How to Plan a Dreamy California Desert Elopement: Best Locations, Tips & Inspiration
There's just something about eloping in the desert that makes you feel at peace and simply in awe of the world around you. Like something from a movie, picture you and your love standing in the middle of a beautiful desertscape, exchanging vows under the bright blue sky. There's nothing but nature, nothing to interrupt your special moments as you promise your lives to one another. Spending a chilly night cozying up around a campfire, gazing up at the millions of stars above (thanks to no light pollution), and taking in the day's beauty. Beginning your marriage against the landscape of California's mesmerizing deserts is an unforgettable adventure. Keep reading for tips for planning your dreamy California desert elopement.
Range Of Light Wed
We’re Range Of Light Wed—your local mountain and California desert elopement dream team. As a collective of experienced wedding professionals, we specialize in crafting intimate elopements and small wedding experiences that are meaningful, stress-free, and deeply personal.
Our passion? Helping couples celebrate their love with intention—whether that’s exchanging vows under the desert sun, in the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevadas, or in a quiet, tucked-away canyon. With our curated California elopement packages, you can focus on what truly matters: your love story, your way.
Eloping in California isn’t just about skipping the big wedding—it’s about saying your vows surrounded by wild beauty, adventure, and soul-stirring moments.
So, if you're dreaming of a California desert elopement filled with golden light, epic landscapes, and zero stress… let’s make it happen.
Let the planning begin. ✨
Why Choose A California Desert Elopement?
The Untamed Allure of the Desert
Desert weddings aren’t just about saying your vows in a distinct and gorgeous location. Instead, they’re about experiencing an adventure together. The desert offers privacy and an almost mystical feel that’s hard to replicate. The soft glow of the sun setting and casting a golden hue over the land makes the desert one of our favorite places for a sunset elopement. The stars are more visible here due to no light pollution, and Joleen, our resident California elopement photographer, loves to play with lanterns under the stunning night sky.
Escape the Crowds, Embrace the Stillness
A particular kind of romance thrives in the stillness of the California desert. It’s just you, your partner, and the wild desert that surrounds you. The seclusion offers opportunities for an intimate vow exchange away from the crowds and elopement photographs without an audience. This kind of elopement is an experience where it’s just you and the beauty of California.
A Sustainable Celebration in the Wild
California desert elopements can be more cost-effective than traditional weddings, and the natural setting means a lower environmental impact. The fees for eloping in these stunning areas are much lower than paying for a typical wedding venue.
Range of Light Wed always practices Leave No Trace - you can learn more with our Leave No Trace Elopement Guide.
Range Of Light Wed California Elopement Package: Desert Edition
All of our Desert Elopement Packages include:
On-Site Hair and Makeup
Personal Florals for 2 People
Officiant and Concierge Marriage License Service
Complimentary Champagne
Picnic Lunch
A Gluten Free, Organic, Non-Gmo Cake
A Table For 2 Where Local Laws Allow
Collaborative Timeline Planning
Location Suggestions
6 Hours of Photography Coverage (with option to extend)
Full Resolution files with printing rights.
Online gallery for printing and sharing.
NO TRAVEL FEES
Best Time of Year to Elope in the California Desert
The best times to elope in the deserts of California are typically during the early Spring, Fall, or Winter months. These times of year offer the most comfortable temperatures for exploring the arid landscape, hiking, and, of course, having an epic elopement day. During these times, the weather is perfect; it's not too hot or cold. We'll go over the best times by season to give you a clear picture of what to expect and help you to choose the perfect season for you:
Spring Elopement (March to April)
Spring is a sweet spot for visiting the California desert. Temperatures are mild, generally hovering around 70°F (21°C), but keep in mind temperatures can rise to 90°F (32°C) as late April approaches. However, this is also the time of year when some deserts burst into a riot of color with wildflowers (looking at you, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Death Valley National Park), and let us tell you, it's quite a sight. Keep in mind that spring tends to attract more visitors, thanks to the milder temperatures.
