I think my favorite thing on this planet is to photograph couples in National parks. This desert elopement in Joshua tree was everything and more.
When I got the initial email about this elopement, it was one of those emails that just put the biggest smile on my face. These two are from the PNW but thrive in the desert. They thought to celebrate their love, they should bring their favorite people to their favorite place
Choosing to elope in a national park is such a great idea for so many reasons.
- It usually is less than $200. Here is the permit info specific to Joshua Tree National Park.
- National park elopements can be anything you want them to be. We have so many places that are so easily accessible in the United States that you can pick any location that speaks to you.
- You get to support our national parks by obtaining a permit and the fee goes back into caring for the place you are getting married.
- You have somewhere specific and special to you that you are able to visit whenever you want. Anniversary dates forever.
Leigha had a vision, and she wanted a colorful party with the desert tones. The couple opted to rent out The Station for after their ceremony to have a taco & dance party. This was one of my favorite events to date. The venue, the couple, the national park & the vibe was everything I love about a wedding day.
The ceremony took place with these giant beautiful Joshua trees right as the sun was setting. The had a flower boy. They did a hand-fasting ceremony to celebrate their heritage. And their closest friends and family watched and cheered them on as they said HELL YES!
A desert golden hour in Joshua Tree I’ll never forget…
Time to PARRRTTYYYYY
They surprised everyone with a coordinated dance entrance and from there away we went into the best night ever. I felt like they were the epitome of what a wedding couple should be. They did everything THEY wanted, on THEIR terms, and they had the most fun doing it.
The next day….
YEP, we continued the party by going by doing an adventure session back in the park the following day so they could spend more time just the two of them soaking it in. I loved her outfit change just as much as the original dress!
If this blog hasn’t convinced you to go to Joshua tree, I don’t know if I can. These two days with this sweet couple was such a great time and I would LOVE to photograph more elopements here. Say hey and lets plan your epic day!
