Park Regulations & Safety

Information for planning a wedding on park grounds

The park and The Clark Memorial can provide a beautiful backdrop for a wedding. Each year numerous weddings are conducted on park property. The majority of these weddings are held on the wide sidewalk east of the memorial. This tree-lined venue offers a paved sidewalk for placement of chairs, tables,and decorations. The sidewalk also provides easy access for guests. The steps at the head of the walkway may be used as a raised area upon which to conduct the actual ceremony. The memorial looms directly in front of the service.

Weddings also have been conducted on the grounds in front of the memorial or on the memorial steps. This area is a bit less accessible for setup and all ceremonies in this area must be conducted after regular park hours (after 5 p.m.).

Other areas of the park may be utilized to meet the needs and tastes of the wedding party. When applying for a permit the area desired must be listed on the request.

Rules:

* A wedding tent is permissible on the south lawn only and must be set up and removed the same day as the wedding. Permission for this activity must be included within the permit.

* Music may be used only after 5 p.m. and no amplifiers are allowed.

* Only bird seed (no rice) may be thrown.

* Limited use of decorations is permitted, but nothing will be nailed to trees.

* Between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. On Saturdays parking is prohibited along the roads in front of the Old Cathedral Church. Additionally the Church Street area may be unavailable during weddings, funerals, or other services at the Church. The park's parking lot will be open for you and your guests to use.

* No facilities are available at the park for changing clothes, etc. The visitor center restrooms are not to be used for this purpose. No restroom facilities are available after hours.

* No electricity is available on park grounds. Please plan accordingly.

* The wedding party is responsible for any cleanup which may be necessary.

Fees:

Small wedding - A wedding of 25 or less total people, with no decorations or music, is defined as a small walk-on wedding. This type of wedding requires a special use permit, however if staff support is not needed no fee will be charged. This type of wedding must receive approval one month in advance.

Regular Wedding - A wedding of 25 or more people requires a special use permit. A permit also is required for weddings in which chairs, decoration, music, or other setup is required. A $50 special use permit fee will be charged to cover permit-processing costs.

Cleanup - A $30 deposit is required for all weddings for which a special use permit is issued. This deposit will be returned only when it is determined that there is no park expense from damage or cleanup.

Permits:

Special use permits must be requested in writing and must be sent to the park superintendent. The request should include:

* Names of individuals being married

* One individual who will serve as the contact for wedding arrangements

* A contact phone number and address

* Requested wedding date and time

* Time for setup to begin and a time for cleanup to be completed

* Estimated number in attendance

* List of setup plans - chairs, tables, altar/podium, tent, decorations etc. (Does not need to be a detailed list.)

* Any unusual or special circumstances or requests.

* Location within the park for the wedding

* Will a tent be used for a reception? Tents may only be set up south of the Clark Memorial (adjacent to the visitor parking area).

The above information should be sent to:

Superintendent

George Rogers Clark NHP

401 S. 2^nd St.

Vincennes, IN 47591.

For more information contact the park at (812) 882-1776 ext. 110

Special use permits

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park's location near downtown Vincennes, IN plus its beautifully manicured landscape, have made the park a choice spot for festivals, gatherings, weddings, and other special events.

Each of these uses of the park grounds must be conducted in accordance with a special use permit. Permits may be applied for through the park superintendent's office at 401 South 2^nd St., Vincennes, IN 47591. All requests must be in writing and must include the following information:

Rules and regulations pertinent to special use permits:

• Name of event
• Planned dates and times
• Schedule for setup
• Time when cleanup will be completed
• Description of event/special use
• Name of organization or individuals planning the event
• Name, address, and phone number of one individual who will serve as the liaison with the park
• Location in the park where event will be held
• Special needs - electric, water, etc.
• Any other pertinent information which will help the park determine if the event will be allowed

Rules and regulations pertinent to special use permits:  

• One person should serve as liaison with the National Park Service.
• The permittee and all members of the group will comply with any instructions from the NPS representative.
• Nothing shall be attached to any cultural or natural object, bench, handrail, fence, shrub, or other object.
• Any public address system being used shall be adjusted to accommodate only those people in the immediate area.
• The food booths will be operated in compliance with all public health and safety requirements.
• The area will be left in the same condition as found. Any park property damaged by, or as a result of the permit holder, will be replaced or repaired at the cost of the permit holder.
• Litter containers will be provided by the permittee. The permittee will also be responsible for emptying these containers.
• No stock animals are allowed on park grounds. Pets must be on a leash and away from the public.
• It is expressly agreed and understood that this permit does not authorize the permittee to advertise, solicit business, collect fees, or sell any goods or services on lands owned and controlled by the United States. Exceptions may be made with prior approval from the park superintendent.
• The permittee is responsible for providing for any and all security for the event including evening and night security.
• Any activities that are not specifically mentioned in this permit would require additional permission from the park superintendent.
• No holes may be dug in the lawn, and no stakes or anchors may be set without first checking with the park to determine location of sprinkler lines.
• Vehicles may not be parked on lawn areas of the park. Vehicles may cross the lawn area for loading and unloading only if conditions permit. During wet conditions the park representative should be contacted prior to doing so.
• All clean up and removal activities are to be completed by the close of business on the day following the close of the event.
• Stage (performing area), generators, and other equipage which may cause damage to the lawn or other natural features must be confined to paved areas.