Joshua Tree Wedding // 2024 Guide
Joshua Tree Weddings
Getting Married in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park is one of my favorite places to visit, camp, hike, and go backpacking! I’ve always thought the Joshua Trees look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book, and there’s something so magical about this beautiful desert!
Whether you’re thinking of having a small wedding in Joshua Tree or going for an adventurous Joshua Tree elopement, you’ll absolutely love all the incredible scenery this place has to offer - plus there’s some awesome boho AirBnb’s you can stay in there, little casitas and unique lodging, the stargazing is incredible, Joshua Tree Saloon where you can grab a beer on your big day, and there’s also Pioneertown nearby where you can check out the Pioneertown Motel!
How to Get Married in Joshua Tree
Step #1: Choose your date/time of year
Step #2: Book your Joshua Tree Wedding Photographer - heyyy!
Step #3: We’ll go in depth planning together
Step #4: Obtain permits - I’ll help with this!
Step #5: Make your travel plans
Step #6: Apply for a marriage license
Get Married in Joshua Tree National Park!
When to Get Married in Joshua Tree
Planning your Joshua Tree Wedding or Elopement
I have probably been to Joshua Tree over 30 times, so I’m very familiar with the landscape, multiple gorgeous spots and hidden gems, and other great insights like the best times to get married there, working with the permit office, etc…Since Joshua Tree is a popular spot - and with good reason - I always recommend a weekday for your Joshua Tree wedding or Joshua Tree elopement. I have photographed there throughout most of the year and have a pretty good idea of what the crowds and weather are like.
I also recommend a Spring or Fall date since the summer months can get pretty hot. The rest of the year is generally nice weather, with just the evenings getting a little chilly - with an outdoor wedding or elopement, you always want to be prepared for whatever mother nature may bring!
Joshua Tree Wedding Permits
When it comes to what you’ll need to get married in Joshua Tree, the first thing is getting your wedding permits to get married there (and take photos there). With national parks and other public lands/BLM, you can usually expect to need a permit to have your national park wedding or elopement there. Joshua Tree National Park requires a Special Use Permit to have your ceremony in the park (this also covers your photographer, but if you’re hiring a videographer, that will require a separate permit).
Don’t worry - this is an easy process and I can help you through it too! Joshua Tree wedding permits cost $120 for the Special Use Permit, which is a much more frugal option than a wedding venue! You can check out this blog post for some info on getting permits for your location!
Joshua Tree Ceremony Locations
There are specified locations in the park that you can have your Joshua Tree wedding ceremony, I’ll list a few below but you can also check here for a full list of locations you can get married in Joshua Tree National Park. If you plan to have more than 35 guests, the only option within the park is Indian Cove Amphitheater where you can have up to 100 guests and there’s seating available (note that this location only allows one vehicle for your wedding so you’ll need to shuttle guests in). If you’re having less than 35 guests for a small Joshua Tree wedding or a Joshua Tree elopement, here are a few options to choose from:
Cap Rock (my favorite!)
Hidden Valley Picnic Area
Quail Springs Picnic Area
Live Oak
Split Rock
Joshua Tree Wedding Venues
Here’s another option if you want to have your ceremony elsewhere or host a reception, you can check out some of these Joshua Tree wedding venues as great options for either your ceremony or after-party or both - and we can still head into Joshua Tree National Park for photos!
Where to Stay in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree has some of the most unique AirBnbs and they’re great places to stay for your Joshua Tree wedding. They’re also the perfect getting ready spot for your wedding or elopement! Whether you’re looking to stay in a a boho AirBnb, a tiny house, an airstream or camper, do some glamping, enjoy some funky architecture, there’s something for whatever you’re looking for. Here’s a few of my top places to stay in Joshua Tree…
Note: Always be upfront with your AirBnb host about your plans for your stay there, whether you’ll be inviting outside guests, if you’ll be having photos taken there, if you’re having a ceremony there, or if you’re hosting a dinner there, etc.
Joshua Tree Wedding Vendors
I provide a lot of helpful resources and guidance to all my couples, including helping with finding wedding vendors if they need it, so don’t worry - I got you! Here’s a team of some of my favorite vendors who serve the area, all of whom I’ve worked with. You can also check out this post for some tips on choosing your wedding vendors.
Planner: Embark Event Design
Video: Jay & Mack Films
Florist: Cultivated by Faith & Native Poppy
Hair: Styled by Jordan
Makeup: Christine Janelle Beauty
Private Chef: Chef Joann
Caterer: Mojave Monaco
Cake: Wednesday Cake
Joshua Tree Elopement
How to Elope in Joshua Tree
Elopements are what I specialize in, so I can help with you with this entire process! I have lots of public resources throughout my website, and you can check out my Elopement Resources page for lots of great tips and info on how to plan an elopement - I go much more in depth with my couples who get access to an exclusive Elopement Planning Guide, Vendor Guide, Activities Guide, Attire Guide, Timeline Guide and lots more when we’re planning your elopement together! ;)
Tips for your Joshua Tree Elopement or Wedding
Those are all the basics for what you need to know to get married in Joshua Tree! Don’t forget to look into marriage license requirements through San Bernardino County, CA, the park’s list for what you can and can’t bring, and learn Leave No Trace Principles to keep these beautiful lands beautiful as well as for the safety of yourself and other visitors.
Joshua Tree Elopement Packages
Joshua Tree Wedding Packages
Your epic Joshua Tree Package includes…
Unlimited guidance for planning your elopement
Customized location ideas
Local vendor recommendations
Personally designed timeline for your day
My exclusive in-depth “Elopement Planning Guide”
Coordinate elopement logistics
Permit research and assistance
Activity ideas, wedding attire guidance, and ways to personalize your elopement day
Laid-back and relaxed photo coverage for your elopement
I’m your PLANNER too!
I’ll help you plan your elopement from start to finish!
*You’ll have an EXPERT by your side the whole way*
Joshua Tree Wedding Photographer
I’m your Joshua Tree Elopement Photographer & Guide, experience creator, resource provider, planning consultant, location scouter, idea machine, and adventure buddy
I’m your personal GUIDE, your PLANNER, and your BEST FRIEND! As both your Joshua Tree expert and your elopement expert, I’m here to help craft the experience of your dreams - and capture it all for you! I’ll be there every step of the way to help make your vision come to life…
LET’S DO THIS!!
Contact Me
I’ll email you back right away!
