Tree in Joshua Tree at Sunset.

Looking for the ultimate guide for a Joshua Tree National Park elopement? Your wedding day should be the most incrdible day of your life. Let’s make it that way!

How To Elope In Joshua Tree National Park

In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about planning a Joshua Tree elopement. This includes everything from the most scenic spots for your ceremony to tips on how to make it legal. Anything you need to know about eloping in Joshua Tree.. we’ve got you covered.

Plan your perfect Joshua Tree Elopement.
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places for an elopement.

Plus, we’ll also recommend some great wedding venues near Joshua Tree National Park if you’re looking to extend your celebration.

1. Where To Host Your Joshua Tree Elopement (Locations)

The park is home to some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the country, making it the perfect place to exchange vows. Here are five of the most scenic elopement spots at Joshua Tree National Park in southern California:

➡️ Cap Rock: A romantic and dramatic setting offering sweeping views for your Joshua Tree elopement. The rock formations provide a naturally stunning backdrop and the remote location ensures your elopement will be intimate and private.

Cap Rock is a fantastic place to get married in Joshua Tree.

➡️ Indian Cove Amphitheater: The cove is a secluded spot surrounded by towering rock formations, making it feel like a world unto itself. Plus, the views of the desert landscape are simply breathtaking.

➡️ Hidden Valley: This beautiful spot is located in a remote corner of the park. The valley is surrounded by towering cliffs and boulders, providing an incredible backdrop for your wedding photos.

➡️ Skull Rock: One of the most iconic landmarks in Joshua Tree National Park. The unique rock formations make for an incredible setting for your elopement ceremony.

Skull Rock in Joshua Tree National Park.

➡️ Barker Dam: This is a serene spot located in a remote area of the park. The dam is surrounded by towering cliffs and boulders, providing a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos.

➡️ Cottonwood Spring: A beautiful oasis in the middle of the desert, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The spring is surrounded by towering cottonwood trees, providing a shady and romantic spot for your elopement ceremony.


2. Best Time For A Joshua Tree Elopement

While the park is open year-round, the best time to elope is during the spring (March-May) or fall (October-November). During these seasons, the weather is more comfortable with average highs of 85 degrees. Additionally, the springtime brings wildflowers to the desert, making for a beautiful backdrop for your wedding photos.

Skull Rock In Joshua Tree National Park.
Beautiful purple sky in Joshua Tree, perfect for an elopement backdrop.

But if you want to avoid the crowds, consider a Winter elopement during December – January, or a Summer ceremony between June – September.

Unlike most national parks, Summer is the quietest time of year at Joshua Tree due to the scorching temperatures. So if a Summer wedding has always been your dream, just be mindful of the heat!


3. How Much Does It Cost To Elope In Joshua Tree?

Eloping in Joshua Tree National Park is an affordable destination for couples looking to get married in an exciting and beautiful location. The park offers a wide variety of elopement packages starting at just $500 that can be customized to fit any budget.

The average cost of an elopement at Joshua Tree National Park is between $3,000 and $5,000. This includes the cost of the ceremony, photography, and lodging.

Joshua Tree National Park.

Couples should also keep in mind other expenses such as the wedding permit cost, National Park entry fee, and transportation costs.

Joshua Tree National Park Entry Fee: $30.00 per vehicle.

Special Park Use Permit: $120.00 – This fee must be paid to host your wedding at Joshua Tree National Park, it’s valid for a group of up to 10 people.


4. How To Legally Get Married In Joshua Tree

While eloping can be a spontaneous decision, there are a few things you need to do in order to make sure your wedding is legal.

A beautiful sunset in California's Joshua Tree National Park.

Here are some simple steps to follow to ensure all legalities are covered:

✅ First, couples must obtain a marriage license from a county courthouse.

✅ Next, they need to find an officiant who is willing to perform the ceremony in Joshua Tree National Park.

✅ Finally, the couple must file copies of the marriage certificate with the county clerk’s office and the Joshua Tree National Park ranger station


Joshua Tree Elopement FAQs

We’ve provided a breakdown of our top tips and useful information to ensure your elopement at Joshua Tree National Park takes place without a hitch. But we know getting married is a huge deal and no details should be spared!

So here are a few FAQs to speed up your research:

How Do I Get To Joshua Tree?

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in California located in the Mojave Desert. While Joshua Tree National Park is located just a few hours from Los Angeles, it can be tricky to navigate if you’re not familiar with the area.

The sun glowing off the plants of Joshua Tree National Park.

The best way to get to Joshua Tree National Park is by car. You can take the Joshua Tree exit off of I-10 and then follow the signs to the park entrance.

Which Airport Is Closest To The National Park?

The closest airport is Palm Springs International Airport, which is about an hour away by car. Other airports in the area include Los Angeles International Airport and San Diego International Airport, both of which are about a three-hour drive from Joshua Tree National Park.

However, there are also several small regional airports in the area, including Joshua Tree Airport and Twentynine Palms Airport. 

Where To Stay Near/In Joshua Tree

There are many accommodation options in and around Joshua Tree to choose from. The park is gigantic, so you’ll want to stay somewhere that is closer to the attractions you want to see.

Here are some particularly charming lodging options we’re sure you’ll love:

✔️ The Joshua Tree House: This uniquely situated vacation rental home can accommodate up to 10 guests. The house is surrounded by Joshua Trees and offers stunning views of the desert landscape. The Joshua Tree House is also just a short drive from the Joshua Tree Visitor Center.

✔️ The 29Palms Inn & Spa: An exclusive adults-only hotel that offers a range of luxury amenities. The hotel has an on-site spa, where you can enjoy massages, facials, and body treatments. The 29Palms Inn& Spa is also located close to several restaurants and bars.

Are There Camping Options In The Park?

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most popular camping destinations in the United States with its Joshua trees, desert landscapes, and sprawling rock formations.

Feel free to go camping after your Joshua Tree elopement.

There are nine campgrounds within Joshua Tree National Park, each with its own distinct character. But here are the top three:

✔️ Joshua Tree Village RV Campground: A full-service campground with hookups, showers, and a general store. The campground is situated close to Joshua Tree village, making it a convenient basecamp for exploring the park. 

✔️ Black Rock Campground: Located near the Black Rock Visitor Center. This campground has 89 sites for tents and RVs, as well as flush toilets and showers. The campground is open year-round, but reservations are required from October through May. 

✔️ Hidden Valley Campground: This is a smaller campground with 44 sites for tents and RVs. There are no flush toilets or showers on-site, but it does have vault toilets. The campground is open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis.


Joshua Tree Elopement Vendors, Photographers, and Packages

Joshua Tree offers an abundance of wedding chapels and other picture-perfect elopement locations. With so many fantastic elopement packages to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.

Sunset in Joshua Tree; the perfect background for a special elopement.

If you want to plan your dream elopement at Joshua Tree National Park or have any more questions, please get in touch at: [email protected]

Note: Any photographer, caterer, or vendor you wish to hire for your elopement will also have to file ‘Special Use Permits’ with the park.


Conclusion: The Ultimate Guide To Eloping In Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect destination for couples who want to elope in a mystical desert setting.

Joshua Tree is home to some of the most beautiful and unique scenery in the world. The park also offers a variety of elopement packages that include everything from officiants to photographers.

The desert landscapes are like something out of a storybook, and the sunsets are simply breathtaking. Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect place to begin your life together.