Joshua Tree Elopement Guide

Dec 17

How to Elope in Joshua Tree

Best Joshua Tree Elopement Locations, Tips + Planning Resources

Does the idea of escaping and curating a wild and adventurous experience for your friends and loved ones sound appealing to you?

Joshua Tree National Park is a magical place. From the desert landscapes to the uniquely shaped cacti and the breathtaking rocky views, it makes for some pretty epic wedding shots and an experience you will be proud to call your wedding day.

A Joshua Tree Elopement makes for a perfect, slightly country, bohemian experience. And there are so many bonuses to getting married in Joshua Tree. Including, saving money on a wedding venue, and the accessibility with proximity to major airports. The golden desert scenery, incredible soft light and stunning sunsets are just a plus.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to get married in Joshua Tree!

Joshua Tree Permits + Marriage Laws
When to Elope in Joshua Tree
Top Places to have your Joshua Tree Elopement
Joshua Tree Elopement Packages

How to legally have your Elopement in Joshua Tree:

california state marriage laws + Joshua Tree elopement permits:

Marriage License: Before you can have your Joshua Tree elopement, you’ll need a California state marriage license.

Both of you must be at least 18 years old, and you must apply for and sign for the license in person.
The cost for a public marriage license is $84.
There’s no waiting period, so you can get your license in the morning and get married in the afternoon.
A ceremony must occur within 90 days from the date the license is issued. *a ceremony may take place anywhere within the state of California.

Permitting: Not all places require permits to get married in Joshua Tree, but if you are planning on getting married in the National Park there are.

A special use permit is required to elope in Joshua Tree National Park
The permit cost is $120, regardless of the size
For weddings above 26+ guide, there are limitations to where you can have your ceremony, plus additional location fees

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When the best time to have your Joshua Tree Elopement?

best time of year to get married in Joshua Tree

Summer: The hottest time of the year in the park means fewer visitors, but it's important to take precautions regarding the scorching temperatures, including bringing plenty of water, wearing proper clothing, and avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. The heat does keep away many visitors; some of the campgrounds do close during the summer.

Fall: Pleasant weather draws in visitors who can enjoy the park more comfortably in temperatures ranging from the mid-80s in the day and the 50s at night.

Winter: Winter brings much cooler days, with temperatures around 60 degrees and freezing nights. It will occasionally even snow at higher elevations.

Spring: Wildflowers generally start blooming in lower elevations of the park in February and at higher elevations in March and April.

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Where can you have your Elopement in Joshua Tree?

there’s a ton of locations you can Have your Joshua Tree Elopement

From the National Park, State Parks, BML Locations, Joshua Tree Wedding Venues and the cutest Airbnb’s. To save you some time on your searches or at least point you in the right direction, here are some of my favorite elopement locations for Joshua Tree Elopements.

Joshua Tree National Park

Depending on the size of your wedding party, there are different options for the location of your Joshua Tree Elopement. It may seem restrictive, but there really are so many possible spots you could choose to have your wedding. Parking restrictions apply to all areas, which can be checked here.

Weddings up to 25 people may pick from the following locations:

Cap Rock (cap 25)
Rattlesnake Picnic Area (cap 20)
Quail Springs Picnic Area (cap15)
Split Rock (cap 15)
Porcupine Wash (cap 12)
Queen Valley Mine Intersection (cap 10)
Lost Horse Parking Lot (cap 10)
Live Oak Picnic Area (cap 5)

Weddings from 25-100 people:

Indian Cove Amphitheater (cap 100)
Hidden Valley Picnic Area (cap 35)

State Parks

White a lot of couples head straight to the idea of having their elopement or intimate wedding in a National Park, California also has a ton of really beautiful State Parks where you can get married at. It is likely that you’ll still have to get a permit to have your Joshua Tree Elopement at one of the State Parks but obtaining these are relatively easy and affordable.

Public Lands

BLM’s + Local parks in Joshua Tree are public lands, which means that anyone can use them. if you want to keep things local and simple without sacrificing the beauty, this may be the perfect route for you. Many parks in Joshua Tree have great amenities, like restrooms, tables and covered areas. You may or may not need a permit, but that information is easy to find.

Intimate Wedding Venues

Joshua Tree has a holy grail of Intimate Wedding + Elopement Venues to get married at. Okay idk about “the holy grail” but there are so many amazing ones you’ve got to check out if you’re considering getting married here - especially if you are having some guest and/or want to plan an intimate dinner or reception.

Airbnb’s

Have you seen some of the Airbnb’s in Joshua Tree? Boho, minimalistic, high desert dream vibes!! And seriously, there are actually quite a few Joshua Tree Airbnb’s that will actually let you host your intimate wedding, elopement or reception/dinner at their place. Biggest advice I can give when reaching out to anyone if this feels like a good option - be upfront and honest with your intentions. Most host will allow you to do it for a small fee or sometimes even nothing on top of your stay - although some have a little more stipulations on top of just your normal stay.

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Where to Stay for your Joshua Tree Elopement

There are so many wonderful options for where to stay on your Joshua Tree Elopement. Joshua Tree is full to the brim with alternative and fun accommodation options to choose from.

Airbnb’s

The Airbnb options in Joshua Tree are amazing! Here are a couple of my absolute faves:

Minimalist Modern Cabin - Sleeps 2, panoramic views of the desert
Cactus Jax Cottage - Sleeps 4, JT summed up in a structure. Modern, rustic, perfectly indoor/outdoor living
Dream Catcher Ranch - Sleeps 6, you’ll truly feel the luxury desert experience

Hotels

If you fancy something slightly fancier for your Joshua Tree Elopement, there are some lovely hotel options also. While the options for luxury hotel accommodation in Joshua Tree are somewhat limited, Palm Springs is only an hour away, where the options of Airbnbs and hotels are never-ending. Here are some of our favourite hotels in Palm Springs.

The Ace Hotel - Featuring a spa, suites and incredibly chic spaces
Koraki Pensione - A Mediterranean-style resort. A true “retreat”
La Serena Villas - trendy, eclectic desert vibes

Joshua Tree Elopement Photographer

that’s me, rylee!

& I’m going to be your guide on navigating this whole eloping thing. I’m originally from the beautiful gold state and have not only documented many Joshua Tree elopements, its one of my favorite places to visit - so let’s just say, I’m kind of an expert on all things getting married in Joshua Tree.

Want to learn more about what its like working with me? Check out the Elopement Experience or a little more About Me!

Joshua Tree Elopement Packages

Planning and Resources:

From phone chats, happy hour, brewery dates to multiple questionnaires. i want to get to know your love & values so i can create a timeless experience that reflects the most authentic you that will last forever through imagery