Joshua Tree Wedding Photographer
Are you looking for a Joshua Tree wedding photographer?! Good news – here I am!!! :) Haha.
No, but seriously! I absolutely love Joshua weddings! The breathtaking landscapes, expansive desert, massive rock formations, the Cholla cacti, and the wilderness of it all. Joshua Tree has this mystical energy that is difficult to describe, but you just feel it when you're there.
This is why so many people flock to Joshua tree for their weddings or elopements. This is an ideal destination for adventurous couples who love a dreamy desert landscape that highlights epic sunsets and twinkling stars.
Thinking of having a Joshua Tree Elopement, intimate wedding or large wedding? I would absolutely be honored to be your Palm Springs wedding photographer!
How to Plan a Joshua Tree Wedding
- Secure a permit to get married in one of the designated ceremony site locations within the park (more info on how to secure a permit below). Hold your reception at one of the Airbnb, hotels, or venues included below.
- Book of the Airbnbs, hotels, or venues listed below and get married there. You can go to Joshua Tree National Park for couple portraits on your actual wedding day. If you are not keen on leaving the venue site on your big day, I'd reach out to your Joshua Tree wedding photographer to see if he or she could photograph an "After Session." This session is when the couple chooses to take wedding portraits the day or two after their wedding (usually in their wedding attire).
- Schedule an engagement session in Joshua Tree National park
Joshua Tree Wedding Permit
Joshua Tree is a very popular destination for elopements. If you're planning on having a Joshua Tree elopement, weddings inside the park cost $120 to have a permit for a designated area. With the average wedding in California costing $40,000, this price is such a fantastic steal.
Keep in mind there is an entrance fee of $30/per car to enter the Joshua Tree National park grounds.
Are Receptions Allowed in Joshua Tree?
Unfortunately receptions in Joshua Tree National Park are NOT allowed. Only wedding ceremonies are allowed. So a second location outside Joshua Tree National Park will need to be secured for the reception site.
Secure Your Joshua Tree Permit
You can secure your permit here.
Marriage License
Couples planning to get married or elope in Joshua Tree do not need to be a California (or US) residents, but the bride and groom will be need to get a marriage license from a California County Clerk’s office.
Couples can secure a Joshua Tree marriage license from any County Clerk in California, and the marriage license will be valid for 90 days.
Couples can also get a marriage license in Joshua Tree. Make sure to call in advance to make an appointment as walk-ins are not permitted.
Joshua Tree Ceremony Sites
Some ideas for your Joshua Tree ceremony site are:
It includes 101 campsites and plenty of interesting rock formations for photos! this would make a perfect site for a Joshua Tree elopement or intimate wedding.
This trail doesn't tend to get as crowded as other areas. it's 1.9 mile loop that takes about an hour to hike.
Includes a TON of rocks. Imagine huge rock formations that consist of a bunch of smaller to medium sized rocks.
One of the main permitted areas to have your Joshua Tree engagement session, intimate wedding, or elopement. This is one of my favorite locations for photos.
I wouldn't recommend this for a ceremony, but it's perfect for engagement or wedding day couple portrait photos. It's definitely one of the most interesting rock formations.
This is a flat loop that leads through 10 acres of landscape dominated by the teddybear chola. This is a great place to stop for some photos. Don't get pricked!
This trail is pretty touristic. It offers an easy 1.7 mile loop and a great place for some photos with super interesting rock formations. If you're looking to have a Joshua Tree elopement with a more adventurous vibe, this may be the wedding ceremony location for you!
An easy 1 mile loop that is pretty much all flat. Another spectacular area for some epic Joshua Tree wedding photos.
An easy place to take photos that features gorgeous gigantic rock formations.
For more specific details and tips, I'd reach out to your Joshua Tree wedding photographer on where he or she recommends taking photos and saying "I do."
Joshua Tree Engagement Session Permit
Remember most wedding photographers do not cover permit costs or research. With this said, I'd definitely reach out to your Joshua Tree wedding photographer in advance for details on this.
As of now, one needs to secure a permit to shoot in Joshua Tree National Park. The permit is $120.
When to Visit Joshua Tree
The Mojave desert gets pretty damn hot. I would not recommend getting married here over summer.
I think the best months to have a Joshua Tree elopement or wedding are February - May or November - October.
Personally, I think October would yield the best weather, but March - May does have beautiful spring flowers. These are colorful desert flowers that are really visually interesting to look at.
Keep in mind that weekends in Joshua tree can get REALLY crowded. For this reason, I'd recommend scheduling your Joshua Tree elopement or intimate wedding on a weekday.
Joshua Tree AIRBNB Wedding Venues
Keep in mind that most couples want to get married somewhere in the middle of the Joshua Tree desert, with an epic background.
