Getting Married in Joshua Tree & The High Desert

Last Updated: 4/3/2020

Planning a wedding in the high desert? From Pioneertown to Twentynine Palms, from venues to vintage dresses, here’s a collection of local vendors in or near Joshua Tree National Park.

We’ll continue adding to and updating this page, so if you know of other people and services that should be listed, please let us know.

Please note this is just a list of resources, not recommendations — we only have personal experience with a handful of the vendors on this list.

Videographers

The Quail & The Dove — Of course we had to include ourselves! We live right here in the high desert, and love filming Joshua Tree weddings. Check out our portfolio to see our recent films and get in touch to find out our pricing and availability.

We love making films for weddings and elopements because it’s such a great way to relive the day — to hear your vows again, and see moments like the first look and the kiss in action!

Planning, Coordination, Event Design

While this list can help you dream and plan your perfect Joshua Tree wedding, it is no substitute for a good wedding planner! As filmmakers we have personally seen what a difference a wedding planner can make. The weddings we have worked on which had planners went much more smoothly, and with someone taking care of the timing and logistics, the couple and their family were able to just enjoy their special day. We believe a good wedding planner is one of the best investments you can make for your wedding (besides a wedding film, of course).

The Walk Down The Aisle — Trish of The Walk Down The Aisle has an encyclopedic knowledge of the ins-and-outs of Joshua Tree area venues and vendors, making her a great resource for couples planning weddings in the area. The Walk Down The Aisle offers a variety of services, from full co-ordination to a la carte services like venue discovery. Read our interview with Trish to learn more!

Desert Pop-Up — Curated elopements and tiny weddings. Desert Popup’s team of creative professionals includes a stylist/designer, coordinator and photographer inspired to bring your intimate gathering to life.

Moon Realm — A local creative event studio specializing in otherworldly yet timeless, design-forward production. They are the curators of idyllic moments in time, life-changing experiences and all around feel-good vibes. Luxury meets laid-back style and disco dance parties happen to be their specialties.

Desert Rose Wedding Co — Alyssa of Desert Rose Wedding Co. grew up in the high desert and has recently moved back after working in the bridal industry in Portland for a few years. She offers different planning packages for all of your needs and can work with any budget. She will do everything she can to make your wedding as stress-free and beautiful as possible

Celebrations of Joy Events — This amazing team designs celebrations that reflect your style and personality while at the same time creating experiences that you and your guests will treasure for a lifetime. COJ are based in the low desert but some of their wedding directors are based up here and they’re now starting to bring the same classy and professional touch that is a hallmark of their events to weddings in the Joshua Tree area.

Stone Adventures — A locally-owned and family-operated guide service that knows the park inside and out. Stone Adventures can help you with permitting and reserving locations within Joshua Tree National Park, as well as other planning services such as accommodations, catering, officiants and photography.

Florals + Cacti

Cactus Mart — Morongo Valley, CA
The perfect spot for fun cacti and unique succulent bouquets, boutonnieres, center pieces and more.

The Bloomin Gypsy  —  Joshua Tree, CA
If you are looking for gorgeous, high-end floral styling, The Bloomin Gypsy is the one for you. Read our interview with Veronica to learn more.

Niche Hitch — Joshua Tree, CA
If you want something unique and out of the box for your florals, check out this fine art florist specializing in horticultural stylings for weddings, elopements, celebrations, private events and photo shoots.

Cactus Flower  — Yucca Valley, CA
Offers a selection of bridal bouquets, wedding ceremony flowers, floral cake decorations, and more.

Rentals

Skywild Design — Joshua Tree, CA
Skywild curates, collects and creates desert-inspired tabletop decor for a very distinct crowd. They carry mostly tabletop vintage items with a few modern pieces thrown in here and there. Many are one of a kind, and some are designed and built exclusively by Skywild.

Planks & Patina — Palm Springs, CA
Based in Palm Springs and serving the surrounding desert, most of their furniture selection is handmade using reclaimed wood picked from distressed barns and industrial buildings.

Bright Event Rentals — Thousand Palms, CA
A full service rental company that has just about everything you’ll need.

Signature Party Rentals — Indio, CA
With over 50,000 square feet of warehouse space, Signature Party Rentals has a huge selection of quality equipment at a price that fits every budget.

Penas Party Rentals — Yucca Valley, CA
Penas is an inexpensive party rental spot for chairs and tables, etc. If you are on a budget and don’t need anything too fancy, this might be the place for you.

Circa Vintage Rentals — LA/Joshua Tree
Boutique event rentals specializing in vintage/specialty/custom furniture and decor. They also offer styling services.

Officiants

The Vow Keeper — Charlotte is a local officiant here in the Joshua Tree area and a wealth of information and resources about the logistics of getting married up here.

