Okay, I just have to say this right off of the bat. If you’re a nature lover and have never been to Joshua Tree National Park, this is your sign to plan your trip and get your butt there ASAP! Especially if you live in California, there is no excuse and you’ll thank me later. It’s my second favorite CA national park, next to Yosemite, and I really love the proximity to my home and how easy it is for me to get there and back in the same day, not to mention it is absolutely beautiful.

If you’re thinking of doing a couples or engagement session, or even a family session, here’s what you need to know:

Joshua Tree National Park requires a permit for all commercial photography! If you are scheduling any session or wedding here, the photo permit fee is $120 and must be applied for and paid in advance, otherwise you risk a massive fine. This fee is non-refundable. This is a major thing that I think most photographers either don’t know or ignore, but that won’t prevent them from being fined up to $500— i’ve heard stories!!
There are several locations within Joshua Tree that you’re permitted to take photos at and some of those locations vary by time of year, while others don’t.

Hidden Valley Picnic Area (Not available February–May)
Quail Springs (Not available February–May)
Cap Rock (fun fact, I got married here!)
Rattlesnake Picnic Area
Live Oak
Split Rock
Expanding on the above, despite popular thinking, you can’t just pick any place within the park for photos + they are very specific on what’s allowed and where. There are a few more locations added for weddings, if you plan on getting married in JTNP! The number of people allowed at your wedding varies by location.
Per the JTNP website, “Smoke Bombs, drones, dried flowers, open-flame candles, campfires outside of a designated location, butterflies, doves, confetti, rice, chalk, balloons, colored-water tablets, hanging or attaching anything to a tree or bush, or in the ground, and gathering of branches, plants, or flowers within Joshua Tree National Park is not authorized.”
Permits take time to process. After you fill in your application, someone has to approve it which can take weeks. After it’s approved, you then pay the permit fee if you’re granted permission, and they email a copy to have readily available.
The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, which allows you access for up to 7 days. You can purchase a Joshua Tree NP annual pass for $55 if you plan to only frequent this park, or you can buy an interagency annual pass (which I personally have) that grants you access to any national park in the US for 12 months for $80.

Once you’ve obtained your permit, the real fun can begin! I’ve done lots of different sessions here, from engagements, proposals, family and maternity and while permits are a separate fee, I always help my couples to obtain them. I even got married in Joshua Tree in 2018 at Cap Rock! It was the perfect intimate ceremony with only our immediate family at sunset. It’s one of my favorite locations to do photos and I always, always recommend it to anyone who is interested! If you’re wanting to do a session or elope in Joshua Tree, hit that inquire button because you know I am beyond down to help you plan the best Joshua Tree National Park session or elopement ever. It’s only about an hour away from Palm Springs and 2.5 from SoCal, so if you’re an adventurous couple, definitely consider adding it to your travel itinerary or location list for your next photoshoot. Check out some snippets from sessions i’ve shot there in the past down below!