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Are you thinking of Eloping at Joshua Tree National Park?

Mariela Campbell

Hey there! Are you considering having a beautiful elopement ceremony in the breathtaking Joshua Tree National Park?


Joshua Tree National Park boasts stunning desert landscapes, unique cacti, and breathtaking rock formations. It is a perfect location for a southwestern bohemian wedding filled with adventure and beautiful golden sunlight. 

Elopements have always been a “thing,” and the intimacy and individual experience are incomparable to none. Being a beautiful experience does not give it justice. And was never really a thing for the masses, it is slowly getting much more popular. We, the destination wedding photographers, often act as wedding planners, assisting couples with location recommendations and planning timelines. We also act as nature guides, advice on acquiring permits, and source vendors.

The entire day is structured to give the couple time together; they spend the whole day talking about their tomorrow and absorbing every minute. One of my favorite places is the California high desert. Joshua Tree National Park is a true gem, offering incredible weather, stunning night skies, and some of the best shooting stars ever seen. If you're thinking about planning your own Joshua Tree elopement, there are a few quirks of this area that you'll want to know. But don't worry, I've got you covered! I'll walk you through everything you need to know, from getting your wedding permits to finding the perfect elopement location. To the best times of the year! So, let's dive in.

HOW TO ELOPE IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

  1. Choose a time of year

  2. Hire your dream Joshua Tree elopement photographer

  3. Book a Joshua Tree Airbnb for your Elopement

  4. Decide on where to elope at Joshua Tree National Park

  5. Apply for your Joshua Tree wedding permit

Have the most memorable experience ever!



BEST TIME: If you're planning to elope in Joshua Tree National Park, it's best to consider the spring or fall season. Winter can be pretty chilly, especially in the evening, while summer can be extremely hot and not recommended. March, April, October, and November are great months to get married in Joshua Tree. These months offer low chances of rain, fewer clouds, and an average temperature of 75 degrees and sunny. The skies are clear, the days are bright but not too hot, and the nights are perfect for stargazing. It's the ideal scene for a memorable elopement.



WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO PLAN YOUR JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENT/WEDDING?

As a photographer, I highly recommend planning your Elopement in Joshua Tree (or any outdoor location) during sunrise or sunset. It is the best time to take advantage of the dynamic and exciting light and enjoy the beauty of the first or last moments of the day. Plus, it’s cooler.




During sunrise, you'll experience what is known as the "blue hour," which transitions into the "golden hour." The blue hour light has cooler tones, while the golden hour has warmer tones. These tones make the neutral-toned desert landscape of Joshua Tree look magical.




At sunset, the reverse happens, with the golden hour transitioning into the blue hour. Capturing your elopement photos during sunset, "Golden Hour" has its perks with beautiful soft, warm light into clear starlit skies.



CHOOSING THE PERFECT JOSHUA TREE WEDDING AIRBNB

Choosing the perfect Airbnb for your elopement in Joshua Tree National Park depends on your preferences. Here are some tips to help you select the best accommodations. You can narrow down your search by asking yourself some important questions.


1. What kind of amenities or vibe do you want?

Numerous beautiful options are available on Airbnb around Joshua Tree. It's essential to consider what amenities and design would suit your personality as a couple, particularly if you plan to take any photos at your Airbnb. The Joshua Tree and Palm Springs area is primarily known for its mid-century and modern architecture with clean, desert-inspired aesthetics. I will share my favorite Joshua Tree wedding accommodations, from luxurious to glamping.




2. Will you be having guests join you? If so, how many

When you book a property through Airbnb, it's important to remember that the number of guests allowed on the property is usually limited to the number of guests specified in the listing. For instance, if the listing says it can accommodate up to eight people, it generally means that only eight individuals are allowed on the property. Additionally, Airbnb has a maximum limit of 16 guests unless otherwise stated. To ensure that the property suits you and your guests, please send a quick message to the hosts to confirm your reservation details.




