Joshua Tree Elopement + Intimate Wedding Photographer
elopements for earthy couples who want to celebrate their love in an intentional and meaningful way.
let's start planning
let's plan the desert elopement of your dreams
You know those days where you wake up and decide to go out for coffee and then you end up at the beach for a spontaneous swim session, and then an impromptu picnic with your favorite pizza ever, and one mini adventure rolls into another until it has become the best day ever. (I can't help but picture the movie Dazed and Confused in my head). That is how your elopement day should feel.
An elopement is all about creating an epic experience to celebrate the start of your legal life together. Whatever you are envisioning for your elopement, I am here to bring those visions to life.
Joshua Tree offers a unique desert backdrop with rocks and Joshua trees dotting the background endlessly. The golden hues and mystical atmosphere make it a truly stunning place to get married!
get in touch
I’ve been fortunate enough to call the coast of Southern California my home for the last 12 years and have spent my free time exploring the parks and nature that I have so closeby.
After planning my own intentional and non traditional wedding, I began to help friends do the same for themselves. Then I began to think, "why not marry(ha!) that with photography!" I truly believe elopements and intimate weddings are the most intentional ways to celebrate your nuptials. I love helping couples realize an elopement can be so much more than a 10 minute ceremony. It is truly a time to celebrate your story and your newest adventure together.
Hey! I'm Emma, So Cal Elopement Photographer.
about me
You don’t mind a dirty dress or wind blown hair and value experiences over stuff. You’re uninspired by the traditional wedding day and are looking for things that feel more like you. You want to have a special day that fits who you are as a couple, focusing on the connection that you have. So let me tell you, you’ve come to the right place. I truly believe there is no one size fits all to relationships, and nor should there be for weddings.
The possibilities for your elopement are endless. You may be feeling a bit (or a lot) overwhelmed. And if you’re thinking “Dammit! There seem to be more decisions to make than if we had gone the traditional route,” that’s why I’m here. I provide guidance throughout the entire planning process, spending time getting to know you and your vision, to help you have the elopement of your dreams.
The possibilities for your elopement are endless. You may be feeling a bit (or a lot) overwhelmed. And if you’re thinking “Dammit! There seem to be more decisions to make than if we had gone the traditional route,” that’s why I’m here. I provide guidance throughout the entire planning process, spending time getting to know you and your vision, to help you have the elopement of your dreams.
I work with couples who want to do things a little differently.
reach out
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package 3
Team pics
$1100
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Eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leoeget urna mollis ornare. Luctus, nisi erat porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit. Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo.
package 3
team pics
$1100
book now
< Back to all Packages
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Eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leoeget urna mollis ornare. Luctus, nisi erat porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit. Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo.
Eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leoeget urna mollis ornare. Luctus, nisi erat porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit. Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo.
Eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leoeget urna mollis ornare. Luctus, nisi erat porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit. Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo.
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Planning and Logistics
Finding the Perfect Location
Telling Your Story
I curate your tailoring your entire day from start to finish to fit you best, putting together timelines to help your day feel the way that you have always imagined. I can offer permit assistance, accommodation recommendations, and send you amazing local vendor recs.
I am committed to finding you the perfect location for your elopement day activities and to say your vows. With Joshua Tree being a well-known destination, I can help find the most epic spots to meet your needs. Whether you want to prioritize views, quiet hiking trails, mobility for guests, I have loads of recommendations for you.
Your love story should be told how it is in the every day; unique and true to you. But don’t worry, there will be plenty of smiles, but they’ll be accompanied by laughs through the experience of your day together. I offer constant direction and guidance throughout the day, focusing on your connections and experiences together, with photos being the documentation, not the other way around!
