Special Use Permits

Information on: Special Use Permits, Weddings and Drone Regulations

Special Use Permits

Note: This page applies only to Dead Horse Point State Park. We cannot process, approve, or advise on any permit for any other park or jurisdiction.

SPECIAL USE PERMITS are required for any event or activity beyond the activities of normal park use. Commercial activities such as filming, photography, hiking tours, biking tours, workshops and weddings all require a special use permit.

How to apply
Complete the SUP application

When are applications due? Complete the application at least 30 days prior to the event. Some commercial activities will need to supply a current commercial general liability COI (listing Utah State Parks, 1594 W. North Temple #116, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 as additionally insured). Required limits vary depending on the activity/event.

For more information or to submit an application packet, please contact Elizabeth Cappa, Assistant Park Manager, at [email protected]

Weddings

Wedding and Elopement Ceremonies: Dead Horse Point offers multiple ceremony sites that can accommodate a variety of groups sizes ranging from less than 5 and up to 100 people.

DHP wedding site location map

For more ceremony site information please check out the DHP Wedding Packet.

If you have any questions regarding availability or the permitting process please reach out to DHP’s Assistant Park Manager at [email protected]. If you call the park you will be directed to this email for all permit processes and questions.

Wedding Permits: ALL weddings are required to have a special use permit. Applications will be accepted 1 month to 18 months in advance of the planned date. Spring and Fall dates are the most popular and fill up fast! Applications for Memorial Day Weekend (Friday-Monday) will not be approved due to high visitation and potential park carrying capacity closures.

To apply, please fill out the Weddings/Elopements SUP Application.

If you have any questions regarding availability or the permitting process, please reach out to Elizabeth Cappa, Assistant Park Manager, at [email protected] . If you call the park you will be directed to this email for all permit processes and questions.

Portrait Sessions: While we do not currently require a permit for these activities, the hired photographer will need to have a Special Use Permit to operate their business in the park.

Photographers and Event Service Providers: Please complete the Wedding/Portrait Photography and Event Services SUP Application. You can apply for a single session/event (single use punch card) or multiple sessions/events (a renewable (with an active COI on file) 5 session punch card).

If approved, you will need to submit your current commercial general liability COI (listing Utah State Parks, 1594 W. North Temple #116, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 as additionally insured) to Elizabeth Cappa, Assistant Park Manager, at [email protected] . If you call the park you will be directed to this email for all permit processes and questions.

Drone Regulations

Dead Horse Point is a small state park that often experiences high levels of visitation. In order to protect people’s’ privacy and enjoyment, along with the well-being of wildlife, drones are prohibited from March through October of each year throughout the entire park. 

Winter Restrictions: Between November 1st and the last day of February of each year, drone use is permitted by permit only.  Permits cost $10 per day and forms may be obtained online or at the visitor center. Please download the form and bring it with you to expedite the approval process at the visitor’s center. Permits must be approved by park staff at the visitor center (open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years’).

Commercial permits are also available for Commercial Filming as an attachment to the Special Use Permit application.

Permitted operators must follow special regulations to respect the traditional visitor experience and protect sensitive resources as listed on the permit forms. The following are park-specific regulations that apply to operating a drone at Dead Horse Point State Park:

• Because of the high use by park visitors drone operation at the main viewpoint of Dead Horse Point is not permitted.
• Park staff have the authority to enforce regulations and check agency-issued permits at any time and violations of the rules can result in a revocation of permit privileges.