Joshua Tree Wedding Photographer
Updated 2024
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.
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.
But there’s more to Joshua Tree than its rugged beauty. This land holds stories from centuries past. Once home to the Cahuilla and Serrano people, the park is sprinkled with ancient petroglyphs and rock art—fascinating reminders of a rich cultural history woven into the landscape.
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.
How to Get Married in Joshua Tree National Park
To get married in Joshua Tree National Park, you will need to obtain a special use permit from the park. The park offers a variety of locations for weddings, including outdoor settings such as picnic areas, overlooks, and natural amphitheaters.
Here is a general overview of the steps you'll need to take to get married in Joshua Tree National Park:
Contact the park to check on availability and to request a permit application. You can do this by calling the park or emailing the park's Special Use Permit Coordinator.
Complete the special use permit application and submit it to the park along with a non-refundable processing fee. Be sure to include details about your wedding plans, including the date, time, location, and number of guests.
Wait for the park to review your application and issue a permit. This process can take several weeks, so be sure to apply well in advance of your desired wedding date.
Obtain a marriage license from the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to get married. In California, you will need to present identification, pay a fee, and wait for a waiting period before you can obtain a marriage license.
Have your wedding ceremony in the park according to the terms of your special use permit. Be sure to have a witness present to make it official.
After the wedding, return the signed marriage license to the county clerk's office to have it recorded.
Permits & Parks Pass
There is a $120 cost to get married in the park for your permit. There is a separate $120 cost for the photography permit - click here to read about how to apply for your permit and to find out more information on getting married in the park. The citation fee for not obtaining a permit for your activity is $500 so please follow the rules and pay to get married here legally. It cost $30 for a 7 day pass to enter the national park for the week. Or you can pay $80 for an annual interagency pass, which gives you access to all U.S. National Parks for the year.
Designated Ceremony Sites
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.
Leave No Trace
Do not attach anything to any cacti, if you bring it in with you, pack it out, no confetti or leaving non-native flowers behind
Timing Tips
Sunrise or sunset will have the best lighting & weather in the park & week days will be less crowded than weekends
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
There’s a couple different ways you could go about incorporating the park in your wedding day:
01) Get a permit to get married in one of the designated locations of the park
02) Rent out one of the houses/venues listed below and get married there, and explore the National Park the day before with your family/friends
03) Get married elsewhere, then rent out a big airbnb right outside the park to celebrate afterwards with your loved ones
04) Do your engagement session or bridals in the park (which you also need a permit for, but I can help with that!)
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!
Joshua Tree Acres: the boho lovers’ dream venue in the desert, featuring 5 vintage airstreams (with access to the most rad clubhouse), a hot tub, outdoor dining under twinkly lights, and only 10 minutes outside Joshua Tree National Park. Rent out the entire property to host your family and friends to celebrate!
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.
These are just a few of the many sites to see in Joshua Tree National Park. No matter what you choose to do, be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the park's natural beauty.
Full Day $8,000
7 hours of coverage, up to 5 locations, 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.
Joshua Tree Wedding Packages
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.
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.
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.