Rock, Paper, Scissors Sunrise Vows and Desert Adventures: Colin & Mina’s Death Valley Elopement

Looking for a peaceful and unique spot to elope? Colin and Mina chose Death Valley National Park for their intimate elopement after a two-week Southwest road trip. With stunning sunrises, quiet sand dunes, and colorful canyons, Death Valley is one of the most picturesque sceneries that offer complete seclusion. Their day was filled with hiking, heartfelt vows at sunrise, exploring iconic desert spots, and ending with champagne at sunset. Get all the details below.

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About This Elopement

Photography by Emily Hary Photography

“Colin and Mina wanted a lowkey elopement at the end of their two-week southwest road trip. We met up in Death Valley National Park. They had gotten legally married in Las Vegas before they arrived. We got up before the sun and met up at their room at The Inn at Death Valley. We did a dune location for sunrise, vow exchange, and hiking. We then went to a canyon and explored around that morning.

Later in the day we met up for detail shots, exploring the hotel grounds, and cake. Then we hit up a couple more locations, including Badwater Basin and Artist’s Palette. They sipped champagne as the sun went down. It was a relaxing but full day – with lots of different types of landscapes. We hardly saw anyone else during the day too. Seclusion for the win!” [Emily, the photographer]

Explore more places to elope here.

Permits and LNT

“Death Valley National Park may require the couple to apply for a special use permit to hold your ceremony within the park. The smaller your group, the higher the chances that you will not have any restriction concerning your location requests. Fill out the permit application and submit a $300 non-refundable fee at least 30 days prior to your date.” [Emily, the photographer]

Learn how to leave no trace during your wedding adventure. 

Top Tips During Your Elopement

“Pack layers! The desert has big swings in temperature.

There’s a lot of exposure so bring sunscreen and sunglasses too.

No cell service around these parts, so make sure you have spare batteries while away from wifi, offline maps downloaded, and a plan in place before you enter the park.

Water and food are crucial for visiting this park, so have a couple spare gallons of water and a couple day’s worth of food in your vehicle just in case.

Expect to get sandy and dusty! Wind is prevalent as well, so keep that in mind when choosing your hairstyle and dress.” [Emily, the photographer]

Check out our ultimate elopement packing list you can steal!

Details We’re Loving

“I adore Mina’s dress and accessory choices. The lace puff sleeves are so pretty.

Their rings were stunning as well!

Mina’s bouquet was exquisite, with dried florals in warm tones and a white ribbon to complete it.” [Emily, the photographer]

Check out our favorite elopement dresses to explore. 

Memorable Moments During This Elopement

From the photographer:

“When I think of this day, I picture the incredible sunrise we were given. Colin and Mina stood atop a sand dune and did rock, paper, scissors to see who would read their vows first. They laughed and promised forever to each other as the sky turned pink and purple. It was SO QUIET and nobody was around.

Eloping in Death Valley National Park affords this type of luxury that other parks don’t. Seclusion, silence, and a lot of wide open space.”

Final Words of Advice

“Getting up before sunrise is worth it! We hiked pre-dawn together and created amazing art together with lanterns. It’s hard to get up that early, but DIY makeup and hair help, and you won’t regret it!” [Emily, the photographer]

Photos From This Elopement