Elopement Experience
Your Joshua Tree
Connecting your love story with nature
Elopement Experience
Your Joshua Tree
Connecting your love story with nature
Elopement Experience
Your Joshua Tree
Connecting your love story with nature
Elopement Experience
Your Joshua Tree
Connecting your love story with nature
Elopement Experience
Your Joshua Tree
Connecting your love story with nature
Elopement Experience
Your Joshua Tree
Connecting your love story with nature
Elopement Experience
Your Joshua Tree
Connecting your love story with nature
Elopement Experience
Your Joshua Tree
Connecting your love story with nature
But if you're wondering how to plan out your elopement adventure and all the logistics that come with it, don't worry—that’s where I come in. From a detailed discovery call to get to know you two as a couple, to crafting a custom elopement experience, to giving you all the best local vendors, places to eat and stay, answering marriage license questions and how I can sign as your officiant, and everything in between, I’m here to help every single step of the way.
Ready to get married and do this thing, just the two of you in the desert in Joshua Tree National Park!
Pumped to let go of the stress and expense of planning a big wedding and instead, explore a new place!
Excited to have stunning photos and lifelong memories without the big traditional wedding production!
Does this sound like you are...
Joshua Tree elopement photographer
Tree
Joshua Tree Elopements for couples who can't wait to tie the knot in one of the most iconic settings that California has to offer
Hey Lovebirds!
Oh, and I'll also capture all your gorgeous memories so you can relive the day over and over again until the end of time.
If it does, you are in the right place!
"After speaking with several Joshua Tree elopement photographers, we are SO glad that we chose Jennifer Whalen Photography! She is a true adventure wedding photographer at heart and was able to help us plan the most perfect and stress free elopement!"
-Michelle J.
I've photographed and planned several elopements in Joshua Tree, and I'm so excited to help you with your elopement too! I’ll do more than take your photos—I’ll be your planner, your experience creator, and your biggest cheerleader in helping you elope. After 10 years of photographing big weddings, I believe that intentional elopements are the most stress-free and most fun way to get married. So I can't wait to help you plan the most important day of your love story!
I’m a Joshua Tree adventure elopement photographer for couples who are ready to embark on their Best adventure yet.
Hey there, I’m Jenn!
I’m Not your typical wedding photographer, and I'm guessing you aren't a typical couple either!
Help you plan your entire customized adventure from start to finish
Help you secure any necessary permits (depending on your chosen location) so that you don't have to spend time or stress about researching on your own
Coordinate the timeline and all other logistics including backup plans so that you tow can relax, have fun, and just be in the moment. (instead of checking the time and worrying about logistics)
Let you know the best places to stay (including the hidden gems) so you end up in an area that fits the vibe of you two perfectly
Send you a curated list of private chefs or restaurants for your elopement dinner based on your preferences
Give you my list of trusted hair & makeup artists, florists and other vendors that will help you bring the vision of your day to life, and anything else you need to save you time and stress
Share my top recommendations on where to order the perfect elopement dress and vow books
Help you with the logistics of your marriage license (including where and when to get it) so that there's no confusion
Sign as your officiant if you want me to. I'm ordained, so you don't have to hire anyone else for this role because it's already taken care of!
Help come up with fun activities for your day (and find ways to make your day fun for your guests too)
Come prepared with a bluetooth speaker for your first dance, a back up wedding dress for ocean fun (and a pop-up tent for changing in), and an "emergency kit" (full of bobby pins, band-aids and granola bars) just to name a few things, so you're completely covered every step of the way
Send over a customized checklist of everything you need to bring for your elopement down to the finest details so you don't have to worry about forgetting anything
And of course, take you to the most beautiful desert spots and iconic boulders in Joshua Tree National Park to say your "I do's"!
Because I'll...
Why Choose Me as your elopement photographer, planner and cheerleader?
Your stress-free Joshua Tree elopement experience will look something like this:
This get-away romantic elopement package is for couples who just can’t wait to say, “I Do.”
You'll start off by getting your hair & makeup done, and then adventuring to the ceremony location. Once we get to the perfect spot, you'll exchange your vows as the sun is setting across the serene desert atmosphere.