Wedding in the Desert — Another Joshua Tree local, Celene is an ordained, non-denominational wedding minister. She will work with you to craft a ceremony as alternative or traditional as you and that reflects who you are.

Joshua Tree Wedding Company — Charlie is an ordained, non-denominational minister creating personalized wedding ceremonies with a a native touch, including smudge sticks made of white sage and lavender. Before each wedding, she meets with the couple to find out about their love story and creates the ceremony based on their own words and experiences.

LA Wedding Woman — Although the company is based in LA, the co-founder Arielle Haze lives here in the high desert. They offer everything from customized ceremony packages to “Quick I Do” elopements and can even provide the marriage license so that you don’t have to go to the courthouse.

Many of the low desert officiants will also drive up to officiate weddings in the area. If you have a friend or family member who is a minister or clergy they can officiate and do not need to be registered in any official capacity with the state. You can also have a friend or family member become a deputy marriage commissioner for the day through the County Clerk’s office and marry you.

Marriage Licenses

You do not need to be a California (or US) resident to get married in California but you will need to get a marriage license from a California County Clerk’s office. You can get one from any County Clerk in California. Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.

As of February 2017, you can now get marriage licenses in Joshua Tree! The recorder service hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 2:30 p.m. Marriage certificates and licenses are by appointment only. For more information, or to make an appointment, call 760-995-8065.

There are also County Clerks’ offices in Palm Desert, Hespeira and San Bernardino, which have more hours available.

Blood tests are not required in California and there is no waiting period. Both parties must appear in person and bring valid picture identification to the County Clerk’s office. For more information, visit the website of the California Department of Public Health.

Catering

Joshua Tree Wedding Company — Joshua Tree, CA
Pleasing vegan, vegetarian and meat eaters, with anything from taco bars to fine dining, Chef Charlie will work with you to put together a menu that suits your tastes. She can also provide onsite lunch the day of the wedding, and brunch the day after wedding. She can create wedding cakes, cupcakes and even cactus cookies for your dessert table. (760) 974-6126

Mojave Monaco — Joshua Tree, CA
These private chefs will work with you to fulfill your food fantasies for parties of two to 200.

Bruce’s Place Catering — Joshua Tree, CA
A full service catering company that includes a portable BBQ and smoker set-up.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit — Yucca Valley
BBQ style buffet or full service catering.

The Rib Co. — Twentynine Palms
Full service catering available for groups of all sizes, from backyard BBQ to formal wedding cuisine. They are fully self contained and can cater anywhere in the high desert (and beyond). Family owned and operated.

Many of the local high desert restaurants also provide catering services, such as the Joshua Tree Hookah Lounge in Yucca Valley, CA (we got delicious food from them for our wedding).

You can also find caterers and food trucks in Palm Springs, Los Angeles and San Diego who will drive up to the high desert. Miho Catering, based in San Diego is a popular option.

Cakes and Desserts

As well as from the catering companies, there are a few places to get cakes and desserts here in the high desert.

The Natural Sisters Cafe — Joshua Tree, CA
Their vegan carrot cake is delicious and makes a great wedding cake — everyone enjoyed it at our wedding! They also have great pies and other baked goods.

Paradise Farm & Bakery — Yucca Valley, CA
As well as traditional wedding cakes, this home-kitchen bakery offers organic, gluten-free, vegan and other specialty options.

You can also get a cake in the Palm Springs or Palm Desert area (Over the Rainbow Desserts is a popular option), or bring one along with you if you are traveling from within Southern California.

Local Joshua Tree Area Photographers

Wedding photographers worldwide are usually excited about the chance to shoot in Joshua Tree. However, we have some talented photographers right here in the high desert.

Sage & Swan — Bicoastal between Joshua Tree and Pennsylvania, this duo brings a whimsical, dreamy style to their wedding photos.

The Shalom Imaginative Documentary Media — One of the newest additions to the Joshua Tree scene, they work with creative and non-traditional couples, specializing in documenting honest and emotional stories with a photojournalist approach.

Amelia LaVoie — Wedding and elopement photography for relaxed, adventurous wild and free couples. Amelia strives to capture the in-between, natural moments that make people shine through in photographs.

Kayla Jannika Photography —  Katrina of KJP focuses on organic, natural, and beautiful photography. She wants you to look at your photos and relive the raw moments of your day.

Alexis Ralston — Alexis focuses on capturing raw emotion that makes each person’s story unique. With a passion for storytelling, she strives to make your experience a form of tangible art to cherish for generations to come.

Artistic Eye by Noemy O’Hara — With her simple and relaxed approach, Noemy is able to put her clients at ease and shine a bright light on the unique beauty of each person she photographs.

