The Best Time of Year to Get Married or Elope in Joshua Tree, CA
I grew up near Joshua Tree and my, possibly semi-biased, opinion is that there’s something very, very magical about this desert. With its striking rock formations, unique Joshua trees, and vast open skies, it’s like nature itself is celebrating your love. It offers both intimacy and an epic landscape that can make your special day truly unforgettable. Joshua Tree delivers on all fronts.
35mm film photo of Joshua Tree’s diverse and luscious landscape. By Kristen Law.
The interesting landscape not only photograph well, but the whole vibe of the day can be painted on the desert canvas so effortlessly. Whether you're envisioning a western-inspired celebration, an edgy rock bride aesthetic, an elevated and classy wedding, or a relaxed hippie desert vibe, Joshua Tree can perfectly capture your vision. Catch my drift?
It is whatever you make it and let me tell you IT ALL WORKS.
But today I’m here, not just convince you that Joshua Tree is the actual sh** for a wedding or an elopement, BUT to tell you the best time of year to help make your wedding dreams come true.
Nathan + Taylor’s Elopement right outside of Joshua Tree National Park.
Alma + Spencer Elopement in Joshua Tree National Park
Whether you’re eloping, hosting a micro wedding, or doing the full blown destination wedding the BEST time of year to do so in Joshua Tree is definitely early spring or early winter. As a professional with a lot of experience shooting here, this is why:
Early Spring + Early Winter - November or March, Ideally
If you’re dreaming of a wedding under clear blue skies, early winter/late spring is your time! During this season, the weather is pleasantly mild. Although it can be chilly in the mornings and evenings, layering outfits adds diversity to your photos as you shed those layers throughout the day.
Picture this: pleasant temperatures, blooming desert flowers, and an inspiring backdrop for your love story.The weather is warm enough to enjoy outdoor festivities, and the vibrant wildflowers add pops of color to your photos.
In November, and even into December, many people take time off during the holidays, making it an ideal time to travel and celebrate. Avoiding weekends means you can enjoy a quieter experience in the park, allowing you to fully soak in the breathtaking winter sunsets and magical starry nights with your loved ones.
Pro tip: to offset the crowds is to plan your wedding or elopement for a weekday and avoid Spring Break weeks.
Gisselle + Ethan Elopement portraits right outside of Joshua Tree National Park with some late afternoon beauty that gave us some soft tones and warm highlights to their album of images.
If you would like to have an April wedding that is totally doable, BUT I would recommend doing it as early in the month as possible in that it gets very very warm the later in the month you go. I shot an elopement here in late April 2024 and it was 96 degrees… just a little toasty.
Benefits of Early Spring + Early Winter Weddings
Why these months? Let’s break it down more!
Comfortable weather: Both early spring and early winter offer perfect temperatures for outdoor ceremonies. You’ll want to be comfortable while saying your heartfelt vows, I promise.
Crowds + space: While it’s true that spring can be busier, don’t stress! Joshua Tree has so much space to explore, allowing you to find a secluded spot that feels just right for your day.
Diverse Photos + landscape changes: Chilly mornings make for diversity in photos: Adding layers to your outfits and shedding as the day goes on can add a dimension and diversity to your dress, suit, or whatever you decide to get married in. Plus, Spring months can bring blooming desert flowers and winter months are more green and luscious.
Availability: Photographers + other vendors may be more available these months. Depending on where they’re located, this tends to be some of the slower months for weddings which allows your dream photographer/videographer time to travel or just simply get you on the books.
Gisselle + Ethan in Joshua Tree National Park
Gina + Nick Elopement shows how fun it is to rent a car for your Joshua Tree Elopement!
Details of a beautiful bridal bouquet on the desert floor from Gisselle + Ethan’s elopement.
Alright we picked the day, how do we plan from here?
Here are some tips to guide your elopement or wedding planning:
1. Permits. Most National and State parks require permits and typically range from $120-$500 depending on group size, date, and location. Here is the link for Joshua Tree National Park Permit Information. Note: this information is for INSIDE the park. There are plenty of areas outside the park that are also very beautiful and do not require permits.
2. Group size. Decide who you want to be there, if anyone, and how many that will be. Most parks only allow ‘elopements’ to be up to 20 people and even smaller in some areas. Some are more flexible, but might start calling it a ‘wedding’ if you pass 20 attendees.
3. Officiant. Who do you want to marry you? Ask them now! Maybe it’s a parent, sibling, best friend, or even your photographer.
4. Marriage License. Check with the county of the location you will elope in, read about their rules and timelines, and apply! Here is the link for marriage license info in San Bernardino County, where Joshua Tree is located.
5. Book your Airbnb/rental. Where you stay will impact your experience. Find a place that is convenient, comfortable, and maybe just a little bougie. Why not, right? If there is a certain place you have been checking out, book. it. now.
PRO TIP: plan to stay for several days leading up to, or after, your elopement to make it an all around relaxing & romantic getaway. Almost like a pre-honeymoon.
6. Get your Vendors. Florist, dress/seamstress, HMUA, photographer, videographer, etc. Start researching and reaching out right away. The most important in the process to get nailed down first will be your photographer because they should be skilled enough to be able help you plan out and walk you through the whole process. If you have one you already love, reach out now and make sure they’re still available.
Whether you dream of an adventurous elopement under the stars or a fun and festive wedding with your loved ones, Joshua Tree has it all. I would love to help you document every beautiful, authentic moment of your journey. Let’s make your vision come to life!!
Ready to start planning? Reach out for more information on how I can best serve you and help document your love story with warm, classic tones. I offer discounts for Joshua Tree weddings and elopements, so reach out if you’ve always been dreaming of getting married here and let’s capture your love story in Joshua Tree.