Joshua Tree Elopement Guide: Elope in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park, named for the twisted, bristled trees that cover its landscape, is a gorgeous Southern California gem, and an incredible elopement location for adventurous couples. The desert location makes it a great winter elopement destination, but because it’s such a popular spot, there are some rules to be aware of before you tie the knot. This Joshua Tree elopement guide will tell you how to plan your dream wedding and how to create your own adventure!

The Best Time for a Joshua Tree Elopement

Because of its desert climate, summer isn’t a good time to elope in Joshua Tree for most couples. Summer temperatures are really hot, often reaching into the 100s, which isn’t ideal for outdoor adventures! But, if you want to plan your ceremony for sunrise or sunset, and have an Airbnb to retreat to (or a Palm Springs resort with a pool) during the day, that can be a way to beat the heat. The park will be nearly empty.

Fall is a great time for a Joshua Tree elopement, but it is one of the busiest times in the park, along with spring. The weather is much cooler, though early in the season it’s still pretty hot, and while there isn’t much fall foliage in the desert, it’s a great time for outdoor adventures in the park.

In the winter, daytime temperatures are still in the 60s, which is absolutely perfect for being out in the park! This is an amazing time to elope, because it’s a little less crowded than spring or fall, and the weather is perfectly comfortable. But, keep in mind that temperatures do drop pretty significantly at night, so having layers will be important. Snow is rare in Joshua Tree National Park, but it has happened, so you might get a unique view of the park dusted in white!

Spring brings wildflower blooms to the desert, covering the rocky landscape with vibrant colors. Because of this, and the warm but not too hot temperatures, it’s a popular time to visit the park.

The Best Places to Elope in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular place for elopements, and because of this, the park has limited where ceremonies can take place. There are a few locations that you can choose from, and the size of your elopement ceremony can also be a factor! 

Here are the Joshua Tree elopement locations, and the limits for numbers of people and vehicles:

  • Indian Cove Amphitheater – 100 people, but only 1 vehicle. You’ll need to hire a shuttle for this one.
  • Hidden Valley Picnic Area – 35 people and 8 vehicles.
  • Turkey Flats – 35 people and 8 vehicles.
  • Cap Rock – 25 people and 8 vehicles.
  • Rattlesnake Picnic Area – 20 people and 8 vehicles.
  • Quail Springs Picnic Area – 15 people and 8 vehicles.
  • Split Rock – 15 people and 5 vehicles.
  • Porcupine Wash – 12 people and 4 vehicles.
  • Queen Valley Mine Intersection – 10 people and 5 vehicles.
  • Lost Horse Parking Lot – 10 people and 5 vehicles.
  • Live Oak Picnic Area – 5 people and 3 vehicles.

ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS OUTSIDE OF JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Another thing to consider when you elope in Joshua Tree is that there are plenty of gorgeous spots outside the park, too! There’s BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Land around the park, and lots of Airbnbs on private land with beautiful views. This can give you more freedom and flexibility than eloping in the park, or you can have your ceremony in the park then take photos or have a reception somewhere else after!

Joshua Tree Elopement Permits

To tie the knot in Joshua Tree National Park, you’ll need a special use permit. You can find the application here, and it needs to be submitted a minimum of 15 business days before the ceremony, though you can apply up to a year in advance, so earlier is better to ensure that the park has enough time to process it. Once you email your application, you’ll receive instructions for submitting the application fee, which is $120.

You’ll need to know the date of your ceremony, and the location (from the pre approved list) where you want to have your ceremony. 


One thing that’s a little unique about Joshua Tree National Park is that a separate permit is required for photography, so make sure your elopement photographer is aware and knows the rules!

Things to Do When You Elope in Joshua TreE

Eloping means doing whatever you want, and getting married in a way that truly feels right for you! There are so many options for adventure to have when you elope in Joshua Tree, so here are just a few of them.

VISIT PIONEERTOWN

Pioneertown is a unique place that resembles the wild west. Built to be both a movie set and a fully functioning town, the buildings look like old timey saloons, stables, and jails on the outside, but step inside and you’ll find modern interiors and local shops, restaurants, and more!

4X4 TOUR

Taking a 4×4 tour of Joshua Tree National Park allows you to see more in a shorter amount of time, and you can also get to the more remote backcountry locations! This is a fun way to explore on your elopement day, and there are lots of companies offering tours in the area.

HIKING

Joshua Tree National Park has lots of hiking trails, many of which are easy walks through the desert, but there are some hikes that climb up the mountains! This will take you to some of the best views in the park, and is a fun adventure for the day you get married.

STARGAZING

Joshua Tree is so remote, there’s very little light pollution at night – which means you get a pretty incredible view of the stars! On a clear night, you can see the most beautiful display, and what better way to end your wedding day than with a view like that?

Ready to Elope in Joshua Tree?

Joshua Tree is a great elopement location for adventurous couples, and if you want to tie the knot amongst the vast desert landscape, I’m here to make that happen! As an elopement photographer, my job is to create the perfect, personalized just for you day. You bring your ideas, and I’ll bring the location options, recommendations for vendors and things to do, and everything you need to make your dream wedding day a reality!


If you’re ready to elope, contact me to learn more about Joshua Tree elopement packages!