I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—Death Valley is one of the most beautiful national parks in the USA. I know some people are scared off by the name, but if you visit during the right season, it’ll take your breath away. From the sweeping vistas to the spectacular geology, there’s really no place like it. Dunes, salt flats, colorful hills, dark skies—there’s a reason why adventure-loving couples gravitate to Death Valley National Park for their weddings.

One such couple is Steph and Jimmy. Read about their Breakfast Canyon wedding and learn a few tips about how to elope in this national park.

A Medieval-Themed Wedding in Death Valley National Park

Steph and Jimmy discovered us through Instagram, and I actually got to know them a bit before the wedding through this channel. I remember telling Isiah (my husband and assistant for the day) that I knew we’d get along with our couple. I hearted more of Steph’s stories than I can count—and obviously, they loved my photography enough to book me. So it was a win-win all around.

As Isiah and I drove into the park, I could feel my excitement growing with each mile. We met Steph and Jimmy for their Breakfast Canyon wedding at The Ranch—one of the few lodging options within the park itself.

We started with getting ready photos. This is always interesting because there are so many emotions bubbling under the surface. A little bit of anxiety and a lot of love—all while applying makeup, buttoning up dresses, and lint-rolling slacks. But there are also quiet little moments where the moment just sinks in—like when Steph helped Jimmy with his hair.

After our couple finished getting ready separately, I orchestrated a first-look. Rather than describe it, I’ll simply let the photos speak for themselves. All I have to say, is these are some of my favorite photos!

After some couples portraits around the surprisingly green ranch (an oasis inside of Death Valley, not to be confused with the Oasis at Death Valley), everyone headed to Breakfast Canyon for the wedding ceremony.

Breakfast Canyon is an ideal spot to have a wedding in Death Valley. For a small fee, you can rent the whole canyon, which is off-limits to the general public. This means you have plenty of privacy for your ceremony and reception. How cool is that!

When we arrived, the whole area was already set up. Chairs and decor sat on a platform in the canyon. Just a little ways away was a full picnic spread. Even cooler was the harpist whom Steph and Jimmy had hired for the ceremony. The notes she played filled the whole canyon (and everyone’s hearts) with joy.

The ceremony was officiated by a close friend of Steph and Jimmy. What made it especially interesting to me was the couple’s declaration of intent. The couple had a multiple part “we do” section that was inspired by Buddhist wedding vows. It was extremely touching and something I had never experienced before.

After the ceremony, everyone sat down to a picnic meal together. Family and friends shared speeches, tears, and laughter. A lot of the guests shared that this was their first time to Death Valley, and were stunned by how beautiful it was—completely breaking expectations. Everyone was so friendly, they even chatted up the park staff who was more than happy to spend their workday attending the wedding.

Once all the festivities started to wind down, I stole the couple away for some more portraits. We headed to the colorful valley so Steph and Jimmy could read their vows in private. I absolutely adore this tradition. There’s no show to put on, and the couple can feel more at ease expressing their emotions however they arise. On top of that, we had a fun time tossing Steph’s extremely long train, which captured the light in such stunning ways.

Lastly, we headed to the salt flats. We chatted and laughed on the long walk out—taking advantage of the negative space to really let the couple pop in their photos!

Breakfast Canyon Wedding Tips in Death Valley

Do you feel drawn to Death Valley National Park for your wedding day? Listen to that calling. You’ll absolutely adore it.

Before you go, take note of these Breakfast Canyon wedding tips:

Choose your date and time. Avoid the hot summer months. Stick to winter and spring for gentler weather and more privacy.
Get your marriage license. If you’re out of state, contact the local county clerk to get your marriage license. If you’re in California, this can be done at any office. We actually have a whole blog about this, so check that out!
Book an elopement wedding photographer to help you plan and capture the day. I am intimately familiar with Death Valley as a photographer (and an all-around fan). Contact me and I’ll help you have the most amazing wedding day.
Get your permits. If you want to get married in the park, contact the permit office. If you’re getting married at a venue, book there but plan to head into the park for portraits
Book lodging and other vendors, such as an officiant, florals, decor, food, and more. Pro-tip—live florals are not allowed in the park.
Get married. Celebrate your love in this magical place!

Want more info? Check out the blog where we cover permits, weather, travel, and more!

How to Elope in Death Valley

Vendors We Love in Death Valley

RSVP Party Rentals | Gracefully Bloomed | Modern Fairytale Wedding Harpist | Wild Brides Backcountry | The Oasis

Elope in Death Valley

Ready to get married in the most underrated desert park in the US? Contact Love & Latitudes for expert elopement photography and help planning the adventure of a lifetime.