I absolutely love being a Joshua Tree elopement photographer! Every couple chooses to celebrate their love and express themselves in a way that is truly unique to them. Whether it's a two-hour intimate exchange or a full day packed with fun, it's my honor to capture every moment!


When Steffanie and Chris reached out to me about their engagement photos and elopement, I was thrilled! These two have a palpable spark, and fully embraced the magic of an elopement. They planned the perfect day, incorporating their favorite and most-treasured aspects of their relationship.

Classic vintage white convertible driving on desert road at sunset
Wedding couple stands before dramatic desert rock formations at sunset in Joshua Tree
Desert wedding portrait at golden hour with Joshua trees in background

From an incredible classic car and Chris' drum set, to exchanging intimate vows under the moon in Joshua Tree National Park, and ending the evening with a celebratory toast, these two truly made the day theirs. It's hard to choose a favorite moment. It was all simply amazing! Take a look for yourself.

Getting Ready at a Joshua Tree Airbnb

Steffanie and Chris' elopement day started with getting ready photos at their Airbnb in Joshua Tree. Here, I captured the small and special details like their vow books, rings, and accessories. Their vintage-inspired style and fall colors were a perfect choice for Joshua Tree in the fall!

Elegant black and white wedding stationery flat lay with invitations and envelopes for Joshua Tree elopement
Modern wedding invitation suite with black envelopes and details in natural lighting.
Wedding rings nestled in a green velvet octagonal ring box casting dramatic shadows
Detail shot of pearl earrings and pearl heels for eloping in Joshua Tree
Wedding bouquet next to bridal shoes in window at Joshua Tree airbnb
Elegant bridal accessories including perfume bottle, heels and floral details at Joshua Tree airbnb The Midnight Sun House
Wedding dress hanging in sunlit room at Joshua Tree airbnb The Midnight Sun House with flower arrangement and shoes
Couples unique custom cocktail napkins for eloping in Joshua Tree
Black and white photo of two modern silver wedding rings on a dark wooden surface at Joshua Tree airbnb
Grooms brown leather dress shoes with black journal and wedding accessories on wooden surface in Joshua Tree
Engagement ring and wedding band macro photography on yellow cactus with detailed spines
Wedding vow books and bouquet with burgundy florals on rock in Joshua Tree National Park

FAQ: Does elopement photography include getting ready photos?

Yes, it absolutely can! The choice is yours. I offer packages ranging from 2 hours to 8 hours in coverage so you can decide what works with your plans and budget. I always love when a couple includes little things, like Steffanie and Chris' adorable custom cocktail napkin and stirrer. If you plan to include several unique elements in your elopement, I recommend booking a longer package so every detail is captured!

Drums in the Desert

Chris showed off his skills on the drums as a part of his 'getting ready' time! It was awesome to capture him in his element, rocking out before saying 'I do'. This is exactly what I'm talking about when I say you get to make your elopement yours!


The two shared a sweet first look, and Chris helped Steffanie try on one of her incredible shoe options for the day. Every moment shared between the two was genuine and sweet. Their choice to elope allowed them to focus on each other, and take time to savor the day.

Male drummer plays passionately on drum set against a desert mountain backdrop in Joshua Tree
Groom playing drum set positioned in desert landscape with mountains in background
Elegant blue velvet platform heels next to a wine glass on a modern side table at Joshua Tree airbnb The Midnight Sun House
A tender moment captured between a couple at Joshua Tree airbnb The Midnight Sun House
Black and white photo of groom playing the drums against a desert landscape
Couple in emerald green suit and white gown pose against modern desert architecture for Palm Springs wedding
Couple lounging together on a leather sofa at airbnb before eloping in Joshua Tree National Park
Close-up of brides shoes being fastened by groom before eloping in Joshua Tree
Wedding couple sharing intimate moment with floral bouquet at Palm Springs airbnb

Eloping in Joshua Tree? Get a Classic Car!

