General Submission Constraints
- Applications are only accepted Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM Eastern Time (ET).
- Applications can not be submitted on Federal Holidays or anytime NPS offices are closed.
- Applications must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance of the event setup or start date.
- Applications can not be accepted for more than a year in advance from the date of setup or event date.
- Applications are processed in order of receipt (first come - first serve).
- Applications may need to undergo environmental compliance and/or cultural resource review. This may take 30 days or more
depending on the complexity of the the project
Special Use Permit to Conduct a Demonstration or Special Event
This application is used to apply for
first amendment demonstrations and special event activities conducted on the George Washington
Memorial Parkway, National Mall and Memorial Parks, National Capital Parks - East, Prince William Forest Park, White House and Presidents Park, Rock Creek Park,
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, and certain areas of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park.
Additional constraints for this application
- Duration of an event can not exceed 4 months.
- Duration of an event on the White House Sidewalk or in Lafayette Park cannot exceed 7 days
Application Cost
A non-refundable application processing fee of $120 is required with the submission of the Special Event Permit Application.
Application processing costs for first amendment demonstrations are not required. No payment is required when submitting
the demonstration application; however all applications are reviewed by the Division of Permits Management to ensure the
activity meets the criteria of a demonstration. Organizers are responsible for all costs associated with producing the
demonstration.
Definitions
36 Code of Federal Regulations 7.96(g)(i)(ii) defines:
Demonstrations to include demonstrations, picketing, speechmaking, marching, holding vigils or religious services, and all other
like forms of conduct that involve the communication or expression of views or grievances, engaged in by one or more persons,
the conduct of which is reasonably likely to draw a crowd or onlookers.
Special events include basically any type of activity not classified as a first amendment demonstration. Special events include
sports events, pageants, celebrations, historical reenactments, regattas, entertainments, exhibitions, parades, fairs, festivals, and
similar events; are engaged in by one or more persons; and have the intent or propensity to draw a crowd of onlookers.
More information regarding the permitting process including additional cost and planning here.
Continue to the Application
Special Use Permit Application for a Wedding
This application is only used for
weddings in the National Mall and Memorial Parks. Other National Park Service sites in the greater DC area that are not managed by National Mall and Memorial Parks will have their own form to use for similar activities obtained directly from those parks.
Application Cost
A non-refundable application processing fee of $90 is required with the submission of the Wedding Permit Application.
Things to know before applying
Wedding ceremonies are permitted in three locations on the National Mall and Memorial Parks:
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial
- George Mason Memorial
- DC War Memorial
There are things to be aware of and considerations at all three locations to minimize the impact on regular park visitation and
protection of the park's resources, as well as the enjoyment of the wedding participants:
- All equipment must be approved in the permit. Equipment or decorations may not be attached to any park structures or
vegetation.
- Electricity is not available at any of the locations.
- Candles are not allowed.
- Flower petals, rice, confetti or other similar items may not be dropped, thrown or dispensed.
- Receptions are not allowed on the site.
- Alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
- A photography and/or filming permit may be required for additional photographs taken outside of the wedding venue.
- Parking is not included with the permit. The closest parking for event participants are metered spaces along Ohio Drive and the
A ,B, and C parking lots on Ohio Drive, which cost $2 per hour.
For more information please visit
Plan your wedding here.
Continue to the Application
General Information for Special Use Permit for Construction
This application is used primarily for
short-term construction projects and certain art installations. Other National Park Service sites in
the greater DC area (not managed by National Mall and Memorial Parks) have their own form to use for similar activities and
can be obtained directly from those parks.
Application Cost
A non-refundable application processing fee of $250.00 is required with the submission of the application for special use permit for
construction.
Additional Cost
Liability insurance, bonding, and/or cost recovery may be required for some construction projects.
Example of Construction Permits
Special Use Permits for Construction are required to perform any construction-related activity on Park land where the construction-related activity is not the direct result of a construction contract with the National Park Service.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Building of temporary or permanent structures or monuments.
- Installation and/or upgrade of utilities including water, electrical, communications.
- Installation of temporary communications towers.
- Performing site improvements such as installation or upgrade of sidewalks and brick pavers; the planting of trees, shrubs, and flowers;
and the installation of light poles.
- Installation of monitoring and security equipment such as surveillance cameras, and alarm systems.
- Performing infrastructure and soil surveys for analysis and environmental purposes.
- Constructing or upgrading of road and bridges.
- Performing routine upkeep of structures and monuments such as cleaning and engraving.
Construction permits are also required for activities supporting the aforementioned tasks, such as:
- Closure of Park roadways and traffic lanes.
- Closure of Park sidewalks.
- The use of man lifts, forklifts, and cranes.
- Installation of construction fencing.
More information please see Construction Permit Information page here.
Continue to the Application
General Information for Special Use Permit Commercial Filming and Photography
The
10-931 application (short form) is used for the majority of commercial filming and/or photography on parkland in the greater DC
area administered by the National Park Service. Examples include wedding photography, fashion photography, and small video
productions.
The
10-932 application (long form) is used for filming large-scale productions, such as motion pictures, documentaries, and television
shows, on parkland in the greater DC area administered by the National Park Service.
Application processing cost
A non-refundable application processing cost of $90 is required with the submission of the Commercial Filming and Photography Application
Location Fees
Location fees directly benefit park visitors and permittees through park beautification, interpretation, and maintenance projects. Commercial
Photography permits are issued for a specific location or locations. Blanket permits for the entire National Mall & Memorial Parks are not issued. Please
the list exact locations of the park in your application. (For example: not “on the Mall”, instead "National Mall between 3rd-4th Streets or "Washington
Monument Grounds".
In addition to the non-refundable application processing cost, applicants are required to pay a location fee.
After reviewing your application request you will receive an ebill requesting payment of the location fee.
The location fee must be paid prior to the issuance of the permit.
The following charts and examples assist with determining your location fees based on the number of people includes cast, production crew,
and models or contact the Division of Permits Management for assistance.
Motion Picture/Video Location Fees
| Number of People
| Cost Per Day
|
| 1 - 2 people |
$0 per day |
| 3 - 10 people |
$150 per day |
| 11 - 30 people |
$250 per day |
| 31 - 49 people |
$500 per day |
| 50+ people |
$750 per day |
Still Photography Location Fees
| Number of People
| Cost Per Day
|
| 1 - 10 people |
$50 per day |
| 11 - 30 people |
$150 per day |
| 30+ people |
$250 per day |
Please include specific locations for filming and photography. Each area requires a separate location fee but the individual locations within the park are
included under one location fee.
Example of Location Fees Calculation
Filming Company A is filming a commercial with a total of 15 people at the following locations:
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial (National Mall and Memorial Parks)
- Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Steps (National Mall and Memorial Parks)
- Lower level of Meridian Hill Park (Rock Creek Park)
Application Processing Cost = $135.00
Location Fee = $500.00 ($250 for National Mall and Memorial Parks and $250 for Rock Creek Park)
More information about filming and photography and planning documents here.
Continue to Application 10-931 (short form)
Continue to Application 10-932 (long form)
