Joshua Tree Elopement & Intimate Wedding Photographer

Elopements, Weddings, Vow Renewals, & Engagements in Joshua Tree National Park

Hi, I’m Carrie —

My approach to photography is personal and intentional. By taking the time to get to know you and understand who you are and what’s important you, I’m able to help bring your story to life in a meaningful way through your photos. From the intricate details of your outfits and decor, to the location you’ve carefully selected, to the relationships you have with each other and with your chosen people. I encourage my couples to prioritize their experience and stay present  — to enjoy the memories of your wedding day while you’re living them. I am a skilled observer with an eye for anticipating moments, capturing emotions, and when needed, providing natural guidance that doesn’t feel intrusive. This blend of candid storytelling and editorial direction results in photos that are an artistic yet authentic representation of your day.

Weddings, Elopements, & Engagements in Joshua Tree National Park

Best Joshua Tree Elopement Locations

Joshua Tree National Park: Within the national park, there are designated ceremony locations to choose from if you’re having an elopement or small wedding. Having your ceremony here is the best choice if you’re planning a simpler day and want to prioritize a beautiful natural backdrop. My favorite ceremony spots in the park are Hidden Valley Picnic Area and Cap Rock. There are many other beautiful spots in the park to explore for post- or pre-ceremony photos.  

Private Venue: If you’re having more than a handful of people join you and/or you’re planning a post-ceremony celebration, it’s most ideal to book a venue that is specifically designed for hosting special occasions like weddings and ceremonies. Venues will likely be able to provide chairs and have designated ceremony spaces as well as options for a reception.

Here are some of the best elopement venues in Joshua Tree:

Airbnb/VRBO: For elopements and smaller weddings, I always recommend booking a nice place to stay that will add to your overall experience. An Airbnb or VRBO rental will provide a private space for you to get ready for the day, which is often when photo coverage starts. Your rental property may also be an option for your ceremony and/or an intimate post-ceremony dinner celebration. Always confirm any event related plans with the property owners prior to booking.

Here are some of the best Airbnbs in the Joshua Tree area:

Getting Married in Joshua Tree

MARRIAGE LICENSE

To legally get married in Joshua Tree you’ll need a California marriage license obtained in person at the County Clerk’s Office within 90 days of your wedding date. For your ceremony, you’ll need an officiant, at least one witness, and the signed license must be returned within 10 days.

SYMBOLIC CEREMONY

An alternative to doing the legal paperwork on your wedding day is to have a symbolic ceremony instead. Many couples traveling for their elopement opt to legally get married at their local courthouse before or after their trip to Joshua Tree where they celebrate and share their vows. This avoids having to plan a visit to the County Clerk during your trip.

PERMITS

If you want to get married in Joshua Tree National Park, you will need to purchase a special use permit for your ceremony. The application ($120) and a list of approved ceremony locations can be found HERE. If you’re getting married at a venue or private property, you will need to confirm any additional fees with the property owners/hosts.

TIME OF YEAR & WEATHER

When deciding which date to choose for your Joshua Tree elopement you’ll want to consider things like the weather, crowds, and your ideal ceremony location in the park. Joshua Tree is a desert so summers here can be very HOT - this is especially important to keep in mind if you plan on having any guests at your wedding. The times of the year with the nicest weather will be Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) so naturally, these will also be the busiest times of the year in the park. For this reason, I highly recommend choosing a Monday through Thursday or Sunday date for your elopement. Fridays and Saturdays will be very crowded with weekend visitors and campers, making it harder to find an intimate spot for your ceremony (and parking, of course).

Elopements & Intimate Weddings

Starting at $6500 for 4 hours of coverage and includes all travel expenses and a digital gallery of high-resolution photos. Add-ons include engagement sessions, a second photographer, and albums. 

Couple & Engagement Sessions

Starting at $1500 for a 1 hour session in one location.  Additional hours are available at a rate of $500/hour. 

“She totally understood my vision and truly delivered the most wonderful, dreamy photos that I could have asked for.”

I found Carrie while scrolling through Pinterest looking at inspiration for some overdo engagement photos. Her style was exactly what I was looking to embody. After initially contacting her (she communicates promptly) I knew it was a good match and I didn't even go ahead and contact other photographers on my list. She totally understood my vision after I shared my inspiration pictures with her and truly delivered the most wonderful, dreamy photos that I could have asked for - I am beyond obsessed. If you feel awkward in front of a camera, don't worry, she will give you cues and take all the guesswork out for you to make all poses seem as natural as possible. Also her photoshoot guides are amazing! She was a joy to work with and we hope to be able to work with her again soon!

— Katie & Jack

ARTFUL & INTENTIONAL STORYTELLING FOR COUPLES
WHO VALUE CONNECTION, AUTHENTICITY, AND MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES