Joshua Tree is a symbol of your journey together. The Joshua Tree is known as the tree of life. It’s no wonder people want to elope in this beautiful desert. A journey will bring many twists and turns, but each one offers its own reward. As a Joshua Tree National Park Elopement Photographer, I’m ready to guide you down the road to eloping in Joshua Tree.

In this guide, you’ll find…

Do you need a permit to elope in Joshua Tree?
Best time of year to elope in Joshua Tree
Best Airbnbs for eloping in Joshua Tree

Do you need a permit to elope in Joshua Tree?

If you want to get married in Joshua Tree, don’t let the idea of permits or rules stop you. Typically holding any kind of ceremony in a national park will require steps similar to these. Once you understand them, you’ll have easy access to the park and the elopement of your dreams.

Entering the park ($30 per vehicle) The entrance fee for Joshua Tree National Park is $30 per vehicle. We recommend carpooling to reduce the number of vehicles in the park.

Special Use Permit ($120 nonrefundable) This permit is required to hold any type of ceremony in Joshua Tree National Park. It’s important that this is booked well in advance, as response time from the parks department can be slow!

Photography/Videography Special Use Permit ($120 nonrefundable) Your photographer will also need to have a separate Special Use Permit. Each vendor requires a permit, so you may be able to save on the cost of an additional permit by hiring a team that does both.

Do not skip out on these permits, or you risk getting a $500 citation.

To apply for one, you can download the form here and send it back using the address or email on the form.

Elope in Joshua Tree – the right way

It’s important to note that a lot of wedding decor and other items are not permitted in the park. That includes dried flowers, non-battery candles, bubbles, any live animals (such as doves and birds), confetti, rice, birdseed, balloons, or smoke bombs. And no drones! Therefore, it’s important to be aware of these rules when eloping in Joshua Tree National Park. Not only to avoid fines but, more importantly, to help preserve and protect this precious land

In addition, I also provide my eloping couples with a Leave No Trace Guide, ensuring you are well informed of what can and cannot be included during your Joshua Tree Elopement. As a national parks photographer and passionate nature lover, it’s important that we respect the land and all the rules.

Best time of year to elope in Joshua Tree

Winter in Joshua Tree National Park tends to be cold and snows occasionally. Though when it does, it makes for incredible photography. Despite being a “desert” it really can get COLD and windy, layers are a must!

Fall and Spring in Joshua Tree National Park are the busiest times of the year and for a good reason. Wildflowers are blooming and temperatures haven’t shot up yet. Sephora + Gyasi’s elopement in Joshua Tree was in February and the light was amazing, but very windy and cold during the day. By sunset, the wind died down for a pleasant evening in among the cactus.

Summer in Joshua Tree National Park is often the least busy time for tourism but can be a great time for an elopement for this reason. Fewer visitors during this time of year will make your elopement in Joshua Tree even more intimate. Thinking of a sunset or sunrise ceremony? The lighting is unmatched and the temperatures are cooler during these times.

Best Airbnbs For Eloping in Joshua Tree

I love helping my couples and research is my middle name. When I planned this styled elopement at this Airbnb in Twenty Nine Palms, 30 minutes from the west entrance of Joshua Tree, I knew we were going to create something magical.

The aesthetic and vibe were exactly what called to me. A snake painted on the side of the Airbnb symbolized transformation. The snake represents life, death, and rebirth. From the moment I saw this place, it spoke to me. Watching the sunrise from the master bedroom and of course the hot tub, this three bedroom Airbnb was so groovy.

I was honored to collaborate with Threads By Tea to make custom wedding attire for Sephora + Gyasi. From getting their measurements, bringing him fabric, visiting Tea, and photographing him in his gorgeous clothing, it was truly an artful creation in the desert. Teamwork makes the dream work. Tea is black-owned and makes clothes to empower and inspire.

Interested in Eloping Joshua Tree National Park?

Let’s make it happen! Click here to explore your journey to eloping in Joshua Tree National Park.