How to plan a Joshua Tree elopement
Locations, permits, costs and the little things nobody tells you. From a family team that solves it all before you get here.
Six steps, from dreaming it up to your gallery.
The same steps as the planning guide we give every couple, with what we've learned in 20 years and how we solve each part for you.
Start readingYou chose Joshua Tree to throw tradition to the wind.
Hey you two! We can't tell you how excited we are that you and your partner have chosen Joshua Tree to throw tradition to the wind, grab hold of what's important to both of you, and create an incredibly unique wedding experience that's a true reflection of who you are.
All of this freedom can be a bit overwhelming though. When there's no longer any "rules" or "formula" on what your wedding day is "supposed" to be, then how do you plan it? This Joshua Tree elopement guide answers, in order, the questions couples search most, with the words from the planning guide we give every couple. You don't need the answers. That's our job.
The best Joshua Tree elopement locations.
There are a ton of factors that will affect your Joshua Tree elopement, but picking your location is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle. Your location should feel right for you. It should be somewhere you feel happy, somewhere you know you and your partner can focus on each other and truly be in the moment.
Inside the national park
There are so many incredible spots to elope in Joshua Tree. All of them unique in their own ways.
Hidden Valley Picnic Area
One of the park's best known hikes, Hidden Valley is a one-mile trail that will lead you to a magnificent valley that is filled with towering rocks. It's also a fantastic spot for sunset ceremonies, too.
Split Rock
A personal favorite of ours, the unique rock formations and elevations make it a great place to get married. With a two-mile moderate hike, you'll be married in no time.
Cap Rock
If you're coming to Joshua Tree for the rock formations, this is the perfect spot. The short hike is full of sweeping views.
Turkey Flats
With amazing views of Pinto Mountain, this two-mile trail is a wide, sandy desert plain that is covered in bushes and grass.
Porcupine Wash
One of the longest trails in the park, the eight-mile trail is filled with beautiful wildflowers and gorgeous rock formations.
Indian Cove Amphitheater
This is the only location in Joshua Tree that can accommodate over 25 people. You can have up to 100 guests here. Keep in mind, all guests must be shuttled into the amphitheater. No other cars are allowed.
In a perfect world, your elopement location would ideally have world-class postcard scenery, super easy accessibility, and total seclusion, but most of the time you usually have to prioritize two out of those three. Eloping at sunrise is another way to get more privacy at a typically busy spot as well as weekdays. We can also suggest and guide you to great seclusion at "hidden gem" locations that are just as gorgeous as the Instagram trendy spots, just less well known.
Wedding venues in Joshua Tree
These are a few of our personal favorite venues to work with in the Joshua Tree area:
Booking a rental instead? Make sure it explicitly allows events and professional photography before you book.
Start thinking about backup locations. Sometimes conditions can be unpredictable (like road closures, or timing, or weather) especially outdoors. Having a flexible attitude toward where exactly you end up saying your vows can really help your wedding day be perfect, no matter what circumstances you run into.
Don't rule out a multi-location elopement. Can't decide on a single spot for your elopement location? Then don't! Going to more than one location is a really great way to get a ton of variety of scenery and experiences.
The most important thing is that you two enjoy your day, so make sure the spot you pick and what's required to get there, is aligned with that.
Joshua Tree elopement permits: what you need to know.
Planning your Joshua Tree elopement inside the national park? Like almost all public parks, you will need to get a wedding permit: the Joshua Tree National Park wedding permit, officially a Special Use Permit.
The special use permit is just $120 and that is only if you want to set up an arch and have guests. With 20 years of experience coordinating and photographing elopements, we can help you sort out all of the permits you will need for your wedding!
Official infoNPS · Permit requirements
What the official page says
- Ceremonies inside the park are managed through a Special Use Permit.
- Each designated ceremony site has its own limits on guests and vehicles.
- Availability depends on your date and the site you choose.
- The park sets what is allowed: decorations, music, drones and more.
- A permit doesn't close the area. Other visitors may be there.
Rules and fees can change. Always confirm for your exact date.
Official infoNPS · Current fees
What the official page says
- The park charges an entrance fee, separate from your ceremony permit.
- Entrance is charged per vehicle, or per person on foot or bike.
- Annual park passes and America the Beautiful passes are accepted.
- Every car in your group needs its own entry.
Rules and fees can change. Always confirm for your exact date.
Special Use Permit
Lets you hold the ceremony inside Joshua Tree National Park. Requested from the park.
Official page: NPS ↗Marriage license
Makes your marriage legal in California. Requested from a California county clerk, before the day.
