Golden Gate Park Regulations

Golden Gate Park Regulations and Conditions for Outdoor Weddings.

Access for other park visitors must not be impeded. A Special Use Permit is authorization for your private event to take place on parklands and does not grant exclusive use of an area. It is recommended that you choose less visited sites and schedule your event early or late in the day if you wish to increase the privacy of your event.
Available parking is limited, often crowded and not guaranteed. Car pooling or van shuttles are highly recommended. This will help ensure your guests arrive on schedule and at the correct location.
A maximum of three hours may be scheduled. Please plan accordingly. This shall include set-up and breakdown time. No set-up will be allowed prior to the start time on your permit.
Special Use Permits may be denied during periods of heavy use, (e.g., Labor Day weekend, 4th of July, Fleet Week activities, etc.).
Decorations and equipment must be discussed prior to issuance of your permit. The use of special equipment, such as canopies, arches, chairs, or other decorations may require park administrative review and are not allowed in certain areas. Please discuss your decoration plans with the Office of Special Park Uses and consider using the parklands as your backdrop.
Special conveyances, including but not limited to, horse drawn carriages, electric carts and hot air balloons are prohibited.
In respect of other park visitors, amplified music is prohibited. Acoustic music will be considered. Exceptions can be made for portable tape decks or CD players if discussed in advance with the Office of Special Park Uses. Standing speakers, disk jockeys, public address systems or any other type of amplified device are prohibited.
To protect parklands and wildlife, the releasing of balloons, doves or butterflies and the throwing of rice, birdseed, flower petals or other natural or artificial material is not allowed. Birdseed provides an unnatural food source for park wildlife and may introduce exotic plant species. Because of the Park’s close proximity to the ocean, balloons are prohibited since they can be harmful to marine life. Releasing doves or butterflies is prohibited by law and will upset the natural balance of wildlife in the Park.
Fires, candles, tiki torches and all other forms of open flame are prohibited.
Affixing directional signage to existing buildings, property, signs, poles or plants is not allowed. Please respect the uncluttered views of the Park. Any posted signs will be removed immediately by park personnel. The Special Park Uses office will be happy to provide you with written directions and maps to provide to your guests.
Alcohol is permitted in most areas and there are restrictions on glass. Please discuss alcohol use in advance.
All trash associated with your private event must be bagged and removed from the Park. Please make certain that someone in your group is assigned to remove trash and decorations after your event or you will be billed for staff overtime at $65.00 per hour.

Terry Plank is available as a wedding officiant in the San Francisco Bay Area..