Then, we'll adventure around the desert landscape and explore the park while I capture your authentic moments. If you want to bust out a blanket and have a picnic, go for it!
To wrap up the day after I've captured all your gorgeous memories, you'll head to your air bnb and enjoy the hot tub in the crisp desert air.
These elopement take place in Joshua Tree and do not include guests. Please let me know if you want to include guests and we will talk about your options.
- Chelsea
"Jennifer's keen eye and dedication to such a stylistic approach have us loving each and every single picture captured. It was more than a pleasure to have her with us every step of that day; it was like hanging with two gal pals! WE COULD NOT HAVE ASKED FOR ANY BETTER ARTISTIC VISION than hers. We would HIGHLY RECOMMEND JENNIFER'S TALENT to each and every couple out there that wants something fresh and unique when considering a photographer."
- Rachel
"Jenn captures every moment at every angle. This isn't your traditional photography! This is a new age of photography where the surroundings become as important as the people! The beauty of laughter, angles, and exposure bring out perfect pictures! YOU WILL HAVE A HARD TIME CHOOSING WHICH PHOTOS YOU WANT IN YOUR ALBUM!”
- Natalie
“We hired Jenn to take our engagement photos out in Joshua Tree. She straight-up SLAYED every photo, spent so much time with us, and was so fun to work with. I CANNOT RECOMMEND HER ENOUGH. I say this as an art director who works with photographers on photoshoots all the time at my job: hire this woman! You won't regret it.”
- Kylie
“We were thrilled with how the photos turned out. Jenn is a very skilled editor and has a wonderful aesthetic. I KNEW IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT FOR MY PHOTOGRAPHER HUSBAND TO FIND A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER WHO HE TRUSTED, BUT WE ARE BLTH SO GLAD THAT JENN SHOT OUR WEDDING. She will make your vision come true and is an absolute pleasure to work with.”
What others are saying:
ON TOP OF EPIC PHOTOS, AND A CUSTOMIZED ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME ADVENTURE, EVERY ELOPEMENT PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Adventure Wedding + Elopement Packages
Let’s Talk Pricing
Your very own custom elopement PLANNING PORTAL that will help you stay organized for your epic day! It will include all of our emails, invoices, contract, checklist, timeline and vendor recommendations, and information on the best places to stay, best places to eat, how to write your vows, etc.
A DISCOVERY CALL so that we can get to know each other better! We’ll make sure we’re the right fit, and I’ll uncover how I can create an epic day that is unique to you.
A CUSTOM CHECKLIST based on your specific location and time of year that will include a packing list (so that you’re fully prepared for your elopement).
A CUSTOM TIMELINE so that you will know exactly what you’re doing and when. Don’t worry, I’ll keep track of the time so that you can embrace the moment!
Elopement-specific VENDOR RECOMMENDATIONS: rest assured your vendors have the right type of experience and qualifications!
MARRIAGE LICENSE ASSISTANCE to remove the mystery and confusion so that you know how, when, and where to obtain your marriage license.
PERMIT ASSISTANCE so that you don’t have to stress and do research on how to obtain any necessary permits.
Optional MARRIAGE LICENSE SIGNING (I’m ordained) to save you $$ (this means that you have ultimate intimacy for your ceremony and don’t have to hire an additional officiant vendor). This especially comes in handy for two person elopements and elopement locations that are off-the-beaten-path!
UNLIMITED PLANNING & CORRESPONDENCE so that you can rest assured that you have access to my expertise and aren’t all alone while planning your elopement!
SNEAK PEAK IMAGES so that you can relive the day over and over while you wait for your full gallery enjoy sharing your day with your family and friends.
A beautiful PRIVATE ONLINE GALLERY link where you can download your high resolution images, make prints and albums, and pass along to family and friends.
PRINTING RIGHTS so that you can take your images to any printing company. (Although I highly recommend printing through your custom online gallery for the highest quality results.)
