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.
Permits are required for any size wedding or outdoor ceremony group.
Human ashes may be scattered in Point Reyes National Seashore with a permit.
Visit our Beach Fires page for permits, rules, and restrictions.
Research specimen collection: Visit the Pacific Coast Science and Learning Center's Research page for instructions.
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:
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:
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Public assemblies and meetings.
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Demonstrations, including peaceful picketing, speechmaking, and marches.
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Religious activities, including prayer services and vigils.
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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:
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Printed matter: textual materials such as books, pamphlets, magazines, and leaflets advocating political, religious, scientific, or moral beliefs.
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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:
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Plans to use equipment such as tables, banners, or platforms (even within a designated First Amendment area.)
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Functions as an extension of another group already using the small-group exemption.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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
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Permits are valid for a maximum of 14 consecutive days.
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Extensions of up to 14 additional days may be granted; however, each extension requires a new application.
Resources
Relevant regulations include:
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36 CFR §2.51: Public assemblies and meetings.
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36 CFR §2.52: Sale of printed matter.
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36 CFR §5.1: Advertisements
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36 CFR §5.3: Business Operations
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Management Policies 2006, Section 8.6.3: NPS obligations regarding First Amendment activities.
- 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, administrative and monitoring 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.
- For additional information, please visit Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording webpage.
- Reminder: National Park Service properties are no drone zones.
For Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording complete the Special Use Permit Application Form (NPS 10-932).
For Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording complete the (link application) Special Use Permit Application Form (NPS 10-932).