Fall Elopement (October to November)
Fall is the best time for hiking and exploring the desert. With comfortable daytime temperatures, think around the 70s and 80s. Nights really start to cool down during this time of year, so we recommend packing layers. Keep in mind that Fall is when you could see some rain in the desert. And even a little rain can be a big problem here. Watch for flash flooding in areas that don't see much rainfall throughout the year.
Winter Elopement (December to February)
You'll find that during the winter season, the California desert cools down quickly. Temps typically hover between the 50s and 70s (10°C – 21°C). Nights can get chilly, often dropping below freezing. You might see snow in higher elevations, which can impact your elopement plans due to road closures. With all that said, winter is usually the quietest time for visitors so that you will have more of the desert all to yourselves.
Desert Summers Are Beautiful… But Brutal
Summer in the desert is not for the faint of heart, to say the least. It gets incredibly hot, with temperatures skyrocketing above 100°F (38°C), and deserts like Death Valley National Park can hit a scorching 120°F! Even nighttime temperatures don't really cool down, making a summer elopement uncomfortable for most. This blistering heat makes spending time outdoors challenging, particularly because finding shade is difficult.
Overall, we don't recommend a summer desert elopement. Trust us, you'll have a better experience during the cooler months when the heat isn't so overwhelming.
We also want to mention that California deserts are remote areas. Remember that if you find yourself without water, lost in the vast desert, or facing any trouble, this landscape comes with some risk. But with your desert elopement dream team behind you, there's nothing to worry about!
Top California Desert Elopement Locations
While there are so many beautiful California elopement destinations, there is something so magical and unique about a desert elopement. Here are a few of our favorite California desert elopement destinations…
Alabama Hills
Nestled in the rugged beauty of the Eastern Sierra lies Alabama Hills, California, a beautiful elopement destination that has become a magnet for couples seeking an intimate and adventurous day. Alabama Hills offers a magical backdrop for your vows with its awe-inspiring vistas of Mount Whitney, unique rock formations, and the iconic Movie Road that has been in countless films.
The Bureau of Land Management manages the area that has been designated as a National Scenic Area. Alabama Hills also offers epic opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and exploring natural arches. This otherworldly landscape is the perfect secluded atmosphere for couples seeking a more intimate setting.
Alabama Hill Permits:
For eloping at Alabama Hills, you'll need to contact the Bishop Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management. You can reach them at (760) 872-5000 and BLM_CA_Web_BI@blm.gov.
You'll need a Special Recreation Permit Application to have your ceremony here. The application needs to be submitted 180 days before your elopement date, and you should get a response within 30 days of sending your application. Visit the BLM Special Recreation Permit website for more information.
Or Check out our guide on How To Elope At Alabama Hills.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is perfect for adventurous couples who want to explore the park's different landscapes. The park straddles the Amargosa and Panamint mountain ranges and the valleys between them. Elevation ranges from an impressive 12,000+ feet at Jubilee Pass to -282 feet below sea level at Badwater Basin salt flats.
Located in the Mojave Desert, this region of extremes is known as the "Hottest, Driest, and Lowest National Park." Spanning more than 3 million acres, Death Valley is a stunning scene for a desert elopement wedding.
If you're considering eloping here, you're in for something special and intimate. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by the stunning landscape of Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, in the beautifully painted canyon of Artist's Palette, or under the stars at Zabriskie Point.
Death Valley National Park Permits:
If you want to host an elopement ceremony with guests (we totally support this) in the National Park, you'll need to secure a special use permit. It's a good idea to contact park authorities and visit the park's website for potential price revisions. Currently, there is a non-refundable processing fee of $300.
We recommend submitting the permit application at least 30-60 days before your elopement date to ensure a seamless process. Note that processing your application can take between 30-60 days and urgent requests are not accommodated in Death Valley.
