Planning tips, recommendations, and Ideas for your Joshua Tree Elopement

by local elopement photographer and videographer team Sydney and Ryan

You’ve been dreaming of a desert wedding and you’re ready for an intimate ceremony in the Mojave desert, but where to start? We’ve got lots of planning tips and ideas for your Joshua Tree elopement to share with you that will make your wedding day incredible. That includes ways to incorporate local Joshua Tree businesses and other experiences into your wedding day.

Want to elope in Joshua Tree National Park? Read our complete guide on how here!

1. Set aside time to stargaze in Joshua Tree National Park

The best location to stargaze here would definitely be in the national park! Drive out late at night and be amazed by the endless stars you can observe in the sky. We think this is an incredibly romantic way to end your elopement day.

Pro tip: plan your trip so the new moon phase falls during your visit. That means without the bright moon shining, you’ll see even more stars!

2. Rent a classic car

If you’re from out of state visiting Joshua Tree, you’ll likely fly into Palm Springs. Palm Springs has that retro, mid-century modern feel with an abundance of classic cars to admire. There is just something harmonious about luxury or classic cars in desert landscapes! For that reason, we highly recommend renting a gorgeous car for your elopement day to incorporate it into some great portraits of you two. We recommend renting from Palm Springs Classic Cars.

3. Stay at a unique Airbnb (and elope there!)

Joshua Tree and the surrounding towns (Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms) are home to a ridiculously high number of beautifully designed Airbnb stays. A peaceful and well-designed place to call home during your honeymoon or elopement trip is a nice treat to enhance your overall elopement experience. Even better, you could even elope at the Airbnb! Many hosts approve of intimate weddings and elopements at their stays. Check out our top ten Airbnb stays here.

4. Have a picnic with local eats

Instead of a sit-down restaurant after your elopement, celebrate with a picnic in the great outdoors! A romantic picnic makes for great photos and film, but it also offers an intimate experience compared to sitting around others. If you want a lighter and boutique treat, we highly recommend Graze Mojave, a local charcuterie board and box business with delivery service!

5. Hike in Joshua Tree National Park

Hiking on your wedding day isn’t for everyone, but we love working with couples who are down for some adventure! There are so many great hikes in and out of Joshua Tree National Park that have incredible views as a backdrop for your vow reading. Check out AllTrails for a full list of hikes in the park.

And that’s it! We hope you enjoyed this list and check out our other elopement planning tips on our blog. If you’re ready to start planning your Joshua Tree elopement and finding the right photographer and videographer for you, contact us for a free elopement consultation.