My Travel Fees INCLUDED
There are many reasons why you should consider opting for the two-day elopement option. This package is great if you want to dedicate one day to your guests and the second day to a "just us" adventure.
On the first day, you can plan a full day of wedding fun - from "getting ready" coverage all the way to the end of the evening when you cut your cake - all the while spending as much time as you want with your intimate number of guests who journeyed to see you.
On the second day, venture with me into the majestic landscape while you have a "just us" experience. I'll capture epic photos of you while you say your private vows during sunset and incredible portraits of you to have forever.
You can feel relaxed and fancy-free as this package is the best of both worlds - full coverage of your elopement with family and guests the day before, and an adventure to remember the day after.
It's always a great idea to opt for this package if you want to include certain activities such as horseback riding, helicopter rides, kayaking, or hiking to an epic viewpoint that guests aren't interested in doing.
Includes up to 20 guests
Two-Day Elopements
12 hours spread
over two days
starts at $9,500
Time flies when you plan a day full of all the things you love! This elopement experience is 8 continuous hours and will allow me to photograph you two from the start to the finish of your day.
This package goes above and beyond only having your ceremony and romantic portraits photographed. This 8-hour elopement experience allows me to photograph your getting ready moments at your swanky desert Air bnb, first look moment, ceremony, and creative golden hour photo session in Joshua Tree National Park.
With 8 hours, you will have plenty of beautiful moments photographed - and we'll even have time to grab a bit to eat! We will work together to create a fun day that is representative of your personalities and relationship. Whether you want to invite guests, or have the day to yourselves, you won't regret dedicating a full day to your elopement experience.
This 8-hour experience is for couples who want to adventure around while not being rushed, as well as have many authentic moments throughout the day captured!
8 hour Elopements
$7,300
Full-Day Elopements
Are you stuck between wanting to spend an entire day with your guests, but also want to have a "just us" experience? This package is the perfect fit for you!
This two day elopement experience that is 12 hours split across two days gives couples a lot of options for how to structure their elopement! You can split your 12 hours however you like to fit your style.
For example, if you want to spend the first day focused on your intimate number of close guests with many beautiful moments of all of you getting ready together, the ceremony and dinner, and the second day with a "just us" adventure and creative portrait session, this package is the best of both worlds. You don't have to compromise time with your guests, and you won't have to sacrifice your desire for a beautiful "just us" adventure.
As a second example, if you want to do an overnight backpacking adventure, this package is for you!
These elopements take place in the same general location and are two consecutive days.
12 hours Over two days
$9,800
Two-Day Elopements
The Packages
This package is my most requested, and is the quintessential outdoor elopement experience no matter what location you choose! There are so many reasons why you should consider opting for the sunrise + sunset option. The early morning hours and golden hours during sunset are best for photography, so you will have your memories captured during the best times of day for lighting.
And as a bonus, we'll capture unique starry sky nighttime photos that sometimes even include the Milky Way Galaxy!
Another important reason is because you will have the most privacy during an early morning ceremony. Most elopements take place on public land so to maximize your changes for the most privacy, opting for a sunrise ceremony, especially at a popular national park is the way to go.
It's always a great idea to opt for this package if you want to include certain activities such as hiking and starry night astro photography!
This sunrise + sunset elopement experience will give you lots of time during the middle of the day to be together, just the two of you. If you want to relax and bust out a blanket and have a picnic in the park for lunch, take a nap, go to a brewery, whatever your heart desires, go for it!
Likewise, if you are inviting guests, this is a great opportunity to hang out with them and take them out to brunch and get rested up before our evening sunset session!
10 Hour Elopements
$7,800
Sunrise + Sunset
+ Starry Night
Elopements
Are you stuck between wanting to spend an entire day with your guests, but also want to have a "just us" experience? This package is the perfect fit for you!
This two day elopement experience that is 12 hours split across two days gives couples a lot of options for how to structure their elopement! You can split your 12 hours however you like to fit your style.
For example, if you want to spend the first day focused on your intimate number of close guests with many beautiful moments of all of you getting ready together, the ceremony and dinner, and the second day with a "just us" adventure and creative portrait session, this package is the best of both worlds. You don't have to compromise time with your guests, and you won't have to sacrifice your desire for a beautiful "just us" adventure.