Here's What To Do:
Fill out permit application
Email the application to DEVA_Permits@nps.gov
After the Office of Special Park Uses reviews your application, you'll be sent information on how to submit payment for your non-refundable processing fee
Pay the fee, and your special use permit is mailed to you for signature
You'll sign and return the permit to Death Valley's office for final approval
Depending on your group size, weddings are subject to monitoring fees to ensure safety. Depending on your permit activities, the Office of Special Park Uses determines if NPS is required. The hourly rate is around $50 and $.55/mile on government vehicles used for monitoring. Keep in mind that it's incredibly important to be detailed in explaining the number of people and what items you're planning to use for your elopement on your application.
Also, you won't need a permit for self-uniting ceremonies without guests.
Take a look at our Ultimate Guide To Eloping At Death Valley National Park.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most unique and popular places for adventure couples to elope. Located in the Mojave Desert, the beautiful desert landscape is home to unique plants, animals, and cultural history. Joshua Tree is also a fantastic place to view the night sky. It's really no wonder so many couples want to plan a Joshua Tree elopement in this Southern California park.
Named for its bristled Joshua trees, you can't beat these whimsical trees that seem like they're straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. The park is also known for its clear night skies that are ideal for stargazing, but we also love it for sunset elopements.
Joshua Tree National Park Permit:
You're required to obtain a $120 "Special Park Use Permit" for any size wedding at Joshua Tree National Park, and it must be less than 25 people. You'll need to submit your application for this permit a minimum of 30 days before the date of your elopement (we recommend sooner if you can).
Here's What To do:
Fill out your permit application
Email the application to Special Park Use Coordinator, jotr_permit_office@nps.gov
After the Office of Special Park Use reviews the application, you'll receive additional information on how to proceed and submit payment. The park does not accept checks.
You're not required to apply for a permit for self-uniting ceremonies without guests or solely wedding portraits.
Check out our Complete Guide To Eloping At Joshua Tree National Park.
Red Rock Canyon State Park
Red Rock Canyon State Park is known for its beautiful buttes, scenic desert cliffs, and unique formations. This stunning state park is located where the southernmost tip of the Sierra Nevadas meets the El Paso Range and covers over 27,000 acres.
If you’re looking for a truly unique landscape, Red Rocks Canyon State Park is a beautiful choice for couples seeking an elopement with an otherworldly feel and a private setting. The park’s variety of landscapes and easy accessibility make it the perfect visually striking location for any intimate elopement ceremony.
Red Rock Canyon State Park Permits:
A Special Recreation Permit is required to hold an elopement ceremony in Red Rock Canyon State Park. Unfortunately, there is very little information available on their website. We recommend calling the park at (442) 247-5160 for special events.
Mojave National Park Preserve
If you’ve been searching for desert elopement locations in California, don’t miss out on the Mojave National Park Preserve. This desert offers a range of gorgeous geological features, including volcanic cinder cones, dunes, painted canyons, and mountains. If you’re looking for a preserved and wild desert, this might be your perfect elopement destination. The remoteness of the preserve ensures privacy, which is ideal for adventurous couples looking to exchange vows in a quiet, personal setting.
From the Marble Mountains to the Kelso Dunes and the Cima Dome, the Mojave Preserve is a fantastic elopement location of unspoiled beauty.
Mojave National Park Preserve Permits:
An elopement in the Mojave National Park Preserve follows the process of obtaining a special use permit from the BLM (Bureau of Land Management). The park requests that they be contacted for more information about getting your special use permit. Contact them at (760) 221-4740 or e-mail moja_permits@nps.gov.
Trona Pinnacles
The Trona Pinnacles are a not your average geological features, making them a fantastic spot for an elopement. You’re transported to another world with gigantic tufa spires, creating a scene that's straight out of a sci-fi movie.
If you’re into history and old formations, these unique formations were formed somewhere between 10,000 to 100,000 years ago. The pinnacles were once an ancient lakebed and are now protected and managed by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management).
The colors at Trona Pinnacles are beautiful with shades ranging from ivory to warm tans standing out against the clear blue skies. This vast and open area offers a peaceful and private setting for your elopement ceremony. Eloping at Trona Pinnacles means beginning your lives together in a place that’s as unforgettable as your love story, and we’re here for that!
