How to get Married (or elope) in Joshua Tree National Park

If you are looking for an amazing and romantic location to get married or elope, look no further than Joshua Tree National Park.

This stunning park is filled with rocky hills, majestic trees, and gorgeous wildflowers, making it the perfect place to celebrate your love.

Many different locations in the park would be perfect for your special day, so read on to find out more!

Perfect Time of Year to Get Married at National Park

When getting married at Joshua Tree National Park, timing is everything.

Although the park is beautiful at any time of year, some specific seasons are best for tying the knot.

No matter when you choose to marry at Joshua Tree National Park, plan well in advance. This stunning location is incredibly popular and tends to fill up quickly!

Spring Weddings in Joshua Tree National Park

Springtime is a particularly popular time to get married in the park, as the wildflowers are in full bloom and the weather is mild.

If you are planning a springtime wedding, book your venue early. The park is stunning at this time of year, and you will want to ensure you get the perfect spot!

Summer Weddings in Joshua Tree

Summer is another great time to get married at Joshua Tree National Park.

Although it can be quite hot during the day, the evenings are cooler, making them absolutely perfect for a summertime wedding.

Fall Weddings in Joshua Tree

If you want to avoid crowds, autumn is a great option. The cool temperatures make it a perfect time for a rustic outdoor wedding.

Fall is my favorite time of year in Joshua Tree National Park.

Winter Weddings in Joshua Tree

Although winter is one of the busiest times of the year at Joshua Tree National Park, it is still a beautiful time to get married.

The temperatures are cool, and the landscape is simply magical.

No matter what time of year you decide to get married, Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect place to Exchange your vows. With its stunning landscape and unique venues, Joshua Tree National Park is a truly one-of-a-kind place to get married. Book your venue early to ensure you get the perfect spot for your special day

Getting a Permit

If you are planning to get married at Joshua Tree National Park, you must follow the rules of the park.

The first and most important step in a National Park wedding or elopement is to obtain a Special Park Use Permit. If you do not get a permit, you can be fined $500.

Whether you are eloping or having a larger ceremony, you will need this permit.

The cost of the wedding application is $120.00 and is non-refundable. Additional costs can vary depending on the size of your wedding and location.

If you are hiring a professional photographer or caterer, they must obtain a separate Special Use Permit.

You will still need to pay the entrance fee to the park, as will your guests.

On your permit application, you will name the location where you want to have your ceremony held.

You will need to wait until you hear back from the NPS before planning any more weddings to ensure that your permit is approved.

In addition to the special permit fee, some locations have other associated fees. Be sure to check all of the rules for each location.

Getting a California Marriage License

You must have a valid marriage license before your wedding date. Joshua Tree National Park is in San Bernadino County, California. Click this link to see the marriage license requirements.

Choosing a Location to Get Married in National Park

Choosing a location for your elopement or wedding ceremony is the most special and personal part of planning.

Find a spot that is special to you and your partner. Maybe you met in the park or had your first date there.

Or maybe you love hiking and being outdoors and want to get married somewhere that represents who you are as a couple.

You can not just get married “anywhere” in the park; you must choose from a specific list of locations.

Indian Cove Amphitheater

Guest Limit: 100 people

Vehicle Limit: You are only allowed to have 1 vehicle, so you must plan a shuttle to get your guests to and from your ceremony.

Details: If you’re looking for a larger ceremony with your friends and family, Indian Cove Amphitheater is the perfect spot. The amphitheater is surrounded by a beautiful desert landscape, making it the perfect backdrop for your special day.

Hidden Valley Picnic Area

Guest Limit: 35 people

Vehicle Limit: up to 8 vehicles

Details: If you’re looking for a smaller, more intimate wedding ceremony, the Hidden Valley Picnic Area is the perfect spot. This secluded area is surrounded by large rock formations and Joshua trees, making it the perfect setting for your special day.

The picnic area is a short walk from the Hidden Valley Nature Trail Trailhead, so you can easily access it without driving.

Plenty of picnic tables and grills are available, as well as a paved parking area and sidewalks with access to the pit toilets.

Turkey Flats

Guest Limit: 35 people

Vehicle Limit: up to 8 vehicles

Details: Turkey Flats is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a rustic wedding ceremony. This peaceful area is quiet and provides ample views and wide open spaces, making it a one-of-a-kind location for your wedding.

There is plenty of room for up to 35 guests, and you can even have your reception in the park after the ceremony.

Cap Rock

Guest Limit: 25 people

Vehicle Limit: 8 vehicles

Details: Picture this: you and your partner standing at the foot of Cap Rock, taking in the gorgeous view of the boulders before you.

You’re surrounded by your closest friends and family, all there to witness your marriage and celebrate this special day with you.

The sun is shining bright overhead and the warm desert breeze is blowing softly through the Joshua trees. It doesn’t get much more romantic than this.

Cap Rock is easily accessible and has toilets, picnic tables, and BBQs right there as well.

Rattlesnake Picnic Area

Guest Limit: 20 people

Vehicle Limit: 8 vehicles

Details: If you’re looking for an intimate wedding ceremony with just the closest of friends and family, Rattlesnake Picnic Area is a great spot. Nestled in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park, this area provides stunning views of the desert landscape.

There’s plenty of room for up to 20 guests, and picnic tables and BBQs are available if you want to have a reception right there in the park after your ceremony.