As a second example, if you want to do an overnight backpacking adventure, this package is for you!
These elopements take place in the same general location and are two consecutive days.
12 HOURs over Two Days
$9,800
Two-Day
Joshua tree Elopements
This package is my most requested, and is the quintessential outdoor elopement experience no matter what location you choose! There are so many reasons why you should consider opting for the sunrise + sunset option. The early morning hours and golden hours during sunset are best for photography, so you will have your memories captured during the best times of day for lighting.
And as a bonus, we'll capture unique starry sky nighttime photos that sometimes even include the Milky Way Galaxy!
Another important reason is because you will have the most privacy during an early morning ceremony. Most elopements take place on public land so to maximize your changes for the most privacy, opting for a sunrise ceremony, especially at a popular national park is the way to go.
It's always a great idea to opt for this package if you want to include certain activities such as hiking and starry night astro photography!
This sunrise + sunset elopement experience will give you lots of time during the middle of the day to be together, just the two of you. If you want to relax and bust out a blanket and have a picnic in the park for lunch, take a nap, go to a brewery, whatever your heart desires, go for it!
Likewise, if you are inviting guests, this is a great opportunity to hang out with them and take them out to brunch and get rested up before our evening sunset session!
10 HOUR ELOPEMENTS
STARTS AT $7,800
Sunrise + Sunset
+ Starry Night
Joshua Tree Elopements
Joshua Tree Elopement Packages
Time flies when you plan a day full of all the things you love! This elopement experience is 8 continuous hours and will allow me to photograph you two from the start to the finish of your day.
This package goes above and beyond only having your ceremony and romantic portraits photographed. This 8-hour elopement experience allows me to photograph your getting ready moments at your swanky desert Air bnb, first look moment, ceremony, and creative golden hour photo session in Joshua Tree National Park.
With 8 hours, you will have plenty of beautiful moments photographed - and we'll even have time to grab a bit to eat! We will work together to create a fun day that is representative of your personalities and relationship. Whether you want to invite guests, or have the day to yourselves, you won't regret dedicating a full day to your elopement experience.
This 8-hour experience is for couples who want to adventure around while not being rushed, as well as have many authentic moments throughout the day captured!
8 HOUR ELOPEMENTS
STARTS AT $7,300
Full-Day
Joshua Tree Elopements
Joshua Tree Elopement Packages
The optimal, recommended eloping experience is a “just us” elopement experience. There would be more freedom and time to explore. However, if you decide you would like to include guests, (the main reason couples invite guests is so they can witness their ceremony,) I’m happy to accommodate up to 10 loved ones at no additional cost!
The reason I limit the number of guests is because logistics get difficult with more people and will limit location options. Coordinating with guests in remote areas/no-service zones, bathrooms, parking, and seating, just to name a few things, get more complicated as you add more people to your day.
Want to Include some guests?
Let's Do This!
IF THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU'VE BEEN DREAMING OF, FILL OUT THE FORM TO GET IN TOUCH!
Where the best adventure begins
all the feels
An adventure wedding is an intentionally planned wedding day in a majestic destination and an emphasis on experiences over things. Of course, definitions of this will vary, but I use the terms interchangeably. My definition: True elopements are just the two of you, and elopements with family are planned in the the same spirit with 1-20 guests.
What is the difference between an “adventure wedding,” “elopement,” “eloping with family,” and “intimate wedding”?
I use the word “guide” a bit interchangeably sometimes. While I guide you through the eloping process and show you around a location, I do not work as a certified outdoor guide. I value official guides very highly, and I take my job and outdoor activities much too seriously to include official guiding in my job description. While I am comfortable hiking with couples in remote locations, I require that you work with a local, certified outdoor guide for any activities requiring anything technical beyond my comfort level in guiding you. I am always happy to recommend guides and support the local community and ensure we uphold a high standard of safety for everyone involved.
Are you also a guide? Can you take us scuba diving, off-roading, etc.?
