Joshua Tree Elopement Photographer

Favorite spots

Where we love to shoot

Golden hour among the boulders: for Jessica and Isaac’s July elopement, we planned the ceremony right before golden hour, when the heat was easing and the light turned warm. The rocks and Joshua trees glow at that time of day.

A desert Airbnb: the cabins and homes just outside the park make a relaxed place to start the day. Jessica and Isaac had their first look there, then a dance break in the living room.

Adventure after the vows: the best part of a desert elopement is what comes next, climbing boulders, running through the dirt and popping champagne.

The approved ceremony spots: the park allows ceremonies only at set locations, like Hidden Valley Picnic Area, Cap Rock, Split Rock and Quail Springs. Group limits run from 5 people up to 35 (100 at Indian Cove), and we’ll help you pick the one that fits your group.

Every season in Joshua Tree looks different. We’ll help you pick the spots that fit your day.

Seasons and FAQs

Joshua Tree Elopement Planning

Fall and spring: comfortable days and cool nights. These are the most popular seasons.

Winter: crisp, clear air and the occasional dusting of snow on the higher rocks. Bring layers for sunset.

Summer: hot. We plan around early morning or evening light, and Indian Cove isn’t available for ceremonies from June through August.

Do we need a permit to elope in Joshua Tree National Park? Yes. Every ceremony in the park needs a special use permit. The application fee is $120 and nonrefundable, and the park accepts applications from 12 months to 15 days before your date. Review can take about 15 business days, and your permit covers two hours, including setup and cleanup.

What can we bring? A small runner or rug, live or faux flowers, battery candles, cake and champagne are allowed if they’re listed on your application. Dried flowers (including pampas grass), arches, drones, bubbles, sparklers, smoke bombs and tossing petals or rice aren’t allowed.

Where do we get a marriage license? From any California county. Joshua Tree sits in both Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and a California license is valid anywhere in the state for 90 days.

How far is Joshua Tree from Orange County? About 2.5 hours from our home studio in Mission Viejo.

Do you charge travel fees for Joshua Tree? Yes. Joshua Tree elopements include a $150 travel fee.

A sample Joshua Tree elopement day: getting ready at your Airbnb (Sam can do your makeup), a first look at home, vows among the boulders as the heat breaks, golden-hour portraits among the Joshua trees, then champagne and stargazing under the desert sky.