Activities That May Require a Special Use PermitLands of the United States were set aside by Congress, Executive Order, or otherwise acquired in order to conserve and protect areas of untold beauty and grandeur, historical importance, and uniqueness for future generations. The tradition of capturing images of these special places started with explorers who traveled with paint and canvas or primitive photo apparatus. It was the sharing of these images that led to the designation of these areas as national parks and monuments. Visitors to national parks today continue to memorialize their visits through videos and photographs. Commercial FilmingPlease email us at SHEN_permits@nps.gov for information about commercial filming. Still PhotographyWhen is a permit needed?Still photographers require a permit only when:
What fees will I have to pay?The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for still photography permits. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application. In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. The National Park Service uses the following still photography fee schedule:
Are there other permit requirements?You may be required to obtain liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured in an amount commensurate with the risk posed to park resources by your proposed activity. You may also be asked to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary. What about photography workshops?If you are planning a photography workshop, you may need a commercial use authorization. See the commercial use authorization page for more information. A permit is not required if all the following are true:
The sale or distribution of printed matter, and the free distribution of other message-bearing items without asking for or demanding payment or donation, is allowed. The term “printed matter” means message-bearing textual printed material such as books, pamphlets, magazines, and leaflets, provided that it is not solely commercial advertising. The term “other message-bearing items” means a message-bearing item that is not “printed matter” and is not solely commercial advertising. Other message-bearing items include, but are not limited to: Readable electronic media such as CDs, DVDs, and flash drives; clothing and accessories such as hats and key chains; buttons; pins; and bumper stickers. A permit is required if any of the following are true:
No permit fees, entrance fees or insurance are required for First Amendment activities. Authority: 36 CFR §2.51 and 36 CFR §2.50 A permit is not required if all the following are true:
A permit is required is required if any of the following are true:
Weddings or special ceremonies may be coordinated by the authorized concessions operator, Delaware North at Shenandoah National Park. Contact the Delaware North group sales office at 866-383-2922. Obtaining a Special Use Permit (SUP)
Special ConditionsCultural SensitivityThe stunning natural, scenic beauty are prime reasons for the establishment of Shenandoah National Park and is an outstanding example of nature’s regenerative ability and a testament to the benefits of America’s conservation ethic. In respect for the natural, simple beauty, weddings or ceremonies in the front country, certain authorized overlooks or trails will follow this simple theme, i.e., you can wear your beautiful gown and/or best suit, or hiking clothes if so inclined, stand up in a small group (limited to no more than 29 participants) and have a simple, peaceful ceremony. Music, setup, or decorations of any kind are not authorized in these specific areas. Due to the possible introduction of non-native materials, throwing rice or any other materials of any kind at any time is strictly prohibited. When the ceremony is complete and in keeping with the Leave No Trace policy, check to ensure leaving nothing behind and quietly leave the area as good as you found it, or better. Large Wedding Groups and Weddings or Ceremonies Requiring SetupThe maximum number of participants for weddings and ceremonies held within park boundaries is limited to 100. Those requesting a Special Use Permit for large wedding parties of 30 or more participants and/or any formal setup (i.e., use of chairs, arch, awnings, decorations, music, etc.) will only take place in a park amphitheater or through an arrangement with our authorized Concessionaire, Delaware North at Shenandoah (DNC). This is because these specific type weddings/ceremonies are not congruent with the prime reasons for the establishment of the park, and viewing these activities in front country, certain designated overlooks and trails significantly detract from the normal visitor experience. Please be advised the amphitheater chosen for the wedding or ceremony will dictate the maximum number of participants based on the seating capacity of the facility. DNC hosting weddings within their land assignment limits the number of participants to 100. Visitor CentersThe park determined that our visitor centers are mission critical hubs in park operations for the dissemination of park information and interpretation operations telling the story of Shenandoah National Park. As such, and because of the inherent impact/detraction from the purpose of park operations, weddings and ceremonies are not authorized at, in, or around the Dickey Ridge and Byrd visitor centers. Big MeadowsIn support of the park Natural Resources program and propagation of rare native plants in the Big Meadows area, the small open meadow immediately below Tanner’s Ridge Overlook is the only authorized area for weddings in the Big Meadows. Parking is limited and is not reservable. MonitoringAlthough not every permitted activity requires monitoring, all Special Use Permit activities are subject to monitoring as a program cost recovery. Monitoring fees are $55 per hour for each NPS staff member necessary to adequately monitor the activity. Monitoring fees are billed to include travel time to/from the area of activity and government vehicle mileage costs. Please email the Commercial Services Office (SHEN_Permits@nps.gov) well in advance of the event with activity specifics and receive a determination concerning required monitoring. VehiclesAll vehicles shall park correctly in legal parking spaces on a first-come, first served basis (no reservation of parking spaces).
