Joshua Tree Elopement Guide

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

by adventure elopement photographer and videographer team Sydney and Ryan

The picturesque desert views, giant rock formations, and unique vegetation of Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave desert make it one of the best places to elope in California. The park is located in Southern California, just east of Palm Springs, and sits between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. If you imagine a bohemian intimate wedding with all the desert vibes, this is the place for you to elope. The national park is an even greater option for those who truly want the outdoors as their venue. 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 and inspire your elopement planning!

How to Elope in Joshua Tree National Park

Choose the best location that fits your vibe and vision for your day, whether that is Joshua Tree National Park, a local Airbnb, or both!
Book your Joshua Tree elopement photographer (contact us for a FREE elopement consultation)
We’ll plan and talk about EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW from lodging to transportation and anything in-between to make your elopement the best day ever
Apply for a marriage license and any necessary permits for your elopement in Joshua Tree National Park
We’ll adventure around the location you chose, take in the natural beauty of the desert, create memories, and we’ll capture you guys enjoying it all
Pop some champagne and celebrate your marriage!!

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 National Park is an open desert and doesn’t offer shelter from the sun or wind and rain, apart from the large rock formations.

To be prepared, consider what you’ll need to bring with you. Have plenty of water during the hot season, and bring layers for the cold season. Even in the late spring months, it can be very cold in the mornings. Opting for the winter months can give you the chance of witnessing some snowfall at the higher elevation areas in the park! Or, if you want the opportunity to admire wildflowers in the spring months but avoid crowds, aim to have your elopement on a weekday and, if possible, at sunrise.

Best time of year to visit Joshua Tree National Park — *sourced from Google*

Airport near Joshua Tree National Park

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

Park Entry Fees

Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle
Joshua Tree National Park Annual Pass: $55

Joshua Tree Elopement Permit Information

A “Special Use Permit” is required 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 adventure elopement

Joshua Tree Elopement 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

Joshua Tree Airbnb Stays

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)!

Motorcycle Wedding Photo at Joshua Tree Micro Wedding

Camping in Joshua Tree National Park

If the time of year you choose doesn’t have extreme 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 campsite up to 6 months in advance. There are some first-come, first-serve campsites, but it can be unpredictable and competitive to grab a spot.

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

Palm Springs Airbnb

Booking a bed and breakfast or hotel in Palm Springs is another great option, especially if you pick up flowers or get your hair done before your ceremony. Many of our eloping couples who invite guests prefer to stay in Palm Springs, so there are lots to do for their guests within a short drive. Many Airbnb stays in Palm Springs typically have a mid-century modern design with pool floaties galore.

Another idea: You can elope in Palm Springs and have your portraits done in the park!

Check out our Best Airbnbs in Palm Springs list here!

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.

Joshua Tree Elopement Packages

For a unique elopement experience, we recommend making at least a half-day of your epic desert wedding. We have Joshua Tree elopement photography packages beginning at 2 hours of coverage or half-day and full-day coverage for couples wanting a bigger adventure or for those bringing a few guests along with them.

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!