Joshua tree is a magical place to get married, complete with sprawling twisty trees, massive rock formations, and an array of incredible wildlife. Needless to say, there’s no shortage of wedding photography ideas with such a gorgeous desert backdrop.
If you’re considering getting married in Joshua Tree National Park there are a few things you should think about when planning your big day.
The park spans 1,235 mi², leaving no shortage of space to get hitched. But there are a few specific places that stand out and also require a permit.
Another important thing to think about is the weather. Believe me, this wedding photographer has spent a lot of time out in the desert, and there are perfect seasons for a wedding, and others that are more enjoyable while not wearing a wedding dress or tux…
Why I Love Joshua Tree Wedding Photos
Indoor weddings can certainly be stunning, don’t get me wrong, but there’s something special about capturing outdoor weddings – especially in Joshua Tree. The gorgeous lighting combined with the peculiar trees, massive granite formations, and the warm glowing desert tones make for one irresistible scene.
The neutral sandy tones accommodate so many different wedding themes, too – from a Southwestern rustic feel to a free-spirited bohemian vibe. You can keep it simple and relaxed, think minimalist, or contrast the outdoorsy setting with an elegant dress and decor.
Joshua Tree is a magnet for free spirits – particularly ones with an artistic vision. There’s absolutely no limit to your creativity in the desert, which makes for some pretty epic wedding photos, and one happy Joshua tree photographer.
The Best Seasons for a Desert Wedding
In all my days spent as a rock climbing guide in Joshua Tree, I’ve found it is a place best experienced in October and November, and again in February, March, or April.
You can be comfortable in a t-shirt or a parka in the winter, but weather varies from year to year. So, I can’t promise a Southern California wedding will be cozy in December or January. As far as summer months…. Well, the sun is just too toasty for any sane person.
Now, I will edit your photos to make them even more epic, but we can easily avoid blurring out pit stains from sweaty wedding day photography. With days reaching 100 degrees and little shade for reprieve, I recommend sticking to the milder months.
If you plan to say your “I Do’s” in spring you’ll experience beautiful blooming flowers – and even cacti if you’re lucky. And in the fall you can expect gorgeous 80 degree days with mild 50 degree nights. What Joshua Tree lacks in foliage, it certainly makes up for with its awe striking desert views in the fall.
Golden Hour to Colder Hours
Ah yes, the golden hour photos. The highly sought after glow makes for perfect wedding photos just before the sun dips below the horizon. The warm yellows and oranges are hard to beat, and they’re well worth the wait. One thing to remember is the drop in temperature that follows. There’s no need to fear it, just let your guests know they might want an extra layer if you stay around for spectacular sunset Joshua Tree wedding photos.
Where to Get Married in Joshua Tree National Park
And How to Get a Permit
When you’re choosing a location don’t forget to get your permit! Yes, a permit is required for getting married in the park. But not to worry, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. It’s a $120 non-refundable permit that you can purchase here. Just get it at least 30 days before your wedding day.
You’ll need to get additional $120 permits for both your Joshua Tree photographer and caterer if you choose to include them at the celebration. Your fancy permits will allow access to the following locations:
Indian Cove Amphitheater - No more than 100 people and only 1 vehicle
Shuttle your guests in and out of this location
Hidden Valley Picnic Area – No more than 35 people and up to 8 vehicles
Turkey Flats – No more than 35 people and up to 8 vehicles
Cap Rock – No more than 25 people 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
Make sure you check the guest limit and vehicle limit for each location before sending out your wedding invites! If you want a large celebration, Indian Cove Amphitheater is your best bet. Anywhere else in the park will require you to trim down the guest list and host a more intimate wedding.
What If We Don’t Have a Location for Our Joshua Tree Wedding?
Maybe you love the idea of a desert wedding, but don’t know exactly where to celebrate. Some wedding photographers happen to have a wealth of knowledge in this department… especially when they eat, sleep, and breathe desert life like myself.
I’ve criss-crossed this country dozens of times and have a deep knowledge of its secret spots, specifically an intimate knowledge of the Joshua Tree desert. As a climbing guide and wedding photographer in the area, I’ve been fortunate to explore many of the magical places it has to offer.
Let’s talk about your wedding photography ideas, number of guests, and all that jazz. I’m just a phone call or an email away!
