Joshua Tree Elopement Guide - Get Married at Joshua Tree National Park

You want a wedding day that’s a little (or a lot) outside the box - one that breaks the boundaries of a big white wedding in a ballroom, one that takes you on an unforgettable adventure, one where you feel free to enjoy every moment, one that’s truly all about you. Joshua Tree National Park, with its one of a kind trees that twist out of the desert landscape, cactus gardens that sit at the base of purple mountains, and unique boulder formations just waiting to be climbed, is the perfect setting for couples who want to kick off their marriage with an adventure! But planning a Joshua Tree elopement requires a little more than lacing up your hiking boots and hitting the trails - so this guide has everything you need to tie the knot.

Here’s what you need to know to get married at Joshua Tree National Park:

• How to Get to Joshua Tree

• Deciding to Elope in Joshua Tree

• Making a Guest List

• Setting a Date

• Hiring a Joshua Tree Elopement Photographer

• Joshua Tree Wedding Venues & Places to Stay

• How to Get a Joshua Tree Wedding Permit

• Leave No Trace in Joshua Tree

• Getting into the Park

• Things to Do When You Elope in Joshua Tree

• Joshua Tree Elopement Packages

Deciding to Elope in Joshua Tree

The first step when it comes to planning any elopement is… deciding to elope! This part is often the most difficult, so don’t panic if you’re on the fence, or if you’re feeling like eloping might give your parents a heart attack.

Here’s the thing - your wedding day should be about you! It should be about celebrating in whatever way the two of you decide is right for you, and it should be a reflection of your story and your relationship. There’s a lot of pressure from the wedding industry, and often from the people around us, to throw a big party just because it’s what you’re “supposed to do.” So take a deep breath, close your eyes, and imagine your perfect wedding day. What does it look like? Who’s there with you? What will you do?

Your elopement can be anything - and I really mean anything! So dream big, and if you know that your heart beats fastest under a starry sky or in the middle of a wide open landscape, a Joshua Tree elopement might be right for you.

Making an Elopement Guest List

Some couples decide that their elopement will have no guest list at all - while others feel that the day would be incomplete without their people around. The size of your elopement day can affect where you tie the knot, and what you’ll plan for the day, so it can be helpful to brainstorm a guest list before we dig in to planning the day! Talk with your partner about who (if anyone) you want by your side when you elope - be honest, and remember - it’s not about excluding anyone or hurting feelings. It’s about making sure that the day you get married feels like you, and that you celebrate your love authentically and truthfully.

Setting a Date for Your Joshua Tree Elopement

Now it’s time to start planning your Joshua Tree elopement! You don’t have to put a day on your calendar quite yet - keeping your options open will actually help with the next step (finding the perfect elopement photographer), but it is helpful to think about a season or time frame for your day.

Some things to think about can be time off work (is there a season that’s slower, and a better time to cash in your vacation days?), how soon you want to be married, weather, and crowds.

Winter in Joshua Tree

The desert landscape means that Joshua Tree rarely gets too cold! Days in the winter are typically sunny and warm, hovering at a comfortable low 60s. There is a lot of fluctuation at night though, so mornings and evenings will be chilly! Layers are always a good idea, and keep in mind that if you’re eloping in Joshua Tree National Park (the town of Joshua Tree is located just north), weather can vary as you go - the north side tends to be a little warmer, while the south side is more mountainous and usually cooler. Snow is uncommon, but it has happened - so be prepared for anything!

Spring in Joshua Tree

Spring is the most popular time to visit Joshua Tree, followed closely by fall. Spring temperatures are mild and perfect for hiking, and not as harsh as the desert summers. Wildflowers bloom, covering the desert in gorgeous colors that bring travelers from all over! While this is a great time for a Joshua Tree elopement, it can get pretty crowded, and you’ll see a lot more people out and about in the national park.

Summer in Joshua Tree

Summers are pretty empty in Joshua Tree - because the desert heat is no joke! Temperatures often get into the 100s, and the harsh sun keeps people indoors. For most couples, this isn’t ideal for an elopement, though you can beat the heat by tying the knot closer to the morning or evening.

