You’ve probably been mindlessly scrolling on Pinterest one day and have come across a pretty common theme, especially when it comes to wedding inspo. Which by the way, if you haven’t followed us on Pinterest yet, what are you doing?!?! What we’re talking about though are deserts. Hundreds of thousands of wedding inspirations all took place in the middle of dirt nowhere, desert. More specifically, Joshua Tree National Park. It has become all the rage when it comes to elopements and with good reason. We know and have experienced the true hype of Joshua Tree. However, trying to plan your elopement in Joshua Tree National Park can be a bit of a task. You have to know the ins and outs, and the top secret tips in order to plan your elopement. Don’t worry though, we are your wedding planning fairy godmothers!

What Is Joshua Tree National Park?

Joshua Tree National Park is a national park that is the perfect blend of two separate deserts. The Mojave and the Colorado desert that all come together in one wrapped-up package to make Joshua Tree National Park. This beautiful destination spot is highly coveted by many couples, and with good reason. It is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. However, before you run off to get married here at Joshua Tree it’s important to know exactly where you can head to.

Wedding Venues in Joshua Tree National Park

Believe it or not, you can’t just hop into the Joshua Tree National Park and perform a ceremony. I know, I know how inconvenient. Lucky for you though, I’ve put together a list of some of the locations permitted for weddings inside of Joshua Tree National Park.

Indian Cove Ampitheater

• No more than 100 people total and only 1 vehicle. For an example of a beautiful wedding held at the Indian Cove Amphitheater, check out this blog post by Junebug Weddings – just click here!

Hidden Valley Picnic Area

• No more than 35 people total and up to 8 vehicles. For an example of a beautiful wedding held at the Hidden Valley Picnic Area, just click here!

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. For an example of a beautiful wedding held at Cap Rock, check out this blog post written by The Shalom Imaginative.

Rattlesnake Picnic Area

• No more than 20 people and 8 vehicles.

Split Rock

• No more than 15 people and 5 vehicles. For more Joshua Tree wedding inspiration at Split Rock, check out this blog post written by Wildly Collective – just click here!

Porcupine Wash

• No more than 12 people and 4 vehicles.

Live Oak Picnic Area

• No more than 5 people and 3 vehicles.

If you want more detailed information about the different wedding venues in Joshua Tree National Park, then just click here and scroll to where it says “Wedding Locations”.

Private Airbnb

Last but certainly not least, we have the private Airbnb option. Renting our your own private Airbnb for your elopement in Joshua Tree National Park may just be exactly what you need. It gives you a much more intimate setting and you also can get a bit more creative with your space. This is the perfect option if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option in designing your wedding. Getting an Airbnb that allows you to use the space as it’s center-stage gives you the option to have rentals, table placements and such play a major supporting role in turning your wedding vision into a reality.

You can check out a few amazing Airbnb’s that are available for reservations at Joshua Tree National Park here:

Seven Arches (where this Joshua Shoot wedding took place)

Hilltop Oasis

Modern Desert Oasis

Desert Mountain Getaway

Permits

To get married in Joshua Tree National Park, you’re first going to need to acquire a wedding permit! Like a good majority of National Parks, you most likely will need to obtain a Special Use Permit in order to perform a wedding or ceremony. The Special Use Permit for Joshua Tree National Park is currently $120. This also includes your planner/photographer or any other vendor that may be attending your wedding. If you don’t obtain a permit, you are subject to a citation fee of $500. So please…. get your permits. If you’ve been wanting to get married at Joshua Tree National Park or want more information about permits required, just click here!

Marriage License

Before having an official wedding at Joshua Tree National Park, you will also need to obtain a marriage license! Now lucky for you, you don’t need to be a California resident to get married at Joshua Tree. However, you do need to obtain a marriage license from San Bernardino County. That is the county where Joshua Tree National Park is. For your marriage to be considered a legal marriage, it also must be performed by a recognized wedding officiant. While all of this may seem like a lot to have a simple ceremony in the desert, trust me when I tell you it’s completely worth it. For more information on how to obtain a marriage license from San Bernardino County, just click here!

What to Wear to Your Desert Elopement

If you’re looking to elope in Joshua Tree National Park, then there are a few necessities that you’re going to need. Hey – we are talking about the desert here! The main priority is that you’re able to walk around and get what you need to get done, aka get married. When we are thinking about a wedding of course we are wanting to dress cute, however we also need to be practical. Here are a few of my tips & tricks if you’re looking to elope in the desert.

• Make sure you can walk in the sand and rocks: Being able to walk around is so important! Ideally you would want to stick to close toed shoes, but if your heart desires those open toes just be a bit more careful. Comfort + cuteness over here.
• Beware of long trains & veils: Out in the desert you are bound to meet a few cacti, and with those long trains and veils I can promise you they will become a cactus’ BFF. Just be weary if you’re planning on having that elegant flow as this can be an outcome!
• Bring something warm to cover yourself: Yes, I understand that we are out in the desert but unless you’re in Joshua Tree National Park in the middle of summer it can get cold there too! Winds can really pick up in the desert and leave you feelin’ a bit chilly, so a shawl or jacket to cover up will SAVE you. Trust me!

Plan Your Elopement in Joshua Tree National Park

At the end of the day, all we want is to make sure you have to most picturesque and perfect elopement at Joshua Tree National Park. Making sure you are prepped and know how to plan your elopement in Joshua Tree National Park is key! Especially if you know exactly where to start. However, if you’re at the point where everything is totally and completely overwhelming you, we get it! That’s why we’re here. Planning a wedding can get frustrating sometimes, however that’s quite literally our job! If you’re planning on eloping in Joshua Tree National Park or anywhere for that matter (since we LOVE to travel), click here and let’s chat details!