Official page: California ↗Be ready to Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace is a set of ethics that everyone who recreationally uses the outdoors should strive to practice in order to do their part in protecting the environment. It is made up of 7 principles:
Following the Leave No Trace ethics helps preserve outdoor spaces, so that you can return to whatever location you choose to have a vow renewal or anniversary session and still have it be as pristine as the day that you got married.
Joshua Tree NP states: "The use of live flower bouquets and boutonnières are preferable, to ensure seeds do not fall and germinate. Dried flowers are not permitted in the park or in wedding décor."
California marriage license requirements.
A ceremony and a legally registered marriage are two different things. Decide if you want to go through the steps of getting legally married on your Joshua Tree elopement day, or if you'd prefer to do it before, after, or not at all.
- Don't forget your marriage license! You will need to attain your marriage license in advance! Even if you are having us or another officiant sign, you are required to apply for your marriage license yourself.
- Officiant & witnesses. California requires you to have an officiant and witnesses for your ceremony and sign your license. As far as witnesses go, anyone over 18 can be a witness. You can ask friends or family members, any of your wedding vendors, or even random hikers on the trail to be witnesses.
- Commitment ceremony. Many couples choose to not worry about the legal part of getting married on the day they say their vows. This is called a "commitment ceremony," "symbolic ceremony," or "promise ceremony."
- Sign before or after. A great option is to go to the courthouse or county clerk and recorder before your trip or after you get back.
Official infoCalifornia · Marriage license info
What the official page says
- You can get your license from any California county clerk.
- Both of you apply in person with a valid photo ID.
- A public marriage license is valid for 90 days.
- After the ceremony, your officiant returns it to the county within 10 days.
- Fees and appointments vary by county.
Rules and fees can change. Always confirm for your exact date.
We are already ordained, from the Universal Life Church (a non-denominational organization) and we'd be happy to sign your paperwork.
What to do during your ceremony
How much does a Joshua Tree elopement cost?
The cost of a Joshua Tree elopement depends on your guest count, location, photography coverage, lodging and vendors. Use these categories to build your budget:
Book your travel
Before booking your travel, make sure you've confirmed your chosen elopement location in Joshua Tree with us. One thing we've learned is to not fly in the day before a big activity. So if at all possible, we highly suggest getting to your wedding location as early as your schedule allows.
Book your lodging
We personally suggest viewing your lodging as part of your whole Joshua Tree elopement experience. Joshua Tree is known for its unique stays ranging from Airstream experiences to open ceiling bedrooms that are the ultimate stargazing experience. But, they book quickly! So, see something you love, book it fast!
- Think about natural light and aesthetics. Good lighting and decor can make a huge difference in your photos.
- Check reviews. Read listing descriptions and reviews thoroughly before booking to avoid any unwanted surprises.
- How far is it from your ceremony spot? Try to find lodging as close to your location as possible (within 60 minutes drive if you can).
- Get some privacy. If you're having guests, book your own space the night before and after.
Choose your vendors
Closer to your everyday selves
Couples were happiest with their photos when they looked closer to their everyday selves. To keep your skin looking true to life, it's best to avoid mineral sunscreens, spray tans, and self-tanner on or before your elopement day.
Hearty blooms
The arrangements that work best need to hold up to transport and the outdoor elements such as hot and cold temperatures or wind. Ask your florist for hearty blooms that aren't super fragile.
Well worth the indulgence
Hiring a private chef to create you a stunning and delicious one-of-a-kind meal is a well-worth-the-indulgence experience that you'll never forget.
Live music
Not all locations allow amplified music, especially in National Parks and public spaces, so a live musician can be a great alternative.
We have a lot of suggestions for talented vendors based in Joshua Tree and we are happy to share with you! Want more off your plate? Our Full planning add-on means we make the decisions with you and help with bookings, including finding the right Airbnb.
The best time of year to elope in Joshua Tree.
This has a lot more to do with you than with Joshua Tree. It's a desert, after all! Joshua Tree is an open desert, which means it's usually dry and hot all year, and has little shelter from the sun, wind or rain. Be prepared for varying temperatures as you move around the park, too.
Spring
In the shoulder seasons, temperatures linger around 85ºF/29ºC. The light is amazing, too!
Fall
Also a shoulder season, around 85ºF/29ºC. Joshua Tree is more comfortable and has more crowds.
Winter
A cooler season, with colder temperatures, specially at night. Find some cozy shawls or jackets.
Summer
June, July, August, and most of September are H-O-T, hot! The summers here are EPICLY hot.
If you want to avoid crowds, elope on a weekday. Eloping at sunrise is another way to get more privacy at a typically busy spot.
Official infoNPS · Weather & basic info
What the official page says
- Summer days can pass 100°F (38°C).
- Winter nights can drop below freezing.
- Cell signal is limited in much of the park.
