How to Elope in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree might be one of the most popular places to elope in Southern California, and it’s not hard to see why. If you like wide open spaces, the spiritual nature of the desert, or a landscape that literally turns gold and pink at sunset, then Joshua Tree might just be the place for you. Home to one of the state’s National Parks, this town and area has become increasingly popular in recent years, and is one of the places (if not THE place) I find myself at most often!

Getting married at Joshua Tree is not difficult at all, but if you’re coming from out of state and don’t quite know what to expect, I hope this guide helps to break it down for you! I grow increasingly more in love with this magical place with every visit and would be thrilled to help you design your Joshua Tree elopement!

How to get legally married in Joshua Tree
Permits
Getting to Joshua Tree
When to have your Joshua Tree elopement
Where to have your Joshua Tree elopement
Activity Ideas / Things to do
Where to stay for your Joshua Tree elopement
A step-by-step breakdown of how to plan your Joshua Tree elopement
Other desert areas in Southern California for a desert elopement

With Joshua Tree being one of the most popular elopement destinations, you’ll probably come across countless of other Joshua Tree elopement guides. My hope is that this guide will help give you a solid starting point to planning your Joshua Tree elopement, but if you have any further burning questions or find any conflicting information, feel free to reach out! As a Joshua Tree elopement photographer, I have a growing soft spot for this area and would love to assist you in planning your Joshua Tree elopement!

How to get married in Joshua Tree

To get legally married in Joshua Tree, you’ll need the following three things:

Marriage License. In order to obtain a marriage license, you will need to first fill out a Marriage License Application, then make an appointment to appear in-person at a County Clerk’s office to obtain your license, which is good for 90 days. Since Joshua Tree is in California, you can go to any County Clerk’s office within the state of California - it doesn’t need to be the same county you’re getting married in. (Different states have different rules though, so if you’re considering eloping in a different state, be sure to read up on the laws of that particular state!) If you’re located in California, I recommend visiting your local County Clerk’s office. If you’re traveling from out-of-state or from another country, the closest County Clerk’s office to Joshua Tree is located in San Bernardino county. Here’s a link to their office locations (make sure to click on the ‘Recorder-Clerk’ tab). Visit this page for a step-by-step guide on how to obtain your marriage license in San Bernardino county. The cost of a marriage license may vary depending on the county you’re obtaining it from, but on average a marriage license in California costs about $90.
Officiant. The officiant will be the one to help you perform the ceremony and fill out the necessary legal paperwork (i.e. completing your marriage license and submitting it to the relevant offices) to make your marriage official. If you are having guests at your elopement, you could consider having one of your guests officiate to keep things intimate and personal. It’s free and relatively simple to get ordained online - this article has more helpful information on how to do so. However, if you’d rather hire an officiant instead, consider finding one local to the Joshua Tree area or asking your photographer for recommendations. A few questions to ask when looking for an officiant: a) what is the process like? b) do they help you submit the paperwork after the ceremony? c) are they willing to adventure to a location with you (if you’re planning an elopement somewhere less accessible/requires hiking to)? d) how personal do they make the ceremony? **If you are having a just-us elopement, I can also help you officiate your ceremony! I’m ordained through ULC.org and can sign your marriage license if you would like to keep your day super intimate.
One Witness. If you’re looking to have a public marriage in California, you will need one witness for your ceremony. This can be a guest, your photographer (if it’s just the two of you), or even a fellow hiker on the trail (if you’re doing a hiking elopement!). If you’re thinking of having a confidential marriage, you don’t need a witness to your ceremony. Public marriages are the more common of the two; the only difference between the two types of marriage licenses is how your marriage is recorded. A public marriage license, as the name suggests, becomes public record and is available for anyone to view, while a confidential marriage license can only be viewed by the couple or by court order.

Here’s a link to a more informative article on how to get married (anywhere in California). It also contains information on Commitment Ceremonies, where you won’t need an officiant OR witness for your ceremony!

*Couple holding a Commitment Ceremony in Joshua Tree National Park*

Permits for a Joshua Tree Elopement

If you are looking to have an elopement or wedding ceremony in Joshua Tree National Park, a permit is required. I highly recommend submitting a permit application as soon as you decide to elope in Joshua Tree National Park to increase your chances of getting your first choice location!

Cost of Permit: $120 (does NOT include park entrance fee*)

As of January 2023, your Special Use permit will also cover your photographer (i.e. an additional Photography permit is no longer required). Since this article may only be updated periodically, please check in with your photographer or the Joshua Tree Special Use office for updated permit requirements at the time of your inquiry!

The process of obtaining a Joshua Tree elopement permit is fairly simple and straightforward — your photographer should be able to guide you through the process. The permit application can be found here. (Clicking on that link will download a .docx form) For more information on permits and a list of approved locations for elopement ceremonies in Joshua Tree, please visit this link.

