Permits & Reservations

Permits are required for certain activities in Virgin Islands National Park (VIIS) or Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument (VICR). These include beach picnics, weddings, political events, public assemblies, demonstrations, athletic events, commercial filming or photography and research activities. A Commercial Use Authorization or Concessions Contract is required before conducting any business in the Park.

Information is provided below for each type of permit.

 

Senior citizens enjoying Hawksnest pavilion

Special Use Permits

The pavilions and beaches of Virgin Islands National Park are perfect for creating lifetime memories of your wedding, birthday, anniversary, or any other special event.

Here is how to have a successful special event in Virgin Islands National Park!

• Read the letter from the Park's Superintendent which explains the "Special Use" permitting process.
• Review the Fee Schedule.
• Follow the instructions to complete the application for “Special Use Permits.”
• Mail the completed application, along with a non-refundable application fee, to the address included on the application: Virgin Islands National Park, 1300 Cruz Bay Creek, St. John, VI 00830
• Wedding ceremonies and elopements at the ruins or on the beaches:
  • Must take place before 9 am or after 4 pm.
  • Ceremonies at the ruins limited to 20 participants December - April and 30 participants May - November.
  • Ceremonies at the beaches limited to 30 participants December - April and 40 participants May - November.

 

Filming and Still Photography Permits

The National Park Service conserves and protects areas of untold beauty, grandeur and historical importance for current and future generations. The tradition of capturing images of these special places started with explorers who traveled with paint and canvas or cameras. Sharing these images helped inspire the creation of national parks. Today, visitors to national parks continue to memorialize their visits through filming and photography.

On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234) and has been codified at 54 U.S.C. 100905. Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service will manage filming, photography, and audio recording in park areas.

Key elements of the new law include:

• 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 National Park Service.

• 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.
• Virgin Islands National Park is in the process of developing an new email inbox for our permiting process. For now please call the vistor center at [phone] during business hours for assistance.

For more information about changes to the National Park Service policies for filming, still photography, and audio recording please click here.

 

NPS Photo

Permit for Scientific Research and Collecting

Please visit the National Park Service Research Permit and Reporting System (RPRS) for information regarding scientific research permits. If you have specific questions pertaining to research projects in Virgin Islands National Park or Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument please e-mail or call [phone] ext. 225.

 

Commercial Services Permits

A Commercial Use Authorization or concessions contract is required prior to conducting any business in Virgin Islands National Park or Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument