Joshua Tree is seriously an amazing and unique place! For outdoor lovers, it is a perfect place for a Joshua Tree Elopement, engagement session or even for a ‘just because’ sunrise or sunset adventure session. Being a Joshua Tree Photographer I have learned that sunrise is usually the best time to go because there will be fewer people there and that means you got more of the awesome scenery all to yourself! However, sunset is just as beautiful and can provide the same solitude!
The best time to elope in Joshua Tree will be during the winter, spring or fall to avoid crazy high temperatures during the summer! Having a 100+ degree elopement usually isn’t the best idea and can be unsafe to go hiking in. During winter the temperatures can get pretty cold so if you want desert views in cooler weather then winter is for you! Otherwise, Spring and Fall will have more mild temperatures with the sun shining most days!
Keep scrolling to see the full adventure and get some tips for visiting Joshua Tree!
Joshua Tree Photographer
Joshua Tree Sunrise Adventure
Where to stay for your Joshua Tree Elopement or Adventure Session
As a Joshua Tree Photographer, I’ve explored this epic landscape many times and have found the perfect locations for you to say your vows or to go on an adventure with your loved one! I’ve learned that there are many places to not stay in Joshua Tree. When I was trying to find a house to stay for one of my trips out there the owner of the place I was staying at mentions in the description that it was 15-20 minutes away from the West and North Entrance.. that was not the case. So, I learned my lesson and did my research for all the other times I’ve been and here are some incredible places to stay for your Joshua Tree Elopement or adventure session!
This cute place is perfect for two people! This airstream has heat/AC, an outdoor shower, refrigerator, microwave, sink, and hot plate for all of your desert camping needs!
I don’t think it gets any cuter than this! This place has a beautiful view and a hot tub for a relaxing evening under the stars! This house can fit a total of 4 guests.
This house is perfect if you’re bringing a few others along to celebrate your elopement! There is a pool, a game room, and two kitchens. Perfect for the whole crew!
This clean and aesthetic apartment is only 10 minutes from Joshua Tree! It’s near downtown Joshua Tree and is perfect for two people!
North Entrance & West Entrance into Joshua Tree
There are so many incredible locations throughout Joshua Tree National Park–you seriously can’t go wrong when choosing a spot for your adventure! I personally would recommend going to the North Entrance because it is WAY less populated and we basically had the terrain to ourselves. You have to drive about 10 minutes into the park from this entrance till you start to see actual Joshua Trees, but it’s so nice having it all to yourself. If you enter from the West Entrance you’ll see a bunch of homes in the beginning and then you’ll start to see some incredible rock formations. I will admit the terrain at this entrance gets more impressive a lot faster; but what this entrance has in immediate beauty, it completely lacks in privacy. However, areas are beautiful and you could easily drive a loop and hit up both locations!
Best Hikes For Your Joshua Tree Elopement
- Hidden Valley Nature Trail: This 1 mile loop takes you around Joshua Tree’s beautiful rock formations and get for exploring! This hike is very versatile and is perfect for anybody nobody what your hiking experience is!
- Split Rock Loop: This is a 2 mile loop where you’ll come across wild flowers and can watch stunning sunsets! You’ll, of course, see epic rock formations and the classic Joshua Trees.
- The Maze Loop: This 5 mile hike is a bit more difficult, but it’s perfect if you want a more challenging hike and want to all the different types of views that Joshua Tree has to offer!
- Ryan Mountain Hike: This 3 mile trail is the perfect hike to see Joshua Tree from a birds eye view. There are many spots to stop an overlook the desert landscape!
Wedding Permits and Ceremony Locations
In order to get married in Joshua Tree you’ll need to obtain a special use permit. The cost for the application is $120 and you might have to pay additional fees if you have a larger group of people celebrating with you. I highly suggest to apply and get this process done as soon as you can so that you don’t have to rush or worry about not getting your permit in time.
There are certain areas where you’re allowed to have your ceremony and only a certain number of people are allowed at each location so be sure to review this list below!
- Hidden Valley Picnic Area: No more than 35 people total and up to 8 vehicles.
- Turkey Flats: No more than 35 people total and up to 8 vehicles.
- Cap Rock: No more than 25 people total and up to 8 vehicles.
- Rattlesnake Picnic Area: No more than 20 people and 8 vehicles.
- Quail Springs Picnic Area: No more than 15 people and 8 vehicles.
- Split Rock: No more than 15 people and 5 vehicles.
- Porcupine Wash: No more than 12 people and 4 vehicles.
- Queen Valley Mine Intersection: No more than 10 people and 5 vehicles.
- Lost Horse Parking Lot: No more than 10 people and 5 vehicles.
- Live Oak Picnic Area: No more than 5 people and 3 vehicles.
Joshua Tree Photographer
Joshua Tree Elopement Packages
- Starting at partial day coverage
- Personalized elopement coordination
- Get to know you & your vision questionnaire
- Personalized list of locations ideas
- Vendor recommendations
- Custom timeline so you can have a smooth and stress-free day
- High-resolution images in an online gallery to share with friends and family
- All travel fees included to Joshua Tree National Park are included!
Starting Price: $3000
If you want more information on eloping in Joshua Tree contact me for more information >HERE<!
Have more questions regarding Joshua Tree Elopement or adventure session packages?! Contact me >HERE< and I can’t wait to chat with you!!
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[…] met Brandon and Shannon at the North Entrance of Joshua Tree. Check out this post to see why I suggest the north entrance! We drove about 10 minutes into the park from there and that is where we began our adventure! […]