Off-Trail ProhibitedThe Permittee and/or employees/associates, and/or participants, and/or guests is/are expressly prohibited from entering any closed/out-of-bounds areas or from leaving established trails, walkways and visitor areas. Vehicle or foot travel off designated roadways, walkways, sidewalks, or trails is not permitted. Plant MaterialThe Permittee and/or employees/associates, and/or participants, and/or guests holding their weddings or ceremonies in the front country, certain authorized overlooks or trails are limited to only corsages, chaplets, boutonnieres and handheld flowers during the permitted activity. Weddings or ceremonies held in an amphitheater may bring plants or flowers for use during the ceremony. Wherever the wedding or ceremony is held, the Permittee and/or employees/associates, and/or participants, and/or guests but will, by the end of the permit, police the area and remove all such materials to include petals, leaves, stems, pieces and/or plant parts from the park at the conclusion of the permitted activity, to mitigate the potential introduction of non-native and invasive species left behind. DecorationsThe use of decorations may be considered only in amphitheaters and will be approved in advance. The Permittee shall ensure removal of decorations by the end of the permit. Banners, Chairs, Memorials, Photos, Plaques, Signs, etc.Shenandoah National Park specifically prohibits placement of the following:
Note: In support of the park invasive species prevention program, the use of chairs from sources outside the park are prohibited due to possible contamination from insect and/or plant materials. Weddings and ceremonies requiring chairs in their setup are required to make arrangements to use chairs provided by the park concessions partner, DNC. Authorized EquipmentAuthorized equipment is limited to hand-carried cameras and tripods. All equipment cannot interfere with the experience of other visitors. The Permittee is not authorized the use of stand-alone lighting systems. Electrical PowerElectrical power is not furnished. The Permittee shall not connect to any power sources located anywhere within park boundaries. Generators are not authorized. Audio DevicesAudio devices (e.g. electrified musical instruments, P.A. systems, tape players, etc.) are prohibited. Musical InstrumentsNon-amplified musical instruments (e.g. flute, guitar) that do not impact the experience of other visitors may be considered and shall be approved in advance. Use of Native MaterialsNative materials shall not be disturbed and/or used for props except, as a natural backdrop. Off-trail is not permitted. Attachments and CoveringsThe Permittee and/or employees/associates, and/or participants, and/or guests under this Permit will not attach anything to any NPS facility, structure, rock, ground, or vegetation. Permittee and/or participants under this Permit will not cover or remove signs, fences, or posts, natural features, etc. Ground Disturbing ActivitiesThe Permittee employees/associates, and/or participants, and/or guests under this Permit shall not engage in any ground disturbing activities, whatsoever. Disturbance of Natural FeaturesPermittee employees/associates, and/or participants, and/or guests under this Permit shall not dig, scrape, remove, or otherwise disturb any natural features. Leave No Trace PolicyThe Permittee and/or employees/associates, and/or participants, and/or guests under this Permit shall follow a leave-no-trace policy and restore the area of use to the same condition prior to use, or better. Waste Disposal (Pack-in, Pack-out)The Permittee and/or employees/associates, and/or participants, and/or guests under this Permit shall dispose of all such waste and debris associated with activities authorized within this Permit outside the park boundaries. The Permittee and/or participants under this Permit shall not use garbage collection facilities provided for the public within the park, for the disposal of refuse associated with this Permit. Due to Shenandoah National Park’s unique geography and wind patterns (free flight is possible to the north, east and west) it has been a popular location for gliding since the 1930s. Modern gliding—hang gliding and paragliding—continues to take place in the Park. The information below outlines the special requirements for hang gliding and/or paragliding in Shenandoah National Park. Hang Gliding and paragliding within Shenandoah National Park requires a special use permit. Permit Requirements
ProcedureApplications and instructions for applicants are available online. A $50.00 non-refundable application fee must be submitted with the application. After verifying the requirements for the permit and the receipt of the application fee, a copy of the permit will be returned to the applicant for signature. Once the permit is received with the permittee’s signature, it will be routed through the Superintendent’s office for final signature and returned to the permittee. Permits are valid from the date issued through December 31st of the current calendar year. Permittee’s must reapply annually. Authority: 36 CFR §2.17(a)(3) and §7.l5(b) The scattering of human ashes from cremation within Shenandoah National Park is allowed without a permit, under the following terms and conditions:
Any other circumstance requires a permit. Permits are also required for ceremonies or assemblies that might conflict with normal Park operations or result in impact to Park resources. Authority: 36 CFR §2.62 – Memorialization, Superintendents Compendium Applying for a Special Use PermitFill out the appropriate application below and email it to SHEN_permits@nps.gov.
Shenandoah National Park
Attn: Permit Office 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East Luray, VA 22835 |
Last updated: July 30, 2024