Joshua Tree National Park Elopement

Samantha + Colton

If you’re considering eloping or having an intimate/micro wedding, Joshua Tree National Park is such an amazing location to get married at. Samantha and Colton came to me with a vision of getting married there and I was so pumped to help make it happen for them. They stayed and got ready in a super cool Airbnb near Joshua Tree which was actually owned by famous musician and artist Eric Burdon! It was such a beautiful property and was really cool to see tons of his guitars and other instruments displayed all over the house. Samantha and Colton wanted to save their first look for the ceremony so excitement, nerves and the anticipation of seeing each other was running high. Once Colton saw Samantha walking down the aisle with her dad he couldn’t control the tears and smiles. One of my favorite things to photograph the groom’s reaction to seeing his bride for the first time. Such a sweet moment. The ceremony, officiated by their good friend, was special and intimate with only close friends and family surrounding them. Being in such an other worldly place witnessing the strong love and commitment that two people have for each other is really surreal and such an honor. No matter how many weddings or elopements I shoot, it gets me every time. After the ceremony we walked around the park a little, soaking in the views and capturing moments between them. Always make sure you have time to enjoy the scenery and take it all in! A wedding day doesn’t need to be so rushed all the time. That’s one of the reasons I love shooting elopements so much. It’s all about the couple and what they want to do and less about crammed timelines and trying to please a million guests. After sunset, we went back to the Airbnb where a beautiful dinner was setup for everyone. They gave toasts, laughed, cried, shared memories, and celebrated. It was the epitome of a perfect elopement at Joshua Tree National Park. 

Photographer: Erika Greene Photography

Videographer: Conway Captions

Florist: Cultivated By Faith

Hair and MUA: Violet The Stylist