If soft dreamy light and desert vegetation is your thing, a Joshua Tree elopement near Palm Springs in California might be just what you need. Take your pick of eclectic accommodation in the surrounding towns and say ‘I do’ in a clearing surrounded by cacti.

Tucked quietly into the desert of Palm Springs, sits a retro little oasis called The Marley. Brad and Brian chose this funky boutique hotel spot for their Palm Springs elopement as a space to spend downtime with their close friends and family that came along. If you are planning an elopement, consider searching on Airbnb or VRBO for homes that match the vibe you are looking for – whether you are in the mountains looking for something cozy or want a bright, airy bungalow near a beach, I promise you can find the perfect space for you. They serve as an intimate place to make some memories and are also so fun for portrait photos of your day!

Brad and Brian got ready at their funky rental house as we prepared for the hour-and-a-half drive up to Joshua Tree National Park. These two were rather nervous, as so many are on their wedding day. It’s part of the reason couples choose intimate weddings and elopements over traditional wedding days. Once you cut the guest list and make it an intimate affair, so much of the stress and pressure is taken off of the day. If you or your partner (or both of you) are feeling nervous about the idea of getting married in front of dozens of people, let this serve as your reminder! You don’t have to. You can invite however many people you want. Or you can invite none at all! It is your wedding day after all.

Their wedding day was planned around photos, letting the light guide us through their timeline. We first made our way to Indian Canyons, a special spot where some of the last native palm trees in the area are rooted. It was a calm, serene location that was perfect to break up the nerves they were feeling while getting ready. After that, we headed to Joshua Tree National Park for the ceremony!

As we drove along, Brian wrote his vows and I gawked at the desert landscape backed by mountains as that famous California sun leaked through the views. While the sun was shining bright, it was quite deceptive, as the temperature was a bit cold. For the ceremony, the wind picked up and brought a chill to the air. But regardless of the weather, Brad and Brian shared the sweetest vows and promised forever to each other surrounded by their closest loved ones right there in the desert. Their wedding portrait session was filled with soft dreamy light, quirky desert vegetation, and a whole lot of sweetness!

On the way back to Palm Springs, I chatted with the newlyweds about all things love and marriage, making me feel like I had known them for a lifetime. With the infamous sand dunes of southern California too far away, I found a small dune with mountain views for us to stop at on our way back to the city. One last quiet moment in the desert, i and Brad still glowing from their ceremony and from the golden hour hues brought to us by the setting sun. There is just something about a sunset in the desert, yeah?

Back at the Marley, their family and friends were waiting for their arrival. They snacked on tacos and enjoyed the warmth of the fire rather than jumping in the icy pool. And I can’t blame them for that! Who wants to invite me back for warmer weather and an after-wedding dip in the pool?!

If you would love to have yourself a Joshua Tree elopement and are looking for a photographer for come along, make sure to check out my elopement packages! No where in the world is too far to travel and document your love!!

Tips for a Joshua Tree Elopement:

Get your permits! You will need a photography permit plus a wedding ceremony permit to elope in Joshua Tree National Park! You’ll find all the information you need here under the special use permits section. The good news is that I’ve dealt with getting permits from Banff to Kauai, and Joshua Tree was by far the most simple and affordable. You will also need general park passes to enter the national park!

Check the route! A Joshua Tree elopement probably means you will most likely stay in a nearby town. There are great spots like Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley and perhaps Joshua Tree. If you are like Brad and Brian, you could also choose somewhere with a bit more variety with a longer drive, like Palm Springs.

Choose your season! Obviously, California is notorious for that ever-shining sun, but don’t be fooled! The desert does tend to experience extremes in weather, meaning even on hot days, the evenings are chilly. This February elopement was just on the brink of being too cold. So I would recommend going in shoulder season – late March, April, May, and then into September!

Get married on a weekday! Joshua Tree, even in the off-season, is still a popular place to be! I would always 100% recommend choosing to have your ceremony on a weekday.

Keep an eye on the sunset! Guess what time the sunset for this elopement? 5:19pm. The mountain range in Palm Springs however, takes away light more quickly than you might expect. Once the sun goes dips in the sky, you only have a restricted amount of time to get those dreamy golden photos. Plus, when the sun goes away, so does most of the warmth!

Remember that service is limited! Make a plan with your guests or photographer before heading into the areas where there is no service. You are in the wilderness! And while it is well worth the beauty, make sure you have a plan in place.

Check into the rules of getting married in Joshua Tree! They do have limitations on altars, decor, and set-ups, so make sure to do your research and be respectful of park rules.

Now let’s get into the pictures from this gorgeous day!