The high desert of southern California is a sight to be seen. People come from all over the world to experience the beauty of Joshua Tree National Park and the peacefulness of the desert. You can spend days exploring the rock formations, stargazing around a campfire, and taking in the otherworldly landscape. The colors are breathtaking, the the sunsets are unreal, and the connection to the earth you will feel upon visiting is so grounding.
It’s rightly so that Joshua Tree is highly sought after as a wedding location. But what if you want to say your vows in the magic of the desert, but maybe have too many guests for a ceremony within the national park? Or looking for a location that includes comfortable lodging for your friends and family to join? Sometimes what you need is a more “traditional” venue for your Joshua Tree wedding or reception. But thankfully with Joshua Tree, traditional is a loose term, so even an official wedding venue will still offer unique features, a peaceful escape in the desert, and a wedding day like none other. Joshua Tree and the surrounding towns of Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley, and Pioneertown, hold some stunning venue options for the desert wedding of your dreams.
*Please note: none of the following images are mine, they are all from Google Images.
Sacred Sands
Located just one mile from the west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, Sacred Sands is the ideal desert oasis for your wedding, plus it can double as your lodging. Soak in the outdoor tubs, choose between outdoor or indoor beds, relax under the stars, and let the glorious mountain view be the perfect backdrop for your ceremony.
photo from google images
Autocamp Joshua Tree
A glamping dream! Autocamp has become famous for offering idyllic getaways in the most unique of accommodations. They recently opened an airstream camp right in the middle of the town of Joshua Tree. With a pool and small grocery store, you have all you need, but you’re also within walking distance to coffee shops, restaurants, and convenience stores. They offer a variety of indoor and outdoor event spaces, an outdoor bar, and a space for your favorite food truck. If you want the feel of camping but with luxuries close at hand for your wedding day, Autocamp is the venue for you.
photo from google images
le chacuel
Brilliantly designed and artfully styled, Le Chacuel is a modern dream. Featuring a restful, intentional space and an emphasis on sustainability, Le Chacuel was designed to be a peaceful escape into the desert and a homage to the landscape it sits on. Relax under the desert sky, float in the pool or soak in the hot tub, and you can even bring your pets! Perfect for an elopement or honeymoon destination.
photo from google images
Rimrock Ranch
With several beautiful lodging options for you and your guests, Rimrock Ranch is 36 acres of desert ambience. Stay in one of their restored 1940s-era cabins, a comfortable Airstream, or the luxurious Hatch House and enjoy incredible views. This sprawling property will instantly make you feel secluded and at home. For your wedding, they have lodging for your guests, plenty of space to set up an outdoor dinner, and an idyllic ceremony site nestled between two towering Joshua Trees.
photo from google images
Rasta Rita
Located in Twentynine Palms, the Rasta Rita Cantina + Venue is a renovated adobe style 1924 building with the most stunning southwestern style. It also offers onsite taco catering and bar service, so what more could you need for your desert celebration? With indoor and outdoor space for up to 150 guests, you can bring all your favorite people and dance the night away under the stars.
photo from google images
Pioneertown Motel
Located in the historic western setting of Pioneertown, the Pioneertown Motel would be ideal for some western desert vibes. It’s within walking distance from some of the best food and drinks in the area – Pappy & Harriet’s, and the Motel’s latest venture, Red Dog Saloon. The Motel boasts three different spaces to host your wedding – the Amphitheater, the Barn, and the Canteen – and with 19 guest rooms, all your guests can stay on site with you!
photo from google images
I’M A TRAVELING WEDDING + ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER, AND I WOULD LOVE TO DOCUMENT YOUR JOSHUA TREE WEDDING
Based in OKC, I photograph weddings all over the world but specifically in Joshua Tree.
My Joshua Tree wedding and elopement photography packages start at $6500. Other than the photos of your dreams, my package also include access to my exclusive 15+ page Joshua Tree Elopement Guide, personal experience and knowledge of the area, a custom day-of photo timeline, vendor recommendations, help with acquiring any necessary permits, and of course, my undying love for life.
