Joshua Tree is one of my favorite National Parks and a gorgeous backdrop for your Elopement. If you are thinking about eloping in Joshua Tree this guide will help you plan the perfect adventure. Along with the endless Joshua Trees, the park is filled with amazing rock formations and trails. Joshua Tree Elopements are all about the 2 of you adventuring through the dreamy desert. Exchanging vows in the warm glowy So Cal sunset. Embrace the desert’s natural beauty because boulders, cactus and that skyline is all you need!
THE BEST JOSHUA TREE ELOPEMENT SPOTS
Whether you dream of exchanging vows beneath a canopy of celestial constellations or amidst the surreal rock formations, Joshua Tree offers a unique and unforgettable setting for couples seeking a truly magical and personal wedding experience. This guide will help you navigate the park’s stunning vistas, practical details, and permit requirements to ensure your elopement is as seamless and spectacular as the landscape itself.
Quail Springs Picnic Area
Quail Springs Picnic Area offers a charming and slightly less frequented option, where you can enjoy a more intimate and serene elopement experience. This scenic area is characterized by its unique rock formations and vibrant desert flora, including occasional hummingbird sightings. This location offers a spacious and relatively accessible setting with ample room for both the ceremony and any accompanying guests. The area is picturesque and tranquil atmosphere perfect for a romantic and relaxed ceremony. With its blend of scenic views and practical amenities (like parking lot and bathroom), Quail Springs Picnic Area provides a welcoming and versatile space for your special day. Permit allows for no more than 15 people and 8 vehicles.
Hidden Valley Picnic Area
Hidden Valley offers an enchanting and secluded setting for your elopement, with its dramatic rock formations and serene atmosphere. Surrounded by towering boulders and lush desert flora, this location provides a private and intimate space that feels like a hidden sanctuary within the park. The unique rock formations and soft desert light create a picturesque backdrop, perfect for exchanging vows in a tranquil, natural setting. Permit allows for no more than 35 people total and up to 8 vehicles.
Cap Rock
Cap Rock is another remarkable spot, known for its striking rock formations and easy accessibility. This iconic landmark features a large, balancing rock that provides a visually stunning backdrop for your ceremony. The surrounding area is open and spacious, allowing for a grand view of the desert landscape, making it an ideal location for couples seeking both beauty and convenience. Permit allows for no more than 25 people total and up to 8 vehicles.
Additional Locations
Each of these locations provides its own unique charm:
- Heart Rock and Arch Rock stand out with distinctive, naturally sculpted rock formation that creates a striking focal point for your vows.
- Keys View offers panoramic vistas of the Coachella Valley and beyond, providing a dramatic backdrop of sweeping desert landscapes and distant mountains. For a more intimate and mystical setting.
- Jumbo Rocks stands out as a premier elopement destination in Joshua Tree National Park, with its awe-inspiring landscape of massive, intricately stacked boulders that create a dramatic and otherworldly setting for your vows.
- Cholla Cactus Garden in the afternoon or morning. Be careful going off trail here! We got poked by the cactus spikes on the ground so many times! This area can get crowded since it’s a popular tourist spot, but it’s super unique and one of a kind inside J tree. Best to enter into the south side of the park since it’s closer to the South entrance!
- Maze Loop Trailhead at sunrise for jumbo rocks to climb on and plenty of trees! Park on the side of the road anywhere you think looks amazing!
JOSHUA TREE ELOPEMENT PERMITS
To elope in Joshua Tree National Park, you have to apply for a wedding permit and pay a fee. Before you apply, you have to determine where in the park you want to elope! Elopement locations vary depending on how many guests you want to invite.
As of August 2024 Joshua Tree requires a $120 permit fee to get married in the park and entrance fees are $30 per car – not waived for either ceremony participants or guests.
Here are some guest guidelines from the National Park Website:
Joshua Tree National Park does not permit exclusive use of any area and there will be normal visitor activity during your ceremony. Weddings are permitted for 2 hours. Within those 2 hours will be your set-up, guest arrival, ceremony, pictures, guest departure, and clean up. Plan accordingly with your time. Joshua Tree National Park will only permit one activity at a time per location. Group size, season, and time of day will determine the approval of your requested location. There are designated locations to avoid congestion in these busy locations.
Applications must be submitted at least four weeks before the requested date. Once you have selected an exact location you need to email an application form.