**IMPORTANT: Please ask your photographer about Joshua Tree permits when inquiring about your elopement, and beware of advice that encourages you to “wing it without a permit”. With an influx of elopements and weddings in Joshua Tree, it is imperative that all permit requirements are met to avoid the potential of your elopement getting shut down. You/your photographer may also face a hefty fine if caught without a permit.

*Note: The entrance fee per vehicle to Joshua Tree National Park is $30 (not included in the cost of your permit). If you intend to visit other National Parks (anywhere in the US), I highly recommend purchasing an America The Beautiful pass for $80. This is valid for one year from the time of purchase, and will get you into all the national parks (and some state parks) in the country.

Getting to Joshua Tree

Driving. There are three entrances to Joshua Tree National Park:

West Entrance: located 5 miles south of Hwy 62. Nearest towns to this entrance are Joshua Tree Village & Yucca Valley. Approved ceremony spots that it’s closest to: Quail Springs, Hidden Valley, Cap Rock, Keys View
North Entrance: located a few miles east of West Entrance, 3 miles south of Hwy 62. Nearest town to this entrance is Twentynine Palms. Approved ceremony spots that it’s closest to: Split Rock, Live Oak
South Entrance: Located off the I-10 on the south side of the park, 25 miles east of Indio. Farthest entrance from the popular spots within Joshua Tree. Approved ceremony spot(s) that it’s closest to: Porcupine Wash.

There are no public transportation options in the area so driving a car is a must. The roads in Joshua Tree are paved and very easy to get around; there is no need to rent a specialty vehicle to access the park or any of the ceremony locations, although if you wanted a specialty vehicle like a vintage convertible or a Jeep, it would make for some great photos! 😉 I recommend Vinty or Turo for specialty vehicle options.

Flying. If you are traveling from out-of-state, you may consider flying into a major airport in the SoCal area and renting a car to drive up the mountain.

The closest airport is Palm Springs International Airport (about 1-2 hrs away), and offers all the major car rental options such as Hertz, Enterprise, Thrifty, etc. Other close-by regional airports include:

Ontario International Airport (2-3 hrs away)
Los Angeles International, LAX (3-4 hrs away)
John Wayne Airport (2-3 hours away)

When to have your JOSHUA TREE Elopement

Season & Weather. Being the desert, Joshua Tree can get VERY hot in the summer. I strongly recommend avoiding this time of year if possible, or planning an early morning or late evening ceremony and celebration if you do want to elope during the summer. I strongly recommend planning a Joshua Tree elopement during the Spring (March-May) or Fall (Oct-Dec) for more comfortably warm temperatures. If you don’t mind cooler temps, the winter (Jan-Feb) are also great months to visit for fewer crowds. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the rare snow sighting in Joshua Tree!

A quick glance at the seasons:

SPRING (March - May): Avg temps in the 70’s-80’s
SUMMER (June - Sept): Temps can reach as high as 110F
FALL (Oct - Dec): Avg temps in the 70’s-80’s.
WINTER (Jan - Feb): Avg temps in the 50’s-60’s (may drop to 40’s at night)

Spring & Fall tend to be the busiest seasons of the year at Joshua Tree, so I typically recommend a weekday (Mon-Thurs) for your elopement if possible. Joshua Tree can get very busy on weekends (Fri-Sun), with long lines of cars waiting to enter the park (I’ve personally sat in a 45min line of cars before!). It will also minimize the crowds you might have to contend with at your ceremony location.

If you do choose a weekend, be sure to check the calendar to avoid holiday weekends as well (e.g. Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day). In theory, having a 3-day weekend might sound nice and the perfect time to arrange a small getaway to elope without having to request extra vacation days off work, however, as an already popular tourist destination and elopement spot, Joshua Tree does get significantly busier during these times.

Time of Day. Joshua Tree lights up in an absolutely magical golden hue at sunrise & sunset, and I always recommend planning your elopement around golden hour when in Joshua Tree. Depending on the specific spot you choose within Joshua Tree, you may lose the sun behind the mountains (yes there are mountains!) earlier than the technical sunset time. Your photographer should be able to help you determine exactly when the sun will go behind a ridge at your chosen location and be able to help you craft a timeline around that. Sunrise is also a great time to consider for your elopement, since it generally means fewer crowds (and what a way to start a wedding day!). I typically recommend allocating your portraits during this golden hour period, and working backwards to determine what time your ceremony should be (typically a couple hours before sunset). The thing with elopements is that no two elopements are the same, so make sure to craft your timeline according to YOUR needs!