Wedding Beauty

Sabrina Bennett — This local makeup artist specializes in beauty makeup for weddings, photoshoots and special occasions near Joshua Tree.  (909) 496-1952

Tanya Marie Hair — Tanya Marie is a hairstylist, makeup artist, and educator based out of Joshua Tree. She offers a wide array of services and is a certified advanced colorist with Paul Mitchell The School, a regional educator with Peter Coppola.

Hair Design by Christine — A professional licensed hair stylist and makeup artist specializing in weddings. Based in Joshua Tree and Pioneertown.

The Pointed Pearl — Mobile facial massage, gourmet skincare, waxing services, body scrubs and wraps. Available to travel to your location for private or parties.

DJs & Audio

Supermoon DJs — Joshua Tree, CA
A DJ collective based in Joshua Tree founded by a husband and wife team. They specialize in unique weddings and work closely with clients to curate an individual sound for each event. They believe in painting the entire picture with both visual design and auditory design, which can be seen with their mid-century modern console and heard with their carefully curated playlists.

Bad Quail Sound + Light — Joshua Tree, CA
Bad Quail provides professional audio equipment rentals and event production services. They can deliver and staff multiple sound systems for your wedding ceremony, cocktail hour and reception, based on your vision and needs. Their rental inventory includes battery powered loudspeakers and wireless systems for events in remote locations, as well as DJ equipment rentals if you wish to provide your own entertainment.

Venues

There are so many amazing wedding venues in the high desert, with more popping up all the time! We will be updating this list as we discover new ones.

When comparing high desert venues there are so many things to consider beyond the base price. Is there electricity? Is a generator provided? Will there be enough (or any) bathrooms? A spot to get out of the sun/wind? Be sure to do your research and ask plenty of questions to make sure the venue is right for your wedding.

Joshua Tree National Park

With breathtaking and often otherworldly scenery, Joshua Tree National Park is a gorgeous place to have a wedding! However, there are some concerns and restrictions that come with using in this remote and relatively undeveloped National Park as a venue (including not being able to have a reception). For all the details, including how to apply for a special uses permit, read our post, Planning a Wedding in Joshua Tree National Park.

If you are still dreaming of a beautiful Joshua Tree wedding but don’t think the National Park is the right fit for you, read on for a collection of other great venues in the area.

 Pioneertown Wedding Venues

Rimrock Ranch — Rimrock Ranch is a beautiful 11 acre ranch originally built as the weekend retreat for western actors like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. The ranch consists of four rustic cabins, retro-fitted Airstream trailers, a lodge and the internationally famous Hatch House.

The Pioneertown Motel — Established in 1946 by Roy Rodgers, the Pioneertown Motel boasts a one of a kind Hollywood history. Just steps way from Pappy & Harriet’s, this rustic hotel has been restored and updated and is a great spot for a Pioneertown wedding.

Blackbird Ranch — Over 20 acres with a large Spanish ranch house for accommodations. Views of the Sawtooth Mountains and Pioneertown Mountains Preserve and a lush landscape of Joshua Trees, pine trees and local vegetation, with landscaped areas for ceremony and receptions. On-site parking available.

Historic Pioneertown Soundstage — One of the original, historic Pioneertown structures, the Soundstage is available for weddings. If rustic and old west are what you are looking for, you will find it here.

Joshua Tree Wedding Venues

The Desert Lily’s Love-Love — A magical, hi-desert, bohemian venue perfect for rustic/romantic wedding ceremonies and receptions. Stunning sunsets and panoramic views of Joshua Tree National Park make this the picture-perfect backdrop for your special event.

The Station — This iconic Joshua Tree roadside attraction is a converted gas station that serves as a gift shop, event space and more. Available for events up to 150 people.

Thunderbird Lodge Retreat — Perched on the edge of Joshua Tree National Park, the Thunderbird Lodge offers a breathtaking setting with high desert views. They can accommodate intimate indoor events as well as outdoor gatherings.

The Joshua Tree Inn — With a recently built stage by the pool area, the Joshua Tree Inn is now hosting weddings. This eclectically decorated 1950s Hacienda Style inn is the site of the legendary Gram Parsons Room, where the beloved and respected musician/songwriter spent his last hours.

Sacred Sands — A small inn located just outside the west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park with mountain and desert valley views. Featuring both indoor and outdoor rooms and spaces, this intimate setting is ideal for elegantly rustic weddings and events for up to 130 people.

Mojave Sands —  Just a few miles from the park entrance, this motel is “an eco-chic moroccan desert refuge, celebrating modern-minimalism.”

Hicksville Trailer Palace — This “trailer-park” motel is great for fun, quirky, and intimate weddings. Theme-inspired trailers, including a bar trailer for events, mini golf, fire pits and more.

Spin and Margie’s Desert Hideaway — Five minutes from the national park, this boutique Joshua Tree Inn is part Mexican hacienda, part artist’s palette.

