Special Events and Weddings

Glacier National Park

Thinking about holding a special event in Mount Revelstoke or Glacier National Parks? Get the information you need before hosting an event, activity, or wedding in the park, and review the steps for applying for a Special Event Permit.

Special Event Permits

Special events in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Park require a permit. Parks Canada will consider special event applications on a case-by-case basis. Applications are evaluated to ensure events meet all legal, regulatory and policy obligations. Fees may be administered for the special event permit and for services provided by Parks Canada. This will be discussed as part of an initial feasibility review consultation.

Request a special event application form by emailing mrg.information@pc.gc.ca. When you do, provide the type of event, proposed date, event purpose, audience, proposed location, anticipated size, timing and organizer contact information so we can perform an initial feasibility review. Fees may be administered for the special event permit and for services provided by Parks Canada. This will be discussed as part of an initial feasibility review consultation.

Before you submit your request, consider the following:

Is your activity considered a special event?

A special event on a Parks Canada site is defined as a temporary, planned activity that is conducted for recreation, entertainment, education, commemoration or promotional purposes.

If you answer yes to one or more of the questions below, you will need to apply for a Special Event Permit.

  • Will the event require partial or exclusive use of park locations and/or amenities: roads, trails, day-use areas, etc.?
  • Does the event have volunteers and/or support teams?
  • Will banners and signage be used to promote the event?
  • Will food be provided to participants?
  • Will vendors be present at the event?
  • Will media be present at the event?
  • Will the event require infrastructure such as tents, speakers, generators or portable toilets?
  • Will the event have 50 or more participants (including organizers, volunteers and staff)?

If you answered no to all of these questions you may be organizing a Large Group Activity or a Wedding. See below for more information.

Application considerations

The turn-around time for a Special Event application to be fully reviewed by all park departments and a permit to be issued is 2-3 months. Applications for summer events received after May of that year may not be processed during this busy time.

Your application should demonstrate a high level of commitment to these five guiding principles:

  1. Foster understanding of, and connection to, the park’s natural and cultural heritage.
  2. Respect the experience of non-participants by minimizing impacts on other park visitors.
  3. Ensure safety for people associated with the event and other park users.
  4. Involve and respect the local community.
  5. Demonstrate a commitment to the protection and sustainability of this special place.

Large Group Activity

Large Group Activities have the following characteristics:

Please contact mrg.information@pc.gc.ca if you are organizing a Large Group Activity. We can aid you in finding the best location for your group and alert you to any current wildlife activities, fires, winter permit regulations or other concerns in the park.

Weddings

Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks offer stunning settings for wedding ceremonies and/or photo sessions. Whether you are looking for a breathtaking ceremony with an alpine background, or an intimate wedding surrounded by ancient rainforest, the park has a place for you to create lasting memories. You may choose to have a carefree gathering at one of our picnic areas or a more formal reception at a private facility in one of the neighbouring communities. Let us help you plan this special day.

Within the national park boundaries, there are special conditions associated with having a wedding ceremony. Organizers must complete a registration form to ensure their recognition of these special conditions. Please contact mrg.informaton@pc.gc.ca to request a registration form. 

Conditions for wedding ceremonies
  • A maximum of 20 participants may attend the ceremony.
  • Wedding participants are required to comply with national park regulations at all times.
  • Temporary props, if used, are to be small and limited to a wedding arch, registration table and a chair.
  • Tents or temporary shelters are not permitted.
  • Gas-powered generators, excessive noise, unruly behaviour, loud music or amplification systems are not permitted.
  • Choose a less popular location, or a time earlier or later in the day to avoid congestion.
  • Keep vehicular traffic to a minimum (carpool).
  • Park in designated lots only.

All activities and events within national parks are subject to the Canada National Park Act which is aimed at conserving the national resources of the park while providing opportunities for all visitors to connect with nature. As such, the following regulations must be met:

  • The park is a public place. Exclusive rights to an area are not permitted. Areas cannot be cordoned off for personal use.
  • All participants must possess a valid national park entry pass. Passes can be purchased online, at any park gate or Parks Canada visitor centre.
  • All businesses, including wedding photographers and paid wedding officiants operating within the national park require a business licence. For business licenses, please contact mrg.realty@pc.gc.ca.
  • The event must comply with British Columbia’s liquor and cannabis regulations, open alcohol is prohibited in public places.
  • Wedding participants must not disturb the park’s natural and cultural resources. Do not tie anything to trees or existing infrastructure.
  • Take only photographs. It is illegal to pick flowers, mushrooms, cut down trees, branches, remove rocks, cultural artifacts or otherwise cause damage to natural objects or living things.
  • Wildlife attractants must not be left unattended at any time; this includes all scented items - food, garbage, recycling, coolers, candles etc.

Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Throwing of confetti (natural or synthetic). This includes paper, rice, eco-alternatives, flower petals or leaves, etc.
  • Use of drones
  • Off-roading to access the site
  • Use of pyrotechnics (fireworks)
  • Release of live animals (e.g. doves, butterflies.)
  • Overnighting at day-use areas

For additional resources and information to help with your group's permit and event planning needs

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