A Laid-Back Elopement in Joshua Tree National Park
This elopement in Joshua Tree was so beautiful, laid-back, a little bit adventurous, and altogether just perfect. I’m seriously obsessed with everything about it! I loved getting to hang out with Megan and Cameron, explore the park (this was their first time there ever!!), and capture some photos of them to commemorate their wedding weekend. The cherry on top of it all was that we talked about our cats basically the whole time because we’re all so obsessed with our fur children LOL. They have the cutest fluffy orange kitty named Macaroni and a sassy little hairless Sphynx (important details to mention, of course).
Meg and Cameron originally had plans to get married in Tulum on 10/10/2020 (the most popular wedding date of the year lol) but as you’ve probably already guessed, they had to postpone because of the pandemic. Instead of waiting to get married they decided to do a weekend getaway in Joshua Tree and elope! I wasn’t available on 10/10 so we actually did their elopement the day before on the 9th and they did all the paperwork back home the next day. One thing I always like to mention with elopements, is that yes, the paperwork is what makes the marriage legal, but if you want to plan an elopement experience with your partner, you don’t necessarily have to do both on the same day. You can have your own private ceremony, celebrate together, and enjoy a day that’s just about YOU and it won’t be any less special if you don’t sign papers at the end.
On the morning of their elopement in Joshua Tree, Megan and Cameron got ready together and it was the most chill time. Megan helped Cameron pick out his tie, he helped her into her dress, they took shots, and then we headed out the door to explore! As far as a plan for the rest of the day, Megan and Cameron pretty much left that up to me. It really means a lot when my couples trust me so completely and I feel like that is truly when I create my best work! I came up with a plan that would allow us to see a few different spots in the park and take photos with the best lighting throughout the day, all while keeping things super relaxed. Not feeling like you need to rush around on your wedding day makes a HUGE difference so that’s always a priority for me when I help couples plan. We started off pretty casually in our first location, but it wasn’t too long before they were climbing up some rocks for a few shots (which are probably my FAV from the whole day). Then once the sun started to drop a little and we were at our 3rd location, I let them pick out where they wanted to do their ceremony. It was just the three of us, no officiant, so they just shared a few words and a kiss and we continued on with our adventures. We ended the day at a viewpoint overlooking Coachella Valley right as the sun dipped below the mountains. The few photos we took there are also some of my favorites so basicallyyyy I’m obsessed with every photo.
—
Photography: Carrie Rogers Photography
Hair + Makeup: Katie Haynes
Dress: Grace Loves Lace
Bride shoes: Steve Madden
Florals: Botanicamuse
Getting ready location: Mojave Desert Cabin in Joshua Tree (Airbnb)
Interested in getting married in this magical desert but not sure where to start? Check out my blog on how to elope in Joshua Tree! If you’re looking for a photographer for your elopement, I’d love to chat with you! Reach out through my contact form — linked below.