Green Acres Ranch — Green Acres Ranch features two artistic and cozy cabins on ten acres of desert scenery, surrounded by mountains, boulder formations, washes and wildlife. They accommodate a couple of small weddings of up to 80 people at the ranch each year.

Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground — This rustic retreat destination offers many beautiful areas to celebrate your love, with spaces for any size of gathering, whether your guest list is substantial or quaint.

Folly — This modern, off-grid home was designed and built by architect and designer Malek Alqadi. Perfect for small, intimate events of 25 guests or less. Folly blends indoor-outdoor living in an innovative minimalistic design.

Joshua Tree Ranch House — Centrally located in downtown Joshua Tree and adorned in vintage 1940s decoration with distinctly authentic desert amenities.

Yucca Valley Wedding Venues

Tumbleweed Sanctuary — Once a 150-person seated church, the Tumbleweed Sanctuary is now designed for private use, spiritual services, ceremonies and matrimonies. Set on 10 acres of desert, tucked away in a quiet residential area, but less than a mile from local conveniences.

Dream Catcher Ranch — A hidden gem located in Yucca Valley’s Western Hills Estates, surrounded by beautiful rock formations. There are two houses on the property, as well as a jacuzzi, pool, and ten person hot tub hidden in the boulders. Full of unique and artistic details! They can accommodate up to 100 wedding guests, and 13 overnight guests, plus more in tents.

Rock Reach House — This unique, modern steel house on 2 1/2 acres of high desert is great option if you are having a small wedding (25 people or less).

Cactus Moon Retreat — This mid-century jewel has a private yoga studio, fire pit, bbq, pool and detached converted horse stable pool house on 2.5 acres of Mojave desert. It can accommodate events of up to 50 people.

Echo Ranch House — A semi-secluded 1966 Bungalow on six acres in Flamingo Heights. Not only is this a great location for intimate weddings of up to 50, the owners are in the event industry and know how to curate a rad event.

Morongo Valley Venues

Crazy Horse Ranch — A family-owned ranch that offers accommodations, horse riding lessons, private trail rides, quaint weddings, and other special events.

Genuine Draft Ranch — This hideaway can hold events up to approximately 125 guests. They have 10 acres — five developed and five that is land with a panoramic view of the valley, a canvas to create any style you want. This wild west ranch has a barn, a saloon and more.

Twentynine Palms Wedding Venues

Wonder Valley Hot Springs — 20 acres located on a natural hot springs just past Twentynine Palms. This unique property has 6 houses, each with its own private hot springs tub, including a large central house with commercial kitchen, yoga/event room and large dining room. Overnight accommodations for up 32 (plus more if you have camping guests).

29 Palms Inn — Located on an oasis, with both outdoor and indoor ceremony and reception sites, a catering team providing support from event planning to implementation, plus 23 guest rooms and spa services for the bridal party.

Historic Campbell House Inn — Step back in time and experience old-world charm at this historic desert inn, located minutes away from the 29 Palms Inn, and the north entrance of Joshua Tree National Park.

Prarie Dog RV & Camping — This scenic, off-grid campground is set on 2.5 acres of land and has sweeping panoramic views of the open desert.

Vintage Shops

If you are looking for the perfect vintage wedding outfit or some fun decor for your wedding, the high desert has some great vintage shops for treasure hunting. There are so many we won’t list them all, just a few of our favorites.

Moss & Ginger — Joshua Tree, CA
This is where we got all of our wedding clothes! If you don’t find what you are looking for, just ask and they may have something in storage that is perfect for you. A great curated selection of clothes at reasonable prices.

The End — Yucca Valley, CA
This desert shop is home to one of a kind vintage and designer clothes and jewelry! Lots of psychedelic, glam, folk, and costume frocks. Also selling unusual home decor, art, and ceramics.

Holly’s Trading Post — Morongo Valley, CA
Fun finds, great prices, and a big selection make Holly’s Trading Post a the perfect stop on your way to and from the high desert.

The Cowboy Attic — Twentynine Palms
A well organized maze of vintage, western apparel and decor. Perfect for hunting through if you want some cowboy boots or hats, vintage dresses, or pearly button shirts.

Other Resources

How to Dress for Success at a Joshua Tree Wedding (For Brides, Grooms and Guests) — What to wear so you don’t sink through the sand, get stuck in a cactus, or freeze in the cold evening winds!

Planning a Wedding in Joshua Tree National Park — This has all our advice for planning a wedding inside the National Park

How to Have the Joshua Tree Desert Elopement of Your Dreams — Advice for planning the perfect desert elopement.

Find even more vendors, venues and inspiration over at the Joshua Tree Events Collective  — we’re proud to be one of the founding members of this group of professional event vendors based in the Joshua Tree Area.