Acadia National Park is home to many beautiful landscapes and settings that are ideal venues for a variety of special activities such as events, wedding ceremonies, and film and photography projects. Most special events and activities held in the park require a special use permit, issued only after the National Park Service (NPS) determines that the activities involved will not impair park values and resources. Please note that there are usage limits for the number of people and vehicles for any special activity.
Special Events
A special use permit is required for activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large and that require some degree of management from the National Park Service to protect park resources and the public interest. Some examples of special events that require permits are:
- non-competitive sporting events
- public spectator attractions
- festivals
- concerts
- ceremonies
- cultural programs
Commercial Filming/Photography
A photography/filming permit is required for any filming or photography involving models, sets, or props. For more information about photography and filming permits, including restrictions and application procedures, see Photography and Filming Permits.
Weddings
The park's inspiring vistas and natural settings are ideally suited for small, informal weddings. All weddings require an approved wedding permit. For more information, including restrictions and application procedures, see Weddings.
First Amendment Activities
Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are constitutional rights. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect park resources. Therefore, all first amendment activities require special use permits and the NPS may regulate the time, place, and manner in which they are conducted. Some examples of special events that require permits are:
- distribution and/or sale of printed matter
- religious services
- public demonstrations or assemblies, etc.
- collecting signature for petitions
Miscellaneous Activities
Other activities may require permits if there is the potential for interference with visitor use, congestion of a highly visited area, or possible impact on park resources.
Application Process
Special Events, First Amendment Activities, and Applicable Miscellaneous Activities: To apply for a special use permit for these activities, download an
application (25kb), fill it out, and send it to:
Acadia National Park
P.O. Box 177
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Attn: Chief Ranger
Special instructions are listed on the application form; please read carefully. A completed application must be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee of $50 in the form of a cashier’s check or money order made payable to National Park Service.
Commercial Photography/Filming and Wedding Permits: These activities require different permits. For application procedures and fees, visit Photography and Filming Permits and Weddings.
Additional Information
For more information about special use permits, contact the Acadia National Park Dispatch Office at 207-288-8791.
Some additional activities require permits as well, but these permits are administered separately from special use permits. For more information about obtaining authorization for these activities, please follow the links provided.