The high desert + a gorgeous vintage car = a match made in heaven! If you're eloping in Joshua Tree and want to do something to add extra fun, I recommend renting a classic car. A classic car not only adds to the adventure, it makes for some pretty awesome photos too. Steffanie and Chris opted for this beauty, and it did not disappoint!

Couple poses in front of classic white convertible car parked in Joshua Tree with a desert mountain backdrop
Bride and groom show off wedding rings on a vintage red car steering wheel.
Elegant couple poses beside vintage white car in Joshua Tree
Groom kisses bride in romantic desert wedding photo with classic car and mountain landscape
Bride and groom in classic convertible car during Joshua Tree elopement
Black and white photo of newlyweds driving a class car on desert road

Sunset Couples Portraits in Joshua Tree

After a few more shots with the classic car (click here to view the full gallery), Steffanie and Chris made their way into Joshua Tree National Park, ready to get eloped! The couple and I planned ahead of time to capitalize on golden hour for their portraits.


When it comes to planning an elopement, timing is important because of the lighting. This is why my packages are all-inclusive, which means I'll help you plan and prep beforehand. Together, we'll create a schedule so you can enjoy the day rush-free.


With years of experience, I can also advise on the best spots in the park, provide local recommendations, and ensure any needed permits are secured! I can even serve as your witness. If there's any way I can help, don't hesitate to ask! Read more about planning your elopement in Joshua Tree here.

Elegant bridal hairstyle with pearl pin at Joshua Tree wedding
Close up of rustic fall bridal bouquet in brides hands in Joshua Tree
Bride holding floral wedding bouquet at sunset in Joshua Tree National Park
A romantic sunset wedding photo in Joshua Tree National Park featuring a couple embracing among desert rock formations
Newlyweds walking together in the desert with mountains and Joshua Trees during golden hour.
Wedding couple on rocks at sunset in Joshua Tree with golden light peering over the iconic desert landscape
Couple standing close with bouquet in Joshua Tree during sunset elopement
Couple walking hand in hand through Joshua Tree National Park during their elopement

Exchanging Vows Beneath the Moon

After portraits, vow books in hand, the two chose a secluded rock formation to exchange their private promises. Their ceremony was intimate and beautiful, overflowing with love. As the sun started to set, the moon appeared against the dusk sky. It was a perfect picturesque scene to finish our time in Joshua Tree National Park.

A scenic desert wedding with towering rock formations in Joshua Tree creating a dramatic natural backdrop
A wedding couple reading vows in Joshua Tree surrounded by large boulders
Couple kisses at elopement in Joshua Tree with a faint moon in the background.
A couple shares their wedding vows in Joshua Tree amidst towering desert rock formations
Groom kisses brides forehead at sunset in the desert
A black and white wedding photo of a couple among rock formations in Joshua Tree
Couple seals their elopement with a kiss against dramatic desert rock formations in Joshua Tree
A wedding couple stands before dramatic desert rock formations under a blue sky in Joshua Tree
Black and white photo of newlyweds walking together in Joshua Tree, showing bottom half of suit and flowing wedding dress.
Couple holds hands in wedding portrait with dramatic rock formations in Joshua Tree National Park.

Cheers to the Newlyweds

Back at the Airbnb, Steffanie and Chris popped a bobble of bubbly to celebrate their new marriage! These two truly had a perfect day filled with love, laughter, and a lifetime of special memories.

Two champagne glasses and bottle on white side table at night Joshua Tree airbnb
Wedding celebration by the pool at Joshua Tree airbnb with couple pouring champagne
Close up of bride's hand holding glass showing off engagement ring after Joshua Tree wedding

Looking for a Joshua Tree Elopement Photographer?


If you're considering eloping, be sure to get creative and make the day uniquely yours! And, if you're looking for a Joshua Tree elopement or wedding photographer, I'm your girl. Learn more about the process here, or reach out to schedule a discovery call here.


Close-up of newlywed couple with autumn-toned floral bouquet against Joshua Tree desert landscape

Ready to start planning your dream elopement?