As a Joshua Tree elopement photographer, I have had the privilege of capturing many beautiful love stories against the stunning backdrop of the national park. However, this particular elopement stands out for a unique and memorable stop along the way.


Miray and Victor knew that they were going to be driving awhile to get to Joshua Tree, and wanted to do something special before their elopement at Live Oak. After discussing some options, they decided that stopping at Más o Menos, a newer coffee shop/cocktail bar in the Joshua Tree area, would be a perfect addition to their special day!


While there, the couple ordered iced coffees, took time to enjoy each others company, and wrote their private vows. They even snagged some keepsakes from the photo booth. Afterwards, we made our way into Joshua Tree National Park for the two to read their promises to each other. It was truly a magical day!

Bride and groom outside of mas o menos coffee shop prior to Joshua Tree elopement

Más o Menos: A Hidden Gem in Joshua Tree

Nestled amongst the eclectic mix of art galleries and vintage shops in Joshua Tree, Más o Menos is a coffee shop/cocktail bar located right off of 29 Palms Highway. This hidden gem captures the desert vibe perfectly, serving as a quiet coffee shop in the mornings and transforming into a vibrant cocktail bar with live music at night. Whenever you come and whatever you choose, you're in for a memorable experience!


Marking the beginning of a day they would never forget, Más o Menos was the starting point for Miray and Victor's unique journey into marriage. The exterior's rustic charm and inviting archway made for the perfect place to kick off their pictures!


If you're in Joshua Tree, be sure to stop by Más o Menos! You can even rent the building to host your wedding or elopement! ;)


bride and groom at mas o menos in joshua tree
black and white photo of couple outside of coffee shop before eloping in Joshua Tree national park
bride leaning in for kiss while groom sits on bench outside of Joshua Tree coffee shop
groom is fixing brides shoe while she sits on coffee shop bench
groom putting jacket on bride in front of Mas O Menos blue door in Joshua Tree
bride and groom sitting at outdoor table of coffee shop writing their vows in Joshua Tree
couple writing their private elopement vows at an outdoor coffee shop table
black and white detail photo of bride writing her private elopement vows
detail photo of groom and brides hands while writing in their vow books at Joshua Tree coffee shop
bride and groom holding hands under arch of coffee shop building in southern california
groom holding brides face under an arch way in Joshua Tree
bride and groom kissing under outdoor arch at Más o Menos in Joshua Tree
detail photo of lower half of bride + groom and brides flowers

Writing Vows and Sipping Iced Coffee

After snapping a few photos outside in the crazy wind, we found a private table inside the coffee shop for the two to share a quiet moment. Más o Menos provided an atmosphere that was both vibrant and cozy. It was here, amidst the eclectic desert decor and the soft murmur of fellow guests, that the couple decided to finish writing their private vows.


Seated at a corner table with their coffees beside them, the two reflected on their journey together and wrote heartfelt promises to each other. It wasn't just about penning words to paper; it was an opportunity to pause and reflect on the depth of their relationship. It allowed them to distill their emotions and hopes into promises that would guide them through their shared life.

bride and groom sitting across from each other holding hands inside of Joshua Tree coffee shop
black and white photo of bride and groom holding hands at mas o menos
bride and groom touching noses in the corner table of coffee shop in Joshua tree
bride and groom touching foreheads in the corner table of Joshua tree coffee shop
bride and groom going in for a kiss in the corner table of coffee shop in Joshua tree
couple writing their vows at coffee shop before Joshua Tree elopement
detail photo of bride and groom writing vows at coffee shop in Joshua tree
black and white of couple writing in their vow books before their Joshua Tree elopement

Photo Booth Keepsakes

The couple's visit to Más o Menos wouldn't have been complete without a stop at the coffee shop's charming Photo Booth. It offered a unique opportunity to capture their pre-elopement excitement and create instant keepsakes. The strips of photos served as a tangible reminder of their special day, and the perfect prelude to the vows about to be exchanged inside Joshua Tree National Park!

bride and groom inside of Más o Menos Photo Booth
black and white photo of bride and groom kissing inside of Photo Booth at Joshua Tree coffee shop
bride and groom in photo booth before joshua tree elopement
black and white photo of bride and groom looking at photo strip from Photo Booth
detail photo of vow books, Photo Booth photo strip, Polaroids, and brides bouquet
detail photo of vow books, Photo Booth photo strip, Polaroids, and brides bouquet

The couple's visit to Más o Menos was a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most extraordinary moments are born from simplicity. A coffee shop in the desert marked the beginning of their lifelong commitment to each other, proving that love can be celebrated in many forms and in unexpected places.


As they left, hearts full and vows written, they carried with them the quiet confidence that comes from starting the day in such a meaningful way. Their journey to Joshua Tree National Park was about to begin, but the memories made at Más o Menos would remain a cherished part of their love story.


Eloping in Joshua Tree National Park

Once we drove to the national park and arrived at Live Oak, Miray and Victor read the vows they had written to each other earlier at the coffee shop. Their vows were beautiful and truly added an extra layer of intimacy to their day. It was hard not to tear up behind my camera witnessing how deeply these two care for each other!

bride and groom reading vows in front of big rock formation in Joshua Tree National Park
detail photo of bride and groom holding hands while reading their vows during elopement
bride and groom holding vow books during joshua tree wedding
bride and groom reading vows in front of big rock formation in Joshua Tree National Park
groom smiling at bride while she reads her private vows during their elopement
bride and groom reading vows in front of big rock formation in Joshua Tree National Park
bride and groom eloping at Joshua Tree National Park
detail photo of brides vows and grooms vow book at Joshua tree elopement

Exploring the Beauty of Joshua Tree

The national park's unique landscape combines desert plains, mesmerizing rock formations, and the infamous Joshua trees, promising stunning backdrops for their elopement photos. The couple choose Live Oak as their elopement spot because of the variety the location offered.

bride and groom standing under tree at Live Oak in Joshua Tree
bride sitting on grooms lap under big tree at Live Oak in Joshua Tree national park
black and white photo of groom pulling bride in for kiss
detail photo of bride and grooms lower bodies and bride bouquet at elopement
groom hugging bride from behind while she wears his jacket in Joshua Tree National Park
bride and groom under veil after their Joshua Tree elopement
black and white photo of couple kissing after elopement at Live Oak in Joshua Tree
couple holding hands while standing on rock in Joshua tree
groom looking at bride while they are sitting on rocks in Joshua Tree
black and white of bride and groom holding hands while walking away at Live Oak
couples shadow on rock in Joshua Tree National park
bride and groom leaning on big rock in Joshua tree
bride sitting on rock under big tree at Joshua Tree elopement
detail photo of bride holding her shoes in one hand and bouquet in the other
groom kissing brides temple next to Joshua tree
black and white photo of couple holding hands and looking over shoulders at each other in Joshua Tree
groom lifting bride up for a kiss next to a Joshua tree

Miray and Victor's elopement in Joshua Tree shows that their truly are no rules when eloping! Your day gets to look exactly how you and your partner decide. I'm always thrilled to tag along for the adventures, and honored to play such an important role in capturing a couple's elopement day.


Eloping in Joshua Tree?


If you're considering eloping in Joshua Tree, take a page from Miray and Victor's book and stop by Más o Menos to add something special to your day! 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.


Black and white close-up of hands clasped together on a wooden table during an intimate moment.

Ready to start planning your perfect elopement?