Fall in Joshua Tree

Along with spring, this is a really popular time to visit Joshua Tree, because the weather is much more mild, perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and exploring outdoors! This is a gorgeous time to elope, but you’ll need to prepare for crowds - I’ll give you some tips later in this guide to help you avoid an audience during your ceremony.

Hiring a Joshua Tree Elopement Photographer

Being flexible with your elopement date can help! Your photographer will be a big part of your story, and my job as a Joshua Tree elopement photographer is to make sure you have absolutely everything you need for a perfect day. My job doesn’t start on your elopement day - from the moment you inquire, I’ll be here to help you plan! My couples get personalized vendor recommendations, location scouting, an elopement timeline, and all my tips and advice for an incredible day.

Hire your Joshua Tree elopement photographer early on - it’ll make the rest of your elopement planning to-do list way easier!

When you elope in Joshua Tree, you can choose to tie the knot in the park itself, or find a spot nearby! The town has plenty to explore, and there are gorgeous locations all around. Here are some ideas for Joshua Tree wedding venues, and places to elope!

Joshua Tree National Park Elopement Locations

Due to how popular Joshua Tree elopements are, the park has limited where ceremonies can take place. There are a few locations to choose from in the national park, and each one has different limits, which is why the number of guests you plan to invite is important! But don’t worry-we can go anywhere for portraits!

Here are the places in Joshua Tree National Park where you can elope:

• Indian Cove Amphitheater - No more than 100 people total and only 1 vehicle (guests will need to shuttle to the location).

• 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.

How to Get a Joshua Tree Wedding Permit

To get married in the park, even if your elopement is teeny tiny, you’ll need to get a permit. A wedding permit, also called a special use permit, allows you to have your ceremony at any of the approved locations! This permit is required anytime you take photos in the park - so even if you decide to have your ceremony elsewhere but want to go into Joshua Tree National Park for photos after, you’ll need to apply.

You can find the permit online, and there is a $120 application fee. A permit ensures that you’re aware of the park’s rules and regulations, and that you’ll keep the park beautiful for other couples and visitors! They don’t specify when you need to apply, but it’s always best to apply as soon as possible, since they’ll need time to process and approve your permit. Apply a month in advance at the absolutely minimum, but three months to a year out is best!

One thing that's unique about Joshua Tree National Park is that your photographer is also required to apply for a separate permit. These rules may seem confusing and a little irritating, but they’re there to ensure minimal damage to the park - we humans are often unaware of our impact on the environment, and the desert is more fragile than we realize! I can help you navigate these rules as your Joshua Tree Elopement Photographer.

Leave No Trace During Your Joshua Tree Elopement

The permit helps the park keep track of what’s happening and enforce Leave No Trace. If you haven't heard of Leave No Trace (LNT), and even if you have, it’s important to brush up on what it means and how it applies to Joshua Tree!

Leave No Trace is a set of seven principles, created to prevent damage to the environment. Our impact as humans is often a lot bigger than we realize - so a lot of harm happens just because we aren’t aware.

Here are the 7 principles of LNT, and how they apply to Joshua Tree:

• Plan ahead and prepare - there’s often no service in the park, so download offline maps, know where you’re going and what you’ve got planned, and be safe!

• Travel and camp on durable surfaces - don’t step off the official trails. It damages plant life, and causes erosion.

• Dispose of waste properly - don’t leave anything behind! This doesn’t just mean trash, it also applies to things like flower petals, food scraps, and anything else you bring in.

• Leave what you find - taking or moving rocks can lead to soil erosion, and animals often use flowers and plants for food or shelter. Don’t take anything - except for pictures!

• Minimize campfire impacts - campfires are only allowed in designated fire rings at campsites, and if you make one, always put it out when you’re done.

• Respect wildlife - you might see reptiles, birds, rodents, and even coyotes or big horned sheep in the park. Never approach, feed, or disturb the animals! Remember, this is their home.

• Be considerate of other visitors - eloping in the park means sharing the space with other park visitors, so don’t block trails or play loud music.

When it comes to wedding and elopement ceremonies, Joshua Tree National Park has some rules about what is and isn’t allowed, and this is to help with Leave No Trace! You can find the most up to date information on the park’s website.

