Joshua Tree
Wedding Photographer
Em Photo// wedding, elopement, tiny wedding, engagement photographer
Before we get too far..
I'm a wedding and elopement photographer based in Oregon, near Portland. I have fell in love with California and Joshua Tree National Park when I first visited.
I'm for all the couples who want to get away and do exactly what they want for their wedding day. That are totally cool with getting away with their family, not afraid to get a little dirty, and exploring the most beautiful creation.
Let's get pizza after your vows, and get the most epic photos for the best day of your life.
I can't wait to meet you & chat!
I'm emily!
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Getting married in
Joshua Tree?
YAS!! TAKE ME WITH!
I love Joshua Tree National Park so much! It is a place that sparks so much creativity and reminds me how small I am. The moment you get closer & closer to the park, it feels like you're on a different planet!
The hills start to surround you, and if you've never been before, it can leave you in awe. Awe of how small we are compared to the world around us. The crazy cool Joshua Trees are all over the place, and then seeing the huge rock formations that look so smooth when you're far away make you want to explore more.
How to Elope in Joshua Tree:
1. Get the required permits
2. Evaluate when to go
3. Pick the best location in Joshua Tree National Park
4. Wedding Venues around Joshua Tree
5. Where to Stay
6. Think who you're bringing
7. Get the best vendors!
8. Photography packages with Em Photo
To do engagement sessions, elopements, and weddings inside Joshua Tree National Park, it requires a special use permit.
There is a permit fee of $120 for weddings conducted inside Joshua Tree National Park, and as of 2023, they updated it so that photography is included in that permit! But if you're just wanting to do a shoot, the $120 is additional. (And don't worry if we book a shoot there, I have it included in all my packages!)
I tend to fill these out for my couples so they don't have to worry about it, and we both have copies on them while in the park! They need details like preferred date, time, locations, what your bringing and who's coming with!
1. Get the required permits
These are the month that there are the fewest tourists & visitors due to it being so warm, especially mid-day! But the temperatures can get VERY warm.. if you decide to do your wedding or engagement photos here during these months, let's plan for early morning, or golden hour in the evening! That's the best time to avoid the crowds, and such warm temps!
These months have the most mild weather, and don't TOO hot in the day, nor too cold in the evening. Ranging from mid 80's in the day to the mid 50's' in the evening!
Note: March- May have some of the most visitors due to wildflowers blooming. Also if you're wanting to camp inside the park, BOOK EARLY! They tend to fill pretty fast!
These months don't have as many visitors, although, the temperatures are MUCH cooler, and can bring freezing temperatures at night, especially at higher elevations!
These months have the most mild weather, and don't TOO hot in the day, nor too cold in the evening. Ranging from mid 80's in the day to the mid 50's' in the evening!
Note: March- May have some of the most visitors due to wildflowers blooming. Also if you're wanting to camp inside the park, BOOK EARLY! They tend to fill pretty fast!
These months don't have as many visitors, although, the temperatures are MUCH cooler, and can bring freezing temperatures at night, especially at higher elevations!
2. Evaluate when to go
3. Permitted Locations
For weddings & elopements
For weddings & elopements
21-100 guests
20 guests or less
1. Cap Rock - up to 25 people and 8 vehicles
2. Turkey Flats - up to 35 people and 8 vehicles
3. Hidden Valley Picnic Area - up to 35 people and 8 vehicles
4. Indian Cove Amphitheater - up to 100 people & one vehicle
* you will need to have you and your guests shuttled in and out of this location.
1. Live Oak Picnic area - up to 5 people and 3 vehicles
2. Lost Horse Parking Lot - up to 10 people and 5 vehicles
3. Queen Valley Mine Intersection - up to 10 people and 5 vehicles
4. Porcupine Wash - up to 12 people and 4 vehicles
5. Split Rock - up to 15 people and 5 vehicles
6. Quail Springs Picnic Area - up to 15 people and 8 vehicles
7. Rattlesnake Picnic Area - up to 20 people and 8 vehicles
*For more information on all these locations & more details go to the Joshua Tree National Park Website
When planning a wedding, it's smart to think about your guests and the needs that might arise with that. If that means Grandma is coming and is in a wheelchair, which locations would best suit her!
Also if you want all family & friends nearby around the same place you're staying!
If you're eloping: are you bringing your officiant, your best friend? Are you getting married at a courthouse and just saying your vows at the park? We can make all the things happen!
6. think About who you're bringing
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Dream team
7. Get the best vendors
- Photographer - ME! Em Photo (see packages below for JTNP elopements & weddings)
- Rentals - The Hostess Haven, Otis & Pearl
- Planning & Styling- Wilder Events Co, Details Darling
- Officiant - Desert Rose
- Calligrapher - Life in Letters, Summit and Sage, Velvet Fox Designs
- Jewelry- Amanda Michelle Jewelry, Mint Jewelry Co
"One of the best decisions I made aside from marrying my husband was having Emily as our photographer. She went above and beyond when it came to supporting us through the process and giving us photos that showed everything we wanted in our wedding. I could not recommend someone enough because she’s not only incredibly talented, but an incredible human being. Our wedding wouldn’t have been the same without her."
- Meghan & Tyler
"Emily did INCREDIBLE WORK on our engagement and wedding photos!! She was professional, thoughtful, encouraging, thorough, and overall great to work with. She helped us feel comfortable and confident and cheered us on the whole time! Her pictures are so dreamy and beautiful! We will cherish them forever!! Emily provided support and guidance through the whole process. We loved working with her and HIGHLY RECOMMEND! (Also, ask her about a bridal shoot, we loved ours!)"
- Hannah & Avery
"Emily worked with my husband to help surprise me with his proposal. We loved working with her so much we asked her to shoot our wedding before we even finished that shoot! She is very kind and has a wonderful bubbly personality that makes her so easy to work with. She made the shoot fun throughout the entirety of it. She did an amazing job keeping us on track for our wedding and making us feel comfortable and have fun throughout our entire day!"
- Chryssi & Grant
Let's chat about your dream day and I can help you figure out how long you need me there to capture it all!
packages start at $3,000 for elopements and $5,000 for full wedding days
all packages include travel + photography permits
8. Joshua Tree Wedding Photography Packages
Let's chat
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Get some more information about what it would be like to have me be apart of your wedding day, my editing philosophy, and what it's like to hire a professional photographer.
it's more than just photography
Want to know more about the experience?
I'm ready to book!
fill out this form to get my full investment guide and plan a time to chat this week!
Em Photo is an Oregon based wedding and elopement photographer, often traveling across the Pacific Northwest for wedding photography. Specializing in warm and timeless film inspired photos that feel nostalgic and bring you back to your wedding day. Emily loves those couples that are a little goofy, true to themselves, and want to do their wedding their way - big or small!
