How To Plan An Epic Elopement In Joshua Tree National Park!

>> for the wild and free-spirited souls

Joshua Tree National Park elopement photographer

Joshua Tree is a stand out location to elope for its eclectic vibes, unique landscapes, and incredible architecture. Joshua Tree National Park has become a growing tourist destination within the town, because of its bizarre rock formations and views like nowhere else in the world. Both the town and the park are a desert, minimalist dream! Eloping here can be a truly epic and unforgettable experience!

And wanna know the best part?? Planning an elopement in Joshua Tree National Park doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful. In fact, it can be a lot of fun!!

First things first, let’s address a few of the most commonly asked questions about Joshua Tree that maybe you’ve been wondering yourself…

Can you get married in Joshua Tree National Park?

Short answer… yes! You can hold a legal ceremony inside of the national park. Instead of paying thousands of dollars on a wedding venue, you can pay just roughly $120 and be surrounded by a breathtaking landscape!

Here is the specific information you need in order to secure Joshua Tree National Park as your elopement venue >>

Decide on where inside of the park that you would like to host your ceremony. There are currently 11 locations in the park that allow wedding ceremonies to be held. They are: Live Oak Picnic Area, Lost Horse Parking Lot, Queen Valley Mine Intersection, Porcupine Wash, Split Rock, Quail Springs Picnic Area, Rattlesnake Picnic Area, Cap Rock, Turkey Flats, Hidden Valley Picnic Area, Indian Cove Amphitheater. Each of these locations have various guest and vehicle limit restrictions. You can read more here.
You need to secure a Special Use Permit (SUP).Typically I like to apply for permits on behalf of my couples, but occasionally a park may require you, as the couple getting married, to apply. In the case of Joshua Tree, they expect the couple getting married to complete the permit application. However, I’m happy to guide you through this process every step of the way and even review the permit before submission!
Once the permit has been accepted, the payment has been made, and the permit has been issued, you’re ready to host a ceremony!

How much does it cost to get married in Joshua Tree National Park?

The permit fee is $120. Additional cost can vary depending on the size of your elopement and the location you choose to elope. A separate permit is required specifically for photography. However, I include photography-related permitting in my package pricing, so it’s not an extra fee for you! Yay!

Beyond that, additional costs depend entirely on which vendors you decide to hire. For example, if you want to have a photographer, officiant, flowers, wedding planner for a larger guest count, hair stylist, makeup artist, etc. then the price will vary. For basic elopements, couples usually spend an average of $5,000. For more detailed elopements, couples can spend anywhere from $7,000 - $12,000.

Why do people get married in Joshua Tree?

When I was doing my research for this blog post, this question popped up as an FAQ for Joshua Tree elopements and I love it! Here are the top 10 reasons to get married in Joshua Tree (in my opinion):

Spectacular sunrise & sunsets
Unreal stargazing
The Joshua Trees!
Unique rock formations and landscapes unlike anywhere else
Stunning architecture and desert, minimalist design
The quirky town of Joshua Tree and it’s alien beliefs
Close proximity to Palm Springs & the Coachella Valley
Amazing hiking in the national park!
Generally great weather outside of the summer months
Diverse wildlife

Now on to the big question…

How do you plan an elopement in Joshua Tree National Park?

Here is a basic checklist to help you get started:

Decide on a date (or at least have some ideas). For more about the weather in Joshua Tree, click here.
Hire an elopement photographer. I recommend someone that specializes in elopements. Wedding planning and photography are very different from elopements. You want someone with experience that can guide you through this process, while delivering images that tell your individual story.
Even if you’ve already decided on Joshua Tree for your elopement (amazing decision by the way), start narrowing down the specific location you want to have your ceremony inside of the park. If you’ve hired a photographer that also assists with planning, like I do, you can discuss this with them and they can help you decide. If you’re considering eloping outside of the park, start thinking about which locations you’re interested in. You can view some suggestions here.
Start applying for a permit! I recommend doing this fairly early on in the process because a permit ultimately decides if your ceremony can happen in the park or not. Your photographer can generally guide you through this process as well.
Begin deciding on the details you want included in your day like: other locations you want to visit in the park, other vendors you’d like to hire, activities you’d like to do, etc. This is another reason why it’s important to hire your photographer early on because they can help inspire you and plan out all of these details. They can also help you use this information to create a seamless timeline of your day.
Book your accommodations!
If you’ve decided to include other vendors (like an officiant, florals, etc.) be sure to secure those vendors.
Make it legal! Don’t forget to have an ordained minister present and the appropriate paperwork on hand for the ceremony. If you’ve decided to hold the legal portion of your ceremony elsewhere and just want to share private vows, don’t forget to bring your vows with you!
**If private vows take place within the park and will not include any guests OR a legal ceremony, an SUP would not be needed, but a photography permit would still be required.

Once you’ve completed all of these steps, you’ve officially eloped in Joshua Tree and had it documented for you and your loved ones to cherish for generations.

Here are a few answers to additional questions I’ve heard over the years…

What are the best wedding venues in Joshua Tree?

If you’re looking to elope outside of the national park, there are amazing venues for your wedding or elopement to choose from. Some couples handle the ceremony part of their day at a venue and then visit the park afterwards for photos and hiking. Here are some great venue options:

The Airbnb options for wedding venues in Joshua Tree are seriously incredible!! However, a lot of hosts face tight restrictions by Airbnb that won’t allow them to host an event on an Airbnb property listing. That being said, if you have an Airbnb property that you’re in love with, reach out directly to the host and see if your event would be permitted. In some cases, they may say yes, but generally for elopements only.

