Special Events & Weddings

• Advertised event (such as a walk/run; bike event, music festival, fishing tournament, etc.)
• Sporting event or practice
• Charging a fee for people to attend or participate
• Sale of food, beverages or merchandise
• More than 200 people are expected to attend
• You’re interested in holding an event outside of the regular shelter reservation schedule:
  • You would like access to the shelter to set-up before 10:00 a.m.
  • Events must end by 9:30 p.m. and all attendees must be out of the park by 10:00 p.m. when the park closes.
• The date you would like to hold the event is before or after the facility open/close dates
• Use areas of the park other than shelters or group camps (such as trails, boat launches, open areas, etc.)
• Use of extensive or multiple park areas
• Use of a sound amplification device larger than a personal radio/boom box, such as a DJ, band or sound system
• Require additional:
  • Parking
  • Waste collection (trash and recycle)
  • Mowing of areas not usually mowed
  • Portable toilet(s)
• Deviate from the Park Rules and Regulations (such as camping in an undesignated area)
• Group campsite reservations with over 75 campers
• Other criteria as determined by Dane County Parks

If none of the above criteria describes your event, you do not need a special event permit and can make reservations using our online system. Use the following links to learn more about our facilities or make reservations:

• Shelters
• Group Campsites

Dane County Parks charges a variety of fees for events held in county parks. These fees support park operations, maintenance and staff time involved in hosting events of all sizes. All fees are approved annually by the Dane County Parks Commission through a public process. Fees listed below may be applied in aggregate based on the specifics of your event.

Special Event Permit
 Required for any organized activity that meets one or more of the criteria listed above under Special Event Permit Requirements. This includes events that are open to the public, involve sales or fundraising, use amplified sound, require temporary structures or significantly impact normal park use.

Shelter Reservation Fees
 Shelter reservation fees apply when using a reservable park shelter or facility. Fees vary by shelter type and whether the reservation occurs on a weekday or weekend.

Vending Permit
 Required for the sale of food, beverages or merchandise, including food trucks and concession vendors.

Alcohol Permit
 Required for events that allow alcohol consumption or that provide or sell alcoholic beverages.

Overflow Parking Fee
 Some parks have designated overflow grass parking areas that may be required for larger events. This fee supports staff time for mowing, preparing and repairing these additional turf areas.

Tent and Staking Fee
 Required for tents, inflatables or other structures with stakes longer than six inches. This fee covers staff time to locate and mark underground utilities. Most popular special event locations have pre approved tent locations already mapped. Please disclose staking needs during the application process so staff can schedule marking work.

Additional Use Fees
 Depending on the nature of your event, additional fees may apply. These may include electric use, extra staffing needs, camping fees or recreation permit requirements.

Waste and Sanitation Requirements
 Some events will require organizers to rent their own dumpster or portable toilets at their own cost. Requirements depend on event size, duration and attendance. Staff will advise organizers if supplemental waste or sanitation services are needed.

Fee Waivers
 Event fees cannot be waived or reduced for outside organizations, including nonprofits and fundraisers. The only exception is for officially recognized Dane County Parks Friends groups or partners. Fees may be waived if more than 50 percent of the event’s gross proceeds directly support a Friends group or Dane County Parks.

Planning Your Event
 Dane County Parks encourage organizers to review fee information early in the planning process. The current year’s fee schedule can be found on our Parks Fees webpage.

Fees

Special Event Permit requests must be made a minimum of two weeks before the first day of the event.

1. Review the Special Event Criteria to determine if a Special Event Permit is needed for your event. 
2. Submit a Special Event Permit request, if needed.
3. If a shelter is requested for your event, staff will place a hold on the shelter and confirm with you via email within 48 business hours. Staff will review your request, set fees for your event, and contact you within 1-2 weeks. If your event is approved, you may log back into your online reservation system account or call the Parks Office at (608) 224-3730 to pay the remaining fees.

Special Event Request

What is Included?

• Special Event Permit
• Shelter Reservation: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
• Alcohol Permit
• Large Structure Fee (to have a tent larger than 12’ x 12’)
• Additional Grass Parking

Average Cost
Depending on the location, amenities, and the estimated attendance, the average cost for this package option is around $500-$900.

Best for Users Who...

• Want to hold an event outside of our regular shelter schedule (10:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.). Examples:
  • Access to the shelter before 10:00 a.m. Saturday for decorating, setup, having a large tent setup, rental item delivery.
  • Cleanup or rental item removal on Sunday.
• Use areas other than a park shelter (example: greenspace for a ceremony setup).
• Leave items overnight (at your own risk).
• Require additional parking or waste collection (trash and recycle) than is provided with a standard shelter rental.
• Use of any sound amplification device that produces excessive, loud or unusual noises.

What is Included?

• Special Event Permit
• Shelter Reservation for one day (10:00 a.m. -  9:30 p.m.)
• Alcohol Permit
• Additional Grass Parking

Average Cost
Depending on the location, amenities, and the estimated attendance, the average cost for this package option is around $300-$500.

Best for Users Who...

• Do not need early access to a shelter area. All setup and cleanup will happen between 10:00 a.m. -  9:30 p.m. and no large tent will be set up.
• Use areas other than a park shelter (example: greenspace for a ceremony setup).
• Require additional parking or waste collection (trash and recycle) than is provided with a standard shelter rental.
• Use of any sound amplification device that produces excessive, loud or unusual noises.

What is Included?

• Special Event Permit (granting exclusive use of ceremony space)

Average Cost
Depending on the location, amenities, and the estimated attendance, the average cost for this package option is around $75.

Best for Users Who...

• Want a wedding ceremony (under 100 people) in a park area that does not have a shelter associated with it.
• Will have all setup and cleanup of ceremony space (chairs, arbor, decorations, etc.) occur between 10:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.
• Are not having a reception, food or beverages at this location.
• Will not have a large tent set up.

Special Event Permit requests must be made a minimum of two weeks before the first day of the event.

1. Determine which wedding package option you are interested in before beginning your permit request.
2. Submit a Special Event Permit request, select "wedding" as the event type, and indicate which wedding package option you would like.
3. If a shelter is requested for your event, staff will place a hold on the shelter and confirm with you via email within 48 business hours. Staff will review your request, set fees for your event, and contact you within 1-2 weeks. If your event is approved, you may log back into your online reservation system account or call the Parks Office at (608) 224-3730 to pay the remaining fees.

Special Event Request