The Special Use Permit (SUP) authorizes activities that benefit an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large; and that require written authorization and management control in order to protect park resources and the public interest. A SUP is required for any organized activity or event to take place within the monument. Use limits and permit requirements are decided on a case by case review and are based on limited parking and facilities, potential conflict with other visitor activities, and impacts to natural and cultural resources.
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 following conditions:
Occurs in areas open to the public;
Uses hand-carried equipment only;
Does not require exclusive use of a site;
Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.
Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.
When in doubt please, contact us to find out if your activity requires a permit.
WEDDING CEREMONY SPECIAL USE PERMIT GUIDELINES
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument allows weddings in the park under a special use permit. In general, the park will approve permits for small weddings in two locations around the Painted Hills. Do I need a permit?
Any ceremony conducted in the park requires a permit. Where can I get married in the park?
Weddings are currently permitted in the following places in the park with the stated group size limitations.
Site
Max number of Participants
Max number of parking vehicles
Are Chairs Allowed?
Painted Hills PicnicArea
50
6
Yes
Painted Hills TrailOverlook
16
5
A limited number of chairs permitted for elderly participants or those with physical limitations
What kind of wedding can I have in the park?
Weddings in the park are simple, no-frills ceremonies in an outdoor setting. If you are looking for a place that allows music, decorations, runners, arches, tents, or other extras, this will not be your best option. How much does a special use permit for a wedding cost?
The application for a wedding permit is $50.00. A cashier's check, money order, or personal check should accompany your application. Application form link is near the top of this page.
What is the process for applying for a permit?
Once your application is reviewed, the park will contact you for any clarifying information. After approval, a special use permit will be prepared and sent to you for signature. Upon receipt, please review, sign, and return the permit to our office for final approval. If your ceremony plans change, notify our office immediately. After the permit is approved, we will send you an authorized copy. The approved permit must be in your possession at the time of the ceremony.
Weddings or ceremonies may be scheduled up to one year in advance and no later than 21 days prior to your event.
