Permits & Reservations

Types of Permits and Events

See the sections below for information on specific types of events.

 

Special Events

A Certificate of Insurance, in the minimum amount of $1,000,000.00, naming the "United States" (Department of the Interior, National Park Service) as additional insured.

Weddings and Picnics

Permits are required for any size wedding or outdoor ceremony group. 

Ash Scattering

Human ashes may be scattered in Point Reyes National Seashore with a permit.

Beach Fires

 Visit our Beach Fires page for permits, rules, and restrictions.

Research

Research specimen collection: Visit the Pacific Coast Science and Learning Center's Research page for instructions.

First Amendment Activities

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

These rights are fundamental and protected in national parks. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with these rights may be reasonably regulated by National Park Service (NPS) via Special Use Permit to:

• Protect park resources and values;

• Ensure public safety.

The National Park Service (NPS) regulates the time, place, and manner of First Amendment activities under 36 CFR § 2.51, 36 CFR § 2.52. Regulations focus solely on the conduct of these activities, never on the content of the message.

What are First Amendment Activities?

Under 36 CFR § 2.51, First Amendment activities include demonstrations such as:

• Public assemblies and meetings.

• Demonstrations, including peaceful picketing, speechmaking, and marches.

• Religious activities, including prayer services and vigils.

• Any similar conduct involving the expression of views or grievances that is reasonably likely to attract a crowd or onlookers. 

Under 36 CFR § 2.52, First Amendment activities also include the sale or free distribution of printed matter and message-bearing items, such as:

• Printed matter: textual materials such as books, pamphlets, magazines, and leaflets advocating political, religious, scientific, or moral beliefs.

• Other Message-Bearing Items: CDs, DVDs, flash drives, buttons, pins, bumper stickers, and clothing or accessories like hats and keychains.

Note: Printed matter & message-bearing items must not be solely for commercial advertising purposes. 

Do You Need a Permit?

Small Groups of 25 or fewer: Small groups conducting demonstrations in designated First Amendment areas do not need a permit. Small groups selling or distributing printed matter or message-bearing items in designated First Amendment areas do not need a permit.
However, a permit is required if the group: 

• Plans to use equipment such as tables, banners, or platforms (even within a designated First Amendment area.)

• Functions as an extension of another group already using the small-group exemption. 

• Wants to reserve priority use of a designated First Amendment area. 

Larger Groups of more than 25: All groups exceeding 25 people must obtain a Special Use Permit, even within designated First Amendment areas.

Note: We encourage anyone planning a First Amendment activity to contact the park in advance to discuss their plans and ensure compliance with regulations. When in doubt, fill an application out.

Where Can First Amendment Activities Be Held?

Point Reyes National Seashore provides three designated First Amendment areas to balance the exercise of constitutional rights with park preservation:
1.    Areas adjacent to the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
2.    Areas adjacent to the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center.
3.    The area near the restrooms at the Limantour main parking area.
These areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Maps of these designated areas can be viewed here.

What do I need to do to obtain a Special Use Permit?

• To apply for a Special Use Permit (First Amendment Activity), download NPS Form 10-934 and email the Special Park Uses team to begin processing your application. . 

• There are no fees or costs, and no insurance required for First Amendment applications. However, Parks may collect after the event if documented damage occurs. 

• The National Park Service has up to 10 calendar days to respond to a complete application; allow sufficient time for the park to process your request.

Permit Duration

1. Permits are valid for a maximum of 14 consecutive days.

2. Extensions of up to 14 additional days may be granted; however, each extension requires a new application.

Resources 

Relevant regulations include:

• 36 CFR §2.51: Public assemblies and meetings.

• 36 CFR §2.52: Sale of printed matter.

• 36 CFR §5.1: Advertisements

• 36 CFR §5.3: Business Operations

• Management Policies 2006, Section 8.6.3: NPS obligations regarding First Amendment activities.

Filming, Photography and Audio Recording

In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the conditions listed on Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording. 

 

What is Required to Obtain a Special Use Permit

Permit Application Process:

1. Read through the Standard Event Permit Conditions (144 KB PDF).
2. Complete the Special Use Permit Application Form (NPS 10-930) (1,316 KB PDF).
3. Pay the Initial Application/Administrative Fee in the amount of $50.00 through pay.gov. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
4. E-mail complete and signed application to [e-mail].
5. After your application is reviewed, a permit specialist will contact you to discuss your event proposal. Note: Submitting an application does NOT mean your permit request has been approved.

Processing Timelines

• It takes 4-15 business days for initial permit application review.
• Once your permit is approved, it can take several months for your permit specialist to write your permit. See the sections below for specific types of permits, events, or to learn more.