Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: SPECIAL EVENTS/FILMING
PERMIT ALERT
Events, elopements, and filming will not be permitted/allowed at the Waterfall Overlook, the Waterfall Overlook Trail, McWay Falls, the Redwood Picnic Area, and the Ewoldsen, Canyon, and Waters trails until further notice.
(Updated August 27, 2022)
Special Event Permits
The Big Sur Sector permits "elopements" at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park with an approved Special Event Permit. Events at this park are suitable for those wishing to have a small, low-key event in a rustic, outdoors setting. There are no exclusive access sites at this park. Receptions and/or catered events are not permitted at this park. Seating is not available.
“Elopement” Special Event Permits may be issued for elopement weddings of ten (10) people or less that take place at hike-in locations. You may apply for an “elopement” permit up to six (6) months in advance.
Small, reoccuring hiking tours and art/photography workshops/classes conducted by for-profit and/or non-profit entities may occur with the approval of an Annual Special Event Permit.
Large events are not permitted at this park.
Events are not permitted/allowed on any weekend dates (Friday-Sunday) the Friday prior to Memorial Day through Labor Day or on holiday weekend dates.
Applications for annual permits and/or "elopements" received forty-five (45) days or less in advance of the event date are subject to additional fees and restrictions. Applications received twenty-one (21) days or less in advance of the event date or first tour/class date will not be considered.
For those wishing to have their event at McWay Falls or on the beach, please note the following: There is no beach access nor access to McWay Falls at this park as per District Superintendent’s Order No. 720-97-003(G)(CCR 4326(a)). Any persons who attempt to access either location will be detained, cited, and/or arrested by State Park law enforcement personal and said persons will be responsible for all rescue cost incurred.
Contact the Special Event Permit Office at BigSurEvents@parks.ca.gov or call 831-667-0507 to obtain a Special Event Information Packet, check the calender for availability, obtain Annual Permit information, or to apply for a Special Event Permit.
Motion Picture and Still Photography Permits
All film shoots at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and all other California State Parks are required to have a valid film permit issued by the California Film Commission (CFC). The term “film shoot” refers to both motion picture and still photography shoots. The term “film” refers to both analog (actual physical film) and digital media.
The Big Sur Sector permits “Simple” shoots on Monday-Thursday, non-holiday dates. “Complex” shoots are only permitted on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday non-holiday dates. Film shoots are not permitted on weekends (Friday-Sunday) nor on holiday dates. Additionally, film shoots may not interfere with any park programs or previously scheduled events.
"Styled shoots" or photography workshops do not qualify for a film permit and must obtain an a Special Event Permit. Large/Commercial and/or Annual Special Event Permit terms and conditions apply. See the Special Event Permit section above for more information.
Applications must be received at least two (2) weeks prior to first shoot date in order to be considered by the Big Sur Sector. Applications can be submitted online at the CFC’s website at www.film.ca.gov.
It is important for film makers and producers to note that RESTRICTION OF PUBLIC ACCESS IS PROHIBITED. Closed sets, nudity, pornography, profanity, loud music, or any obscene activities are strictly prohibited on State Park Property. Additionally, film shoot are not permitted in any closed or roped off areas.
Use of drones and/or UAS at this park is strictly prohibited, even for filming.
For productions wishing to film at McWay Falls or the beach, please note the following: There is no beach access nor access to McWay Falls at this park as per District Superintendent’s Order No. 720-97-003(G)(CCR 4326(a)). Any persons who attempt to access either location will be detained, cited, and/or arrested by State Park law enforcement personal and said persons will be responsible for all rescue cost incurred.
For more information about filming in a California State Park, including information on fees and the difference between a “complex” and “simple” shoot, please visit www.film.ca.gov/state-permits/parks-beaches/.
To check availability, contact the Film Permit Office at 831-667-0507 or BigSur.Film@parks.ca.gov
To apply for a film permit with the CFC, please visit www.film.ca.gov
For information regarding filming outside of a State Park in Monterey County, please visit the Monterey County Film Commission's website at www.filmmonterey.org
More information: Film Production in California State Parks
Photograph courtesy of Sharon Pieniak