CALIFORNIA MARRIAGE LICENSES
To elope in Joshua Tree National Park, you need a marriage license from either Riverside County or San Bernardino County, depending on where your ceremony will be held. For Riverside County, apply online through the Riverside County Clerk’s website, or visit an office in person. The application fee is about $60, and the license is valid immediately upon issuance. For San Bernardino County, you can apply online via the San Bernardino County Clerk’s website, or in person at their office. The fee is also around $60, with the license becoming valid as soon as it’s issued. Processing times may vary, so be sure to apply a few days in advance of your planned wedding date. For the most up-to-date information and requirements, refer to the respective county websites.
LODGING FOR YOUR JOSHUA TREE ELOPEMENT
Be sure to book your lodging well in advance, especially if you are getting married in the spring, summer and fall months. Joshua Tree is about a 2 hour drive from Los Angeles. You can stay in one of many hotels in the neighboring cities of Twentynine Palms, Pioneertown, Desert Hot Springs, or Yucca Valley. There are many Airbnbs and hotels available near Joshua Tree National Park. Consider booking something that is near the park entrance, here are a few of my favorites:
- Joshua Tree Airbnbs – A list of my favorite eclectic themed Airbnbs. PRO TIP: If you are keeping things super intimate, as in just you two and your photographer, that is fine. But if you plan on having guests, even just 10 people, you’ll want to make sure the Airbnb host is okay with it first, so you don’t get hit with fees later.
- Pioneertown Motel – Cute western town with shops and a pub with live music.
- Harmony Motel – Legend has it that U2 stayed here.
- Homestead Modern – Luxury design centric desert accommodations.
- Azure Palm Hot Springs – Its a desert oasis!
- El Morocco Inn – Spanish style villa and spa.
- Miracle Springs – Luxury resort.
JOSHUA TREE ELOPEMENT PLANNING TIPS & IDEAS
Weddings in National Parks are to be simple events without extravagant set ups. Let the desert be your decor and add modern details, fun color palettes and bold floral pieces to create something truly unique.
The ceremony permit does not allow your event to prohibit other park visitors from using your chosen location nor does it guarantee you a specific site. I recommend sunrise or morning ceremony timing in high traffic areas.
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 you need to plan accordingly, or you will not be permitted to use the flowers; picking flowers from inside the park is prohibited.
Car-pooling is recommended as parking may be limited.
Keep in mind there’s not much cell service in the park, so make sure you download maps and make sure everyone in your photo shoot group knows where to go!
If you want to see the trees in bloom, visit during spring when the flowers are here! They only stick around for a few weeks, but it’s worth it!
Pack a picnic and small bottle of Champagne to pop and celebrate your nuptials with.
Sunblock is a MUST during the spring, summer and fall months.
JOSHUA TREE ELOPEMENT TIMELINE
I always recommend eloping at sunrise or sunset for a Joshua Tree elopement. There are typically less people out on the trails at sunrise and it is the best way to avoid the summer heat. A major plus is you’ll receive more privacy, even if it is one of the more popular trails in the park.
Most of the time, couples book a local AirBnB to get ready in, have a first look there, as well as family portraits and then we head over to Joshua Tree for the ceremony and newlywed portraits.
Joshua Tree Elopement timelines always look a little differently based on the weather, time of year, and where we begin the day. If you are getting ready at an Airbnb, then the drive to the front gate in Joshua Tree is about 35 to 50 minutes. It all depends on which location in the park you choose. First decide where you want to get married in Joshua Tree, then choose your getting ready location and any other special activities you want captured. And I will create a custom timeline for sunset, sunrise or early morning depending on the season and popularity of the locations.
BOOK YOUR ELOPEMENT VENDORS
Now that you’ve got your location, permit, reservation and licence, it’s time to start planning the fun stuff. I’m a photographer and I am ordained so I can lead your ceremony and sign your licence.
If you haven’t already booked me, view my services and info on my website.
LOVE WHAT YOU SEE? – Let’s connect!
Joshua Tree is one of my favorite photo locations. I am so thankful for the wonderful people that hire me and support my passion! If you are a couple or family wanting photos on your Joshua Tree vacation or If you’re thinking about taking Joshua Tree elopement photos, I’d love to be your photographer. Fill out the contact form on my website, and let’s make memories!
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