Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Permits (U.S. National Park Service)

A vase of flowers decorates the window sill in the Little Cataloochee Church.

Don McGowan Photo courtesy of Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Applications for permits to hold special events such as weddings in the park can be obtained by calling the park.

Wedding and Special Event Permits
Weddings and other special events require a Special Use Permit from the park and must follow specific guidelines. Completed applications for Special Use Permits for weddings and other special events, along with a non-refundable $50 application fee, must be received by the park no less than 14 days prior to the start of the event. Please contact the park in sufficient time to receive the application and associated guidelines well before the 14-day deadline.

A Special Use Permit is also required for certain activities such as church services, political events, public assemblies, demonstrations, the distribution of literature, and other activities commonly referred to as "First Amendment" activities.

For more information about Special Use Permits or to determine if your activity requires one, please call (865) 436-1266 for activities on the Tennessee side of the park or (828) 497-1930 for activities on the North Carolina side of the park, or email the park with the subject line "Attn: Special Use Permits."

Permit to Scatter Cremated Ashes
Please e-mail or contact (865) 436-1261 to obtain a permit to scatter cremains in the park. Most permits are issued after someone has been cremated but we can also issue a permit while someone is still alive for later use by an executor.

Backcountry Camping Permits
A permit is required for all backcountry camping in the park. Backcountry permits are free but must be obtained in person—they are not available by phone, mail, or e-mail. For additional information please see backcountry camping.

Permit for Scientific Research and Collecting
Please visit the National Park Service's for information regarding scientific research permits. If you have specific questions pertaining to research projects in the Smokies, please e-mail or call (865) 430-4740.

Cave Exploration Permit
Entry into caves or mine shafts in the national park is prohibited without a permit. Many caves in the park are closed to entry due to the presence of high levels of radon gas, hazardous conditions, or because they are critical habitats for threatened or endangered species. Other caves have restricted entry dates. Additional information about closed and restricted caves.

Caves may only be entered after receiving a Special Use Permit for caving issued at the Cades Cove Ranger Station. Permits are required for entering park caves to ensure that only properly equipped and knowledgeable spelunkers enter the caves. The permit also documents the itinerary of the group entering the cave in the event of an accident.