Are pets allowed in Joshua Tree National Park?

Directly from the national park website: “Pets are not allowed on hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in park buildings. Alternatively, the park offers many great areas to explore on a pet-friendly visit to Joshua Tree National Park. Leashed pets are allowed as long as they remain within 100 feet (30.5 m) of roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds.” For more information, visit the national park website here.

What is the best time of year to elope in Joshua Tree?

When it comes to the desert, the spring and fall season are consistently great times to visit. That would be March/April or October/November. Winter in Joshua Tree offers less crowds, cheaper lodging, and possible snow! Temperatures average in the 50’s and 60’s during the day. The summer months in Joshua Tree can get very warm and dry, so I recommend avoiding that time of the year. All in all, Joshua Tree has great weather for most of the year, outside of the summertime!

What are the best places to stay in Joshua Tree?

Joshua Tree offers some of the best accommodations and vacation rentals in the U.S.! There are some spectacular options from big or small to minimalist or extravagant. You can view a variety of options here and here.

Which vendors should I hire for my Joshua Tree elopement?

Not all elopement photographers are created equal, but for my couples I put together a location-specific vendor list to make this part of the process less stressful for you. I know some incredible vendors that I’ve worked with many times! This list includes everything from florists to officiants, but I’m also always happy to update and expand it based on your specific needs. The list will show the available information for that vendor so that you can get an idea of their work and can easily contact them.

How do I get to Joshua Tree National Park?

The closest airport is Palm Springs airport. It’s only around an hour away from Joshua Tree. The next closest would be Los Angeles International airport. It’s roughly three hours away. Harry Reid International airport in Las Vegas is also around three hours away. From any location, it would be best to rent a car.

Joshua Tree elopement advice:

Couples often ask me, “What should we do for our elopement besides just vows?” There are a number of activities available in Joshua Tree. If you are a lover of beautiful landscapes, hiking, and unique architecture, then Joshua Tree is the right choice for your elopement!

There are lots of amazing trails and epic views to explore in the park. Some activities you could include in your elopement experience besides hiking are: off roading, stargazing, rock climbing, horseback riding, hot springs, and more!

Have I convinced you yet that Joshua Tree is THE best place to get married?? I hope so, because it really is!

Ready to have an adventurous elopement in Joshua Tree, with me as your planner and photographer??

Joshua Tree Elopement Packages

Full Day or Multi-Day

(Up to 12 hours of coverage)

This is the perfect option for you two if you want to explore and adventure and create a full on experience. This is also a great option if you’d like to have one day to include guests, and another to have to yourselves.

We can visit multiple locations and include various activities to make getting married more than just nuptials, but an event to remember.

Half Day

(Up to 8 hours of coverage)

This is for you if you’re a couple that wants a relaxing experience that allows you to maximize your time.

Your day can include a first look, getting ready, vows, guest photos, multiple locations, first dance, etc.

Mini

(Up to 4 hours of coverage)

This is a short and sweet option if you two are looking to have your vows captured along with a short adventure in one location.

PACKAGE PRICING BEGINS AT $4,000

we want to co-create with you!

All photography packages include:

One photographer

Personal planning assistance to help you choose locations, vendors, and create your timeline

Assistance with permitting

Private online gallery of high-resolution images, showcasing your elopement

5-10 polaroid images to take home the day of

Sneak peek photos

No additional fees

Guidance, friendship, and a meaningful experience!

Meet Your Joshua Tree Elopement Photographer

My husband and I have been married for 7 years, and have two cats — Kuro & Suyen. These three are my whole world.

I started my artistic journey with our family camcorder around age five, and the rest is history...

Capturing the love stories of others, going on adventures of a lifetime, and witnessing unforgettable landscapes are what I live for. Even though I would describe myself as being more introverted, I love connecting with my couples and making life-long memories together.

Shooting in an artistic style, with an intentional approach, allows your story to be told authentically.

I’m deeply passionate about photography, and I think that reflects in my work and spirit. Every couple is unique and every love story is different, so I approach each elopement with personal care.

You and your partner deserve an adventure where you are the focus.

Get in touch and let’s start planning your epic Joshua Tree elopement adventure!

Please be aware that I specialize in micro weddings & elopements, with a guest count of 30 people or less.

I focus on a limited number of elopements + intimate weddings each year, so that I can give yours the time and attention that it deserves. From co-creating your perfect wedding experience right down to the finer details in your final gallery, our work together will be an authentic representation of you and your love story.

In order for us to get started on the right foot, please share your love story with me and any ideas that you’re picturing for your day in the form below.

I love the outdoors more than anything! I could spend all of my time in it, but our national parks and public lands can only last as long as we protect them.

Protect this place and Leave No Trace:

Leave No Trace is a code of ethics and principles that we all should follow as best we can, when adventuring in the outdoors. These principles can help us enjoy public lands responsibly and preserve them for generations to come.

Here are the 7 principles of Leave No Trace:

Plan ahead and prepare
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find
Minimize campfire impacts
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of others

These principles may or may not impact your elopement or wedding, depending on what you have in mind. However, these guidelines are not meant to put a damper on your plans. They are meant to protect these beautiful places so that one day maybe you can come back for an anniversary, or bring your children or grandchildren to these places.

Ultimately, we want to enjoy these incredible lands year after year with minimal impact.

I do my best to practice Leave No Trace for all of my elopements. If you have a question, don’t hesitate to ask! But I will do my best to educate and guide you as necessary. National and state parks have Leave No Trace practices implemented by default.

FOLLOW ALONG!