Table of Contents:
- About The National Park
- How to get to Joshua Tree National Park
- The National Park’s Elopement Permits & Fees
- Top 5 spots for your Joshua Tree National Park Elopement
If you want to elopement in a National Park, but don’t want that typically foresty mountain look. This might just be the National Park for you. Joshua Tree NP is settled perfectly between wide open desert landscape, and a few towns close enough to adventure in while you’re there. In this blog, I’ll give you all the information you need to start planning for your Joshua Tree NP elopement now. Let’s jump right in!
About The National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is a vast rocky desert covered in uniquely grown cactus looking trees called Joshua Trees, hence the name. These “trees” are actually a type of slow-growing succulent native to the Southwestern United States. The park is about an hour away from the nearest airport in Palm Springs, California, which we will touch on later. Joshua Tree National Park offers a rather “out of this world” experience as if you are exploring around an alien planet. This is a perfect elopement location for couples wanting a distinctive look for their big day, but still within a city’s reach.
How to get to Joshua Tree National Park
If you are flying into California to get to the park, you have a few different airport options.
(PSP) Palm Springs International Airport – linked here. This is the one I’ve flown into & would recommend since it is the closest airport to Joshua Tree.
(ONT) Ontario International Airport – linked here. A good option right in between PSP & LAX.
(LAX) Los Angeles International Airport – linked here. An option however, it’s roughly 2-3 hours away from Joshua Tree.
Once you’ve traveled over to Joshua Tree you’ll notice the park only has three main entrances. The first being the West Entrance located off of highway 62 taking you through the town of Joshua Tree. Keep in mind this is the Main Entrance to the park so it can get congested on weekends. All the more reason to elope on a weekday. Less visitors, less stress, and more time to explore. The secondary option is the North Entrance (also know as the Twentynine Palms Entrance) it’s also off of highway 62. This entrance is a great option if you’re looking to beat some of the crowd or you are coming from the Las Vegas side. The third option is the South Entrance located just off of interstate 10, and a good option if you’re on the bottom of the park.
The National Park’s Elopement Permits & Fees
In order to officially tie the knot in Joshua Tree National Park you need a special use permit. The permit has a $120 non-refundable application fee required for your activity to be considered. In short, you need this special use permit approved & ready to go 15 days prior to your event date. This permit is also required to be with you during your elopement. You can find more information on how to fill out & submit that form linked here. Keep in mind the time of year you want to elope, and how far in advance you may need to apply for the special use permit!
Don’t forget about your marriage license! Now the park itself does not require you to have it for your elopement, only the special use permit needs to be with you. However, when registering for your marriage license, Joshua Tree National Park is located within Riverside County and San Bernardino County. Make sure to research your specific marriage license requirements when eloping. If you book with me, these are all details I can help you with! Inquire Now.
The usual gate fee for Joshua Tree National Park is $15-$35 for a 7 day private vehicle pass. Car pooling is always recommended! Tip – I would recommend going early in the morning to beat the crowds or even during the week versus the weekend.
Top 5 spots for your Joshua Tree National Park Elopement
Joshua Tree National Park is a vast 795,156 acres of desert landscape filled with rigid rock formations, various species of cacti, & is surrounded by distant mountains. You really can’t go wrong with any specific location you choose. Just make sure to be mindful of the group size for your elopement. I’ll be referring to locations meant for a more intimate “just the couple style” elopement.
Hidden Valley Area – A mixture of rock formations & Joshua Trees. (High traffic area, but can get away from crowds.)
Turkey Flats Area – A more wide open area with mountains in the distance. (Great for stargazing)
Cap Rock Area – Unique shaped large rock for those stand alone pictures.
Rattlesnake Area – Nestled right between rock formations. (Watch for snakes!)
Live Oak Area – Another unique shaped formation of three-teired rocks together.
Check out some more locations in Joshua Tree National Park – linked here.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this quick How to Elope in Joshua Tree National Park guide, and feel more confident in planning your dream elopement out here. It’s an honor and joy I get to document elopements in the most unique & beautiful places.
If you’re still on the hunt for an elopement photographer…I’d love to chat with you some more! Inquire with the link you see HERE, or have a look around my website & inquire through my contact page.