3. Does the host allow events?

Plan to host any wedding or elopement activities at your Airbnb. You must ensure that your host allows events on their property. While VRBO has a search option that makes finding event-friendly properties easier, with Airbnb, you need to contact the hosts directly to confirm. Feel free to contact the hosts to clarify the situation. Below are some of my favorite event-friendly accommodations. Contact the host beforehand if you are considering having your wedding ceremony at the Airbnb. Alternatively, you can have your ceremony elsewhere and return to the Airbnb for a small dinner reception with your guests.




4. How far away from the park or your elopement location is the Airbnb?

If you are planning a sunrise elopement, it is essential to plan the distance between your accommodation and your elopement location. Joshua Tree is a large park, so you may need to drive for an hour to reach your location. Knowing this will help you plan your elopement day timelines and schedule. For instance, if your accommodation is an hour from the park, consider taking your first look or sunrise photos at the Airbnb or somewhere nearby instead of in the park.





WHERE TO ELOPE IN JOSHUA TREE:

  1. JOSHUA TREE'S WEDDING ALLOCATIONS

There are numerous beautiful spots to elope in Joshua Tree, and I always recommend my couples explore all of them on their wedding day. However, it's important to note that under the Joshua Tree National Park Service rules, weddings with fewer than 25 guests can occur in several locations. Larger weddings with 25+ guests have one designated spot.

Weddings of 25 or less

  • Hidden Valley Picnic Area (not permitted in March-May)

  • Quail Springs Picnic Area (not permitted in March-May)

  • Cap Rock

  • Live Oak

  • Split Rock

  • Rattlesnake Picnic Area

Weddings of 26 to 100

  • Indian Cove Amphitheater

(There is no parking in the area. You must arrange a shuttle for your guests to the amphitheater.)

JOSHUA TREE ELOPEMENT & WEDDING PERMITS

If planning a Joshua Tree elopement or intimate wedding, you must obtain a 'Special Park Use Permit.' The permit application requires a $120 fee, and additional costs might be applicable based on the size of your wedding. It's best to start planning 4 to 6 months since securing a date for the permit can take up to a month. Once your permit date is confirmed, it's important to research and hire your elopement photographer. Experienced photographers can also assist with planning, backup locations, timelines, and trusted vendor recommendations. If you require further assistance, such as having someone else handle the setup, design, and planning for the whole day, I can recommend amazing planners.


WHERE TO STAY

If you're seeking a tranquil desert atmosphere with stunning views, elegant mid-century modern features, upscale amenities for hosting guests, or a venue suitable for events, there are numerous amazing accommodations available in and around Joshua Tree for your wedding. Here are some options from Airbnb, VRBO, and other sources that may inspire:

When it comes to staying in and around the park, there are a few fun decisions to choose between.

  • Remember the following information.

  • Camping: You can plan to camp inside the park. During weekends and holidays in the peak months of October through May, campsites will likely be packed and fully reserved, so we recommend considering weekday elopements or weddings. You can reserve campsites at the recreation.gov site, with a first-come-first-serve option. There are also options to camp outside the park. Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and allows for a very relaxed day. Note that getting ready for a wedding in a tent or van can be a bit more challenging.

  • Hotels: The area has many exciting hotel options, regardless of budget. Aim for Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree, or Yucca Valley to stay close to the park. If you're willing to drive, Palm Springs is a fun place to stay nearby. Remember that it's an hour-long drive to the park's north entrance. Plan your day with the added travel time in mind.

  • Airbnb: I could list my favorite Airbnbs near Joshua Tree, NP, but there are too many to mention. Hundreds of options are near the park, each more beautiful than the last. Compounds are common in the area and are perfect for a group of people. You can even get married at some of the larger Airbnbs! Most of these accommodations come with a hot tub. You can't go wrong with a soak the night before your wedding.





Get ready to experience one of the most stunning destinations in the world and celebrate your wedding with your best friend.