Joshua tree will always have my heart. I mean, with the dramatic landscapes and the massive rock formations… how could it not?! It’s no wonder that this is a super popular spot for weddings and elopements. Mr. and Mrs. Sanchez thought the same! They loved the look of it as much as I do, and their Joshua tree wedding turned out absolutely beautiful. Not to mention, they included a vintage car in their portraits, which is just something straight out of a dream. If you’re dreaming of a Joshua Tree wedding, follow this guide to learn all the best tips to get married here, from me, an experienced Northern California wedding photographer!

Why Choose a Joshua Tree Wedding?

If you’re dreaming of a boho desert vibe or just want your wedding outdoors and surrounded by the gorgeous California scenery, a Joshua Tree wedding might be for you, and I love that for you. I mean, it’s stunning AF, you can make it your own, and it’ll be SO unique. An outdoor desert wedding might not be for everyone, but if it’s for you, you’re kind of my dream client! 

Mr. and Mrs. Sanchez made the desert theirs for their Joshua tree elopement, and it was a straight-up dream. The vintage car, the gorgeous, simple elopement dress (with the prettiest sleeves ever), and the all white florals made this Joshua Tree wedding day feel like paradise. You definitely want to save these photos for inspiration!

The Best Time for a Joshua Tree Wedding

We all know how California weather can be, especially in a desert. Take it from me, you don’t want to be burning up and sweaty during your whole wedding day. With that being said, you should plan your Joshua Tree celebration for sometime between November and May! These months have the mildest weather AND are considered down months for travel, so it won’t be as crowded there when you’re saying ”I do.” If you’re dreaming of those wild desert flower blooms, March and April are going to be the peak season for those! 

Joshua Tree Wedding Locations

Next in line for planning your Joshua Tree wedding: narrowing down the location that feels most like you. There are pretty much endless locations to choose from, each as beautiful as the last! As a Northern California wedding photographer, here are a few of MY faves: 

• Hidden Valley Picnic Area:

This is where you’ll find crazy rock formations, if you’re dreaming of that as your Joshua Tree wedding backdrop. This area is perfect for simple elopements or weddings that will show off that Joshua Tree natural beauty. This spot can hold up to 35 people, so if you’re wanting an intimate wedding with your favorite people, this might be the spot for you!

• Turkey Flats:

This is where you’ll find that classic desert feel, absolutely beautiful for any couple craving a boho vibe on their wedding day! This area? Perfect for any Joshua Tree elopement or intimate wedding. It can also hold up to 35 people, so plan accordingly!

• Rattlesnake Picnic Area:

This is one of my favorites. It has that same desert feel as the Turkey Flats, but with huge rocks making a mountain-esque look directly behind you. I can just picture so many different Joshua Tree wedding vibes here. If you’re wanting an even cozier, more intimate wedding, this spot can hold only up to 20 people. 

• Cap Rock: 

Think vast skies with one big, bold, unique rock structure, and that’s Cap Rock. An iconic landmark and perfect for the couple who wants a little bit of everything in their wedding. And might I add… the sunsets? Absolutely stunning here. This area holds up to 25 people!

• Split Rock:

Split Rock is iconic. Another well-known landmark perfect for a Joshua Tree wedding! This area has more of that rocky feel and, in my opinion, is perfect for a funky couple planning a funky wedding! I can just picture bright, bold colors here. This spot is better for an elopement or a super small wedding, as it can only hold up to 15 people! 

• Lost Horse Picnic Area: 

If you’re dreaming of vast, open land (with the occasional classic joshua tree), Lost Horse might be the best Joshua Tree wedding location for you! It’s a classic Joshua Tree National Park wedding feel, and I’ll never be over it. This one will have to be an elopement location, as its maximum is 10 people!

• Live Oak Picnic Area:

Another rock that forms a mountain-esque backdrop, Live Oak is another one of my favorite Joshua Tree wedding locations as a Northern California wedding photographer. You can do so many different wedding styles here, no matter your inspo! Keep in mind that this one will have to be an elopement as well, with a maximum of 5 people allowed.

How to Get Married in Joshua Tree

Now, we need to talk about logistics for planning your Joshua Tree wedding. Luckily, tying the knot in Joshua Tree is a breeze. Here are the super simple steps!

1. Get your marriage license through the state of California. After you get it, it’s valid for 90 days, so make sure you plan accordingly! Find more general info and register for your marriage license here. Note that Joshua Tree National Park is located in Riverside County and San Bernardino County. 
2. Apply for your special use permit at least 15 days prior to your elopement, but no more than 12 months. You can apply here!
3. Know the rules. A Joshua Tree wedding cannot have extravagant setups, including dried florals, loud music, bubbles, or sparklers. You can bring a small table, a free-standing arch, live florals, and a small rug. 

Grace Thao | Northern California Wedding Photographer

The next step for planning your perfect day: find the perfect photographer (wink, wink). But seriously, if you’re looking for a hype girl that will party with you, capture the moments as they really felt, and deliver you dreamy, film-inspired wedding photos, I’m your girl! Get more Joshua tree wedding inspo from this desert elopement and this boho wedding day. If you’re ready to inquire, click here. I can’t wait to meet you!