Trona Pinnacles Permit Information
Contact the Bureau Of Land Management office at (760) 384-5400 and BLM_CA_Web_RI@blm.gov.
California Marriage License
Marriage licenses in California cost somewhere between $90-$100, and prices vary from county to county. The good news? There is no waiting period for a marriage license in California, so you can apply for your marriage license and pick it up the same day.
You will need a valid ID, and be aware that some county clerk's offices only take cash. You do not need to apply for your license in the county where you are getting married. Your California marriage license is valid and legal anywhere in the state.
In addition to your marriage license, you'll need a few more things to elope in California:
An officiant - we've got you covered
One witness - one of us would be happy to be your witness
Things To Do For Your California Desert Elopement
One of the best parts of planning your elopement is choosing what activities you want to do! We always want to include things that are special and unique to you as a couple on your elopement day!
We recommend booking activities and adventures that will allow you to take full advantage of the stunning California desert location you’ve chosen. Whether you want to go offroading in a 4×4 feel or if you feel like getting up early to do sunrise yoga, find things that will ignite your soul on your wedding day. In our experience, that also helps you stay present, making your elopement day unforgettable.
Here are a few desert elopement activities + ideas to start:
Offroading in a 4×4
Sandboarding
Hot air balloon
Stargazing
Yoga
Picnic
Desert hiking
What To Wear For Your Desert Elopement
You'll be eloping in the middle of nature and in an environment where the weather can be extreme at certain times of the year, making it essential to wear the right clothing to keep you comfortable.
You'll want to stick with lightweight fabrics like chiffon, linen, or chambray. It's best to avoid restrictive fabrics that will prevent you from moving freely. For desert elopement attire, a good rule of thumb is the more lightweight & flowy, the better. We want you to feel your absolute best.
And we can't forget about your desert elopement shoes. Safety and comfort are key factors to keep in mind when it comes to choosing shoes for your desert elopement. You'll need proper footwear to ensure you can trek through the sand easily. You can bring those stylish heels or cute shoes to wear during your ceremony. But for walking in the sand, you'll want to opt for a good pair of hiking boots. Make sure they are breathable and offer ankle support for the most comfortable experience in the desert.
We know it seems like a good idea to wear sandals in sunny weather but trust us, your feet will be so unhappy if you trek through the sand in your Chacos.
Desert Elopement Safety Tips
When it comes to desert elopements, it's good to plan and be prepared whenever you're exploring the unpredictable great outdoors, but it's really important in an extreme environment like this. Here are a few safety tips and things to consider while planning:
Bring Layers With You - Temperatures can change rapidly in the desert, so bringing layers will help you prepare for the cooler evenings.
Drink Plenty of Water - In the desert, it's essential to drink plenty of water even if you don't feel thirsty. Plan on turning back if you're hiking and your water is halfway gone!
Pack Headlamps - Even if we aren't planning on hiking in the dark, it's always a good idea to have them, and they make for some epic photos!
Cell Service Is Non-Existent - This makes having a plan in place with your guests and vendors incredibly important. Meet somewhere close that has service, and then drive out to your elopement location together.
Have Offline Maps - With so little cell service, it's a good idea to download Google Maps areas, bring a compass, a GPS device, or even an old-school physical map (we could do something fun with photos with a physical map).
Wear Sunscreen & Bring A First Aid Kit - In the desert, your sunscreen should be SPF 30 or higher, and that First Aid Kit is just in case.
Keep An Eye On The Forecast - You'll need to keep an eye on the forecast and be aware of potential sandstorms or extreme heat so that we can adjust the plans.
Understand Your Physical Limitations & Know The Signs Of Heat Related Illnesses - Be aware of how you feel throughout your elopement day, and watch for heat stroke and exhaustion symptoms. If you or your partner begin to show any signs, seek shade and hydrate immediately.
Plan A Leave No Trace Elopement - Range Of Light Wed always follows the Leave No Trace principle. To protect the land you're exploring, getting familiar with what it means to Leave No Trace is important. You can learn more about how to have an
LNT-friendly elopement here!