-Amanda + Kevin
“Emma is not only an incredible photographer, but an incredible person. From the start of our planning process, she was such a support through helping us with suggestions, timelines, and emotional supports. We knew we didn't want a huge traditional wedding, and it's so clear from her work that she knows how to get those quiet, special moments. Her calming presence was so appreciated, she jumped in and helped with little things throughout the day, was able to direct us (who are, what you might say, goofy on camera), laughed with us, and just perfectly nailed every shot. She so seamlessly captured our intimate backyard wedding, and we are forever grateful to her for doing so. Please do yourself a favor and book her for literally every event, shoot, etc. It will be the best decision you could make! We love you, Emma. Thank you for everything!!”
"WE KNEW WE DIDN'T WANT A HUGE TRADITIONAL WEDDING, AND IT'S SO CLEAR FROM HER WORK THAT SHE KNOWS HOW TO GET THOSE QUIET, SPECIAL MOMENTS."
Planning Your Dream Elopement In The Desert
The Park has a certain set of locations where you are able to have your ceremony. You do need to have a special use and photography permit for your ceremony, which you read more about here. There is also a $30 entrance fee for the park.
Hidden Valley Picnic Area (Not available February–May)
Quail Springs (Not available February–May)
Cap Rock
Rattlesnake Picnic Area
Live Oak
Split Rock
Where to Elope in joshua tree
There is really no end to what you can do on your elopement day. I send over a questionnaire to better get to know you and your partner to help plan your elopement day. Below are popular activities to do together to celebrate the start of your marriage…
Head to a local coffee shop to start your day together
Go vintage/art shopping at one of the local vintage shops.
Rent a vintage car/truck to cruise around the desert
Picnic with champagne
Go for a hike to Arch Rock
Get ready together in your AirBnB, Autocamp, or hotel
Have a celebratory dance party after popping champagne
Roast s'mores over your campfire (if you camp in the park).
Explore the stars
Anything else that feels like you!
What To Do During Your joshua tree Elopement
Joshua Tree is a desert and can easy reach temps of 100F or above in the summer months. There is little to no shelter from the elements, so remember that when planning. The best times of the year to go there to explore the outdoors are between October to December and March to May. It does and can rain in the desert in the winter, and can get quite cold in the evenings, so something to consider! If you do a winter elopement, you might get a chance to see snow on the Joshua Trees (very rare, but it does happen)! Please bring plenty of water in the summer months, and always bring layers if you’re planning to stay after dark.
I always recommend a weekday when visiting the park. You avoid crowds, have a better opportunity to obtain the permit for the area you want, and it’s an excuse to take a vacation!
when to elope in Joshua Tree
Let's Plan
joshua tree Elopement packages
For couples who want the full elopement experience. Just you and your partner, experiencing the day to the fullest and get 2 experiences at golden hour!
Explore Joshua Tree at sunrise and sunset! Check out some of the local spots nearby.
Sunrise to sunset
Up to 12 hours
$6400
full day
Up to 8 hours
$5200
For couples who want to do things their own way, and explore the park after getting ready. From hiking a short trail to hitting up stunning rock formations, a full day of activities can make your day super memorable. The best option if you are thinking of including a few guests.
*Most popular package
mini
Up to 4 hours
$4400
For couples who want to ditch tradition and still want getting ready photos and ceremony portraits. Best for couples who are having a ceremony at the park and are okay with staying in one general area.
We're ready to start planning!
I truly believe you should be getting married in a way and in a place that feels special to you. Whether it's a beautiful coastline you've always wanted to visit or where you took your first trip together, I believe location does matter when it comes to your elopement.
My travel schedule revolves around the best time of year to be in these destinations; the summer in the Sierras, the winter in the desert, and the coast year round.
No matter what corner of California you're scoping out for your elopement, I will jump in my car or on a plane to help you celebrate.
2026 Travel schedule
February
Mammoth Mountain
Death Valley
open to 2 elopements
March
Mammoth Mountain
April
Joshua Tree
May
Big Sur
June
Yosemite
Philadelphia, PA
July
Switzerland
September
Mammoth Lakes
October
Big Sur
November
Mammoth Lakes
Let's Adventure
Intimate wedding + elopement photographer for couples who want to follow their hearts and celebrate in a way that feels true to them