Quail Springs Picnic Area

Guest Limit: 15 people

Vehicle Limit: 8 vehicles

Details: If you were to get married at Quail Springs Picnic area, your ceremony would be surrounded by beautiful Joshua trees, small shrubs, and large rock formations.

There are plenty of picnic tables and grills for your reception, and pit toilets are also available. Several trails start from this area, so you and your guests could take a walk after the ceremony.

Split Rock

Guest Limit: 15 people

Vehicle Limit: 5 vehicles

Details: Split Rock is a trailhead and small picnic area nestled among rock formations up a short dirt road from Park Boulevard.

The trailhead provides access to Split Rock Loop, a 2.5-mile loop that connects with other trails and has an elevation gain of 150 feet.

Trees shade the picnic area, and it has several picnic tables, making it the perfect spot for a small, intimate ceremony.

Porcupine Wash

Guest Limit: 12 people

Vehicle Limit: 4 vehicles

Details: Porcupine Wash is located about 8 miles from the Cottonwood Entrance of the park. The views include dunes and the Pinto Mountains. This is a great spot for small, intimate ceremonies.

Lost Horse Parking Lot

Guest Limit: 10 people

Vehicle Limit: 4 Vehicles

Details: The Lost Horse Mine is a former gold mine in Joshua Tree National Park, in the Little San Bernardino Mountains.

It was operated from 1895 until 1961. The mine is accessible via a 2.5-mile hike from the Lost Horse Parking Lot.

The mine is a popular wedding spot due to its picturesque setting and history.

Live Oak Picnic Area

Guest Limit: 5 people

Vehicle Limit: 3 vehicles

Details: The Live Oak Picnic Area is the perfect place for an intimate wedding ceremony. This secluded area, with its large rock formations and Joshua trees, will make your special day special.

Live Oak Picnic Area is about 2 miles from Pinto Basin Road along Park Blvd.

Picnic tables and grills are available, as well as a paved parking area and sidewalks leading to the pit toilets.

Planning the Logistics

Now that you have picked the perfect location for your Joshua Tree wedding, it’s time to start planning the logistics.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your wedding or elopement:

1. You must obtain a Special Park Use Permit to get married in Joshua Tree National Park. The cost of the permit is $120 and is non-refundable.

2. You will need to choose a location for your ceremony. Some popular locations include Arch Rock, Ryan Mountain, and Cottonwood Spring.

3. You must ensure you have enough time to set up and take down your ceremony. Joshua Tree National Park requires all weddings and elopements to be completed within 4 hours.

4. You must ensure you have enough parking for your guests. If you have a large wedding, you may need to rent a shuttle to transport your guests to and from your ceremony site.

5. You will need to clean up after your ceremony. Joshua Tree National Park requires that all couples leave their ceremony site the way they found it.

6. You must obtain a marriage license from the county courthouse. To do this, you must be 18 or older and have a valid ID.

7. You will need to make sure your guests are aware of Joshua Tree National Park’s rules. The park requires that all visitors follow the Leave No Trace principles.

8. You must ensure you are prepared for the weather. Joshua Tree National Park can be very hot during the summer, so it is important to have plenty of water for your guests.

9. You will need to have a backup plan in case of bad weather. If there is a chance of rain, you may want to move your ceremony indoors.

10. Relax and enjoy your special day! Planning a wedding can be stressful, but remember to take a deep breath and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Hiring a photographer

When choosing a photographer for your Joshua Tree wedding, finding someone with experience shooting in a desert environment is important.

You will want to make sure they are familiar with Joshua Tree National Park’s rules and regulations and can work within the time constraints of your ceremony.

Finding a photographer who shares your vision for your wedding is also important. You will want to make sure they understand the style and mood you are going for, and they will be able to capture all the special moments of your day.

Hiring an Officiant

An important part of the planning process is having an officiant who shares your beliefs and ideas for your wedding.

You will want to find someone who is comfortable performing ceremonies in Joshua Tree National Park and who is familiar with the park’s rules and regulations.

It is also important to find an officiant whom you connect with on a personal level. This person will be responsible for making your ceremony special, so you will want to make sure they are someone you feel comfortable with.

Understand the Details

When getting married at Joshua Tree National Park, it is important to know the rules and regulations that must be followed. You’ll need to follow specific guidelines when planning decorations for your ceremony.

These rules are implemented to help preserve the delicate landscape and wildlife the park protects.

It is also important to note that certain items are not permitted in the park, including:

Drones, dried flowers, candles that are not battery-powered, bubbles, live animals, confetti, rice, birdseed, balloons, and smoke bombs are not allowed in the park.

However, several things are allowed, including a small table for your guest book, a cooler with water, live flowers, battery-powered candles, a runner, a rug, cake, and champagne.

So, before you start planning your big day, be sure to familiarize yourself with Joshua Tree National Park’s rules and regulations. This will help ensure that your wedding goes smoothly.

Where to Stay after you get married at Joshua Tree National Park

There are many wonderful places to stay near Joshua Tree National Park, including vacation rentals, glamping options, and luxury resorts.

Here are a few ideas if you want to spend your honeymoon around Joshua Tree:

Conclusion: National Park Elopements and Weddings

Joshua Tree National Park is a wonderful option for eloping or getting married in a national park.

The park offers beautiful landscapes and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, and it is easy to find accommodations nearby.

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but remember to take a deep breath and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Your guests will love celebrating your nuptials in such a unique setting, and you’ll have memories that will last a lifetime.

How to get Married (or elope) in Joshua Tree National Park

Perfect Time of Year to Get Married at National Park