I have several locations that do not require difficult hiking or any hiking equipment. In the discovery call, I will ask detailed questions to figure out what your preferences are. I want to make sure you love your location and it fits your personality!
What if we are not as outdoorsy as some of the featured weddings on your website?
First and foremost, I am a photographer. While I am not officially a wedding planner, I have found that many of my couples—especially those with fewer than 10 guests—do not need a planner for their elopement because of how involved I am in helping. Elopements tend to be too small to hire a traditional party planner but still mysterious enough where a helping hand goes a long way. With my many years working in the wedding industry, vendor relationships, and love for the outdoors, I am here to help with everything. However, in my experience, when weddings exceed ten guests or involve a venue, the focus shifts from the couple to the guest experience. When the focus begins to shift toward the guests’ comfort, hiring one of my recommended coordinators is best. They specialize in small weddings to help with the planning beforehand and liaise between everyone’s expectations and my ability to continue my photographic work on the day of the wedding. In either case, I do not offer to book anything on your behalf (such as lodging, vendors, etc.) or official guidance.
Are you also a wedding planner?
I am authorized to pronounce you married and sign your marriage license as your ordained minister! That means you can say your vows to each other in my presence while I take photos, and it's perfectly legal in the state of California! This makes things hassle-free if you plan on having your intimate ceremony in a remote area since you won’t have to worry about paying an officiant to travel and hike to the destination! I can guide you to the correct website to obtain your marriage license, but you will be responsible for obtaining your marriage license, bringing it with you on the wedding day.
Tell us more about being ordained and how that all works.
California has some of the best weather in the entire country year-round, however, bad weather does happen. That's why from November 1st - April 1st, I include the following day of your planned elopement as a weather back-up day in case there are heavy rainstorms on your planned elopement day.
Since all these elopement weddings are outdoors, what do you do in case of bad weather?
First of all, I know your good side. If you don’t know what side is your good side, I’ll help you find it. Second of all, so many couples have asked those same questions! Elopement couples tend to have personalities of not wanting too much attention and being a bit camera shy. My goal is to capture an authentic representation of your day with a creative eye for composition and moments. My process starts with pure documentation free of posing at the beginning of your day with candids of getting ready or walking to your ceremony location. This takes the pressure off and warms you up to being in front of the camera. Throughout my entire career, my clients appreciate that I capture all the in-between moments. These photos often become their most cherished memories. I only take posed photos of you after your ceremony, so you are already feeling more relaxed to celebrate having your environmental portraits taken. When it comes to capturing creative portraits, most couples want some direction without feeling cheesy. I prefer to “candidly pose” you by giving prompts so you feel comfortable and natural while we are taking those majestic environmental portraits.
How would you describe your approach to photographing couples? What if we are awkward/shy in front of the camera?
My photography is clean, colorful, and cinematic. When I edit photos, I aim to make the colors realistic and vibrant and the skin tones true to life and flattering. I like to see detail in clouds, blue tones in the ocean, and greens in the trees. Since the weddings I photograph are in such beautiful locations, I want to capture the scenery. I do not put heavy filters on photos or desaturate the colors as I feel it dates the images and takes away the timeless look. I use state-of-the-art cameras and lenses and edit photos to reflect quality.
How would you describe your photographic and editing style?
I value quality over quantity. I deliver roughly 300-350 photos for my 8 hour package. You will have access to your very own private viewing gallery with the option to download high-resolution images. You will be granted printing rights to print your photos wherever you want. Keep in mind that an album holds about 50 photos and your walls and shelves can probably only handle 10-25 of your favorites printed and framed.
How many photos are included, and can we print them?
Frequently Asked Questions
Arch Rock is one of my favorite places to take couples in Joshua Tree National Park because of its unique arch features. It's a short walk from the campground and parking lot. This area has gotten popular over the years, so I wouldn't recommend it for the ceremony.
Arch Rock
Keys View offers a really nice view for sunset with its sprawling view of desert mountain ranges. This area is also popular, so you will not have the place to yourselves, but there's easy access from the parking lot, and there's enough room for everybody for creative portraits.
