the permitted area. The permit does not provide for, or include, any services or ammenities.
Already know which type of SUP you need? Skip to the Application Form
Shoshone Point: $500 Shrine of the Ages: $275 Wedding (non-Shoshone Point locations): $240 Special Event: $425 Rim to Rim: $250
Special EventsA special use permit is required for activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large. These activities require some degree of management from the National Park Service if there is the potential for interference with visitor use, congestion of a highly visited area, or possible impact on park resources. Special Use Permits are required for organized group activities and special events at Tuweep. Requests for such activities are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact our office for more information. Application Form -- Fees Organized Group Rim-to-Rim and Extended Day Hike/Run Groups whom must obtain a permit:
Commercial operations are not authorized under an SUP. What will be required with the SUP?"
Additional conditions and further details of these requirements will be outlined in the SUP. The NPS is currently preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Backcountry Management Plan. Organized, non-commercial, rim-to-rim and extended day hiking and running are among topics that will be addressed in the plan. The park expects to release a draft plan this fall for public review and comment. SUPs will be issued for rim-to-rim and extended day hiking and running to protect park resources and public interest until the plan is completed. Application Form ___ Fees WeddingsGrand Canyon National Park's inspiring viewpoints and natural settings are ideally suited for small, simple and quiet weddings. All ceremonies, regardless of size, require an approved Special Use Permit issued by the National Park Service. Weddings may be scheduled up to 1 year in advance. We do not allow many things traditional weddings usually request: chairs, tables, flowers, amplified sound, balloons, signs, etc. at any location. Special Use Permits only allow the use of the permitted area. The permit does not provide for, or include, any services or ammenities Please review the Wedding Information Brochure below for a list of ceremony sites in the park and indicate your first and second choice location on the application. For information on lodging, catering or reception availability please contact hotels and facilities directly. You can find information about lodging in the area at: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/lodging.htm Shoshone PointThe National Park Service offers a site on the South Rim of Grand Canyon for reservation by groups wishing to host a wedding, celebrate a birthday, conduct a memorial service, hold a family reunion, or any similar non-commercial event. The season is May 15 - October 15. No more than 5 vehicles may park out at Shoshone at any one time. Commercially marked vehicles are not allowed. Vehicles over 22 feet are not allowed. Shrine of AgesLocated just west of Park Headquarters, the Shrine of the Ages is an National Park Service facility that is used for a variety of events. The Shrine features an auditorium with seating for 250 and a smaller, multipurpose room which seats up to 60 people. Alcohol is not permitted within the building, while food is only allowed in the smaller room. If you are interested in reserving the Shrine, please contact Commercial Services at 928-638-7707 to check on availability prior to submitting an application. Application form -- Fees First Amendment ActivitiesFreedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are constitutional rights. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect park resources. The necessity of a permit to conduct First Amendment activities is determined by the group size.
A large group is defined as “more than 25 people” and is required to obtain a First Amendment Permit even if they are utilizing a park designated First Amendment site.
There are no permit fees associated with First Amendment permits. Application form Scattering of Cremation AshesPlease download the Scattering of Cremation Ashes Letter in order to scatter ashes from human cremains in Grand Canyon. There are specific rules and conditions outlined in the letter that are required of all ash scattering requests. There is no fee for the scattering of ashes. Download the letter (40 kb PDF file) The Application ProcessSpecial Use Permit Application (67kb PDF file) Please email your application to grca_permits_mail@nps.gov or send completed and signed application to: Grand Canyon National Park We require a minimum of 4 weeks to fully process a basic permit request. Do not wait until the last minute to apply for your permit. No requests are expedited; no exceptions. Complex special events may require more than 4 weeks to process. ![]() Using a web browser to view and print our PDF forms and publications? You may experience issues where the PDF does not display or print correctly. Some web browsers do not automatically open PDFs using the Acrobat Reader application. Things to try (1) Select the Acrobat Reader plug-in for your browser's default application for viewing/ printing PDFs. or (2) You can right click and save the PDF document to your desktop and then open it with the Adobe Reader application, and print from there. Get the newest version of free Adobe Reader.
Special Use Permit FeesPermit Fees non-refundable and are based on an annual cost recovery analysis conducted by Commercial Services. These fees include the cost of permit processing, administration and the basic monitoring of events. Larger events or other special uses that require additional management and/or administrative time will incur additional fees at $65.00 per hour. Do not include payment information on your application submission. Our office will email you detailed online payment instructions after we confirm receipt of your application.
Additional InformationFor more information about Special Use Permits; contact Commercial Services via e-mail or phone at 928-638-7707 anytime and leave a detailed message with your specific question(s). |
Last updated: January 13, 2021