Joshua Tree National Park Elopement and Wedding Guide

Everything you need to know on how to elope in Joshua Tree National Park

by California Destination Wedding and Elopement Photographer Sydney Sims

The picturesque desert views, giant rock formations, and unique vegetation of Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave desert make it one of the best places to elope in California.  The park is located in Southern California, just east of Palm Springs, and sits between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.  If you imagine a bohemian intimate wedding with all the desert vibes, this is the place for you to elope. The national park is an even greater option for those who truly want the outdoors as their venue. I created this Joshua Tree elopement guide as a resource to help walk you through the important things to know for your Joshua Tree National Park elopement or destination wedding and inspire your planning.

How to Elope in Joshua Tree National Park

1. Choose the best location that fits your vibe and vision for your day, whether that is Joshua Tree National Park, a local Airbnb, or both
2. Book your Joshua Tree wedding photographer (inquire for an elopement consultation)
3. We’ll plan and talk about everything you need to know from lodging to transportation and anything in-between to make your elopement the best day ever
4. Apply for a marriage license and any necessary permits for your destination wedding or elopement in Joshua Tree National Park
5. We’ll explore around the location you chose, take in the natural beauty of the desert, create memories, and we’ll capture you guys enjoying it all
6. Pop some champagne and celebrate!

Basic Information for your Joshua Tree Elopement

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

The Joshua Tree area is hot and dry throughout the year and can reach temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. I highly suggest having your elopement between the months of either March to May or October to November when temperatures are around 85 degrees.  Joshua Tree National Park is an open desert and doesn’t offer shelter from the sun or wind and rain, apart from the large rock formations. The winter and spring months vary greatly in temperature. Be prepared with wearing layers because it may be nice during the day but can be very cold in the mornings and evenings. I also do not recommend getting married in Joshua Tree in January through February because wind and sand storms are common.

To be prepared, consider what you’ll need to bring with you. Have plenty of water during the hot season, and bring layers for the cold season. Even in the late spring months, it can be very cold in the mornings. Opting for the winter months can give you the chance of witnessing some snowfall at the higher elevation areas in the park! Or, if you want the opportunity to admire wildflowers in the spring months but avoid crowds, aim to have your elopement on a weekday and, if possible, at sunrise.

Airport near Joshua Tree National Park

If you are flying into the area, Palm Springs International airport is the closest airport with a drive of approximately 45 minutes.  There is also LAX and Ontario International Airport which are about 2 to 3 hours away. I have worked with couples who also enjoyed the 3 to 4 hour desert drive from Las Vegas.

Park Entry Fees

• Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle for a 7-day permit
• Joshua Tree National Park Annual Pass: $55

Joshua Tree Elopement and Wedding Permit Information

A Special Use Permit is required for any size wedding in the park.  All you have to do is fill out the application and pay the $120 permit fee.  Be sure to submit it at least 30 days prior to the date you want. Click here to view the park’s permit information.

Joshua Tree Wedding Ceremony Locations

Whether it is just you two celebrating or you’re bringing a few guests along, these are the best locations where you can legally have a ceremony in Joshua Tree National Park. There are limits in each location as to how many people and cars are allowed.

• Hidden Valley Picnic Area
• Quail Springs Picnic Area
• Cap Rock
• Rattlesnake Picnic Area
• Live Oak
• Split Rock

Where to stay for your Joshua Tree elopement

Joshua Tree Airbnb Stays

Joshua Tree National Park Elopement and Wedding Guide

Everything you need to know on how to get married or elope in Joshua Tree National Park

by California Destination Wedding and Elopement Photographer Sydney Sims

The picturesque desert views, giant rock formations, and unique vegetation of Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave desert make it one of the best places to elope in California. The park is located in Southern California, just east of Palm Springs, and sits between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. If you imagine a bohemian, intimate wedding with all the desert vibes, this is the place for you to elope. The national park is an even greater option for those who truly want the outdoors as their venue. I created this Joshua Tree elopement guide as a resource to help walk you through the important things to know for your Joshua Tree National Park elopement or destination wedding and inspire your planning.

