Want to know everything about how to have a Burning Man wedding? That’s amazing. As an outdoor wedding and elopement photographer, I specialize in bringing couples’ dream days to life.

Elopements, specifically, are all about living out your values. And planning an adventure wedding is about discovering, defining, and practicing your deepest values with the person you love, in the most beautiful places on the planet. It’s about knowing what you want—and weaving that into your wedding day instead of following the “shoulds.”

Nowhere is that easier than Burning Man. So if that means inviting your favorite people on an epic adventure to your Burning Man wedding, then do it! Because in 10 years, they’ll still be talking about the most unforgettable wedding.

However, there are more than a few things to know when planning your Burning Man wedding day.

Love & Latitudes at Burning Man

By now, I’ve gotten my “bachelor's degree” from Burning Man. I’ve been 4 years—two of those burns being “Mud Man” years. So at this point, I kinda know what I’m doing.

That’s important when it comes to doing weddings at Burning Man. This event isn’t for everyone. And when it comes to your wedding day, that goes quadruple!

Here’s what I mean… Burning Man weddings are beautiful, exciting, and oh-so unique. But it’s also saying “I do” in the most chaotic environment on earth!

For example:

You gotta be okay with less than picture-perfect moments: While photographing my first wedding couple, a naked fellow was climbing a large metal structure right behind them. Don’t worry—we got the photo we wanted. Just a funny moment.
You gotta embrace the chaos: Later that same day, a large group of marathon runners mistook me for a referee (due to my black-and-white striped pants)—while I was actively photographing the couple. After the third or fourth runner, I had to turn my pants inside out and ask my husband to reroute the runners.
Consider the elements, always: We’re talking dust storms, white-outs, rain and mud, high heat, wild wind—but if you are a burner, that’s why you go! Just make sure you are prepared for literally anything and everything. It can be totally worth it.
Stick to your word, your plans, and your schedule: I once heard a burner say that, “Time was invented so everything doesn’t happen at once. But then again, time wasn’t invited to Burning Man.” That’s funny and kind of true. But it’s not the energy you need for your burner wedding day. There’s so much happening on the playa, that you absolutely must stick to your plans, schedule, and promises to make sure things work out smoothly.

To me, a Burning Man wedding is just another type of adventure wedding—incredibly beautiful, super meaningful, and just a bit difficult. And at the end of the day, you two are united in marriage. How amazing!

So, why do I do it? I feel like it’s a gift I can give to the community—outside of regular things like stickers and beer. It's really a blessing for me to use my art and talents for a couple in this way, and give back just a little bit in my own unique way.

How to Elope at Burning Man

So you want to get married at Burning Man. This won’t be a typical wedding day, but it will be memorable. And above all else, you must prepare, so:

Be flexible and go with the flow: Things WILL go wrong. Your ceremony spot might be taken, you might have to shift days for bad weather, or a parade might photobomb you. Anything can happen, and that’s part of the magic.
Be prepared for weather: Dust storms, crazy heat, torrential rain—I’ve seen it all on the playa. Preparation is your best defence. And will make sure everything goes burner-perfect.
Be as communicative as humanly possible: Specifically, talk with your photographer (me) about where you are camped, when you want to meet up, where to meet up, any physical needs you might have, etc. The more open, the better.
Pack up, bike out, and think ahead: I’m talking snacks, water, electrolytes, sunscreen, clothing layers, working bicycle, sun shade, personal medications, a working knowledge of the map—And don’t worry, I’m here to help you. But it’s always best when you practice self-reliance!
Have a sense of humor: When things don’t go according to plan, laugh it off. You’re at the burn, after all.

How to Get Legally Married in Black Rock City

Still down? Here’s the quick way to get legally married at Black Rock:

Make an appointment to apply for and pick up your marriage license ahead of time from Pershing County in Lovelock, NV.
Designate your wedding officiant—and make sure they are registered to perform your wedding ceremony (one-time officiants will have to apply to the county and get approved to make it legal).
Bring your marriage certificate document with you to the Burn.
Have an officiant and at least one witness, unless you’re down to ask a stranger to sign.
Have a ceremony with the proper legal jargon (here’s more info on that).
Deliver the document back to the county clerk’s office, whether that’s in person or via mail, within the specific timeframe!

And that’s it! Pro Tip: You can skip much of this hassle by getting legally married in your home county ahead of time. This might look like going to your local courthouse to sign documents before or after—and honestly, most states are easier than Nevada.

So, give it some thought. It might be easier to get married locally, then have the commitment ceremony at Burning Man instead. It’s just as meaningful, just less paperwork and logistics.

Your Burning Man Wedding Photographer

The last part and best part—Burning Man wedding photography! A lot of people get married without photography at the Burn. There are plenty of camps you can head to that’ll cover your wedding. ( Yes, there was even a camp with Nicholas Cage-themed weddings!) But I’m not sure about photography.

So if you really want to ensure your wedding has photography coverage, you may want to ask around and see if any photographers are down to capture your wedding. I myself typically take on one, but only for the right couples.

Photographing a Burning Man Wedding?

So you want to capture a Burning Man wedding, but maybe you’re nervous about the dust. There’s a lot to think about, mainly all around gear and how you’ll manage the elements. Luckily, I’ve written a guide for that already, which you can read here: How to Take a Digital Camera to Burning Man.

Closing Thoughts About Burning Man Weddings and Elopements

Burning Man weddings are really freaking cool—but they are also a lot of work. If that suits you, then heck yes! Let’s chat and grab some photos of your wild wedding day on the playa.

But if you decide: “Hey, this isn’t for us,” that’s cool too. You can choose to get married in any way you see fit. It’s all about radical self-expression, even if that means doing something different.

But for those burners who are chomping at the bit, I’ll see you in Black Rock City!