Special Use Permits

Activities That May Require a Special Use Permit

Filming & Photography

Lands 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 Filming

Please email us at [e-mail] for information about commercial filming.

Still Photography

When is a permit needed?

Still photographers require a permit only when:

1. the activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed; or
2. the activity uses model(s), sets(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the location's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities; or
3. a park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.

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:

• 1–10 people - $50/day
• 11–30 people - $150/day
• Over 30 people - $250/day

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.

First Amendment Activities

A permit is not required if all the following are true: 

1. Group involves 25 persons or fewer, 
2. Activity takes place in the designated first amendment areas, and 
3. No equipment, other than handheld signs, are used.  

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. 

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A permit is required if any of the following are true: 

1. Group involves more than 25 people, 
2. Activity is requested to take place outside of a designated first amendment area, 
3. Equipment, other than handheld signs, printed matter, and other message bearing items, are used, 
4. A public address system is requested (36 CFR 2.12(a)(4)), or 
5. Noncommercial soliciting (36 CFR 2.37) occurs. 

No permit fees, entrance fees or insurance are required for First Amendment activities.  

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Authority: 36 CFR §2.51 and 36 CFR §2.50 

Weddings & Ceremonies

A permit is not required if all the following are true: 

1. No props, sets, decor, music, or other equipment will be used and
2. The group size is 15 or less people.

A permit is required is required if any of the following are true:

1. Any props, sets, decor, music, or other set up is requested, or
2. The group size is 16 or more people.

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)

• Processing time for all ceremony, gathering, special event and wedding special use permit applications is 6-weeks, minimum, from the time of receipt at the permit office. 

• Ceremonies, gatherings and weddings with any type of setup (i.e., decorations, chairs, arch, awning, music, etc.) requires a permit, regardless of the number of participants, and will only be approved to take place in a park amphitheater, or through arrangement with DNC in their land assignment.

• This office strongly recommends you not to finalize your wedding plans until you are issued an approved SUP. Changes you make after receipt of the application in the permit office will require submission of a new application, emergencies and park operational changes notwithstanding.

• The park reserves the right to monitor Special Use Permit activity.

• You are strongly encouraged to visit the park in advance of making your ceremony plans to familiarize yourself with available park resources and deciding where you want to hold your ceremony.

• The permit office does not plan weddings/ceremonies and does not make recommendations for officiants or outside resources.

• For clarity and consistency in the permitting process, the permit office will only communicate with the applicant on record as indicated in a SUP application.

• Due to the extremely high volume of visitors to the park on fall weekends, any ceremony, gathering, or wedding ceremony taking place at an authorized overlook on a Saturday or Sunday during the months of October or November must be completed no later than 10 A.M.

Special Conditions

Cultural Sensitivity

The 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 Setup

The 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 Centers

The 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 Meadows

In 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.

Monitoring

Although 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 ([e-mail]) well in advance of the event with activity specifics and receive a determination concerning required monitoring.

Vehicles

All vehicles shall park correctly in legal parking spaces on a first-come, first served basis (no reservation of parking spaces).

• Do not park on roads, road shoulders, or block any access.

• Vehicles shall not impede road traffic or visitor access in any way.

• Commercial transportation is not authorized within the boundaries of the park, unless specifically approved, in advance.

Off-Trail Prohibited

The 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 Material

The 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.

Decorations

The 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:

• Banners
• Memorials, photos, and/or plaques
• Signs

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 Equipment

Authorized 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 Power

Electrical power is not furnished. The Permittee shall not connect to any power sources located anywhere within park boundaries. Generators are not authorized.

Audio Devices

Audio devices (e.g. electrified musical instruments, P.A. systems, tape players, etc.) are prohibited.

Musical Instruments

Non-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 Materials

Native materials shall not be disturbed and/or used for props except, as a natural backdrop. Off-trail is not permitted.

Attachments and Coverings

The 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 Activities

The Permittee employees/associates, and/or participants, and/or guests under this Permit shall not engage in any ground disturbing activities, whatsoever.

Disturbance of Natural Features

Permittee 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 Policy

The 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.

Hang Gliding & Paragliding

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

1. Permits will only be issued to pilots with cliff launch certification as well a minimum rating of (H3) for hang gliders and (P3) for paragliders. NOTE: Qualifications including the certification of pilot skills and the promotion of safety is governed by the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA). A copy of certification from this organization is therefore required.
2. Proof of permission to land on private property in the form of a signed letter is required for permit issuance and is only valid for the calendar year in which it is signed. Flights are limited to daylight hours when the landing site can be clearly seen from the launch site.
3. Stunt flying, commercialization, advertising, publicity and competition flying are not permitted.
4. Helmets must be worn.
5. Cutting of vegetation is not allowed at launch sites, except as outlined in any other special use permits. Use of launch sites and trails leading to sites should be conducted at leave no trace standards.

Procedure

Applications 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.

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Authority: 36 CFR §2.17(a)(3) and §7.l5(b)

Ash Scattering

The scattering of human ashes from cremation within Shenandoah National Park is allowed without a permit, under the following terms and conditions:

1. The remains to be scattered must have been cremated and pulverized.
2. The scattering of remains by persons on the ground and performed at least 100 feet from any trail, road, developed facility, or body of water
3. The scattering of remains from the air is prohibited
4. Ashes must be scattered over an area large enough so that they will not accumulate in one place
5. The use of commercial, for profit venture to distribute cremated remains in the park is prohibited.
6. No marker, urn or container of any kind may be left to commemorate the event

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.

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Authority: 36 CFR §2.62 – Memorialization, Superintendents Compendium

 

Applying for a Special Use Permit

Fill out the appropriate application below and email it to [e-mail].

• Filming & Photography - email [e-mail] for an application
• All other special uses - NPS Form 10-930 Application for Special Use Permit

Application fees must be paid by check or money order made out to The National Park Service and mailed to:

Shenandoah National Park
Attn: Permit Office
3655 U.S. Highway 211 East
Luray, VA 22835