Joshua Tree National Park Elopement Guide
Since so many couples have reached out to us interested in eloping at this park, we thought it would be a great idea to talk about how to elope in Joshua Tree. We talk about where to elope in Joshua Tree when to elope, permits and rules you should be aware of, where to stay during your adventure, and elopement photographers to team up with to document your elopement day.
If you’re thinking about taking your engagement photos here, then we suggest checking out our Joshua Tree engagement photos inspiration.
Where to Elope in Joshua Tree
Photo by Allie Dearie Photography
Much like other parks such as Rocky Mountain, Joshua Tree has a selection of locations around the park that are approved for your wedding ceremony. Most of these locations are suited for small weddings or elopements. The only location that will accommodate 100 people would be the Indian Cove Amphitheater. Thus, Joshua Tree is perfect for couples who are looking for an intimate elopement experience.
We love Joshua Tree because although each location is relatively similar containing panoramic views, desert landscapes, and rock formations, there is always something unique about each location.
Check out the following locations:
Hidden Valley Picnic Area
This is probably one of the park’s most known hikes. This one-mile trail will take you to a gorgeous valley filled with towering rocks. This is also a beautiful spot for sunset ceremonies.
Ceremony Location Rules: 35 people Max + 8 cars
Turkey Flats
With a view of Pinto Mountain, this desert plain is wide, sandy, and covered with bushes and grass. This trail is just a little over 2 miles.
Ceremony Location Rules: 35 people Max + 8 cars
Split Rock
Split Rock is probably one of our favorite locations for your ceremony because of its unique rock formations and elevation. This hike is about 2 miles long, and like most hikes in the park, is pretty moderate.
Ceremony Location Rules: 15 people Max + 5 cars
Quail Springs Picnic Area
Photo by Summit and Sur Photography
This small picnic area can be found on the western portion of Park Boulevard. This is also one of the more popular picnic spots after you enter the park from the town of Joshua Tree. If you like rock climbing, there are some easy-access spots for beginner-friendly routes here.
Ceremony Location Rules: 15 people Max + 8 cars
Check out this elopement ceremony at Quail Springs.
Lost Horse Parking Lot
The parking lot here is a good starting point if you want to explore the Lost Horse Mine Trail (4 miles out and back) later. The parking lot is small but could be an awesome accessible spot if you are planning during the week.
Ceremony Location Rules: 10 people Max + 5 cars
Porcupine Wash
This is probably one of the longest trails in the park. This over 8-mile trail is filled with beautiful wildflowers and so many rock formations.
Ceremony Location Rules: 12 people Max + 4 cars
Cap Rock
Photo by Evangeline Lane
Cap Rock is the shortest trail with some of the most gorgeous views. Under a mile long, you will appreciate huge rock formations and unique desert shrubs. We love these areas for couples who are looking to have rock formations as the main focal point in their ceremony.
Check out this elopement ceremony at Cap Rock.
Ceremony Location Rules: 25 people Max + 8 cars
Live Oak Picnic Area
This picnic area is nestled among rock formations. You can also get some shade from the oak itself.
Ceremony Location Rules: 5 people Max + 3 cars
Queen Valley Mine Intersection
This is an open area with a nice view featuring rocky terrain. The trial there is a 3.2 mile out and back hike.
Ceremony Location Rules: 10 people Max + 5 cars
Rattlesnake Picnic Area
Beautiful views and picnic area. No dogs are allowed in this area
Ceremony Location Rules: 20 people Max + 8 cars
For a full list of wedding ceremony locations located at Joshua Tree head to their website. Keep in mind that you can also take photos at different locations around the park. We recommend getting together with one of our photographers who has experience at Joshua Tree. They’ll also know the best-hidden spots no one really talks about.