Items that are permitted for a Joshua Tree wedding:

• Arch, must be free-standing

• Small table for guest book

• Cooler with water

• Live flowers

• Battery-powered candles

• Runner

• Rug

• Cake

• Champagne

Items not permitted for a Joshua Tree wedding:

• Drones

• Dried flowers

• Non-battery powered candles

• Bubbles

• Any live animals, including doves, butterflies, etc

• Confetti

• Rice

• Birdseed

• Balloons

• Smoke Bombs

Getting Into the Park for Your Joshua Tree Elopement

Along with a permit, you’ll still need to pay the entrance fee to get into the park. The entrance fee is per car, so any guests or vendors that aren’t riding with you will need a pass too. The entrance fee is $30, and you can buy your pass as you drive into the park - but you can also get it online ahead of time! The park gets pretty busy, so purchasing a pass online can help you get in a little faster. The line into the park definitely gets backed up during busy times (which happens nearly everyday, except during the summer).

You can get a pass online here - and if you visit national parks often, consider getting an America the Beautiful Pass! This one costs $80, and will get you into every national park in the country for an entire year.

Things to Do During Your Joshua Tree Elopement

Eloping in Joshua Tree is all about the adventure - and you’ll find plenty to do! Your elopement should be about the entire experience, so think about what you and your partner want to do, and how you can truly have the wedding day of your dreams. And remember - adventure isn’t about doing something “epic” and it doesn't have to include an adrenaline rush (but it can)! Your elopement should include an adventure, whatever that looks like for you. It might mean hiking through the desert, or it might mean relaxing at a luxurious resort - or it might be both!

Here are some ideas for things to do when you elope in Joshua Tree...

Stargaze

Joshua Tree is remote and far away from really big cities - which means the night sky is just breathtaking! What better way to end your elopement day than to sit under the blanket of stars and take it all in?

Go Hiking

Some of the Joshua Tree elopement locations require a hike, or you can find another trail, and if you’re a couple who loves the outdoors, this can be an amazing way to celebrate your marriage! Since it’s the desert, many of the hikes are flat and easy - so you can choose your level of adventure. A couple of my favorite hikes are the Desert Queen Mine and the Indian Cove Loop.

Rock Climb

Joshua Tree National Park is a dream for rock climbers! Whether you’re an experienced climber, a beginner just learning the ropes, or someone who just wants to climb some of the fun boulder piles, you’ll find a spot that’s perfect for you.

Rent a 4x4

A really fun way to explore the less traveled areas of Joshua Tree is with a 4x4! There are several roads in the park that are only accessible with a 4x4, so you can rent one and hit the backcountry, exploring tons of scenery in a short amount of time. I love me some 4WD’ing!!

Joshua Tree Elopement Tips

Planning an elopement is no joke - there’s lots to think about! But don’t worry, I’ve got your back - these tips will ensure that you have the perfect desert elopement day.

Things to Pack for a Joshua Tree Elopement

Making a packing list is always a good idea, to make sure you don’t forget anything! Here’s a list of things to bring with you when you elope in Joshua Tree:

• Extra water - it gets hot!

• A touch up kit for makeup - again, it gets hot! Be ready with blotting paper and setting spray.

• Adventure gear - binoculars, rock climbing equipment, hiking boots… whatever you’ll need for the unique day you have planned.

• A printed copy of your elopement permit - in case you need to show it to a ranger and don’t have service.

• Wedding essentials - your dress or suit, bouquets or boutonniere, rings, and vows.

What to Wear

When you’re choosing your outfits for an adventure elopement, always think about comfort! For dresses, make sure the skirt isn’t too tight (mermaid styles usually aren’t ideal), I am a huge fan of something flowy so that the breeze can add some magic to your gown! And for suits, make sure you can walk, step, and raise your arms without any wardrobe malfunctions. Lightweight fabrics and layers are key for desert elopements - the temperature changes a lot throughout the day, and it can get toasty!

Plan Your Ceremony for Sunrise or Sunset

The best lighting happens at sunrise and sunset, so I recommend planning your ceremony close to those times. This will also help you avoid crowds! But I am a sucker for midday light, even when it can be harsh, so don’t worry-it just hits differently in the desert!