Joshua Tree Elopement Guide: How to Elope in Joshua Tree National Park
Everything You Need to Know to Elope in Joshua Tree
Picture this! Golden light spilling over giant piles of boulders, spike trees silhouetted against a pink and orange sky, and a unique landscape that feels otherworldly. That’s Joshua Tree! And it can be YOUR elopement! The vastness of the desert has a way of making everything feel quiet and intimate. Not to mention, it’s amazing backdrop. It’s perfect if you want a wedding day that’s simple, a little wild, and completely yours. Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California is the perfect place to tie the knot. This guide will walk you through planning your Joshua Tree elopement. Including: when to go, what to know about permits, and a few tips to make sure the day goes smoothly.
If you need additional help or suggestions of vendor and location, you know I am there for you! Contact me!
Reasons to Elope in Joshua Tree
Desert Views
Joshua Tree has a really unique mix of scenery. There are so many unique rock formations, cactus gardens, valleys, and of course, the Joshua trees themselves! You get a variety of scenery just by driving 10 minutes down the road!
The Vibe
Joshua Tree National Park is next to the town of Joshua Tree! Of course! A small town full of unique places with a truly one of a kind vibe. There are art installations and museums (like the crochet museum just outside of the park), local boutiques, and more. And don’t sleep on the vintage thrift shops there! They have some great gems! There are also tons of unique and beautiful Airbnbs for you to stay in. Think stargazing dome, a Moroccan-style retreat, and even a UFO! So when I say unique, I really mean it! There’s no better place to plan an elopement that’s off the beaten path.
Warm Winters
Joshua Tree is one of the best places to elope if you want a winter elopement that’s not so much… winter. Though the desert can get chilly at night, temperatures during the day are usually in the 60s throughout the winter.
The Best Places to Elope in Joshua Tree
This is a popular place for elopements, so ceremonies in the park are allowed only in designated spots in order to protect the environment. Here are the locations where you can tie the knot. Make sure to check the park’s website for the most up to date info!
- Indian Cove Amphitheater No more than 100 people total and only 1 vehicle (shuttle required)
- Hidden Valley Picnic Area No more than 35 people total and up to 8 vehicles.
- Turkey Flats No more than 35 people total and up to 8 vehicles.
- Cap Rock No more than 25 people total and up to 8 vehicles.
- Rattlesnake Picnic Area No more than 20 people and 8 vehicles.
- Quail Springs Picnic Area No more than 15 people and 8 vehicles.
- Split Rock No more than 15 people and 5 vehicles.
- Porcupine Wash No more than 12 people and 4 vehicles.
- Queen Valley Mine Intersection No more than 10 people and 5 vehicles.
- Lost Horse Parking Lot No more than 10 people and 5 vehicles.
- Live Oak Picnic Area No more than 5 people and 3 vehicles.
You can also choose to elope somewhere outside of the park! There is BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Land. This is all around the park, as well as lots of desert locations on private property. These might be good choices if you want to elope somewhere without crowds!
The Best Time for a Joshua Tree Elopement
Joshua Tree National Park is a desert landscape, so the weather is super different from what you’d find in the mountains and coast of California.
Spring (March-April) is one of the best times to elope in Joshua Tree, because the weather is usually mild, with highs in the 70s. As it gets to be May, it can get up to over 80 degrees. You can sometimes see some desert wildflowers during this time of year!
Summer (May-September) is very hot! May and September can be a little more comfortable, but in peak summer months it can get over triple digits. This is the quietest season, with most visitors choosing to avoid the heat.
Fall (October-November) is another amazing time for a Joshua Tree elopement, as it starts to cool down. Along with spring, it’s a popular time to visit!
Winter is mild, with daytime highs in the 60s. It can be a great time to elope as it’s not as crowded as spring and fall. It does get pretty cold (and windy!) at night, so you’ll need to bring some layers! Snow is rare, but it does happen. Once in awhile, you will get a light layer of snow over the desert. Which would be a unique experience within itself!
Joshua Tree Elopement Permits
Any ceremony in Joshua Tree National Park requires a special use permit. This costs $120, and you can find the application on NPS.gov. The application takes up to 15 business days to review, but it’s definitely recommended to apply earlier than that to avoid stressful delays and to get the spot you want!
A separate permit is required for photography, so make sure your photographer is on top of this! Permits can feel confusing, but as an elopement photographer, I’m happy to help guide you through this so that it doesn’t feel stressful!
Tips for Your Joshua Tree Elopement
Here are some tips for your elopement in Joshua Tree National Park to make sure it goes smoothly!
Bring (Tons of) Water
The desert is dry, and you’ll need plenty of water! Make sure to have more than you think you need, as it’s always better to be overprepared than to find yourself dehydrated.
Wear Layers
Joshua Tree requires preparing for sun, as well as for wind and chilly evenings. Make sure you have sunscreen, but also a jacket or wrap and layers that you can easily take off or put on . Once the sun goes down, it cools off fast!
Download Offline Maps
Cell service is nonexistent in most of the park, so download your maps ahead of time so that you’re not stuck guessing where to turn.
Plan an Adventure!
Joshua Tree National Park is known for rock climbing, so if that’s something you enjoy, that can be a fun thing to add to your elopement day! There’s also hiking, 4wd trails, and the park has some of the most incredible stargazing in Southern California.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace principles ensure that we protect these natural areas. The desert ecosystem is more fragile than it looks, so make sure to stick to established trails, and pack out anything you pack in. The park specifically doesn’t allow dried flowers, because the seeds can fall.
Joshua Tree Elopement Packages
If you want to tie the knot in Joshua Tree, my job as an elopement photographer is to help you plan a day that feels intentional and true to who you are, from picking the right spot to building a timeline that flows naturally. I’ll help you navigate permits, figure out the best location for you, and of course, I’ll capture the big desert views and the little in-between moments.
Eloping in Joshua Tree is about slowing down, being present, and starting your marriage in a way that feels real and grounded. If that sounds like you, contact me to start planning your Joshua Tree elopement!
Ready to Elope in Joshua Tree?
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Hi, I’m Your Joshua Tree Elopement Photographer!
I believe that the connections we build with those in our lives is what makes life worthwhile. I am truly a people person. I thrive being around others, and being part of a couples’ wedding day feeds my soul! My couples aren’t just my clients, they are my friends and we are building a friendship through your whole wedding journey.
As an elopement photographer, avid traveler, and outdoor enthusiast, I’ve visited tons of great places for elopement ceremonies. I’m excited to share them with you in this post!
