Joshua Tree Wedding Photographer
Updated for 2025
Your Joshua Tree Photographer
I’m Andie—a true desert enthusiast, here to capture love stories that are anything but ordinary. There’s something absolutely electric about Joshua Tree National Park, a place that’s wild, free, and perfect for those who want to do things their way. Picture this: the sun sinking low, casting its glow across towering boulders and iconic Joshua trees, creating a landscape as bold and beautiful as the love you share.
Joshua Tree is the kind of place that lets you be fully present with each other, whether you’re sneaking away for an intimate vow exchange or sharing a heartfelt day with close family and friends. From the natural amphitheater vibes of Hidden Valley to the dramatic silhouettes at Cap Rock and the quirky formations at Skull Rock, every spot here has its own magic. And, of course, I’m here to make sure we find the perfect setting for every part of your day.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through why Joshua Tree is a perfect blend of natural beauty and raw adventure. With years of experience here, I’ll help you navigate every detail, from permits to the best local vendors. You’ll have the support to fully immerse yourselves in this moment and let your story unfold in one of the most unforgettable places on earth.
Two Ways to Get Married in Joshua Tree
Get a permit to get married in one of the designated locations of the park and celebrate in an airbnb that evening.
Book a wedding venue and get married there, and explore the National Park the day before with your family and friends. We can still go into the park on your wedding day for portraits.
Why get married in Joshua Tree National Park?
Joshua Tree National Park is pure magic—a rugged desert oasis where the sky feels infinite, and the landscape feels like something out of a dream. Tucked away just a couple of hours east of LA, this 790,000-acre sanctuary is more than just a park; it’s a playground for adventurers, dreamers, and anyone looking to escape into a world that’s totally, beautifully unique.
Named after the spiky Joshua Trees that stretch their limbs toward the sun, the park is filled with strange and wonderful sights, from towering boulder formations to rare desert flora and fauna. Imagine golden sunsets bouncing off iconic spots like Hidden Valley’s rock “hallways” or Skull Rock’s quirky, sculpted face. And when night falls? The stars blaze bright across the desert sky in a show you won’t find anywhere else.
Joshua Tree is open year-round, though the cooler months from October through April are the perfect time to explore without the intense summer heat. There are some incredible camping spots under star-filled skies, and nearby towns offer everything from boho-chic Airbnb hideaways to funky, eclectic cafes and shops. Whether you’re choosing to get married here to spend your free time rock climbing, exploring, or just soaking in the desert vibe, Joshua Tree is a place that captures hearts—and keeps you coming back.
Joshua Tree Wedding Venues
The Ruin Venue: an eclectic desert paradise for engaged couples to host their wedding day! This property boasts unique architecture, a pool, epic outdoor wedding space, modern interior design, and more!
The Joshua Tree House: one of my favorite airbnbs! They offer 3 different houses (which can sleep up to 14 total) if you wanted to have an intimate elopement on the property or inside the park, but to have a great space for your family & friends to come back to or to spend the weekend together here. Their homes boast incredible boho and desert inspired features.
Sacred Sands: located just outside of the west entrance, this is an awesome option for larger weddings! Accommodating up to 100 guests, this venue has amazing backdrops all the way around and plenty of outdoor space to host your party.
Tumbleweed Sanctuary: a restored historic property in Yucca Valley on 8 acres of land. This venue is an inspiring place for people to come together and celebrate the occasion! You’ll feel like you’re INSIDE the national park with the amount of Joshua Trees on this gorgeous property.
Joshua Tree National Park Sites
Here are a few of the most popular and iconic attractions:
Arch Rock: an easy 1.3 mile loop with only 100ft elevation change (takes about 30 minutes)
Cholla Cactus Garden: The Cholla Cactus Garden is a dense stand of cholla cacti located near the park's west entrance. It is a popular spot for photography and offers a unique desert landscape.
Skull Rock: the whole trail is an easy 1.7 mile loop with 160ft elevation gain, a pretty crowded touristy area though.
Hidden Valley: Hidden Valley is a small, secluded valley located in the park's Wonderland of Rocks area. It is a popular spot for rock climbing and offers a beautiful setting for hiking and picnicking.
Cap Rock: one of the main permitted areas to have your ceremony or photos done in the park.
Key’s View: Key's View is a lookout point located on the park's highest peak, with panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and the surrounding mountains.
Joshua Tree National Park Wedding Checklist
Thinking about saying “I do” surrounded by boulders, desert light, and dreamy Joshua Trees? You’re not alone—and yes, it’s totally doable! You’ll just need a special use permit to make it official inside Joshua Tree National Park. Here’s the no-fluff breakdown:
1. Choose your spot: From iconic spots like Hidden Valley and Cap Rock to more tucked-away trails and overlooks, the park has a handful of designated wedding locations (yep, you can’t just pick any rock to climb on). I can help you find the right fit for your guest count and vibe.
2. Apply for a Special Use Permit: You’ll need to contact the park’s Special Use Permit Coordinator by phone or email to request the application. You’ll fill it out with your wedding details—date, location, time, number of guests—and submit it along with a small non-refundable fee (usually $120–$150). The park can take a few weeks to process everything, so plan ahead!
3. Get your marriage license: You’ll need a marriage license from any California county. (San Bernardino County is the closest to the park.) Bring valid ID, be ready to pay a fee, and no waiting.
4. While visiting, Leave No Trace: This desert is delicate and sacred—so we tread lightly! No confetti, rice, flower petals, or anything you can’t pack out, don’t attach anything to the Joshua trees or cacti, and stick to existing paths—no off-roading or trampling sensitive soil. Together, we’ll keep this place beautiful and wedding-ready for future couples!
5. I’ll help plan your timeline: at sunrise and sunset the light is soft, the temps are cooler, and the vibes are unbeatable. And don’t forget — weekdays are way quieter than weekends, which means fewer strangers photobombing your vows.
Vendor Referrals
Florals: Foxtail Florals, Cultivated by Faith
Styling & planning: Wild Heart Events , Wilder Events Co, Plan Prep Party, After the Engagement, Love & Luxury Events
Officiant: Desert Rose
Joshua Tree Wedding Packages
Golden Hour $5,000
2.5 hours of coverage, 1-2 locations, consecutive coverage only, includes any necessary photography permits and travel fees, and comes with help planning your timeline, locations, vendors, and more.
Half Day $6,500
4 hours of coverage, up to 3 locations, consecutive coverage or pay $250 extra for split coverage, includes any necessary photography permits and travel fees, and comes with help planning your timeline, locations, vendors, and more.
Full Day $8,500
8 hours of coverage, split coverage throughout the day to cover all of your activities and plans, includes any necessary photography permits and travel fees, and comes with help planning your timeline, locations, vendors, and more.
Recent Joshua Tree Work
When a hippy and cowboy meet up in the desert to elope - you know it’s going to be a good time. Check out their 70’s inspired western elopement in Joshua Tree National Park.