How to Apply for a Sequoia National Park Wedding Permit
Apply for a Sequoia National Park Wedding Permit
Hey there! If you’re reading this, you’re probably getting married in Sequoia National Park and need help with applying for a Sequoia National Park Wedding Permit. I’m a local Sequoia National Park Wedding and Elopement Photographer who has walked tons of clients turned friends through the permit process, so you are in the right place.
Before we begin, it is very important to note that you (the couple getting married) MUST be the one to apply for the permit. Your photographer or any other vendor cannot legally do this for you.
SOOOO to make this as stress free as possible, here is your step by step guide on how to apply for a Sequoia National Park Wedding Permit.
Getting the right permit isn’t just “checking a box.” It protects the park, keeps your ceremony legal, and makes sure your wedding day goes off without a hitch. Let’s make it official the right way with zero stress.
Step 1: Review the Sequoia National Park Wedding Permit Rules
Before locking in your date, take a minute to read through all of the official permit conditions. These rules help protect the giant sequoias, the park wildlife, and the experience for everyone visiting.
A few important things to know:
• Sequoia wedding permits are NOT issued on major holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day.
• Your application must be submitted at least 60 days in advance, so be sure to plan ahead.
• The permit protects both the park AND your wedding day, it guarantees you are allowed to be there.
As a professional photographer and Leave No Trace follower, I will only photograph weddings + elopements that are approved by the park. A Sequoia National Park Wedding Permit is 100% required.
Step 2: Choose Your Date, Time and Ceremony Location (Plus a Backup!)
Pick your ideal ceremony spot along with the date and time you want. Sequoia has several approved wedding locations, but some are more popular than others depending on the season.
Always choose a backup location and time in case your first choice is unavailable or the park is not issuing permits for that specific area.
You can view the approved ceremony locations under “1. Choose the Perfect Locations” in the official guidelines.
This is also the perfect time to look at sunrise vs sunset options and think about accessibility, lighting, and guest comfort, all things I help my couples plan.
Step 3: Fill Out the Sequoia National Park Wedding Permit Application
Download and complete the official Sequoia National Park Wedding Permit Application in full. Make sure everything is filled out accurately, incomplete applications can delay the approval process.
The form will ask for:
• Your ceremony date and backup date
• Preferred and secondary locations
• Number of attendees
• Contact information
• Vendor details (photographer, officiant, etc)
• Any additional ceremony plans
Be as detailed as possible so the park can approve your request quickly.
Step 4: Pay the Non Refundable Permit Application Fee
Once you have your application filled out, it is time to submit the mandatory Sequoia National Park wedding permit fee. The park requires a $150 non refundable application fee for all weddings and elopements held inside Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Park.
Here is how to pay it:
• Go to Pay.gov
• In the search bar, type “SEKI” (this is short for Sequoia and Kings Canyon)
• Scroll until you find “Sequoia and Kings Canyon NP Wedding Permit Fees”
• Click Continue, fill out the form, and submit your payment
• Screenshot or save your payment confirmation, you must include this with your permit application
This payment is required before the park will review your request, so make sure you complete this step right away.
Step 5: Submit Your Completed Wedding Permit Application
Once your application is filled out and your payment is submitted, email everything to the address listed on the permit form. This is where you will send:
• Your completed Sequoia National Park Wedding Permit Application
• Your payment confirmation from Pay.gov
• Any requested documents noted on the form
Be sure all details are accurate, missing information can slow the approval process.
Step 6: Wait for Approval (Approx. 30 Days)
After you submit everything, the park will review your request. The average processing time is around 30 days, although it can be quicker during slower seasons.
If your application is approved, you will receive a draft permit from the park. This allows you to review all guidelines, restrictions, and official details for your Sequoia National Park wedding or elopement.
This draft permit is not final, you will still need to sign and return it.
Step 7: Sign and Finalize Your Permit
Once you receive your draft permit:
• Review all the terms and conditions
• Sign the document
• Email it back to the park office
After this, the Superintendent will sign off on your wedding permit, making it official. You will then receive your final approved Sequoia National Park Wedding Permit.
This final step must be completed at least 30 days before your wedding day, so do not wait to return your signed draft permit.
Step 8: Print and Bring Your Wedding Permit on Your Elopement Day
Once everything is finalized, print your approved permit and keep it with you on your wedding or elopement day. Park rangers may ask to see it, especially at popular locations like:
• Crescent Meadow
• Beetle Rock
• Giant Forest
• Moro Rock area (near viewpoints)
• Panther Meadow / Wolverton
Having your permit handy ensures your ceremony is fully legal, protected and allows us to move smoothly between locations while following Leave No Trace guidelines.
Ready to Start Planning Your Sequoia National Park Wedding or Elopement?
Now that you know exactly how to apply for your Sequoia National Park Wedding Permit, you’re one huge step closer to saying “I do” under the giant trees. Getting the permit is the only “official” part, the rest of your day gets to be stress free, meaningful, and completely true to you.
If you want guidance on choosing your ceremony location, planning the timeline, or navigating the logistics of eloping in Sequoia, I’m here to help. As a local Sequoia wedding and elopement photographer, I know the best spots, the best lighting, and how to create photos that feel natural, adventurous, and full of emotion.
If you’re ready to start planning or want to check availability, reach out below!
