Emily & Dylan

Despite what the word “tradition” might imply, wedding traditions are malleable. That’s because each couple is unique, and how they decide to express their commitment to one another is totally up to them.

Take the term “elopement.” These days, it more often means small, intimate destination weddings. And there’s something magical about making your wedding day all the more intentional by doing things your own way.

But for Emily & Dylan, they decided to elope the original way—by running off from Arkansas to get married in Las Vegas, NV. That’s right, our couple joined hands and said “I do” in a Vegas courthouse, which is just about the most quintessential elopement thing ever. How awesome is that!

But just because you’ve exchanged rings already, doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourselves to a wedding photoshoot in some beautiful place. So, I met up with Emily & Dylan in Death Valley National Park for wedding pictures and some desert adventures.

When Emily & Dylan contacted me about a post-elopement photoshoot, I knew two spots they’d absolutely adore. The first spot was a stroll amongst the multi-hued hills of DVNP. It was so much fun to see our newlywed brides, dressed in white and cream-colored clothing, walk among the sands of powder green, pink, purple, grey, and brown.

Yes, the ground here is a bit uneven—varying from soft sand to rocky with little warning. So, I was careful to give them the posing and direction they needed to look great, and stay safe doing it. Dylan braved the terrain in her heels, which was admirable. But even cuter for me and my camera, was Emily occasionally picking up her wife to help her out. I’m so here for it!

Up next was the salt flats. Unlike the colorful valley, with all its dynamic landscape—the salt flats are negative space. It hardly seems real when you see it in person. But it really lets the couple pop by posing in this vast scenery.

Emily & Dylan asked if they could lie on the salt flats. I said, “Go for it.” While the dry salt is tough and can be uncomfortable on the skin, these two ladies were so down to try it out anyway. And I was just too excited to click away with my trusty camera. The end result is these breathtaking photos!

After an afternoon well spent, we went our separate ways. Emily & Dylan continued their travels as wives, and I went away just delighted by how unique and special their wedding story was.

Tips for Your Own Death Valley Elopement Photoshoot

Rugged, but romantic—Death Valley is for lovers who do things their way. If you decide to get married here, there are a few things that you should know.

Secure your special-use permit. If you’re getting married or eloping in the national park, you’ll need to request a special-use permit from the park’s staff. The process is fairly simple and inexpensive ($300), but you should still get started early. Work with your elopement photographer if you have questions.
Your ceremony location is limited, but your photo spots are wide open. Weddings are typically held in Breakfast Canyon, unless it’s just the two of you and an officiant. But once your ceremony is done, you can go all sorts of places for your portraits.
Pay attention to seasons and weather. Death Valley is dangerously hot in the summer, still very hot in the fall, gentle in the winter and early spring, and hot in the late spring. As for the weather, it’s usually dry—but flooding can happen. So pay attention.
Get your marriage license ahead of time. You’ll need to request a marriage license before entering the park. If you are a California state resident, you can pick one up from any county-clerks office (if you return it to the same one). If you’re coming from outside of California, you must travel to the county clerk-recorder’s office in Independence, CA. It’s a long drive, but we have tips to help you out.
No pets, sorry. It’s a national park, so you can’t bring pets. Plus, it’s just too hot and rugged for furry friends.
Stay hydrated, stay healthy. Bring your water (and more water!), sunscreen, snacks, and anything else you could need to make sure you two feel happy and healthy on the big day.

For everything you could possibly need to know about getting married in Death Valley, check out our guide:

DEATH VALLEY NP ELOPEMENT GUIDE