Joshua Tree Elopement Guide

Everything you need to know on how to elope in Joshua Tree National Park

by adventure elopement photographer team Sydney & Ryan

The picturesque desert views, rocks, and unique trees of Joshua Tree National Park make it one of the best places to elope in California! The park is located in Southern California and sits between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. We created this Joshua Tree elopement guide as a resource to help walk you through the important things to know for your Joshua Tree National Park elopement.

Basic Info for your Joshua Tree Elopement

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

The Joshua Tree area is hot and dry throughout the year and can reach temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. We highly suggest having your elopement between the months of either March to May or October to November when temperatures are around 85 degrees. Joshua Tree is open desert and doesn’t offer much shelter from the sun or wind and rain.

With this in mind, consider what you’ll need to bring with you so you are prepared. Have plenty of water during the hot season, and bring layers for the cold season. Opting for winter months can give you the chance of witnessing some snowfall at the higher elevation areas in the park! Or, if you want the chance to admire wildflowers in the spring months and avoid crowds, aim to have your elopement on a weekday and if possible, at sunrise too.

Best time of year to visit Joshua Tree National Park

data sourced from Google

AIRPORT

If you are flying into the area, Palm Springs International airport is the closest airport with a drive of approximately 45 minutes. Here is a brief list to give you an idea of how far other cities and places are from Joshua Tree (sourced from Just Ahead):

Los Angeles or San Diego: 3 hours
Las Vegas: 4 hours
Phoenix: 4.5 hours
Death Valley National Park: 4.5 hours
Yosemite National Park: 6 hours
Grand Canyon National Park: 6 hours
San Francisco: 8 hours

Entry Fees

Entrance Fee: $30.00

Joshua Tree National Park Annual Pass – $55.00

Joshua Tree Elopement Permit Information

Joshua Tree National Park requires a “Special Use Permit” for any size wedding (must be less than 25 people). All you have to do is fill out the application and pay the $120 permit fee. Be sure to submit it at least 30 days prior to the date you want.

Unlike other National Parks in California, the Special Use Permit for Joshua Tree does not cover your photographer or videographer.

Click here to view the park’s permit information.

Joshua Tree National Park wedding ceremony locations

Whether it is just you two celebrating or you’re bringing a few guests along, these are the best locations where you can legally have a ceremony in Joshua Tree National Park:

Hidden Valley Picnic Area (not permitted March-May)
Quail Springs Picnic Area (not permitted March-May)
Cap Rock
Rattlesnake Picnic Area
Live Oak
Split Rock

Where to stay for your Joshua Tree elopement

AIRBNB

Joshua Tree has an incredible market for Airbnb stays. From unique airstream experiences to open ceiling bedrooms meant for stargazing, this quirky desert town has it all.

Check out our list of the Top 10 Unique Airbnbs in Joshua Tree here.

If approved by the host, you could even have your ceremony where you are staying and then photograph your wedding portraits in the park (photo/video permits would still be required)!

CAMPING

If the time of year you choose doesn’t have too extreme of weather, camping in the park would be a rad way to celebrate your elopement! There are multiple sites with different views and elevations. You can reserve your site up to 6 months in advance.

You can check out the park’s camping information here.

PALM SPRINGS

Booking a bed and breakfast or hotel in Palm Springs is another great option, especially if you are picking up flowers or getting your hair done there before your ceremony. Airbnb stays here typically have a mid-century modern design with pool floaties galore. Check out our Best Airbnbs in Palm Springs list here!

Adventure elopement in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree Elopement Vendors

If you’re considering having hair and makeup, florals, or an officiant, hire local vendors in the area to help avoid travel fees. We recommend searching for vendors in Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms, and Palm Springs.

And that’s about it! If you enjoyed this article and are curious about eloping in other national parks, we have a full guide on how to elope in a national park!