Joshua Tree Elopement Packages
If your heart is set on eloping in a unique location, consider a Joshua Tree elopement. Situated in southern California almost perfectly between Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Phoenix, Joshua Tree National Park is easily accessible, yet feels like another planet.
Two distinct (and very different!) deserts meet in Joshua Tree, the Mojave and the Colorado, and the result is spectacular. The namesake giant Joshua trees, enormous boulders and unique rock formations, and legendary sunsets and clear skies all set the scene for an unforgettable adventure elopement. It’s totally different from the Arizona desert, just a few hours east!
Whether you’re already sold on this magical desert destination or you’re still narrowing down locations, there are some things to know and consider about planning a Joshua Tree elopement.
Where is Joshua Tree National Park?
Joshua Tree National Park sits just northeast of Palm Springs and east of Los Angeles. It’s between 2-3 hours from several major cities in the Southwest, including Phoenix, Las Vegas, and San Diego, making it a fantastic elopement destination for a weekend or even day trip.
How many guests can I have at my Joshua Tree elopement?
Most locations in Joshua Tree allow for 10-25 guests and up to eight vehicles. There are three locations in the park that allow for more than that (two allow 35 people and one, Indian Cove Amphitheater, allows 100). Keep in mind that this total includes the two of you, your photographer, and any vendors who will be onsite. See the complete list of locations and guest allotments here, plus more details below.
Where to elope in Joshua Tree National Park
Indian Cove Amphitheater
Hidden Valley Picnic Area
Turkey Flats
Cap Rock
Rattlesnake Picnic Area
Quail Springs Picnic Area
Split Rock
Porcupine Wash
Queen Valley
Lost Horse
Live Oak Picnic Area
Indian Cove Amphitheater: No more than 100 people total and only one vehicle. You must shuttle your guests in and out of this location.
Hidden Valley Picnic Area: No more than 35 people total and up to 8 vehicles.
Turkey Flats: No more than 35 people total and up to 8 vehicles.
Cap Rock: No more than 25 people total and up to 8 vehicles.
Rattlesnake Picnic Area: No more than 20 people total and up to 8 vehicles.
Quail Springs Picnic Area: No more than 15 people total and up to 8 vehicles.
Split Rock: No more than 15 people total and up to 5 vehicles.
Porcupine Wash: No more than 12 people total and up to 4 vehicles.
Queen Valley Mine Intersection: No more than 10 people total and up to 5 vehicles.
Lost Horse Parking Lot: No more than 10 people total and up to 5 vehicles.
Live Oak Picnic Area; No more than 5 people total and up to 3 vehicles.
How to elope in Joshua Tree National Park
Eloping in Joshua Tree is relatively simple, but there are still some steps that you must take. You can find everything below laid out on the park website, but here are the important details.
First, fill out the park’s Special Use Permit Short Form with some basic information. Note that you’ll need to supply details such as the proposed date, time, and location within the park, along with alternates for each, estimated number of guests and vehicles, and any items you expect to bring into the park. No permits are issued for federal holidays and the National Park Service’s free entry days.
Email your completed application to Jeannie_Wilson@nps.gov, then wait to hear back about your Joshua Tree elopement being approved. When it is approved, you will receive detailed instructions on how to submit the non-refundable $120 Special Use Permit fee.
Important note: your elopement photographer (that’s me!) may also be required to obtain a separate Special Use Permit. It depends entirely on the specifics of your elopement, so this is a question for the Special Park Use Office (ask when you email your permit application or call (760) 367-5518).
Also note that you and all of your guests are still required to pay Joshua Tree’s park entrance fee, which is $30 per vehicle, valid for seven days. The fee, also valid for seven days, is $25 for motorcycles and $15 for individuals entering the park on foot or via bicycle. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, AKA an annual national parks pass, your entry is included.
Leave No Trace
The seven principles of Leave No Trace (AKA LNT) are always important, but it’s good to know that Joshua Tree is an especially eco-friendly park. With its unique environment and spectacularly dark skies, it’s no wonder! This park has a particularly long list of “do not bring” items (more details below) and, as you’ve already probably noticed, strict guidelines about the number of people and vehicles allowed in any given location.
With all that in mind, please practice LNT during your Joshua Tree elopement, taking extra care to respect the park’s rules and regulations. And of course, if you’re unsure about whether something is or is not allowed, please feel free to ask!
What can I have at my Joshua Tree wedding?
Like many other national parks, there is a very strict set of guidelines about what you can and cannot bring in for your Joshua Tree elopement.
Items that are permitted for a wedding in Joshua Tree
Arch (must be free-standing)
Small table for guest book
Cooler with water
Live flowers (note: this is highly unusual for a national park! Most do not allow live flowers or plants, so I typically recommend that my couples consider faux flowers)
Battery-powered candles; NO open flames
Runner and/or rug
Cake
Champagne
Items not permitted for a Joshua Tree elopement
Drones
Dried flowers
Non-battery powered candles
Bubbles
Any live animals, including doves, butterflies, etc.
