Amanda & Austin

Elopements, in this day and age, have taken on a different flavor. Rather than a runaway wedding, modern elopements are a little closer to an outdoor destination micro-wedding. These intimate nuptials can include a small ceremony with only a few guests.

Then again, there are certainly couples who choose to elope the old-fashioned way. And I always feel honored to photograph real-deal elopements—the kind where it’s just the couple running off to the desert to say “I do.” It’s real, authentic, and just the two of you amongst the natural world—now that’s romance!

Enter Amanda & Austin, who traveled to Death Valley for their intimate elopement. Among colorful hills and epic mountain views, these two said their vows with almost no one else around on a warm winter day. Let’s get into it!

How to Elope in Death Valley

No-Crowds, All-Love

Amanda & Austin donned their wedding attire at The Oasis, a Spanish-style hotel in the heart of Death Valley. Despite getting ready together, the bride and groom were able to get dressed separately enough to share a first look—delighting each other with how cute they both looked!

One of the reasons The Oasis is so cool for couples is that there’s plenty of green space for photos. With palm trees and greenery, it’s like a little refuge from the rough, hot desert all around.

I traveled with Amanda & Austin a short distance to their wedding ceremony spot that I had scouted the day before. I won’t give away my secrets, but it was surprisingly empty—even for a weekday!

Yes, the lack of crowds was really in our favor this day, making for magical moments between Amanda & Austin. They were totally able to express their feelings, pose for photos, and pause to take in the sights—all without any interference from passersby.

Surrounded by rolling golden hills, our on-staff officiant, Isiah, led Amanda & Austin’s short and sweet ceremony. Everything was personalized, opening the space for the couple to focus on each other, rather than on the ceremonial minutiae. That’s the best part about real-deal elopements: They let you celebrate how you want to!

After the ceremony, our couple embraced, kissed, and simply let the reality sink in. It’s important to let those moments breathe.

Afterward, I took Amanda & Austin to a nearby area for wedding portraits. These two were caught up in the bliss of their wedding day, making for an easy-going photo session. The sky lit up with colors, matching the landscape’s dazzling display. It was incredible!

With plenty of time left in our day, we zoomed over to yet another location for more portraits, White Claws, and champagne. As the sun began to set, our couple couldn’t shake the smiles off their faces if they tried. That’s what it feels like to have the perfect elopement wedding day!

Tips for Your Death Valley Elopement

Death Valley is a beautiful location for weddings and elopements. But it’s also remote and rugged. So, there are several things you ought to know to ensure you have the best Death Valley wedding day possible:

Work with your photographer regarding locations, permits, and venues. Death Valley is FULL of beautiful places, but also long drives. And this spot requires a permit for wedding ceremonies. Work with an elopement photographer and planner to help you sus out all the details.
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 respecting the local flora and fauna.
Do not elope in the summer! Death Valley is uniquely hot, with temperatures reaching up to and frequently over 100° from May to September. Avoid the summer months for safety and comfort.
Looking for adventure and activities? If so, Death Valley is a great spot for all sorts of outdoor fun! Talk with your photographer about including some activities like picnics, climbing and canyoneering, biking, and more.

Ready to take the next step? Book a call with Love & Latitudes, your Death Valley elopement photographer!