With that being said, these venues work as lodging, a reception site, etc. They can also be used for the ceremony site, but for the most part they are used for a wedding reception and a place for guests to stay.
Airbnb Wedding Tip
Remember - if you do decide to use one of the airbnb spaces for your Joshua Tree wedding space, this needs to be disclosed to the owners. While some may allow it, others will not. I would say these spaces are a great option for Joshua Tree elopements or super intimate weddings.
Some of the owners may allow for larger guests counts, but those logistics of course need to be cleared in advance.
Joshua tree is known for having some amazing airbnbs, many with a vintage style. Below are some of my favorites:
(CLICK ON THE LISTING TO BE DIRECTED TO THEIR SITE)
Joshua Tree House
Built in 1949, this Joshua Tree House would work great for an intimate Joshua tree wedding reception. It is a 10 minute walk from downtown Joshua Tree, which is filled with restaurants and shops.
Glass Home
This property is huge, making it a great choice for a Joshua tree wedding. Since it is such a gigantic property, I think it would also work for the wedding reception. It's a 15 minute drive away from Joshua Tree National Park.
Desert Wild House
Desert Wild House is a 10 minute drive from Joshua Tree. It has a sophisticated and tranquil design aesthetic.
This airbnb has rules for large groups, only 4 guests are allowed on the property at a time. With this said, I would recommend this space for the couple to stay on their wedding night.
Villa Kuro
This space has a minimalistic and contemporary vibe. It's on a gigantic property and multiple outdoor living areas, making it a good space for both a Joshua Tree wedding ceremony and reception site.
Architect's Off Grid Cabin
This airbnb is really cool looking. It offers an open-air room where you can sleep looking at all of the stars. I would say this is best suited for the couple to stay on their wedding night, but it can technically fit up two 6 people. This makes it a good option for an Joshua Tree elopement.
Spirit Wind Modern Adobe
This is a 5 acre compound featuring cacti, trees, and more. This would make for a great Joshua Tree wedding day space.
Stargazing Bubble
This space provides such an interesting, unique, and fun Joshua Tree lodging experience!
Joshua Tree Hotels
If you're looking for more guest accommodation spaces in Joshua Tree, here are a few hotel suggestions.
Joshua Tree Inn
Mohave Sands
Sacred Sands
Joshua Tree Wedding Venues
If you are having a larger wedding, I'd recommend one of these venues. Keep in mind that, that Joshua Tree is best for intimate weddings. Most wedding venues in Joshua Tree accommodate 100 people max.
Rimrock Ranch
Rimrock ranch is a 36 acre property in Pioneertown, which is just outside of Joshua Tree National Park. It was originally built as a weekend retreat for western actors.
The ranch consists of 4 cabins. It's an idyllic location for a Joshua tree wedding.
Sacred Sands
Every Joshua Tree wedding photographer I know LOVES to photograph here...and for good reason. Sacred Sands has breathtaking desert valley and mountain views. The sunsets there are absolutely spectacular.
It also has an outdoor reception space, a ceremony circle area, cocktail hour space, and 4 luxury rooms. A major plus is that they have an indoor ballroom in which the party can continue at night if it gets too chilly.
Pioneertown Motel
Located in Pioneertown, this motel offers 4.5 acres of gorgeous desert landscape. It also includes 3 separate spaces for a Joshua tree wedding or elopement, each space accommodating different guest counts.
It has an amphitheater space that can serve for wedding ceremonies, as well as a barnyard space for the reception. The Canteen lounge works for an intimate wedding space.
If you desire to have a higher guest count, I would recommend Pioneertown Motel for your Joshua Tree wedding!
Mojave Sands
Mojave Sands has a Moroccan vibe that attracts all Joshua Tree wedding photographers. I'd recommend this for a couple going for a Joshua Tree bohemian wedding vibe.
The Ruin Venue
An eclectic space with unique architecture, a pool, and a beautiful outdoor wedding space.
Joshua Tree Acres
This venue has a bohemian vibe. It has 5 super cute airstreams, a hot tub, and outdoor dining area. You could rent out the entire property to have your dream Joshua Tree wedding!
The Desert Lily
The Desert Lily Bed & Breakfast is a bohemian Joshua Tree wedding venue that offers areas for both the wedding ceremony AND reception. It also has panoramic views of Joshua Tree. You really can't beat that!
Thunderbird Lodge Retreat
This is one of the only Joshua Tree wedding venues that offers indoor weddings, often necessary if it ends up being too hot. Any Joshua Tree wedding photographer can tell you that this one of the best "bang for you buck" type of venues. It's affordable and offers spectacular sites.
The Station
This an iconic attraction that was once a gas station. It has now been converted as a retreat for weddings that can accommodate up to 150 guests. It has a fun retro vibe.
