I met up with S and B to photograph their Joshua Tree elopement. These two initially planned to get married abroad, but their plans changed, and they decided they wanted to elope somewhere unique that they had never been. Their day was the perfect combination of adventure and celebration. They rented an awesome house in Joshua Tree with family, and I met them there to get ready. Then we headed out to our spot in the park for a sunset ceremony and some pictures after.

Elopement Day Details

One of my favorite parts of capturing elopements is taking some time to focus on the details! Everybody has a unique story and a unique sense of style that comes out in the little details here and there. Because of that, it is super important to me to capture a sense of the whole day. I loved that their rings were three different metal colors. Mixed metals for the win!

Getting Ready

B was lucky enough to have both of her parents as the only guests at their elopement, so her mom helped the bride get ready, and her dad helped out the groom!

We did a first look back at the house, and S was stunned speechless for a minute there looking at his bride!

Elopement Ceremony

Joshua Tree National Park requires permits for elopement ceremonies, as well as other types of photo sessions. Luckily, I got us all squared away beforehand with the permits, and we were allowed to have their ceremony in this absolutely perfect location!

S and B actually got legally married a few days before back in their home state. That way, they did not have to worry about obtaining a California marriage license. Instead, they read their vows to each other in this little corner of the desert, with B’s parents there to witness their day.

Bride and Groom

These two were up for absolutely anything. Naturally, I made them climb up those boulders in their wedding finery so that we could take in the epic views! We ended the evening with a champagne toast.

Reception

This was the cutest little reception I’ve ever seen! It was an awesome way to celebrate the day.

One of my many crazy ideas was to try taking some star pictures. Joshua Tree is known for its incredible stargazing, and they were up for it! I have to say, I am a little bit obsessed with those night sky pictures! It was a perfect ending to their Joshua Tree elopement.