As an elopement photographer living in Southern California with many beautiful locations to choose from, Joshua Tree National Park is one of my favorites for elopements. There are few places in California as magical as Joshua Tree, which is why it is probably one of the most unique and popular places to elope for couples, Joshua Tree Offers endless opportunities for adventure. This guide covers some things you need to know about planning an elopement in Joshua Tree, including permits and fees, as well as when and where to hold your ceremony in the park or outside of the park as well as where to stay.
Table Of Content
Table Of Content
Wedding & Elopement Permits
Locations In Joshua Tree
Airbnb's To Stay At
Elopement Photography Prices
Let's start with the information you need to know. How much will it cost? When you're certain you want to elope in Joshua Tree, you'll need to apply for a special use permit that is $120, and it’s required for all Joshua Tree wedding ceremonies. You will also need a separate permit that is required for your photographer also $120. If you fail to obtain a permit, you will be subject to a $500 citation fine. So make sure you get the permits before you elope. It's best to get these months in advance because sometimes it does take a while, be sure to list everything you will be bringing in with you like you that you be using for your ceremony don't forget to list your bouquet if you have one.
One thing to also consider when eloping in Joshua Tree is how eco-friendly the park is. Some items you may have wanted to use will not be permitted in the park including drones, dried flowers, non-battery candles, bubbles, any live animals like doves, butterflies, etc., confetti, rice, birdseed, balloons, or smoke bombs.
Upon arrival at Joshua Tree National Park, you will be asked to pay the entrance fee to the park. It's $30 per vehicle if you intend to visit the park more than once while the fee is valid for 7 days, so save your receipt. Make sure everyone knows where to go and designate a meeting area, there is little to no reception inside the park.
To view and download permits please click here.
Joshua Tree is ideal for couples seeking an intimate elopement experience, with a variety of locations to choose from across the park for your wedding ceremony that are ideal for small weddings or elopements. Each location has panoramic views, desert landscapes, and large rock formations in common, even though they are similar there is still something special about each location, just another reason I love Joshua Tree.
The following venues are appropriate for weddings of 25 or fewer people and you can get married year-round at:
You can also get married at Hidden Valley Picnic Area and Quail Springs Picnic Area at any time of the year except March through May.
Cap Rock
Live Oak
Split Rock
Rattlesnake Picnic Area
Although there are plenty of camping options in Joshua Tree National Park and hotels in nearby cities, you should also consider some of the beautiful Airbnb's in the area. Airbnb wedding venues are becoming increasingly popular among adventurous couples looking for a small, intimate, and one-of-a-kind wedding atmosphere. They're ideal for taking pictures before your elopement or having your ceremony there without permit fees and regulations, you could still however take pictures inside Joshua Tree, Airbnb's and also perfect for having a small dinner with a private chef or small reception with family afterward. Just make sure the Airbnb listing says "event friendly" or that you've first gotten permission from your host, most of the time for elopements they don't mind because it's just the two of you. I've put together some links to some of my favorite Airbnb's in the area.
$1495
$1050
3 Hours
2 Hours
One Photographer with an assistant
Day of Elopement Timeline and Location Scouting
Full Image Resolution Download
Image Printing Rights
Password Protected Online Proofing
Free Retouching on Images
Don't see what your looking for listed, looking for a custom package or maybe you are eloping outside of Southern california? contact me today for pricing, I look forward to talking with you!
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