Joshua Tree Wedding Photographer
Joshua Tree…a land of mystical boulder stacks and giant yucca.
Of all the places I have traveled, Joshua Tree holds a special attachment. In fact, after years of full-time travel, I decided to settle here in a home among the Mojave Desert. There’s something to the dry air here that smells of creosote, the blooming cactus flowers in spring, the chilly nights, and wide open desert landscape.
It is an absolute wonder of a place, a feeling that’s impossible to describe. There’s a mystical draw to the area, and it’s why artists and outcasts seem to flock here.
For couples who want something a little outside the norm, for those who break traditions, for those who are drawn to the wide open expanse of the Mojave desert. Joshua Tree is such an ideal place to get married.
How to get married in Joshua Tree National Park
If you’re eloping or having a small group of family & friends with you for your wedding, the wild landscape of the National Park makes for a stunning backdrop for your ceremony. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also easy + affordable. Weddings in the park cost a whopping $120 for a permit for a designated site.
You can apply for a wedding permit online here. Designated wedding sites include Indian Cove, Cap Rock, Split Rock, Quail Springs, and several other epic sites filled with boulders and Joshua Trees. Each site varies in how many people and vehicles it can accommodate, so check their website before applying for a permit!
And if you’re not one to rough it, there are also some gorgeous venues and beautiful works of architecture to hold you and your guests for a beautiful wedding.
Where to stay in Joshua Tree California
Joshua Tree is a hub for incredible Airbnbs, many of which have been published in architecture magazines. There’s something to the desert landscape that draws architects, designers, and artists. There are ranch-style homes straight out of the 50s, vintage airstream trailers, and modern architectural feats that blend seamlessly into the landscape. As a bonus, many of these places can work well as a spot for an intimate reception or dinner outdoors with the family and friends. Here are a few of my favorite Airbnbs!
And if you would prefer a hotel for you and your guests here are a few of my favorites:
29 Palms Inn
Best Time of year to Visit Joshua Tree
As you can imagine, the Mojave desert gets pretty warm in the summer time. However, the weather is especially gorgeous in the Spring and Fall. March-May yeilds an incredible spring bloom, especially after a wet winter. The Joshua trees begin to fruit, the cholla cactus begin to flower, and the wide array of colorful desert wildflowers blooming is a site worth seeing. Spring tends to be the busiest time of year for the park, but for good reason. The fall is beautiful as well because the temperatures die off and so do the tourists. Summer is hot during the day, but because it’s so dry here, the temps cool off significantly around sunset and after dark!
Winter is also not to be looked over. The days are sunny and dry. Winter is the best time to visit to avoid crowds and be more likely to snag one of the coveted campsites in the park. And if you’re lucky, you might be there on one of the rare days that it actually snows in the high desert!
Best Wedding Venues in Joshua Tree california
For a larger wedding, there are several venues in the Joshua Tree area that are architecturally beautiful buildings set into the landscape of the desert.
Can I take Engagement Photos in Joshua Tree national park?
Joshua Tree is an absolutely gorgeous place to take engagement photos. You do still need a permit, and it’s the same $120 permit you apply for with a wedding. The locations are the same, though with engagements you likely have a bit more freedom to hike around a bit since you won’t be in a wedding dress/suit.
Why the mojave desert?
I visited Joshua Tree for the first time ten years ago when my brother was stationed at the military base there. I was immediately enchanted, and have since gone back on many personal trips.
I’ve traveled all over the world and despite my best efforts, I have never found another place like Joshua Tree. The high desert is home.
Joshua Tree is a place I love dearly, one I frequent often, and one I would love to share with you.
For more inspiration, here are a few of my favorite weddings from Joshua Tree.
