Client Education: How to Elope in Joshua Tree: A Desert Love Story
Joshua Tree; a truly spectacular and unforgettable experience
Thinking about ditching the big wedding stress and running off into the sunset together? Joshua Tree might just be your perfect elopement destination! With its magical rock formations, golden-hour glow, and those funky, Dr. Seuss-like Joshua trees, this national park is straight out of a dream. Plus, with it being so close to LA, it's the ideal spot for a quick yet unforgettable "I do."
The Jaw-Dropping Views
Picture this: you and your partner standing hand in hand, surrounded by towering boulders, quirky Joshua trees, and an endless desert sky painted with shades of pink and orange. Sounds unreal, right? That’s just a typical evening in Joshua Tree. The park is where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, creating a one-of-a-kind landscape that’s rugged, romantic, and ridiculously photogenic. If you’re after wedding photos that look straight out of a movie, you’ve found your place.
How Close is Joshua Tree to LA?
One of the best things about eloping in Joshua Tree is that you don’t have to hop on a plane to get that destination wedding feel. It’s only about 130 miles from Los Angeles, which means you can be there in around 2.5 to 3 hours—traffic permitting, of course. Whether you want to turn your elopement into a full-on desert getaway or just make it a quick overnight adventure, Joshua Tree is close enough to be convenient but remote enough to feel like an escape.
The Must-Know Rules for Eloping in Joshua Tree
Before you start planning your dream desert wedding, there are a few things you need to know. Since it’s a national park, there are some ground rules to keep this special place, well, special.
Permits Are a Must: Any wedding ceremony in the park requires a special use permit (yes, even if it’s just the two of you). These cost around $120 to $150 and can be snagged through the National Park Service.
Guest List Limits: Keep it intimate—many ceremony spots have a 25-person cap to help preserve the environment.
No Fancy Decor: Sorry, but arches, chairs, and flower petals are a no-go. The good news? The natural beauty of Joshua Tree is all the decor you need!
Respect the Land: Joshua trees are fragile (despite their tough exterior), so don’t touch or hang anything on them. Stick to the trails to avoid damaging the ecosystem.
Leave No Trace: Whatever you bring in, take it back out. Let’s keep this desert as pristine as it was before your big day!
Keeping Joshua Tree Beautiful
We all love Joshua Tree for its raw, untouched beauty, so let’s do our part to keep it that way! Over-tourism, climate change, and careless visitors have taken a toll on the park, so following Leave No Trace principles is key. Be mindful of where you step, don’t leave trash behind, and resist the urge to take a little souvenir (yes, even a tiny rock). A little respect goes a long way in keeping this magical place around for future eloping couples.
The Best Spots to Say “I Do”
Not sure where in Joshua Tree to have your ceremony? Here are a few of the most stunning spots:
Hidden Valley: Quiet, scenic, and full of towering rock formations, this spot feels like your own private desert oasis.
Cap Rock: Famous for its striking rock formations and easy access, this is a favorite for intimate ceremonies.
Intersection Rock: Want jaw-dropping boulder backgrounds? This one’s for you.
Keys View: If you’re looking for sweeping desert views (you can even see the Coachella Valley), this is the place to be.
Make It a Full-On Adventure!
Why just say your vows and head home when you can turn your elopement into an epic desert getaway? Joshua Tree isn’t just a pretty place—it’s a playground for adventurers!
Go for a Hike: Whether it’s an easy stroll like Hidden Valley or a more challenging trek like Ryan Mountain, hiking together is a perfect post-vows activity.
Sleep Under the Stars: The night skies here are unreal, and camping in the park lets you soak up all that celestial magic.
Rock Climbing: If you and your partner love a challenge, Joshua Tree is a rock climber’s paradise.
Explore the Quirky Town: Joshua Tree’s nearby town is full of funky shops, artsy cafes, and cool roadside stops—perfect for rounding out your trip.
Food, Drink, and Where to Stay in Joshua Tree
It wouldn’t be a trip to Joshua Tree without sampling some of the local delicious food, coffee, and drinks. Check out a few of my favorite places.
The Tiny Pony - western cowboy bar that even offers vegan options
Mas O Menos - best coffee around there
Thai Cafe Yucca Valley - you won’t find better Thai food around
If you’re not one for camping or roughin’ it, I’ve compiled a list of Air Bnbs that both you and your guests would enjoy!
A cool bnb 40 minutes from JTNP
A place to rent yurts in 29 palms
A quaint motel with a good restaurant on the property in 29 palms
Why Joshua Tree is THE Spot to Elope
Joshua Tree isn’t just a place to get married—it’s a whole experience. It’s where adventure meets romance, where the desert’s quiet beauty lets you focus on what really matters: each other. Plus, your wedding photos? Absolute showstoppers.
So, if you’re dreaming of an elopement that’s stress-free, scenic, and full of adventure, Joshua Tree is calling your name. Just remember to take in every moment, leave the land better than you found it, and, of course, hire a photographer who knows how to capture the magic of the desert. Happy eloping!
On a personal note, Joshua Tree is one my absolute favorite spots. It is truly unique and full of natural beauty wherever you look. The people, the food, the land, the energy… it’s all incredible. I would love to capture your elopement or photoshoot here! I’m more than happy to make recommendations and help you plan every part of your day. Reach out with any questions and let’s get you booked!
Need inspiration? Check out my Portfolio, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and other blog posts.