bride and groom walking around after getting married at joshua tree national park

Planning Your Joshua Tree Elopement

As an intimate wedding and elopement photographer, I have had the privilege of capturing some beautiful ceremonies and vow renewals in Joshua Tree National Park. From its stunning rock formations to its beautiful Joshua Trees, this national park is a breathtaking backdrop for any couple’s special day. In this blog post, I will be sharing my tips and advice on how to plan an elopement in Joshua Tree National Park, as well as my experience as a Joshua Tree elopement photographer.

When to Go to Joshua Tree National Park for an Elopement

One of the first things you need to consider when planning an elopement in Joshua Tree is when to go. Joshua Tree National Park is located in the high desert of Southern California, so temperatures can be extreme depending on the time of year. Summer months can be scorching hot with temperatures reaching up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter months can be quite cold with nighttime temperatures dropping below freezing.

The best times to elope in Joshua Tree are during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, temperatures are mild, and the park is not as crowded as during the summer months. However, keep in mind that these are peak seasons for tourism, so you will need to book your accommodations and other vendors well in advance.

Getting to Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is located about 130 miles east of Los Angeles and 30 miles north of Palm Springs. The closest airports are Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) and Ontario International Airport (ONT), both of which are about an hour’s drive from the park. If you are flying in from out of state or out of the country, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the park.

Park Entry Fees and Rules for Getting Married in the Park

When planning your elopement in Joshua Tree National Park, it’s important to know the park’s entry fees and rules for getting married within the park. As of 2023, the entry fee for Joshua Tree National Park is $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, and $15 per person for entry on foot or bicycle. These fees are subject to change, so it’s a good idea to check the park’s website for the most up-to-date information.

If you plan to have your ceremony within the park, you will need to obtain a special use permit. The park only issues a limited number of these permits each year, so it’s important to apply as early as possible. However, if you want to avoid the hassle and expense of getting a permit, there are some beautiful spots just outside the park that offer stunning views of the Joshua Trees.

Lodging Options near Joshua Tree National Park

There are several lodging options near Joshua Tree National Park, ranging from campsites and RV parks to hotels and vacation rentals. If you prefer to camp, there are nine campgrounds within the park, but they fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. If you prefer more comfortable accommodations, there are several hotels and vacation rentals in the nearby towns of Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, and Twentynine Palms.

As an elopement photographer, I have worked with Airbnb hosts near Joshua Tree National Park that provide a perfect and beautiful location to get married and stay at. These rentals offer privacy and stunning views of the Joshua Trees and surrounding desert landscape. I highly recommend booking one of these rentals for your elopement, as they provide a unique and unforgettable experience.

Leave No Trace in Joshua Tree National Park

As a Leave No Trace photographer, I also make sure to educate my couples about how to minimize their impact on the park during their elopement. Joshua Tree is a fragile desert ecosystem, and we all need to do our part to protect it. I provide a Leave No Trace guide to all my couples to help them understand the principles and how to leave the park better than they found it. Some of the things we can do to minimize our impact include staying on designated trails, packing out all trash, and being respectful of wildlife and other visitors.

Activities to do at Joshua Tree National Park

In addition to the stunning natural landscapes, Joshua Tree National Park offers plenty of activities for couples to enjoy during their elopement. From hiking and rock climbing to stargazing and birdwatching, there’s no shortage of things to do. One of the most popular activities is watching the sunrise or sunset, which provides the best lighting for an intimate wedding ceremony and stunning views of the park.

Finding the right Elopement Photographer

Finally, it’s important to hire the right elopement photographer for your Joshua Tree National Park elopement. As an experienced elopement photographer, I specialize in capturing intimate moments and natural beauty in a timeless and authentic way. I work closely with my couples to help them plan their dream elopement and create a stress-free timeline that allows them to fully enjoy their special day.