Here’s your guide on how to get married in Joshua Tree National Park, eloping with your partner for a lifetime of adventure.

Picture this: exchanging vows under a canopy of stars, surrounded by Joshua trees and the timeless beauty of the wide open desert.

Welcome to the land where love blooms amidst the twisted branches of Joshua trees and the rugged allure of the desert landscape. If you’re dreaming of an elopement that’s as breathtaking and adventurous as your love story, look no further than Southern California’s beloved national parks.

⫸ Let’s dive into the details of how to get married in Joshua Tree National Park to make your elopement dream a reality!

1. Embrace the Adventure!

Your Joshua Tree elopement is your chance to throw cookie-cutter wedding planning to the wind and embrace the wild beauty of the desert. Leave behind the stress of it all and let the enchantment of Joshua Tree National Park set the stage for your intimate celebration of love. The best part about eloping is every little detail is at your discretion, but only to the degree you care to create. Most of all, eloping out in nature ensures the focus of your day is you and your partner’s love.

2. Scope Your Ideal Spot + Secure Your Permits.

Before you pop the champagne and say “I do,” make sure to obtain the necessary permits from the National Park Service specific to weddings and ceremonies within the park. This step ensures that you can exchange vows in your chosen location without any hiccups.

⫸ Here are the steps to secure a wedding permit in Joshua Tree National Park:

Choose Your Date / Time:

The permit approval depends on location, group size, and time of year or day, so be sure to apply within 12 months of your ideal elopement date, and at least 15 days prior to the actual ceremony. You must have your permit in hand on the day of your event in case the park rangers ask.

Choose a Site:

Indian Cove Amphitheater No more than 100 people total / 1 car / need shuttle

Hidden Valley Picnic Area No more than 35 people total / 8 cars

Turkey Flats No more than 35 people total / 8 cars

Cap Rock No more than 25 people total / 8 cars

Rattlesnake Picnic Area No more than 20 people total / 8 cars

Quail Springs Picnic Area No more than 15 people total / 8 cars

Split Rock No more than 15 people total / 5 cars

Porcupine Wash No more than 12 people total / 4 cars

Queen Valley Mine Intersection No more than 10 people total / 5 cars

Lost Horse Parking Lot No more than 10 people total / 5 cars

Live Oak Picnic Area No more than 5 people total / 3 cars

Apply for your permit:

The cost of a Special Use Permit Application is $120. (Apply here.)

3. Know the Park Regulations.

Weddings in national parks bring unparalleled backdrops and unforgettable memories, but they also come with a few specific rules to minimize impact on the environment. We want to keep these beautiful spaces wild, acting as stewards of the most jaw-dropping places to exchange vows and capture memories which will last for a lifetime.

⫸ Here are some parameters to keep in mind while planning your wedding in Joshua Tree National Park:

• Respect the landscape to appreciate its gift of an unparalleled backdrop.
• Sites come at a first-served basis, so request early to secure your spot.
• Guests pay an entrance fee to enter the National Park.
• Closures can happen due to wildlife, weather, or other unexpected causes.
• Desert weddings are simple, and luckily, this is part of their charm. Use of these sites limit extravagant setups and dictate floral options.
• Limited access for cars, requiring shuttles or car-pooling, and potential need for off-road vehicles.
• Noise pollution is prohibited in the parks, which means no amplified music, or large parties to avoid impacting the wildlife. Pro tip: After your ceremony in the park, go party with your besties at the Joshua Tree Saloon or Pappy + Harriet’s!

4. Capture the Moment.

Your Joshua Tree elopement is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so you’ll want to be sure to capture every magical moment. As a Southern California based wedding photographer who specializes in outdoor weddings and elopements, I would love to document your wedding day. Trust me – you’ll treasure these photos for years to come, which is why my biggest splurge on my own small outdoor wedding was my photographer (shoutout to the incredibly talented Benj Haisch!).

5. Make It Personal.

Since your elopement is an intimate affair, take the opportunity to infuse it with personal touches that reflect your unique love story. Write your own vows, exchange meaningful gifts, or incorporate elements throughout your wedding day that hold special significance to you as a couple. This day is all about celebrating your love in a way that feels true to who you are, and I’m here to make sure your photo memories reflect YOU guys and everything that makes YOUR story special.

6. Toast to Forever!

After you’ve exchanged vows and sealed your love with a kiss, it’s time to toast to your happily ever after. Pack a picnic with your favorite snacks and champagne, and enjoy a romantic moment together among the grandeur of Joshua Tree National Park. Bonus points if you catch a stunning desert sunset or a sky full of twinkling stars after the ceremony!

7. Cherish the Memories.

As you journey into married life together, hold onto the memories of your wedding day – the laughter, the love, and the breathtaking beauty of the desert. Whether you return to Joshua Tree for future anniversaries or simply reminisce about your magical day, let the spirit of the desert continue to inspire your love story for years to come as you look back at the photos taken during the beginning moments of your life together.

Embrace the adventure, say “I do” amidst the Joshua trees, and let the enchantment of the desert inspire your love story.

It’s easier than you’d think to have the Southern California National Park wedding of your dreams! If you want an intimate elopement with an adventurous spirit, I’d love to capture your beautiful day in Joshua Tree. To book a call for more information and begin planning your day, fill out my contact form!

Happy elopement planning,

XO Karissa

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See more info at Joshua Tree National Park Service: nps.gov

VENDORS

Photographer: Karissa Ferrer

Styled Shoot Host: Shoots By Nicole

Models: Lizzy & Landon

Dress: Hannah Hill Bridal

Hair + Makeup: Alexis the Stylist

Florals + Tablescape: Simply Bliss Events

Chair Rentals: Folklore

Cake: Baked By Julie