What Can I Bring to the Ceremony?
For a proper celebration you’ll need the essentials. Imagine a wedding day without a cake and champagne. What an absolute tragedy that would be…
Fortunately, the park service has approved all of the following items in Joshua Tree National Park (including the cake and champagne):
A free-standing arch
Small table for guest book
Cooler with water
Live flowers
Battery-powered candles
Runner
Rug
Cake
Champagne
Your Wedding Photographer, of course
What NOT to Bring into the Park
To protect the park and critters who live there you’ll have to leave a few items at home. Or at least save them for the reception. But hey, they let you bring cake and champagne, so it’s not a huge deal.
I get it. Bubbles, balloons, smoke bombs, confetti, and rice make for some fun wedding photos, but we’ll have to capture those outside of the park. To keep the wildlife safe and the park clean, you’ll have to get creative with other decor that won’t hang around in the desert after we’re gone.
Battery powered lighting is A-OK, but anything that can start a fire (hello, candles) are a big no-no.
Joshua Tree is home to over 350 animal species and the park service would like to avoid adding to the animal kingdom, so we can’t release live animals like butterflies or doves.
Drones are also prohibited, but I have a solution for this… That high pitched buzz would take away from you living in the moment anyway. So, why not hire a not-so-noisy wedding photographer who can capture your big day with minimal distractions and excellent photography skills?
How to Get to the Desert: Airports Near Joshua Tree
Once you’ve sorted the guest list, think about how they’ll get to you. Planes won’t touch down in the heart of the desert, so a little driving is required for folks who fly in.
If you have friends and family flying, there are six nearby airports in order of drive time to the town of Joshua Tree:
Palm Springs Airport (PSP) – 39 miles
Drive time: 50 minutes
Ontario Airport (ONT) – 88 miles
Drive Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Santa Ana John Wayne Airport (SNA) – 118 miles
Drive Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR) – 142 miles
Drive Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 143 miles
Drive Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Las Vegas McCarran Airport (LAS) – 193 miles
Drive Time: 3 - 3.5 hours
Where Can My Guests Stay?
Are your guests rugged outdoor enthusiasts? If so, they can camp right in Joshua Tree National Park in one of 8 primitive campgrounds with pit toilets, but no water. These can be reserved up to 6 months in advance - check them out here! There are also two RV sites available if anyone is traveling cross country in their rig.
Ok, maybe grandma doesn’t want to crawl into a sleeping bag in the desert – that’s understandable! The town of Joshua Tree has several Airbnbs, hotels, and motels that can accommodate less outdoorsy folks. And if nothing piques their interest in Joshua Tree, then Palm Springs is just a few miles further out with several other lodging options.
Perks of a Desert Wedding
Getting married in the desert can save you money and narrow down the guest list – depending on the location you choose in the park. By default, you’ll have a smaller ceremony since Joshua Tree can’t accommodate crowds of several hundred.
If you keep it small and simple, you’ll have the cost of your permits, and the price of your wedding photographer and your caterer on the day of the wedding. Much cheaper than a venue! Of course, you don’t have to keep things on a tight budget, but a small outdoor wedding can certainly help you do so.
You might also have less drama about who is and isn’t on the guest list. Plus you’ll spend more time with individual guests at the celebration. Big weddings can be overwhelming if that’s not your thing. Consider hugging and thanking 35 guests vs 350. Sounds pretty great, right?
Is a Desert Wedding Right for Me?
As a Joshua Tree photographer and outdoor wedding enthusiast, you could say I’m a little bit biased on the topic of desert weddings. But, it’s your big day and it's a choice for you two to make.
Now that you know a bit more about what it entails to get married in Joshua Tree National Park, you’ll have to decide if it's the right fit for you and the folks on your guest list. Can everyone on the list attend? If your non-local guests don’t mind a flight and a bit of a drive, you’re in luck. As long as everyone can get to you, you’ve jumped the travel hurdle.
With any outdoor wedding, less than ideal weather is a risk you take, but there’s a reason so many couples are drawn to the desert to get married. The stunning views in a wide open space are hard to beat.
All in all, the possibility of a gorgeous sunny desert day followed by a twinkling star filled night makes the risk well worth the reward, I’d say.
I’m excited to work with you!
-Hobo Greg