When to Elope in Joshua Tree National Park
Photo by Adventure & Vow
It gets VERY hot in Joshua Tree during the summer. If you do plan your wedding day during the summer, you’ll also see way bigger crowds. We recommend eloping during cooler months in the Spring, Fall, and Winter. Our Wandering Wedding members also recommend sunrise or sunset elopements here. Joshua Tree elopements during these times are more comfortable in regards to weather and crowds, and the light during these times is stunning. Another recommendation to avoid crowds is to choose a weekday to elope.
Another cool idea is to work stargazing into your Joshua Tree elopement adventure. Joshua Tree is one of the best places to stargaze in the US and is known as a international dark sky park. The park is located in High Desert, which is 3,000-6,000 feet above sea level. This also means you’re far aware from any cities that would give you light pollution. There are also some pretty cool airbnbs nearby you can stay at and stargaze too!
Permits and Rules For Joshua Tree Weddings
Photo by Aimee Flynn Photo
If you’re sure you want to elope in Joshua Tree, then you’re going to need the appropriate wedding permit. A special use permit is $120, and it’s required for all Joshua Tree wedding ceremonies. Your photographer needs a separate photo permit as well. If you end up not getting a permit, then you’ll get charged a $500 citation fine. So definitely obtain those permits prior to your wedding day!
You’ll have to designate which Joshua Tree approved wedding location you would like for your elopement ceremony on your application. These locations are on a first-request, first-serve basis. Even though you will designate which location you will have your ceremony, you can’t prevent other park visitors from being at your “wedding location”.
Another thing to consider is entrance fees into the park are not waived for yourself and your partner or any guests you may invite even when applying for a wedding permit.
If you’re considering having a Joshua Tree elopement, then you need to know how eco-friendly this park is. A lot of wedding decor and other items are not permitted in the park including drones, dried flowers, non-battery candles, bubbles, any live animals (doves and birds for example), confetti, rice, birdseed, balloons, or smoke bombs.
Items that are Permitted for Your Joshua Tree Wedding Ceremony
Photo by Allie Dearie Photography
A WORD FROM OUR WW PHOTOGRAPHER:
“Leave No Trace is very important in Joshua Tree! Be sure to pack out what you bring in. Using faux or wood florals is a good idea in such a unique, protected ecosystem. It's also a desert, so be sure to bring plenty of water!” [Allie, Photographer]
Below are the current items you may include during your wedding day at Joshua Tree. Please be advised that it’s recommended to list the items you plan on bringing with you on your application. Giving the park a heads up is important to ensure all leave no trace guidelines are being followed properly.
According to the park’s website you can currently bring (and this can change at any time):
- Arch – must be free-standing and is not permitted to be placed into the ground.
- Small table for guest book
- Cooler with water
- Live or fake flowers only
- Battery-powered candles
- Small Runner
- Small Rug
- Cake
- Champagne
If the items you want to bring are NOT on this list, then they are probably not allowed. However, you are more than welcome to reach out to the park and double-check!
Where to Stay for Your Elopement
Photo by Adventure & Vow
One of the best things about planning a Joshua Tree Elopement is the amazing rentals that are in the area. Please keep in mind, however, that these venues do book up fast, so we recommend booking fast!
Our members also love AirnBnbs in the area because it’s a great opportunity to get cool getting-ready photos or just to stargaze together at the end of the day.
Check out our favorite rentals near Joshua Tree:
Check out this epic glass house near Joshua Tree.
Check out this 4-bedroom oasis in Joshua Tree.
Check out this 2-bedroom home.
Check out this cabin near Joshua Tree.
Check out this 2-bedroom house.
Let’s keep planning your flights and stay at Joshua Tree.
Joshua Tree Elopement Vendors
Photo by Evangeline Lane
Whether you’re looking for a photographer or videographer who specializes in Joshua Tree elopements, our Wandering Weddings members have your back. These professionals are ideal to help you plan and help you bring your elopement vision to life.
Explore our featured elopement vendors below to build your Joshua Tree elopement package:
Photo by Allie Dearie Photography
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