Keys View
Cap Rock is a designated ceremony location that's listed on the Joshua Tree National Park Website. I've had great experiences at this location for ceremonies!
Cap rock
Jumbo Rocks Campground is a fun place to take pictures during the day and during golden hour. It can also be a great area for starry night and milky way galaxy photos! One of my favorite things to do in Joshua Tree National Park is to lay on the giant boulders and watch the shooting stars!
Jumbo Rocks
Pioneer Town is an Old West town built as a 1800's movie set. It's a neighboring area to Joshua Tree. If you are planning your elopement to Joshua Tree, it's an area worth checking out and grabbing a bite to eat and enjoying some live music.
Pioneer Town
Where I'm featured:
- Michelle J.
“After speaking with several Joshua Tree elopement photographers, we are SO glad that we chose Jennifer Whalen Photography! She is a true adventure wedding photographer at heart and was able to help us plan the most perfect and stress-free elopement! She knew the ins and outs of the location, permits, timing, weather and truly brought everything together seamlessly, which allowed us to be in the moment and enjoy our special day. In addition to the planning aspect, we LOVE how all of our photos and video came out. WE ARE SO GRATEFUL SHE WAS ABLE TO CAPTURE EVERY DETAIL AND MOMENT WHILE WE WERE ABLE TO JUST TAKE IT ALL IN. She went above and beyond to capture every moment and is truly such a talented wedding photographer! In addition to her talent, she is super personable, which is important because your photographer is part of your wedding day, and Jennifer made the experience so much fun and truly such a memorable experience for us. Thank you, Jennifer!”
“Far exceeded our expectations!”
- Stefanie B.
“We are from Germany, and we were looking for someone who could capture images of our elopement in Santa Monica. I contacted Jenn, and she was sooo great from the beginning. She answered all our questions via email (and I had a lot of questions), and that made us feel really good. When we arrived in Venice, we met her, and it felt like meeting a friend. She's fun and professional at the same time. We talked about our ideas, and she was unbelievably motivated and creative. Then we definitely knew that she was the right choice. ON OUR ELOPEMENT DAY, SHE WAS MORE THAN ON TIME AND WELL PREPARED. Our family and friends were amazed at the photos when we got back home. Working with Jenn was the best thing that could have happened to us. It was fun, uncomplicated and she had so much energy and went on a rollercoaster ride with us :) Awesome pictures and an AWESOME PERSON! Thanks for everything!”
“What can I say?! PERFECT!!”
- Amber E.
“From the moment my wife and I reached out to Jennifer wanting to schedule a mini wedding in Malibu, it was as if she could read our minds. When I told her the date, she mentioned Yosemite instead, our DREAM, but we never thought we could afford it. Everything was planned out, but Yosemite was shut down two days before the elopement due to wildfires. I JUST KNEW THE WHOLE THING WOULD BE CANCELED, BUT JENNIFER JUMPED ON IT AND GAVE US THREE OTHER OPTIONS. We went with Zion, and we were NOT disappointed. Jennifer and her videographer, Dan, went above and beyond to make our day super special. I had a place in mind for the ceremony, but Jennifer had already scoped out multiple locations. Trust her eye because she knows what she’s talking about! Jennifer and Dan are so fun to work with, and I recommend you hire them for all your wedding or elopement needs.”
“She went out of her way to make sure our day was super special.”
- Rebecca S.
Jenn is an amazing photographer and a super sweet person, and SHE MADE OUR ELOPEMENT BETTER THAN WE COULD HAVE EVER IMAGINED. On our first call with her, she was so patient with all of our many, many questions. After we selected Jenn to be our photographer, she made absolutely everything else fall into place. She had a contact for us to work with to get our marriage license and recommended lodging options and hair/makeup options. She was extremely knowledgeable about different shooting locations and helped us find the perfect spot in the woods for our ceremony. She took the time to iron out every little detail with us before the big day. Her photography is amazing, and she really does whatever it takes to get the perfect shot."
“Jennifer was *everything* for our elopement – our photographer, our officiant, and our planner!”
