Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

All applications will be handled in the order they are received. Standard requests are processed in 30 business days. Requests that involve multiple locations, complex logistics, and coordination with other NPS divisions or visitor activities may require a longer process time. Permits for projects that need additional environmental compliance will also take a longer time to process.

The application fee for a permit is $100. A minimum of 4 weeks is required to process the permit application.

Application Forms

Form 10-930s Application for Special Use Permit - short form (weddings). Please read the information on wedding permits here!

Form 10-930 Application for Special Use Permit - long form (all other events)

Complete the appropriate form above with payment information and submit it by email to: piro_permits@nps.gov

For questions or additional information, email here

Wedding Locations:

You can pretty much have a ceremony anywhere in the Pictured Rocks area without a permit. This is ONLY if it’s going to be you, your fiance, and your photographer. A permit will be required if you choose to have guests and want an arch. Table setups are not allowed. Of course, we always want to keep Leave No Trace in mind wherever we decide to have your ceremony!

Commercial Use Permit Notes

In most cases, still photography does not require a permit. A permit is required for still photography only when:

The activity takes place in an area closed to the public; or
The activity uses a model, set, or prop; or
The National Park Service would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.

A “model” means a person or object that serves as the subject for still photography for the purpose of promoting the sale or use of a product or service. Models include but are not limited to, individuals, animals, or inanimate objects, such as vehicles, boats, articles of clothing, and food and beverage products. Portrait subjects, such as wedding parties and high school graduates, are not considered models if the image will not be used to promote or sell a product or service.

Attendees & Logistics

There may be no more than 40 attendees for the permitted event, including the wedding party.
Seating is limited to 10 chairs.
Permitted weddings will only be allowed within daylight hours and will be a maximum of two hours, including setup and cleanup time.
Only two locations will be permitted for weddings: Sand Point Beach and Miners Beach.
No unmanned aircraft systems (UAS/drones) will be used in conjunction with activities allowed by this permit.

Photo Locations

Chapel Rock + Beach

Munising Falls

Wagner Falls

Minor’s Beach

Minors Falls

Sand Point

Great Sable Dunes

Log Slide

Point of Contact:

Joseph Hughes, Chief Ranger Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Cell Phone: 906-202-3192

Email: joseph_hughes@nps.gov

Local Vendor Recommendations

Bartending

Upper MI Bartending (Instagram Only)

Coordinator

Knots and Kisses (Also does Florals)

Catering

Desserts + Cake

Moon Rae Cakes
SistersBaking Company
Huron mountain

DJ + Equipment Rentals

A Bride’s Choice (Rentals, Alterations, Invitations, Decor)
Twilight Special Events (Call Martha. (906) 202-3349. contact@twilightspecialevents.com)

Florals

Hair and Makeup

Fresh Coast Beauty (Jessica also Coordinates)

Officiant

The Lost Forty (Kayla also does dried florals)

Transportation

Checkers (No Uber or Lyft)

Catchfly Photography is a traditional wedding and adventurous elopement photographer based in Highland, MI. Julie Believes in the little details and in between moments. Nature completely inspires Julie and she incorporates nature into almost every photo she takes. Julie travels to photograph traditional weddings and intimate elopements in Michigan’s Upper + Lower Peninsula and Colorado.

The Ultimate Elopement Guide: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore