Weddings and Other Ceremonies

Weddings and other ceremonies may be permitted in certain areas of Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park depending on location, group size, and the time of year or day. Simple ceremonies work best at our venue due to NPS restrictions and receptions are not permitted. While the park can be an unforgettable backdrop for your special day, if you want to have a large, exclusive or decorated celebration, please consider locations outside of the park for your event.

A Special Use Permit is required for your ceremony to take place in any area of the park. Applications will be accepted up to 12 months in advance and no later than 2-4 weeks before the requested ceremony date. Due to changing conditions and resource issues, permits will not be issued more than a few weeks in advance; the approved permit must be with you during your event.

There is a small wedding exception for up to five people total (including the wedding party, officiant, photographer, witnesses, guests and any children).  There is no charge for ceremonies with five or less people. Please contact the permit coordinator to discuss when and where you'd like to have the ceremony. The ceremony must comply with all park activity prohibitions and restrictions.

How to Apply and Fees

A $50 non-refundable application fee is required for your activity to be considered. Applications and payment must be submitted at least 2-4 weeks in advance depending on the time of year. More complex uses or activities may need more time, however, most applications will not be accepted greater than one year before your event. An additional $100 administrative fee must be submitted once your activity has been approved, prior to issuance of the permit. Depending on the complexity of the event, additional cost recovery fees may be charged.

Permit Application, short form

For more information about wedding special use permits please call [phone] x230 or email the park's special use office at [e-mail].

Locations

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park does not permit exclusive use of any area and there will be normal visitor activity during your ceremony.

Group size, season, and time of day will determine the approval of your requested location.

Lawn by the Formal Gardens

• Max number of attendees: 35 people

• Infrastructure & Access: chairs are permitted, no tents or arbors. Parking available by the Mansion for accessibility, all others must park at Billings Farm and Museum. Bathroom are available at the visitor center.

Lawn by the Mansion

• Max number of attendees: 35 people

• Infrastructure & Access: chairs are permitted, no tents or arbors. Parking available by the Mansion for accessibility, all others must park at Billings Farm and Museum. Bathroom are available at the visitor center.

Pony Shed Pasture

• Max number of attendees: 35 if using existing facilities, up to 150 with port-a-potties.

• Infrastructure & Access: chairs are permitted, tents or arbors may be permitted at specified locations. Parking is available by the Pony Shed for accessibility, all others must park at Billings Farm and Museum.

Lawn by Forest Center

• Max number of attendees: 35 if using existing facilities, up to 150 with port-a-potties

• Infrastructure & Access: chairs are permitted, tents or arbors may be permitted at specified locations. Parking is available by the Forest Center for accessibility, all others must park at Billings Farm and Museum.

Wedding Photographers

Paid wedding photographers must obtain a Commercial Use Authorization; hired videographers must contact the permitting office for requirements as an additional permit may be required.

Indoor Ceremonies and Receptions

The National Park Service does allow ceremonies to take place in government buildings (ex. mansion or visitor center). Permits are issued for ceremonies only. Receptions are not permitted. Use of the Forest Center may be permitted at an additional cost for wedding party staging.

Event Information

• Site use is on a first-requested, first-served basis. If the location requested has already been booked or is unavailable, permitee will be contacted to discuss an alternative location or preferred date.
• The ceremony permit does not allow your event to prohibit other park visitors from using your chosen location nor does it guarantee you a specific site.
• The ceremony permit does not override current closures. If there are closures due to wildlife, weather, or other causes, please contact our office immediately to revise the permitted ceremony location. If we know about the closure in advance, we will contact the permit holder.
• All ceremonies with more than five people must begin at 5:00 p.m. or later to minimize impact to operations and visitors.  Time for set-up is allowed earlier in the day, but may not interfere with the visitor experience. A ranger will be on site to provide support and keep the restrooms in the visitor center open for the guests. 
• Visitor use may impact your ceremony; ceremonies are scheduled after 5:00 p.m. when there is the lowest level of visitation.

• Paid photographers must contact our office for additional guidance and requirements.

• The use of hardy flower bouquets and boutonnières are preferable, to ensure seeds do not fall and germinate. The use of native flower arrangements is also preferred; picking flowers from inside the park and potted live plants are prohibited.
• Please respect park resources and tread lightly.
• Car-pooling is recommended as parking may be limited.

Prohibited and Restricted Activities

Please review our park regulations. In addition, the following activities often associated with weddings are prohibited:

• Vehicles are prohibited on carriage roads and trails.
• The use of amplified music, microphones, or speakers.
• The release/dispersal of living or inanimate objects (e.g. butterflies, bird seed, rice, or flower petals).
• Unattended food items.
• Decorations (e.g. balloons, archways) or directional signage.
• Restricting visitor use or blocking the flow of traffic.
• Drones may not be flown anywhere within the national park boundaries
• Park Approval is required for all tents, arbors, altars, or other temporary structures.
• Park approval is required for any photography equipment (with the exception of a tripod) that is not handheld.
• Dogs are permitted at approved wedding locations. All dogs must be on a leash 6 ft. in length, or shorter, at all times. All dog waste must be picked up and disposed of off-site.