- Water and services are limited, so bring what your group needs.
Rules and fees can change. Always confirm for your exact date.
The best time of day for Joshua Tree elopement photos.
Sunrise and sunset are favorite times among photographers to take pictures because of the golden lighting and vibrant colors that are caused by the sun being low in the sky. In sunny climates, midday sunlight can create harsh under-eye shadows, which is why the middle of the day is when we usually recommend doing indoor photos, getting ready photos, traveling or hiking, doing activities, or hanging out and relaxing.
Sunrise
Can be more secluded. Potentially better weather. "Alpenglow" on east-facing locations. It's a great way to start your day.
Sunset
Can be secluded. You can sleep in. Great light for west-facing views. You'll be all warmed up.
You can also do both! It's also always an option to do a full-day elopement that spans both sunrise to sunset or a multi-day elopement where you get to experience both as well.
How to plan a Joshua Tree elopement without feeling rushed.
Don't worry, it's not about scheduling out every minute of your Joshua Tree elopement, but rather making sure that you have time for everything you want to do, see, and experience together, still leaving room for spontaneity and relaxation.
Dream up your best day
What would your wedding day look like if there were no boundaries? Grab your partner's hand (seriously, do it!) and shut your eyes. Think hard about the day you're going to stand next to each other, holding each other's hands like you're doing right now, and saying your vows. Try to picture it all.
- What have been the best days that you two have had together as a couple? What did you do together?
- Close your eyes and picture your wedding day. What's it like? Are there other people around? Do you see family & friends, your dog(s) or just the two of you and the vast landscape?
- How did you fall in love? Are there ways you want to represent that into your ceremony?
- Are you eating your favorite foods on your elopement day? Drinking your favorite beverages?
Make brainstorming about your best wedding experience a date night! Write down all of the ideas that are sparked during this process so that you can refer back to them later.
Decide on "who" and the length of your trip
An elopement doesn't have to be just two people. You can definitely still have an intimate elopement experience and a day that's fully centered on your relationship with friends and/or family involved: have one, intimate ceremony; split up the day; spread it over two days; or include them in other intimate moments.
In our experience, no one has ever said they wish they had planned a shorter trip, so when in doubt, go for more days rather than less.
Getting ready & first look
We recommend starting your day off in a relaxed manner, waking up with plenty of time to get ready so that you can feel really prepared, be present, and just soak in the excitement before heading off to the first location. Generally two hours is enough time for most. Your first look is typically when any nerves and stress begin to fall away too.
All-Day 2-Person Elopement
This is just enough time to tell the story of your incredible elopement day:
Give yourself lots of extra cushion in your day for transitions, spontaneous adventure, and for if you end up running a bit behind at some point. Worst case scenario? You end up with extra time to spend soaking up a gorgeous view.
Purchasing your attire
Any color you want
Your dress doesn't have to be white. See how the dress flows and reacts to movement. Pick up the bottom fabric and mimic wind, twirl and spin to see how flowy it is.
Mix and match
Your suit doesn't have to be black and the top doesn't have to match the bottom! Leave some additional room to add a base layer if you'll be in a cold environment.
Sand and rocks
Joshua Tree is sand and rocks, so it's uneven, but you can still rock in heels (maybe a little thicker ones). You can consider a supportive open-toed sandal, but not barefoot, as the ground is full of spiky plants, cactus and also to avoid contact with creatures like scorpions and snakes.
Gather everything you need & pack
- Necessities. Permit (if needed), all important travel IDs & documents, marriage license, water bottle & water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, bug spray, boots/shoes with good tread.
- Wedding attire & ceremony things. Vows, rings, flowers, champagne or sparkling water, plastic champagne flutes, tissues or hankie, speaker for music.
- Adventure gear. Backpack(s), rain jacket, warm layers, headlamps, umbrellas, blanket to sit on.
- Communicate with your guests. Consider sending your guests a pre-wedding email that preps them on what to bring, timeline information, directions, cell phone reception, parking instructions, restroom facilities and Leave No Trace considerations.
- Unplugged wedding. We highly recommend asking guests to "unplug" and be fully present for your wedding day, especially when it comes to your ceremony.
- Flying? Make sure you carry on the most important details of your wedding day, like your attire, ceremony details, rings, etc.
“Everything was okay even when everything was going wrong.”Natali Caceres
Her day brought a broken dress zipper, strong wind and a broken heel. Grasi and Dani kept it fun anyway. Desert weather can surprise you, so we plan carefully and leave room for real life to happen.
How to choose a Joshua Tree elopement photographer.
Your Joshua Tree elopement photographer does more than record how the day looked. The right people make you feel at ease, know the desert, and catch the connection that makes your story yours.
