Adventure Elopement in Joshua Tree & Milkyway Session

Weddings In The Desert performed the ceremony for Michelle and Michael and incorporated a sage ceremony, which was pretty neat to photograph (and smell). Even though I am ordained and can pronounce couples as legally married, Michelle wanted the ceremony to “feel more official,” so they hired Celene, a local Joshua Tree-based officiant. (I only pronounce you legally married at the very end as I do not perform the ceremonial act because I am taking photos the whole time.) However, as your Joshua Tree elopement photographer, I can also help you get a marriage license and I am ordained to sign as your officiant!

PRO TIP: The logistics of getting in and out of this park are very easy so it is actually pretty convenient to hire a local officiant for your ceremony and get a Joshua Tree elopement permit.

As a Joshua Tree elopement photographer that also includes planning with my services, I would always advise you to only bring props if the chosen spot is easily accessible. Because this area is pretty flat and the sandstone dirt is pretty compact, Michael was able to bring a wagon with their props for the ceremony fairly easily. It was wonderfully romantic with a boho style. Their officiant Wedding in the desert started off their ceremony with a sage burning. I have never witnessed a sage burning before so it was really intriguing and ethereal to capture in photographs. We were all soaking in the burning scent of sage that is intended to purify and bring positive energy – thus making it perfect for weddings too! It was one of the most photogenic things I’ve ever photographed during any ceremony!

Rules for obtaining a marriage license in the state of California

• You can obtain the license at any County Clerk’s office in the county you are applying in. It is best to call them to see if you need an appointment because depending on the date, time, and place, there might be a long line before you.

• Both you and your partner must apply in person with valid IDs, some counties might even need copies of your birth certificates. Make sure to contact them in order to provide the required documents. The best part is that there is no waiting period, you will get it immediately!

• During Covid, instead of going to the office, you can schedule a video appointment, which makes the whole process simplified.

• The marriage license is valid for only 90 days.

• After the ceremony, the officiant will file your license within 10 days.

• Tip: request at least 2 certified copies from the country clerk when you apply for your license.

• Checks only are accepted.

• Never forget to bring your driver’s license because your officiant cannot sign your marriage license without it.

How to obtain a marriage license and a permit for Joshua Tree

To obtain a marriage license for Joshua Tree, you need to apply to San Bernardino county. During Covid, you can also obtain your it online, otherwise, you would need to go to the office with a previously filled application form. To learn all about the needed steps in the process and apply for your license, head over to this
official link. You can find the complete list of fees here.

When it comes to the legalities, both you and the photographer need to have a special-use permit for your elopement in Joshua Tree. Visit the official site to learn about any possible updates, information and to apply for the permit.

Champagne & Cake, First Dance, Sunset Portraits, and Milky Way Galaxy Photos!

When the ceremony ended, they had their first dance, champagne & cake to celebrate. After that, we did a golden hour portrait session around Cap Rock. I typically don’t bring my own props to photoshoots, but I was inspired to try this idea with candles. I had done something similar before in years past where I took a self-portrait in hot springs in Utah with candles, and I’ve loved that picture ever since. I wanted to try something similar with the boulders at Joshua Tree, so thanks Michelle and Michael for being up for my ideas! Afterward, that concluded the first part which followed a break. As a Joshua Tree elopement photographer or any other location for that matter, I have the option of having a “split day coverage” which perfectly encompasses the couple’s intimate affair to spend some time together so the whole day doesn’t end up being all about the photos. For Michelle and Michael’s elopement session, we returned to the site around 10:30 pm for the starry night photoshoot with the Milky Way. Some couples want the sunrise/morning and sunset coverage, giving them the leisure to spend time together during the middle of the day and then conclude the shoot. But in any case, this is totally up to the couples and how they want their story to be captured.

PRO TIP: The perfect timing for a clear shoot with the Milky Way is during a New Moon, in the summer months. Because I have special apps, lighting techniques, and camera settings; I capture the essence of the milky way and the stars even more vividly than you see them with your own eyes!

This elopement was so much fun for me to help plan and photograph. From the planning phone calls between myself and Michelle to the final result, I am so glad they chose me to help plan and photograph their desert elopement and take cool pictures! I wholeheartedly believe that eloping is the best way to get married, and especially in a special place that no one has stood before brings a sentimental value that only two souls can share for eternity. I thank Michelle and Michael for choosing me to be their Joshua Tree elopement photographer and making me a part of this milestone in their adventure together.

Links to the awesome vendors who helped make this elopement:

Wedding dress: Lulus wedding dresses

Officiant: Wedding in the desert

Florist: Cactus Flower