Joshua Tree Elopement Locations

Joshua Tree Elopement Locations

Joshua Tree National Park features some of the best and most unique sceneries in California — perfect for your one-of-a-kind elopement or micro wedding!

Not only is Joshua Tree home to countless protected Joshua Trees, it’s a staggeringly large park that can easily eat up an entire day of exploring. If you want to see as much as possible, the entry to the park will cover you for multiple days, allowing you to see as much of the park as you can during your wedding getaway.

While many of the spots on our elopement location list are easily accessible with convenient parking and short walks, there is no place you can’t go in this park. But while you can explore almost every inch of Joshua Tree National Park, this area truly is a desert. It’s important to download offline maps on a hiking app like AllTrails and your navigation like Google Maps. Ensure you have the essentials with you at all times like water, food, and protection from the sun. It’s also not a bad idea to have a bag of supplies on hand if you plan on venturing off the beaten path.

Don’t be dissuaded from visiting this park just because it’s a desert. The advice we give about being prepared applies to any outdoor adventure, not just your elopement! In fact, because this area is comprised of two different deserts should be the very reason you visit it. Deserts are often portrayed as large areas full of sand, devoid of any life. While Joshua Tree has plenty of sand, it is made up of three very diverse and lively ecosystems. There are so many unique and beautiful plants, plenty of animals and creatures which call this area their home, and geography that isn’t replicated anywhere else.

When thinking of where to elopement in California, Joshua Tree National Park should be at the top of your list for considering it as a location to get married. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best spots to visit when eloping in Joshua Tree.

Keys View Lookout in Joshua Tree

Keys View is an iconic location in Joshua Tree: if you’re visiting the area for your elopement or micro wedding, you won’t want to miss a sunset here! This spot features ample parking along a cul de sac shaped lookout. The views begin immediately from the parking lot, with options to go up a very mild incline where the views are a little less obstructed. This location is beautiful when the sun is lower in the sky for those super dramatic shots. And as a fun fact, on a clear day, you are able to spot Signal Mountain in Mexico on the horizon! Crowds for Keys View can vary wildly depending on the time of year, day, and time of day. But for any off season spot, it should be on your must go list.

Inspiration Peak Trail in Joshua Tree

Inspiration Peak trail is a moderate hike but with some big payoffs and upsides. Because it’s more of a traditional hike there is a better opportunity for privacy, making it a great spot to adventure to during your elopement. Once you reach the end of this hike, you’re greeted by expansive landscapes which can be even more dramatic at sunrise, sunset, or when there are clouds present. Because of the expanse in this area, it can feel so much more unique compared to some of the other spots in the park. Inspiration Peak is a must visit part of your wedding trip to Joshua Tree.

Skull Rock in Joshua Tree

Skull Rock is very much that, a large rock with a formation resembling a skull. The best feature of this rock are its two cutaways that look like eye sockets. For couples so inclined, a picture of each of you inside a socket makes for a fun pose, or even in front of this marvel of nature.! With the right lighting, having dramatic shadows darkening the cutouts of the rock is key so you’ll want to visit this one when the sun is directly overhead or behind the formation. Skull Rock is also a fave for those who are into bouldering — something you can definitely include during your elopement in Joshua Tree!

Barker Dam in Joshua Tree

Nothing says special like a desert oasis. Barker Dam, depending on the time of year, can accumulate water that makes a great and out of this world backdrop for pictures. This could make a very special spot for your elopement as a stop off when you go to explore for picture taking. The scenery in this area includes a bit more when it comes to variety and has opportunities to see some more creatures than other parts of the park! The hike to Barker Dam is the perfect mix of simple yet varied — and the best times of day to visit Barker Dam during your elopement are in the morning and right before dusk. If you fancy a small detour, you’re able to see some ancient cave paintings near the trail. Talk about magic!

Hidden Valley Nature Trail in Joshua Tree

No, you won’t find any ranch dressing in this area but instead a truly beautiful landscape that showcases so much of what Joshua Tree National Park can offer. There are tall ridges, plenty of Joshua Trees, expansive landscapes, and lots of flora. This spot is great for wandering, having lunch or cake cutting, and taking any pictures during your special day.

Arch Rock Trail in Joshua Tree

Arch Rock is a fairly easy to get to location with no real elevation gain or loss. Parking starts on the other side of the street. Once you make it onto the trail, it’s just a half mile stroll to the arch. Follow the markers that take you to the archway and you won’t be able to miss it. The geography and rock structures are so unique in this location that can make it feel like a sculpture. Arch Rock makes a great backdrop for pictures of you and your new spouse, group pictures, or even as an elopement spot with nature’s arch as your symbolic wedding arch.

Heart Rock Trail in Joshua Tree

For those wanting a fun and quick photo op, Heart Rock Trail is a great option which can even be paired with Arch Rock as part of a loop. This little stroll through the desert starts with nearby parking across the street. Once across, the trail will eventually lead to a fork, hang a left and continue onward. Before very long at all you’ll see an unmistakable heart shaped rock. This little stop off can make a great addition for a first dance, toast, or some cute pictures with whimsy in front of the heart in the desert.

Eloping in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park deserves to be on your shortlist when considering where to get married in Southern California. With plenty of trails to explore, unique views, and nearby Palm Springs for your honeymoon, eloping in Joshua Tree just makes sense!

Do any of these locations speak to you for your national park elopement? Maybe you still aren’t 100% sold. No worries! Get in touch with us and we are happy to craft a list of potential locations for your Joshua Tree National Park elopement that really resonate with you!

Remember, that as your Joshua tree elopement photographers, we are always here to help. Whether you need help looking for Airbnbs in Yucca Valley, the best restaurants in Palm Springs, or seeking an officiant for your Joshua Tree wedding, send us a message!