Questions worth asking:
- Do you love their photography style?
- Do their galleries show real emotion, not just pretty landscapes?
- Do they know Joshua Tree's locations, light, weather and permit process?
- Can they help you build a realistic timeline?
- Would you feel comfortable spending your wedding day with them?
Your day deserves just as much documentation
Your day deserves just as much documentation as anyone else getting married and maybe even more. We honestly have never photographed an elopement that we thought the couple had us there for too long, but there have been countless days that we wish we could have documented a fuller picture of how awesome their entire experience was. We are there to melt into the background, to make sure you have the best experience possible, and to just document you two having the time of your life.
"What if we're camera-shy?"
It's incredibly common for couples to fear being awkward in front of the camera. Trust us, we hear this from almost everyone we talk to. The magic typically begins to happen after spending at least 20-30 minutes at a location. If you're ever unsure what to do with your hands, reach for your partner.
Your first photos, the same day.
We send you 3 to 5 favorites on your wedding day, so you can share the news on the date you'll celebrate every year from now on: your anniversary.
- Your full gallery in about 4 weeks. The images will be delivered as high-resolution jpegs via an online gallery. Feel free to share the gallery link with family and friends too!
- Prints and albums. "An image isn't a photograph until it's printed." We will help you design the wedding album that's just right for you. You can expect albums within 5 weeks of ordering, and prints within just a few days!
Hi, we're the Rocker in Love family.
As a Joshua Tree elopement photographer team, we are a family with 20 years of experience and weddings in all 50 states. As locals, guiding is what we do daily.
We are here for you every step of the way.
They made us feel very comfortable in an unfamiliar environment because they were so warm and clearly knew a lot about the location.
Don't just choose your wedding photographer. Experience them first.
Most couples choose their wedding photographer by looking at someone else's photos. You can love a photographer's work and still not know what it feels like to be photographed by them.
So we created a way for you to experience what it feels like to be photographed by us before deciding.
- Meet us and tell us what you're looking for.
- Do a session with us in Joshua Tree.
- We photograph and edit your images.
- See your own photos, then decide if we're right for your wedding.
Joshua Tree elopement FAQs.
Do you need a permit to get married in Joshua Tree National Park?
Like almost all public parks, you will need to get a wedding permit. The special use permit is just $120 and that is only if you want to set up an arch and have guests. We can help you sort out all of the permits you will need.
How many guests can come?
Some locations have very specific limits: Cap Rock and Porcupine Wash allow a maximum of 12 people, Split Rock 15, Hidden Valley Picnic Area and Turkey Flats 25. Indian Cove Amphitheater is the only location that can accommodate over 25 people, up to 100 guests, all shuttled in.
How much does it cost to elope in Joshua Tree?
It varies with photography coverage, venue, lodging and vendors. Budget for the permit, park entry, travel, photography, lodging and any extra services you want.
Can we elope at an Airbnb?
Possibly, but confirm the property explicitly allows events and professional photography before you book. Our favorite venues are listed in section 01.
What's the best month to elope in Joshua Tree?
In the shoulder seasons, March to May or October to November, temperatures linger around 85ºF/29ºC. June, July, August, and most of September are H-O-T, hot! If you want to avoid crowds, elope on a weekday.
Can you officiate our ceremony?
Yes. We are already ordained, from the Universal Life Church, and we'd be happy to sign your paperwork. California requires an officiant and witnesses, and anyone over 18 can be a witness.
When do we get our photos?
3 to 5 favorites the same day, on your wedding day, and your full gallery in about 4 weeks.
How far in advance should we plan?
Unique stays book quickly, so see something you love, book it fast! And get to your wedding location as early as your schedule allows.
We solve the hard parts before you even get here.
Every worry in this Joshua Tree elopement guide is something we've already handled for other couples. When you book a package, you get access to our planning, and we work through each detail with you ahead of time. On the day, you just arrive and enjoy it.
Parking & access
Where to park, how far everyone walks, and which spots work for your group.
Permit
What the park asks for, and when to apply for your date and site.
Location & crowds
The right place for your day, plus quieter corners most visitors never find.
Light & timeline
A realistic schedule built around the best light for your season.
Weather plan
Wind, heat, cold nights or rain: we plan for it, with a backup when possible.
Your guests
Shade, seating, restrooms, walking distances and accessibility for family.
License & ceremony
Marriage license steps, and we can officiate your ceremony ourselves.
Lodging & vendors
Rental tips and local flowers, hair, makeup and dinner ideas.
You don't need to figure out Joshua Tree. That's our job. You just get to be there.
See what's in our packages
You don't need to have all the answers.
That's our job. Tell us what you picture for your Joshua Tree elopement, and let's create photographs you'll love for a lifetime.
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