Where to have your Joshua Tree Elopement

There are several options for places to get married in Joshua Tree:

Joshua Tree National Park. If you’re planning an elopement in Joshua Tree, visiting the National Park is a must in my opinion. Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most popular choices for elopement ceremonies, and while you can still see Joshua Trees outside the park, there is nothing quite like the landscapes inside the park that will take your breath away. There are several approved ceremony locations within the park, and you will need a permit for the location of your choice (see above for permit information). Below is the current list of approved ceremony locations in Joshua Tree NP (as of Feb 2023):

Indian Cove Amphitheater; No more than 100 people total and only 1 vehicle. You must shuttle your guest in and out of this location.
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.

**PLEASE NOTE: It is extremely important to follow LNT principles when eloping on any public land. For more information on Leave No Trace and why it’s important, read this blog post. As a Joshua Tree elopement photographer, I am committed to LNT and will work with all my couples to make sure we plan ahead and make decisions for both locations and activities that will not leave any environmental impact.

>> VIEW PHOTOS FROM A HIDDEN VALLEY ELOPEMENT HERE

>> VIEW PHOTOS FROM A CAP ROCK ELOPEMENT HERE

AirBnBs. If you are planning a smaller wedding (anywhere from just the two of you, up to 10-15 guests), you may be able to find an AirBnB that would allow you to host a small ceremony in their backyard. I personally have photographed at Airbnbs in Joshua Tree for an elopement reception, so it is definitely possible! (See below under ‘Where to Stay’ for a list of some of my favorite airbnbs in Joshua Tree)

If you are planning an elopement on private property such as an AirBnB, be sure to clear this with your host on whether this is allowed or not.

How to ask your AirBnB host about eloping on their private property:
a) Let them know what exactly is involved. If it is something really simple that doesn’t require setups of any arches, chairs, reception tables or decor, make sure to communicate that to your AirBnB host. If you would like to put up decorations, be specific about what they are — are they just items that can be easily removed? Would you need to nail anything to walls? Is it going to leave any kind of impact on the property?
b) Be honest about how many people will be present. Are you having guests? If so, how many, and how long will they be on the property for? Or will it just be the two of you exchanging vows with an officiant and photographer?
Many hosts may not allow a ceremony or a meal celebration on their property due to liability reasons and not fully understanding the nature of elopements; some may also be bound by city/county regulations and AirBnB rules. If a host says no, make sure to respect their decision.

Venue. If you are having more than 15 guests, you may want to consider renting a venue for your wedding. Below are a few of my favorite venues in/around Joshua Tree (some of them even offer lodgings as well!) —

AutoCamp Joshua Tree ($$-$$$)
MORADA Joshua Tree
Rimrock Ranch
The Kellogg Doolittle House ($$$$)
Sacred Sands
The Stone House (formerly known as Nowhere, California; check out a styled shoot I shot here)

Activity Ideas for your JOSHUA TREE Elopement

My absolute favorite thing about elopements is that the tiny nature of your wedding day opens up a world of opportunity to incorporate a fun activity into your day! Whether you’re looking for adventure or a relaxing time, Joshua Tree offers possibilities for both. Here are some ideas:

Adventurous Activities

Hiking. Joshua Tree National Park has tons of fun trails to explore and hike around! Most of them are very easily accessible and flat, so you don’t have to be a very experienced hiker to explore the trails! Some easy and fun ones are the Hidden Valley Loop Trail, Barker Dam Trail, and the Cholla Cactus Trail. If you’re looking for some rock scrambling, Hall of Horrors is a great one to check out. I’ve explored so many trails in Joshua Tree in all my visits to the park, and would love to share some of my favorites with you! :)

Backcountry Driving. Joshua Tree offers several options for exploring backcountry roads. If you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you can consider checking out some of these backcountry roads that will take you away from the main tourist spots and access areas with fewer crowds. To protect the landscape, vehicles must stay on established roads at all times.

Renting Bikes or E-Bikes. Joshua Tree NP has many unpaved roads that are safer for exploring on bikes. Rent bikes from Joshua Tree E-Bikes for a fun adventure on wheels!

Rock Climbing. One of the most striking things in Joshua Tree National Park is the giant boulders that are scattered throughout the landscape, serving as huge playgrounds for rock climbers who flock to Joshua Tree from all over the world. If rock climbing is something you want to try, there are multiple guides around the area that you can hire for a fun day on the rocks!

Easy & Relaxing Activities

Picnic at one of the many picnic sites (e.g. Hidden Valley, Cap Rock, Quail Springs)
Relax in a hot tub at your airbnb
Camp & roast s’mores over a campfire
Stargazing at night (Joshua Tree is an amazing place for stargazing!)

