Colorful Springtime Wedding at Hidden Valley in Joshua Tree
Cesca & Alex
Spring offers the most gentle and welcoming weather to guests of Joshua Tree National Park. If it rains enough, you’re likely to see bright flowers, blooming cacti, and blossoming Joshua Trees. Naturally, this made for the perfect micro-wedding location for Cesca & Alex.
Specifically, we booked a ceremony spot in Hidden Valley Picnic Area in Joshua Tree. Not only was the couple smiling and full of joy, but my husband (Isiah) and I were stoked to work their JTNP elopement.
Hidden Valley Micro-Wedding Ceremony
We headed to an Airbnb in Yucca Valley for Cesca & Alex’s getting-ready photos. The two rented a spot big enough for their close family to stay and have a private dinner later in the evening. There, I captured all their details, from the floral place settings and cake to the pastel vow books and perfume bottles. You can tell these two put so much thought into their details!
Cesca was on the phone with her mother through most of the getting-ready process. Unfortunately, her mom wasn’t able to make it to the big day, so the two spoke plenty throughout the morning to retain that sense of closeness and communication.
Once Cesca was dressed in dazzling white, she decided to have first-look photos with her dad and brother. Luckily, the Airbnb offered some great angles for pictures—not to mention a Joshua Tree to take photos with. Amazing!
Up next was a first-look between our bride and groom to take place in the park. So, the couple traveled separately to Hidden Valley Picnic Area. We wanted the moment to be a genuine surprise, so we orchestrated a way for the two to meet each other with wonder in their eyes. We also let them have a private moment together—which I think can really help the couple let the moment sink in.
The ceremony spot was next-level. Our couple was situated under their arch between two Joshua Trees, the perfect spot we had scouted the day before. Isiah, our officiant, guided them through their wedding ceremony—personalized in a way to let their couple’s history, voice, and passions really come out.
Afterwards, many tears were shed and hugs given before the couple ventured off for portraits.
Hidden Valley is made up of two areas: the picnic area and a hike. We explored both, making good use of an amazing golden hour, watching the moon rise, and staying out for dusk lantern photos.
Tips for Your Hidden Valley Wedding in Joshua Tree
The desert is a beautiful and rugged place. That means being prepared is so important! Here are a few things to know when planning your Joshua Tree wedding day:
Work with your photographer regarding locations, permits, and venues. Joshua Tree has many locations to choose from for a ceremony. Talk to a photographer, such as yours truly, who knows the area well and can help with permitting and locations.
Practice Leave No Trace when getting married outdoors. Keep the natural world happy and healthy by following LNT guidelines: like packing out what you pack in, staying on trails and traveling on hard surfaces, and respecting the local flora and fauna.
Consider the timing. For example, weekdays are less busy than weekends. As for seasonality, summer can be too hot, so it’s best to avoid that time. Spring and early autumn are quite lovely, and winter is more gentle than in higher elevations. What to Expect When Getting Married in a National Park >
Looking for adventure and activities? If so, Joshua Tree is a hot spot for all sorts of fun! Talk with your photographer about including some activities such as a picnic, bike riding, offroading, rock climbing, roadside attractions, or checking out a local bar.
Ready to take the next step? Book a call with Love & Latitudes, your Hidden Valley wedding photographer!
Hidden Valley Wedding Photography Packages
+ 4-12+ hours of coverage
+ Planning and vendor services
+ Location assistance
+ Online gallery with high-resolution photos
+ Option to download images or purchase prints online
+ Travel fees included, minus permits
+ Optional officiant services.
Meet Your Hidden Valley Wedding Photographer
I'm Diana Lustig, a California-born adventurer with a camera for a hand and an inborn love for the outdoors. I'm a professional photographer of 18 years and counting. I’ve captured over 80 weddings, many of which took place in Joshua Tree—including my own. Joshua tree is my favorite park, a place I hope to make home one day.
How did I get into wedding and elopement photography? In 2019, I hired adventure photographers for my own wedding and they showed me there’s a different, more personal way to get married. It was such a special day, I want to bring it to so many more couples who believe in getting married their own way.
