Your Joshua Tree Wedding

A Joshua Tree wedding is certainly something to remember, and one of the most fun weddings to photograph.  Like an island, this town is a little haven all its own, surrounded by the high deserts of Southern California.  Located where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts meet, Joshua Tree is a  great place to unwind, and take a step back from the hustle of reality.  Filled with perfect little AirBnB’s. hotels, and off-grid camping for the more adventurous, Joshua Tree is waiting for you.  Authentic restaurants, artists shops, and magical healers are waiting to help you relax and reconnect with your boo thing.

How to get to Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree is about a two and a half hour drive via the highway from both San Diego and Los Angeles. It is also an hour’s drive from Palm Springs.  You can fly into any of these airports and snag a rental car.  Make sure you get a vehicle that can handle a bit of desert off-roading!  It may cost you a little more for the flight into Palm Springs as it’s a smaller airport than LAX or SAN, but it’s a much shorter drive if you’re pressed for time or just don’t want to deal with a long drive after a flight.

No matter what way you go, you drive through some of the most beautiful scenery you can imagine.  It’s hard to believe that Joshua Tree is two hours from some of the most sophisticated cities in the world.  Classic Westerns like the Gene Autry Show and Gunsmoke come to mind as you travel through the rugged California countryside. 

Where to Stay for Your Joshua Tree Wedding

Joshua Tree and the surrounding towns are full of small yet gorgeous stopovers. Amazing hotels and AirBnBs make ideal destinations for your wedding in Joshua Tree.  Whether you’re looking for a getaway for two or a family celebration, this desert destination meets everyone’s needs. Here are some of our favorites!

A short drive from Joshua Tree, Miracle Springs Resort and Spa looks out over the beautiful Coachella valley. Natural hot springs welcome you and allow the world to melt away. This gorgeous hotel offers all the amenities of a four star resort while being small enough to feel like home.  Miracle Springs can also host your entire wedding.

Casita is an AirBnB like no other. This private escape is a 2 BR 2 bath 1958 hacienda, that can host 4 people. Explore the gardens and 900 acres of government-owned land that meets the backyard. Casita is just a short 20 minute drive to Joshua Tree Park

Another amazing AirBnB is the Joshua Tree Desert Retreat. This place is a Coachella fever dream. Full of exposed beams and natural light, this 4 BR home is one of our favorites. Located just outside the West entrance to the National Park, the Retreat is sure to be a hit. 

More than meets the eye waits for you at Esmeralda Oasis AirBnB. Right in the town of Joshua Tree, this 3 BR home is designed to make you feel miles away from civilization. With attention to detail and your needs in mind, the Esmerelda is an ideal getaway. Hot and cold tubs invite you to sit out under the stars and relax.

Exploring Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree and the surrounding towns are full of natural and man-made wonders. Take some time to discover this beautiful area during your stay. Full of local art and history, this town is waiting for your to discover all it has to offer. With hiking trails, unique shops, and amazing views, Joshua Tree is your wedding destination.  From the more adventurous to the mild, there’s a unique experience waiting for everyone in your group. 

Hiking Around

Looking to squeeze in some exercise during your wedding trip? Nothing beats hiking around the Yucca Valley and surrounding mountains. Joshua Tree National Park offers low elevation hikes and nature walks. These are perfect for those interested in taking in sights while not breaking too much of a sweat.  We recommend the Hidden Valley, a one mile loop that takes you through an incredible display of plants and animals.  Feeling like more? The trails on Mt. San Jacinto have something for everyone.  From scenic hikes to 20 mile treks, push yourself as much as you’d like while taking in the breathtaking scenery.  We love the 5 mile Willow Creek Trail loop which starts with a one-of-a-kind aerial tram ride to the head of the trail.

For the Less Adventurous

Want to have an adventure with out all the work?  Joshua Tree Excursions is the place to be! Cruise around the desert in guided ATV tours, take a ride in the aerial tram, or maybe even try falconry!  This tour group has something for everyone in your party to get excited about.  They also offer rock climbing lessons and excursions to anyone who still wants the exercise without going uphill.  

Still not the thing? Check out downtown Joshua Tree during your stay to see beautiful and quirky local art.  The Joshua Tree Outdoor Museum and Simi Dabah Sculptures are entrancing and thought provoking. Made from local scraps and found materials, these eye-catching works of art will keep you wondering.  Even more curious is the Crochet Museum. This whimsical art installment is in celebration of all things knit and crochet.  Perfect for those who can’t put down the needles or hook and are looking for a little more inspiration. 

Good Things to Know

Thinking of holding your wedding in gorgeous Joshua Tree? The park requires a special permit for weddings, but can take up to a month to approve them.  Hold smaller weddings at several awe-inspiring locations including Hidden Valley and Live Oak picnic area.  However, larger weddings take place in the indian cove amphitheater, which includes an additional fee for photographers and caterers. 

The park has extremely limited cell services and GPS, so plan accordingly.  Providing directions to your event or contacting a Shuttle Service would be the best way for your guests to make it to your dream destination without missing a turn in the trail.  

Forget the park!  Have an intimate ceremony at one of the many AirBnB’s  in the surrounding area.  You don’t need a permit to be married in a private home, but a marriage licence and officiator are required.  Permits are located at the San Bernardino County Assessor‘s office.

While you and your guests may be … a little warm during the day, temperatures tend to drop down at night.  Be sure to recommend packing light warms layers to friends and family attending your special day!  Tents or pavilions would also be a great way to keep loved ones out of the heat.  Don”t forget to pack your sunscreen and bring extra water for everyone!

Elope With Seas Mtns Co

Although we are a New England- based wedding photography company, we love to travel. No matter where you choose to hold your wedding, we will be there, capturing the most important moments. For us, wedding photography is about more than just delivering perfect pictures. Our company focuses on a documentary-like approach to create a complete story of your wedding day. Here at Seas Mtns Co, we like to go above and beyond. Our photographers arrive well before appointments to explore and find perfect spots that highlight every moment. Seas Mtns Co also offers videography and has the capacity to operate drones through Part 107. Check out the awesome engagement session we did to find out more about us and what we do!