Kate and Trevor, a Michigan-based couple, eloped in Joshua Tree National Park and I had the honor of being their photographer. These two were so fun to work with! Their authenticity and connection truly set the tone for the day.


Surrounded by surreal rock formations, stunning desert views, and their loved ones, Kate and Trevor's elopement was a beautiful celebration of love and joy.

Newlyweds pose together in brown suit and white dress with orange bouquet against desert mountain backdrop at sunset.
Close-up of hands exchanging wedding rings during a sunset ceremony in natural outdoor setting.

Getting Ready to Elope in Joshua Tree

Kate and Trevor began their elopement day getting ready at an Airbnb in Joshua Tree. Their family joined them, and Kate's mom helped her into her stunning wedding dress. This was also a perfect time to capture the small but significant details like Trevor's bolo tie, their epic invitations, and the ring holder that Kate hand-stitched herself. I knew we'd be a great fit when Kate described their style by saying , "the more funky and untraditional, the better".

Ornate gold-framed mirror on white wall with white floral arrangement in vase reflects elegant room interior.
Close-up of a hand adjusting a decorative boutonniere pin on a brown suit jacket with pink dress shirt and round glasses.
Two people stand in conversation by a pink door and flowering bougainvillea bush on a residential porch.
A reflection in a large round gold-framed mirror shows someone in a white dress with a sunburst wall decoration behind them.
Close-up black and white photo of hands fastening buttons on a wedding dress with delicate pearl details.
Sweet moment shared between someone in a green bridesmaid dress and a bride in white on their special day.
Wedding details arranged on black and white geometric tiles with orange flowers, books, and embroidery hoop artwork.

Dad & Daughter First Look

Before we left the Airbnb for Joshua Tree National Park, Kate and her dad shared a special first look together. I often get asked "Can we take getting ready photos, even if we're eloping?" or "Can I do a first look at our elopement?" and the answer will always be YES! I offer a range of packages, and love capturing every moment of your special day. If you want to have a special moment, I'd love to help document it for you. I'm so glad Kate asked to do this! It truly goes to show that there are no 'rules' when eloping- your day gets to look exactly how you want it to.

A bride in a white wedding dress and veil stands beside a doorway with a stained glass window nearby.
A sweet moment between two individuals during a wedding, with one wearing a white lacy gown near an arched doorway.
A tender moment between two people in front of a white door with decorative glass paneling on a wedding day.

Eloping in Joshua Tree National Park

The time finally came for everyone to head to Joshua Tree National Park for the elopement ceremony! When Kate and Trevor first reached out, they said that choosing a location was a huge stress for them. They asked if I could recommend a great spot for photos, and advise on the timeline for lighting. Of course I was happy to help. That's exactly what I'm here for! As a Joshua Tree Wedding and Elopement Photographer I have tons of knowledge about the area. When you book with me, I can help with recommendations every step of the way.

A small wedding ceremony takes place among large boulder formations in Joshua Tree National Park at sunset.
A couple at an outdoor desert wedding ceremony with rocky boulders as a scenic backdrop.
An intimate wedding ceremony takes place among large desert boulders with yellow wildflowers at sunset.
Wedding officiant reads from small blue book during outdoor ceremony while wearing brown suit.

Couples Portraits at Split Rock

Split Rock is one of Joshua Tree’s most renowned locations for elopements, and it’s no surprise why. The towering boulders create a dramatic and beautiful setting for saying 'I do'. As Kate and Trevor exchanged vows amongst the massive rocks, they were enveloped by the desert’s vastness and beauty, making the moment feel extra monumental.


The Split Rock area is great because it also provides variety. We were able to capture plenty of couples portraits featuring the always iconic Joshua trees, desert mountains, and boulders, of course. You can see Kate and Trevor's full elopement gallery here.

A bride and groom pose together in a desert landscape at sunset with orange wildflower bouquet.
Close-up of bride and groom's hands embracing, showing wedding rings against white dress and brown suit.
A couple in wedding attire stands against a rocky desert backdrop at sunset with orange bouquet flowers.
A couple in wedding attire standing together near large desert rock formations.
A couple poses together in front of large desert rock formations during their wedding in Joshua Tree National Park.
Two figures in wedding attire stand among large desert rock formations in Joshua Tree National Park at sunset.
A couple embraces in front of dramatic rocky cliffs during sunset in a desert landscape with scattered desert vegetation.
A joyful couple shares a candid moment together in a desert setting with Joshua trees in the background.

Elopement Day Details

As I mentioned before, I truly love to capture all of the details - not just the physical items, but the simple moments of connection, too. I pride myself in delivering a full, diverse gallery of final edited photos for you to look back on and treasure for a lifetime. I loved how images like the ones below help tell the story of Kate and Trevor's elopement.

Black and white photo showing bottom half of a flowy wedding dress and formal suit during a romantic couple shot outdoors.
Close-up of a newlywed couple's hands displaying their wedding rings against a light-colored background.
Floral print combat boots peek out beneath the hem of a white wedding dress on sandy ground.
Black and white photo showing couple on bench with wedding dress, suit and floral bouquet details at their feet.

Sunset Getaway in Joshua Tree National Park

For Kate and Trevor, eloping in Joshua Tree wasn’t just about getting married—it was an experience of adventure, laughter, and creating memories that would last a lifetime. In their initial inquiry, the two said they liked "organic and candid poses, brighter colors, more fun than romantic". I'd say we absolutely nailed the vibe! All throughout the day, Kate and Trevor focused on each other and had fun.


As the sun began to fade, the newlyweds made their way to the getaway car. After a few final photos, they drove off into the sunset... a perfect ending to a beautiful day.

A desert wedding scene with a majestic Joshua Tree and rocky landscape in the background.
A wedding couple shares a moment while standing on rocky desert terrain under a bright blue sky.
A couple shares a joyful moment together in a desert setting, with the bride wearing a flowing white gown and veil.
A couple shares a kiss at their desert wedding ceremony against large boulder formations in the background.
A newlywed couple poses with their sleek black Porsche sports car against a desert mountain backdrop at sunset.
A sleek black sports car parked in a desert landscape with mountains in the background and two people posing beside it.
A dark green Porsche convertible parked on a desert road at sunset with mountains in the background.

Want to Elope in Joshua Tree?

If you're considering eloping, Joshua Tree National Park is an amazing location to celebrate your love. 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.

Two hands tenderly hold each other during an outdoor moment with golden sunlight filtering through.

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