Hicksville Trailer Palace
This place would lend to some really incredible Joshua Tree wedding photography. It's quirky, fun, and cute and kind of reminds me of a movie production set!
Folly
This is a private estate and a great option for intimate Joshua Tree weddings of up to 25 people. It has a minimalistic, sleek, and modern style.
How to Select Your Joshua Tree Wedding Photographer
The great thing about Joshua Tree is that it isn't too far from Los Angeles, meaning you have a plethora of wedding photographers to choose from.
For Joshua Tree specifically, I would choose someone with more of an adventurous, organized BUT ALSO relaxed kind of vibe. Not to toot my own horn (well kind of to toot my own horn - haha), but this is totally me. I love Joshua Tree so much! I connect with it and feel particularly drawn. to. Joshua Tree photography and weddings.
Fee free to contact me here for more Joshua Tree wedding photography info!
Questions & Answers
1. What made you decide to become a Joshua Tree wedding photographer?
Besides Joshua Tree being a magical place, I like the types of couples it attracts. They tend to be more adventurous, free spirited, and fun loving. Those are my IDEAL types of couples and for whatever reason, Joshua Tree and those types of people connect beautifully.
2. What are some Joshua Tree wedding photography tips?
Do not get married there during summer. As beautiful Joshua Tree is, the heat can get dangerous during summer. Most couples aren't crazy about the idea of getting their hair and makeup done only too look completely sweaty and red after being outside for 10 minutes.
While there are some people who love the heat, I can say pretty confidently no-one loves 110+ degree weather THAT MUCH.
3. Where shall we have our Joshua Tree wedding?
I would go through the list of airbnbs, hotels, and venues I provided above and see which top 5 resonate with you the most. I'd then make a game plan to go see all of those venues in person and go from there.
If it were me personally, I'd have a super intimate wedding somewhere in the Joshua Tree national park and follow it by a few photos. I'd then have my reception at an airbnb with an amazing dinner, delicious wine, gorgeous floral centerpieces, and romantic music. But HEY - that's just me!
4. What's your Joshua Tree wedding photography approach?
Great question - click HERE to read about my wedding photography approach!
5. We are looking to have a Joshua Tree elopement and because of that really only need an hour or two of coverage. Do you have a package that could work with that?
Absolutely! Please reach out to me for info on this!
Joshua Tree Wedding Guest Activities
- Hike Hidden Valley
It's an easy and accessible one mile loop trail that is surrounded by gigantic beautiful rocks. This is one of the most popular hikes in Joshua Tree.
The picnic area of Hidden Valley, which is on the opposite side of the parking lot from the start of the trail, is incredibly scenic and has a lot of Joshua Trees and boulders.
2. Drive to Keys View
This is an elevated lookout section where one can enjoy breathtaking views. You can see Palm Springs, the Salton Sea, and more.
3. Enjoy Live Music and a meal at Pappy & Harriet's
You can view their live music calendar, here.
4. Take a sound bath at Integration
Joshua Tree is a mystical place and nothing screams mystical more than a sound bath!
5. Take a Yoga Class
Have your Joshua Tree wedding guests bond over yoga at Cedar & Sage Wellness Studio
6. Go Horseback Riding
If your wedding guests are on the adventurous side, they may enjoy horseback riding at
or
7. Take a day trip
The amazing thing about a Joshua Tree wedding is it's proximity to amazing day trips. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
Palm Springs has SO much to do and is only about a 45 minute drive from Joshua Tree.
If you want some epic wedding photos, I'd talk to your Joshua Tree wedding photographer about scheduling a "Day After" session here.
Joshua Tree elopement photographers love photographing here and for good reason! Salvation mark is. made of local adobe clay. It's bright, colorful, and beautiful.
The only thing is it's a bit father from Joshua Tree, around a 90 minute drive.
This is an extinct cinder cone volcano in the eastern Mohave Desert.
Another location that would make for really beautiful photos.
8. Hike Barker Dam
This is a short 1.3 mile loop trail that consists of huge trees, water, and water that often attracts a lot of birds.
9. Explore Cholla Cactus Garden
Imagine 1000's of chollas sprawled throughout the desert.
10. Visit Skull Rock
This is a rock that looks like a gigantic skull. It's certainly a site to see!
11. Visit Cottonwood Spring Oasis
If your wedding guests like bird watching, this is the place you should. take them.
For more fun activity ideas, I'd definitely reach out to your Joshua Tree wedding photographer for tips and suggestions!
Alright, so that covers it. If you have any questions, feel free to reach me here.
Let me know if you have any questions with regards to planning your Joshua Tree wedding. Here to help!
Until next time,
Elyana