HOW TO ELOPE IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
Eeeeeek I hope this means you're considering getting married in Joshua Tree National Park! It's by far one of the most stunning deserts in the US and remains to hold a very special place in my heart and my “go to” getaway spot. If you love the look of a desert bohemian wedding and a galore of cacti, THIS is the location for you honey!
SO YOU WANT a desert wedding?
Get the damn dress dirty, stop thinking about napkin colors and the crazy guest list debate, start picking which hiking boots you want to wear, which trails you want to explore, which overlook you want to exchange vows and watch the sunset with your lover - find significance. If fighting with your parents about inviting your 4th cousin and staring at wedding magazines isn’t your thing, there are so many other options. Your wedding day should be about YOU and YOUR PARTNER. That means do what YOU want to do, all else aside. If that means inviting 20 of your closest pals to a little nook of the desert at a sick AirBnB with your own Joshua Trees, do that. Find that human connection that sets your soul on fire and have the most perfect day YOU can imagine!
If you’re having something small and intimate or bringing along a few guests, here are the best locations where you can legally have a ceremony *inside* of Joshua Tree National Park:
FINDING YOUR DESERT CEREMONY LOCATION
You’ll be required to obtain a Special Use Permit ($120 nonrefundable) to hold any type of ceremony in Joshua Tree National Park.
Unlike other National Parks in California, the Special Use Permit for Joshua Tree does not cover the commercial permit for your photographer or videographer. You'll need to get an addition permit for each company. These are $120 each as well. This amount may already be added to your photographers or videographers overall price. Don't forget to ask!
Visit the official park website for FAQ’s and more info on Weddings below:
https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm
NATIONAL PARK WEDDING PERMITS AND FEES
You can apply for a marriage license in any county in California. Since there’s no waiting period you could technically file in the morning and be married in the afternoon if it’s a spur of the moment elopement!
The closest County Clerk to Joshua Tree :
San Bernardino County Clerk
Joshua Tree Satellite Office
63665 Twentynine Palms Highway
1st floor
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
On your elopement day you’ll bring your marriage license and the officiant will take care of the paperwork. You’ll need two witnesses to sign the marriage license (that can be your photographer and the officiant or park ranger if there's one around).
GET YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE
WHEN TO VISIT JOSHUA TREE
❥ Spring in Joshua Tree National Park:
One of the best times to visit Joshua Tree National Park. The temperatures are mild, and the wildflowers are blooming. Keep in mind that it does get crowded because of the cool temperatures.
❥ Summer in Joshua Tree National Park:
The least crowded time of year due to the scorching hot temperatures. It is easier to score a great campsite, and this is the best time to view the stars.
❥ Fall in Joshua Tree National Park:
October and November are the best months to visit Joshua Tree National Park. The weather is perfect, and it is less crowded than the Springtime.
❥ Winter in Joshua Tree National Park:
The cold temperatures tend to keep most visitors away, but that doesn’t stop rock climbers from enjoying the park. Every once in a while it does snow, and when it does, it is a great way to get some fantastic photography.
Weddings of 26 to 100 guests
the only option in the park to hold a larger wedding crews
Indian Cove Amphitheater
(no parking in the area, guests need to be shuttled into the amphitheater)
Weddings with 25 or less guests
Hidden Valley Picnic Area
Quail Springs Picnic Area
Cap Rock
Live Oak
Split Rock
Rattlesnake Picnic Area
SET A DATE FOR YOUR STAY
There are so many AirBnBs that can host your elopement crew or provide you and your babe with a completely desolate private honeymoon vibe type of stay — complete with cowboy hot tubs and beautiful starry skies!
Here are a few of my favorite stays that really embody the spirit of Joshua Tree. I’ve been to all of the locations listed and 100% recommend each! Whether you plan to stay in a bungalow or have your very close friends there with you for your ceremony, AirBnB has a TON of places to offer - some even welcome events if you want to host your elopement ceremony at one of these places!
(my personal favorite)
Curated with the most unique pieces of decor I have ever seen, this beautiful place is the home of my dreams! If you also enjoy neutral tones and mountain views, you may also fall in love.
A 3,000 square foot desert castle with lots of room, a private casita, and plenty of outdoor space for guests and activities. Did I say it's also dog-friendly? Reviews say the images on the AirBnB listing don't do it justice.
Situated right beside a mountain, it has a stunning yard and pool area. The designers made this mid century modern design into something really special!
This place is an architectural dream! Also have extra services like private in-home yoga, massages, private in-home meditation/reiki/and south baths, AND a private chef, to make your elopement day easy and convenient.
A super cozy place to relax and enjoy the full Joshua tree experience. Stunning desert overlook and plenty of privacy, outdoor movie theater and pool!
PLACES TO VISIT IN JOSHUA TREE
Natural Sisters (try the apple pie)
Crossroads Cafe
Country Kitchen
Ricochet Vintage
The End
The Integratron
If you have time, I highly recommend getting a sound bath at Integratron - you can Google for reservations.
Pappy + Harriet’s
The best bar with the most memorable music get downs! You may run into a few Joshua Tree loving celebrities while here.
