Wedding Policy

If you are considering the grounds of Sagamore Hill for a wedding ceremony, please read the following policy and procedures. The primary concern in developing these provisions was to reach a balance between the interests of those using the site for weddings and other ceremonies, the general visitor to the park, as well as protecting the park’s natural and cultural resources. The main concern throughout is a policy whereby the visitor experience, as well as the resources of the park, will not be impaired, yet, special park uses can be equitably accommodated.

Please read the following provisions carefully to be familiar with all responsibilities and commitments. Should you wish to proceed, contact the park to schedule your ceremony and complete the following:

1. Application for a Special Use Permit (Word Document 833KB)
2. $100 non-refundable administrative fee

Wedding Policy for Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

1. There is a $100 non-refundable administrative fee. There is no location fee for the issuance of a special use permit at Sagamore Hill NHS. In addition, there may be cost recovery fee required if superintendent determines it’s necessary to assign a ranger to monitor the ceremony. Factors which determine monitoring fee include group size, location and time of day.

2. Special Use Permits will be issued for wedding ceremonies only. Sagamore Hill does not have the facilities available to accommodate wedding receptions.

3. Weddings and other ceremonial events are restricted to the following locations and limitations.

a. Pet Cemetery
b. Gazebo
c. Tennis Court

No other areas are available to hold ceremonies, regardless of the date or time of day.

All areas are limited to ceremonies of 30 people or less (includes wedding party).

4. Permittee must check in with the Visitor Center ranger prior to the wedding ceremony and comply with any request the ranger may direct.

5. Permittee must show the special use permit to any on-duty ranger upon request on the day of the wedding.

6. Permittee should make alternate arrangements in case of inclement weather. Interior of Park structures or picnic area tent may not be used for ceremonies. Tents/canopies may be erected on the grounds at the discretion of the Superintendent and may only be allowed in select locations and on particular days or times.

7. Music is allowed for ceremonies, under the condition that it does not unreasonably interfere with other activities. Examples of allowable instruments include acoustic guitar, harp, violin, cello, flute, or an electronic audio device set at a reasonable level. Loud, amplified music is specifically prohibited.

8. Wedding ceremonies are discouraged on Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and Columbus Day.

9. Wedding ceremonies must be held during regular operating hours (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M). Permits for after-hours ceremonies will be issued at the discretion of the Superintendent. There may be an additional fee for after-hours ceremonies to cover the staff monitoring costs.

10. Permittee(s) are required to remove any items brought to the site to facilitate the ceremony. Permittee(s) must also remove any litter generated by the event.

11. Event guests are required to use the main parking lot and should plan to provide a designated person to indicate the entrance and direct guests to the wedding location.

12. Because of the possibility of rice or confetti adversely impacting natural resources. Permittee(s) may use bubbles only. Release of animals such as butterflies and doves is strictly prohibited.

13. The use of helium filled balloons is prohibited. The Permittee is not allowed to release helium filled balloons within the park nor is he/she allowed to use helium balloons as adornments to any park sign, structure, natural or cultural resource. Other types of decoration or adornments to any park sign, structure, natural or cultural resource, are prohibited as well.

14. There is no changing room, or private area, available at the site for the wedding party or their guests. The wedding party should arrive at the site already prepared for the ceremony.

15. Wedding photographs may be taken in any public area of the Park.

16. Serving of alcohol is prohibited.

17. The park is a historic site first, and is not closed to the public during such ceremonies. Be aware that the exhibit buildings will remain open, and park visitors may be nearby.

18. Violations of the terms and conditions of a permit issued in accordance with 36 CAR S2.50 and this policy are prohibited and may result in suspension and revocation of the permit.

Applicable Guidelines

NPS-53: Special Park Uses
36 CFR S1.5: Closures and Public Use Limits
36 CFR S1.6: Permits
36 CFR S2.50: Special Events

For further questions, or to request a permit (Word Document 833KB), please contact the park at:

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
20 Sagamore Hill Rd
Oyster Bay, NY 11771
516-922-4788
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