Elopement Reception Ideas

BBQ at a picnic site or at your airbnb
Hosting a private dinner at your airbnb
Celebrating at a restaurant in Joshua Tree Village (check out: Joshua Tree Saloon (no kids), Pappy + Harriet’s, La Copine)

Where to Stay for your Joshua Tree Elopement

I don’t have the data on this, but if I had to guess, I’d say that Joshua Tree is home to some of the most unique vacation rentals… ever? There are so many incredible stays in Joshua Tree and it’s nearly impossible to list them all. I strongly recommend doing a quick search on airbnb to find something suitable for the size of your party and your needs for your day. In the meantime, here is a (very) short list of a few of my favorite airbnbs in the area:

Joshua Tree elopement timeline ideas

I am a huge advocate for having your elopement or small wedding documented with the same care and attention that traditional weddings get. Just because you’re choosing a more intimate day doesn’t mean your wedding day is any less significant. In fact, the smaller nature of your wedding opens up a world of possibilities on how to experience your day, and whether it’s just the two of you exchanging vows or sharing your day with a close-knit group of family & friends, there are so many ways to celebrate and experience your entire day.

My biggest tip when it comes to planning your day — take time to slow down. Your day will truly go by in a flash, and I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been told, “wow, I can’t believe the day is already over, it went by so quickly!” Be intentional with how you want to spend your time during each part of the day, especially while getting ready. For more getting-ready ideas, click here!

Just-Us-Two Elopement Timeline (No Guests)

10-HOUR TIMELINE

1:00 - 1:30 Splash around in an outdoor shower together

1:30 - 3:00 Getting ready in airbnb

3:00 - 3:30 First look outside airbnb

3:30 - 4:30 Drive into Joshua Tree National Park, hike around & select specific spot for ceremony

5:00 - 5:30 Ceremony

5:30 - 7:00 Exploring + Sunset Portraits

7:00 - 8:30 BBQ dinner at picnic site

8:30 - 9:00 Return to airbnb

9:00 - 9:30 Read letters from friends & family

9:30 - 10:00 Hot tub dip/roast s’mores

10:00 - 11:00 Stargazing + star portraits

Intimate Wedding Timeline (0-20 Guests)

10-HOUR TIMELINE

12:00 - 2:00 Getting ready in cabin

2:00 - 2:30 First look outside cabin

2:30 - 3:30 Head into National Park, hike around for ceremony spot

3:30 - 4:00 Ceremony

4:00 - 4:30 Formal portraits with guests

4:30 - 5:30 Picnic with guests

5:30 - 6:00 Drive to portraits location

6:30 - 7:30 Exploring + Sunset portraits

7:30 - 8:00 Return to airbnb

8:00 - 10:00 BBQ at airbnb + stargazing

12-HOUR TIMELINE

5:00AM - 7:00AM Sunrise Hike to a mountain view

7:00AM - 8:00AM Return to airbnb

8:00AM - 9:00AM Breakfast with family

[BREAK]

12:00PM - 2:00PM Getting Ready

2:00PM - 2:30PM First Look

2:30PM - 3:30PM Head to National Park, hike around to select ceremony spot

3:30PM - 4:00PM Ceremony

4:30PM - 5:00PM Formal group photos

5:00PM - 6:30PM Exploring + Sunset portraits

6:30PM - 7:15PM Head back to airbnb for catered dinner

7:15PM - 8:00PM Dinner reception, cake-cutting, first dance

Step-by-Step of how to plan your Joshua Tree Elopement

1) Choose your date.

2) Hire your photographer! (Yes, really, that’s the next step! You DON’T need to have your specific ceremony spot picked out or have activities booked or a whole timeline planned out — your Joshua Tree elopement photographer should be able to guide you on their favorite spots in the park for ceremonies & photos, and assist you in crafting your day!)

3) Select your ceremony location + apply for a permit

4) Book your accommodations (Where you stay might depend on the location(s) you choose for your ceremony & photos and which park entrance they’re closest to. See above for a list of some of my favorite airbnbs. If you love camping, I strongly recommend planning a night or two to camp in the National Park! It’s an amazing experience, especially if you get a moonless night!)

5) Choose your activities (Example: hiking, picnicking, exploring on bikes, stargazing)

6) Put your timeline together (As a Joshua Tree elopement photographer, I help all my couples craft a custom timeline for your day that will reflect your goals and desires for your day!)

7) Gather everything you need for your day.

8) Have the best day ever!

Other similar DESERT ELOPEMENT SPOTS in Southern California

If you’re looking for other desert areas within Southern California for a desert elopement, I list a few alternatives below that you can consider.

Vasquez Rocks
Glamis Sand Dunes
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Joshua Tree Elopement Packages

If you’re thinking about having an intimate wedding day in Joshua Tree, don’t hesitate to reach out! As a Joshua Tree elopement photographer, I provide all my couples with planning and consultations to get to know you and what’s important for your day, help you with location ideas, research and scouting, timeline assistance based on what you’d like documented with advice on best times for lighting, activity suggestions, local vendor recommendations and more.

let's plan your Joshua Tree elopement!