I am one of the luckiest photographers in the world…Joshua Tree National Park is in my backyard! This beautiful, mezmerizing desert paradise that millions of people visit a year is less than 5 minutes from where I drink my morning coffee. Joshua Tree National Park is the PERFECT place to elope, get married or renew your vows! The stunning views, unique vegetation and beautiful weather year-round serves as a beautiful place to visit from all around the world and commit to forever together. The sunsets in California, and especially in Joshua tree, are unlike any in the world. As a Joshua Tree wedding photographer, it is my passion to capture these beautiful and cherished moments that mean the most to you and preserve them in the most beautiful photographs. I am also committed to helping make your wedding or elopement completely stress free (and VERY exciting!)
The three basic steps to start planning your dream wedding or elopement:
- Secure a permit at your favorite scenic location in the park or choose a super amazing venue in Joshua Tree
- Book a stay at one of the most amazing vacation rentals in the area
- Find amazing local vendors to help you plan and celebrate!
Joshua Tree National Park Wedding Permit Information
If you will have 35 people or less, any elopement or wedding in the national park requires a permit for the ceremony. There are so many beautiful locations to choose from for your intimate ceremony! The special use permit is a one-time $120 fee and make sure to submit at least 30 days in advance! The farther in advance the better so you can have the ceremony site of your choice!
Here are some of my favorite ceremony site choices inside the park:
- Hidden Valley Picnic Area: Up to 35 people
- Turkey Flats: Up to 35 people
- Cap Rock: Up to 25 people
- Rattlesnake Picnic Area: Up to 25 people
- Quail Springs Picnic Area: Up to 15 people
- Split Rock: Up to 15 people
Joshua Tree & Surrounding Area Wedding Venues
- Sacred Sands β this venue is located just right outside of the west (Joshua Tree) entrance to the national park! Perfect for being close to the park and having extra people. AND! You can do golden hour photos in the park! Up to 100 guests.
- Pioneertown Motel β The Pioneertown Motel situated in the Wild West of Pioneertown and 15 minutes, if that, from Joshua Tree is the perfect place for a gorgeous, rustic wedding. There are several spaces that accommodate weddings here and are all so breathtaking!
Surrounding Areas
- The Booth House – Twentynine Palms β A short 20 minute drive from Joshua Tree! The Booth House is a century-old wedding venue in Twentynine Palms, California, that radiates vintage, rustic charm. This picturesque desert property features nearly 20 acres of stunning landscapes, several unique ceremony and reception areas, and an old gold mill. Committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly business practices, this is an ideal space for eco-conscious couples.
- Villa Leche – Palm Desert — Nestled on a 3-acre hilltop, this Mediterranean-modern estate features breathtaking views of stunning vistas made of mountains. Itβs a painterly portrayal of desert-in-the-raw with no hustle and bustle, city lights, or noise to speak of.
Places to Stay In & Around Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms are all within a short drive of Joshua Tree National Park. Many vacation rentals do not allow ceremonies due to permitting but most do allow photos before ceremonies for the fun of detail photos, getting ready and family photos! Keeping this in mind, choosing a beautiful place to stay that fits your vibe and style is important for getting married and eloping!
I know this area well and photograph vacation rentals in this area so please don’t hesitate to ask if you need assistance finding the perfect place for you — click here to reach out and I can help you pick the best place to stay, plan your getting ready moments and help you choose a rental that fits YOU best!
- Stay Cocoon – Some of my favorite vacation rentals with friendly, local hosts and clean, beautiful properties with views! Perfect homes for your Joshua Tree stay. Cocoon offers a cozy airstream for the two of you to bigger homes that your whole family can stay in together throughout your whole visit!
Finding The Right Local Vendors to Help You Celebrate!
Joshua Tree and the surrounding desert is a very small community. Hiring local vendors helps the community grow and thrive. I’d love to share my local vendors with you and help you find those who pour their love and passion into making this a beautiful place to stay and get married. Many vendors are eco-friendly, eco-conscious and are able to help on a last minute’s notice because, we know, things happen! I have several local vendors to recommend for coordination, cake, DJ, florals & more!
Let’s Get Started Planning The Elopement or Wedding of Your Dreams!