How to Elope in Joshua Tree National Park

1. Choose the best location that fits your vibe and vision for your day, whether that is Joshua Tree National Park, a local Airbnb, or both
2. Book your Joshua Tree wedding photographer (inquire for an elopement consultation)
3. We’ll plan and talk about everything you need to know from lodging to transportation and anything in-between to make your elopement the best day ever
4. Apply for a marriage license and any necessary permits for your destination wedding or elopement in Joshua Tree National Park
5. We’ll explore around the location you chose, take in the natural beauty of the desert, create memories, and we’ll capture you guys enjoying it all
6. Pop some champagne and celebrate!

Basic Information

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

The Joshua Tree area is hot and dry throughout the year and can reach temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. I highly suggest having your elopement between the months of either March to May or October to November when temperatures are around 85 degrees. Joshua Tree National Park is an open desert and doesn’t offer shelter from the sun, wind, or rain. The winter and spring months can vary greatly in temperature. Be prepared with wearing layers because it may be nice during the day but can be very cold in the mornings and evenings, even in the late spring. I don’t recommend getting married in Joshua Tree in the late January through February because it is the common time of year for intense wind storms.

To be prepared, consider what you’ll need to bring with you. Have plenty of water during the hot season, and bring layers for the cold season. Even in the late spring months, it can be very cold in the mornings, so be sure that you and your guests brin glayers. Opting to have your wedding in the winter months can give you the chance of witnessing some snowfall at the higher elevation areas in the park! The best designated venue for a chance of snowfall is Cap Rock which is close to Ryan Mountain, where we usually see snowfall more than the rest of the park. If you want to experience the wildflowers in the spring months. Always aim to have your elopement on a weekday and, if possible, at sunrise to avoid crowds.

Airport near Joshua Tree National Park

If you are flying into the area, Palm Springs International airport is the closest airport with a drive of approximately 45 minutes.  There is also LAX and Ontario International Airport which are about 2 to 3 hours away. I have worked with couples who also enjoyed the 3 to 4 hour desert drive from Las Vegas.

Park Entry Fees

• Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle for a 7-day permit
• Joshua Tree National Park Annual Pass: $55
• Entrance is free for veterans and active duty military

Joshua Tree Elopement and Wedding Permit Information

A Special Use Permit is required for any size wedding in the park.  All you have to do is fill out the application and pay the $120 permit fee.  Be sure to submit it at least 30 days prior to the date you want. Click here to view the park’s permit information.

Joshua Tree Wedding Ceremony Locations

Whether it is just you two celebrating or you’re bringing a few guests along, these are the best locations where you can legally have a ceremony in Joshua Tree National Park. There are limits in each location as to how many people and cars are allowed.

• Hidden Valley Picnic Area
• Quail Springs Picnic Area
• Cap Rock
• Rattlesnake Picnic Area
• Live Oak
• Split Rock

Where to stay for your Joshua Tree wedding

Joshua Tree Airbnb Stays

Joshua Tree has an incredible market for Airbnb and VRBO stays.  From unique airstream experiences to open ceiling bedrooms meant for stargazing, this quirky desert town has it all. If approved by the host, you could even have your ceremony where you are staying and then photograph your wedding portraits in the park.

Related: for some more inspiration, check out this Joshua Tree elopement I captured

Joshua Tree National Park Elopement and Wedding Guide

Everything you need to know on how to get married or elope in Joshua Tree National Park

by California Destination Wedding and Elopement Photographer Sydney Sims

The picturesque desert views, giant rock formations, and unique vegetation of Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave desert make it one of the best places to elope in California. The park is located in Southern California, just east of Palm Springs, and sits between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. If you imagine a bohemian, intimate wedding with all the desert vibes, this is the place for you to elope. The national park is an even greater option for those who truly want the outdoors as their venue. I created this Joshua Tree elopement guide as a resource to help walk you through the important things to know for your Joshua Tree National Park elopement or destination wedding and inspire your planning.

How to Elope in Joshua Tree National Park

1. Choose the best location that fits your vibe and vision for your day, whether that is Joshua Tree National Park, a local Airbnb, or both
2. Book your Joshua Tree wedding photographer (inquire for an elopement consultation)
3. We’ll plan and talk about everything you need to know from lodging to transportation and anything in-between to make your elopement the best day ever
4. Apply for a marriage license and any necessary permits for your destination wedding or elopement in Joshua Tree National Park
5. We’ll explore around the location you chose, take in the natural beauty of the desert, create memories, and we’ll capture you guys enjoying it all
6. Pop some champagne and celebrate!