Confetti
Rice
Birdseed
Balloons
Smoke Bombs
Joshua Tree National Park Elopement Packages
All adventure elopement packages include my travel to anywhere in the United States (no hidden or extra fees!), customized location scouting and research, permit assistance, personalized vendor recommendations, unique-to-you + your location activity suggestions, and a customized elopement timeline for your one of a kind day. Every elopement gallery also includes high-resolution digital images with printing rights and a private online gallery to view, print, download, and share your gallery with your family and friends to relive the day with you!
4 Hour ~ $3000
Perfect for the couples who want to take a more simplistic approach to their elopement day. Typically this package is ideal for capturing getting ready, a short hike to ceremony location, and couples’ portraits.
8 Hour ~ $5000
Perfect for couples who want a day of adventure such as a long hike, off-roading, or traveling to multiple locations. This package is best for telling the complete story of your elopement day. Typically couples who elope just the two of them, as opposed to inviting family and friends, select this package to document their day for those not in attendance to have that opportunity to experience the day. Also ideal for couples bringing friends and family who would like to have their reception captured as well. Your reception could look like pizza at your Airbnb around a fire with your parents + siblings or a private chef serving you a 3-course meal on a table decorated in flowers.
12 Hour ~ $7000
Perfect for couples looking for complete coverage of their elopement story. This package offers the ultimate storytelling experience, from waking up and having coffee with your partner to roasting marshmallows over a fire after dusk. Couples who elope just the two of them often select this package to document their day for the friends + family who are not in attendance to have that opportunity to experience the day. Also ideal for couples bringing friends + family who would like to have their full elopement day with their guests documented.
Multi-Day ~ $9000
Perfect for couples wanting a multi-day experience with a lot of adventure. This package is best if you want to elope in one epic location and also experience another epic location the following day. An example of this would be eloping in Joshua Tree National Park and the following day driving 4x4’s to off the beaten path locations, saddling up for horseback riding, or planning in advance to attend the Night Sky Festival held in the fall.
What to do in Joshua Tree National Park
No matter what your vision of the perfect Joshua Tree elopement entails, there is so much to do and see in this national park.
Hiking
Set up camp
Go trail riding on horseback
Attend ranger-led programs and other special events in the park
Rock climbing
Look for wildlife
Backpacking
Admire the stars in the night sky
Drive off-road on Geology Tour Road
Take a tour through Keys Ranch
When to visit Joshua Tree National Park
Winter
Spring
Winter
Many first-time visitors are surprised to learn that Joshua Tree gets very cold and even receives some snow. It generally only happens a few times a year at higher elevations, but nights do reach freezing temperatures regardless. The desert sprinkled with some light snow is an absolutely spectacular backdrop for a Joshua Tree elopement!
Spring
Colorful wildflowers may begin blooming in lower elevations in February and at higher elevations in March and April, while desert regions above 5,000 feet may have plants blooming as late as June. Weather is lovely during the spring, although crowds can be a bit heavy, particularly from mid-April through May.
Summer
Joshua Tree gets extremely hot during the summer months, although the trade-off is that there are also significantly fewer people. If you have your heart set on a Joshua Tree elopement in the summer, consider doing it at sunrise or sunset. Not only will it be cooler, but the park is notorious for epic Golden Hour lighting.
Fall
Much like Arizona and the rest of the Southwest, Joshua Tree doesn’t experience much of an autumn in terms of color change. However, the weather is absolutely perfect this time of year, making it a wonderful time to elope. Keep in mind crowds are often heavy during this time of year, so you may have to work a bit harder to find privacy.
Where to stay when visiting Joshua Tree National Park
Do you want to “rough it” and camp for your Joshua Tree elopement, or is a more luxe stay more your style? There are options for everyone in this unique park!
Camping in Joshua Tree National Park
Reservations Required:
Black Rock – $25/night
Cottonwood – $25/night
Indian Cove – $25/night, no water
Jumbo Rocks – $20/night, no water
Ryan – $20/night, no water
First-come, first-served:
Belle – $15/night, no water
Hidden Valley – $15/night, no water
White Tank – $15/night, no water
Best Airbnbs near Joshua Tree National Park
Best Upscale Hotels & Resorts for a Joshua Tree Elopement
The Spring Resort & Spa
Sacred Sands
The Castle House Estate
The Saguaro Palm Springs
Starlight Boutique Hotel & Private Resort
Ready to Plan Your Joshua Tree Elopement?
I hope this guide to eloping in Joshua Tree National Park is helpful, wherever you may be in the planning process. I’d love to chat and learn more about your elopement vision, plus answer any questions you may have, so please hit that contact button below. Congratulations, and I look forward to talking with you soon!