Basic Information

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

The Joshua Tree area is hot and dry throughout the year and can reach temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. I highly suggest having your elopement between the months of either March to May or October to November when temperatures are around 85 degrees. Joshua Tree National Park is an open desert and doesn’t offer shelter from the sun, wind, or rain. The winter and spring months can vary greatly in temperature. Be prepared with wearing layers because it may be nice during the day but can be very cold in the mornings and evenings, even in the late spring. I don’t recommend getting married in Joshua Tree in the late January through February because it is the common time of year for intense wind storms.

To be prepared, consider what you’ll need to bring with you. Have plenty of water during the hot season, and bring layers for the cold season. Even in the late spring months, it can be very cold in the mornings, so be sure that you and your guests brin glayers. Opting to have your wedding in the winter months can give you the chance of witnessing some snowfall at the higher elevation areas in the park! The best designated venue for a chance of snowfall is Cap Rock which is close to Ryan Mountain, where we usually see snowfall more than the rest of the park. If you want to experience the wildflowers in the spring months. Always aim to have your elopement on a weekday and, if possible, at sunrise to avoid crowds.

Airport near Joshua Tree National Park

If you are flying into the area, Palm Springs International airport is the closest airport with a drive of approximately 45 minutes.  There is also LAX and Ontario International Airport which are about 2 to 3 hours away. I have worked with couples who also enjoyed the 3 to 4 hour desert drive from Las Vegas.

Park Entry Fees

• Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle for a 7-day permit
• Joshua Tree National Park Annual Pass: $55
• Entrance is free for veterans and active duty military

Joshua Tree Elopement and Wedding Permit Information

A Special Use Permit is required for any size wedding in the park.  All you have to do is fill out the application and pay the $120 permit fee.  Be sure to submit it at least 30 days prior to the date you want. Click here to view the park’s permit information.

Joshua Tree Wedding Ceremony Locations

Whether it is just you two celebrating or you’re bringing a few guests along, these are the best locations where you can legally have a ceremony in Joshua Tree National Park. There are limits in each location as to how many people and cars are allowed.

• Hidden Valley Picnic Area
• Quail Springs Picnic Area
• Cap Rock
• Rattlesnake Picnic Area
• Live Oak
• Split Rock

Where to stay for your Joshua Tree wedding

Joshua Tree Airbnb Stays

Joshua Tree has an incredible market for Airbnb stays.  From unique airstream experiences to open ceiling bedrooms meant for stargazing, this quirky desert town has it all.

If approved by the host, you could even have your ceremony where you are staying and then photograph your wedding portraits in the park.

Related: for some more inspiration, check out this Joshua Tree elopement I captured

Boutique Hotels near Joshua Tree

There are a variety of trendy boutique hotels near Joshua Tree that offer a balance of luxury amenities and rustic scenery. Here’s a list of the best:

• AutoCamp
• Sacred Sands
• Mojave Sands Motel

Camping in Joshua Tree National Park

If the time of year you choose doesn’t have extreme weather, camping in the park would be a fun way to celebrate your elopement. There are multiple sites with different views and elevations. You can reserve your campsite up to 6 months in advance. There are some first-come, first-serve campsites, but it can be unpredictable and competitive to grab a spot.

You can check out the park’s camping information here.

Palm Springs Airbnb

Booking a bed and breakfast or hotel in Palm Springs is another great option, especially if you pick up flowers or get your hair done before your ceremony. Many of my couples who include guests in their wedding prefer to stay in Palm Springs, so there is lots to do for their guests within a short drive. Many Airbnb stays in Palm Springs typically have a mid-century modern design with pool floaties galore.

Another idea: You can elope in Palm Springs and have your portraits done in the park!

Check out our Best Airbnbs in Palm Springs list here!

Joshua Tree Elopement Vendors

If you’re considering having hair and makeup, florals, or an officiant, hire local vendors in the area to help avoid travel fees. I recommend searching for vendors in Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms, and Palm Springs.

Joshua Tree Elopement Packages

For a unique elopement experience, I recommend making at least a half-day of your epic desert wedding. I have Joshua Tree elopement photography packages beginning at 4 hours of coverage or half-day and full-day coverage for couples wanting a bigger adventure or for those bringing a few guests along with them.

Inquire here to start planning your Joshua Tree elopement or wedding

And that’s about it! If you enjoyed this article and are curious about eloping in other national parks, we have a full guide on how to elope in a national park! 

Joshua Tree Elopement Guide | Joshua Tree Elopement Photographer and Videographer