The 6 Best Joshua Tree Engagement Photo Locations
Congratulations on your engagement! Joshua Tree National Park is the ultimate location to mark this special occasion with an engagement session. The park’s iconic Joshua trees, stunning rock formations, and breathtaking sunsets create a picturesque backdrop for your photos. Whether you’re adventure lovers or nature enthusiasts, Joshua Tree offers a magical and serene setting that will make your engagement pictures unforgettable! I can’t wait to share with you why I absolutely love this place and show you my top 6 favorite spots for capturing those special moments. You’re going to fall in love with it just like I have!
WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE JOSHUA TREE FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS?
STUNNING NATURAL SCENERY
Joshua Tree National Park is an absolute gem, with its iconic Joshua trees, dramatic rock formations, and vibrant sunsets. The distinctive landscapes here are perfect for capturing those beautiful, memorable engagement photos. The blend of open spaces and breathtaking rock formations offers something for everyone. The park’s rare and extraordinary features make it feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.
SECLUDED AND INTIMATE
Joshua Tree’s seclusion and intimate atmosphere feel like your own private paradise, perfect for your engagement photo session. The tranquility and natural beauty of Joshua Tree create a romantic setting that’s both unique and unforgettable, capturing the essence of your love story in a truly magical way.
ADVENTUROUS AND FUN
Joshua Tree National Park is a haven for adventure and fun, offering a unique landscape and many places that allow for exploring. With its rugged rock formations, vast desert vistas, and iconic Joshua trees, the park provides endless opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and taking in beautiful views.
The gorgeous sunsets paint the sky with vibrant colors, creating the perfect backdrop for your engagement photos. As the sun sets on our session, you’ll be able to see the stars begin to peek out of the night sky, making Joshua Tree a stargazer’s paradise. Whether you’re an avid adventurer looking for challenging trails or unique photo opportunities or simply want to enjoy a scenic drive to our photo destination while taking in the natural beauty, Joshua Tree promises romance and an unforgettable experience.
CONVENIENT LOCATION
Palm Springs is incredibly convenient, situated just a short drive from the stunning Joshua Tree. This makes it an ideal base for getting to Joshua Tree if you are looking into a hotel stay, or it can be a great pitstop after your session for a celebratory dinner. Palm Springs is home to some fantastic restaurants! Whether you’re craving innovative Mexican cuisine, creative cocktails, or dog-friendly dining, this vibrant city has something delicious to offer everyone.
4 Saints: Check out the rooftop restaurant at the Kimpton Rowan Hotel in Palm Springs! With stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains, this spot offers upscale American cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients and expertly crafted cocktails. It’s the perfect blend of delicious food and amazing ambiance!
Boozehounds: Thinking of including your furbaby in your session? Well, you have to include them in dinner after too! You have to check out Boozehounds! This unique, dog-friendly restaurant and lounge on North Palm Canyon Drive offers a variety of dining options. Their menu features tasty dishes like fried miso tofu, crispy Brussels sprouts, and galbi braised short rib, along with creative cocktails. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy great food and drinks in a welcoming atmosphere!
Tac/Quila: There’s no better way to keep your celebration going than with tacos and margaritas. On your way home from your session, head over to Tac/Quila, a super popular Mexican spot in Palm Springs! They’re all about innovative Mexican cuisine with a fun, modern twist. Their menu is packed with all kinds of tacos, from crispy shrimp to carnitas, plus an awesome selection of tequilas and craft cocktails. The vibrant atmosphere and delicious dishes make Tac/Quila a must-visit if you’re looking for a lively dining experience!
JOSHUA TREE ENGAGEMENT PHOTO LOCATIONS
ARCH ROCK
Arch Rock in Joshua Tree offers stunning desert scenery and a unique, adventurous vibe, making it a perfect backdrop for your engagement photos. The magical golden hour lighting and iconic rock formations will create unforgettable, meaningful images that beautifully capture your love story.
JUMBO ROCKS
The Jumbo Rocks area in Joshua Tree National Park is unique for its massive, weathered granite rock formations that create a surreal and dramatic landscape. These rocks, formed over millions of years, provide a striking contrast to the vast desert surroundings, making it a visually captivating location. Additionally, the area’s combination of serene desert beauty and opportunities for exploration and adventure makes it a distinctive and memorable destination.
Cholla Cactus Garden
Cholla Cactus Garden is such a cool spot for engagement photos with its sea of cholla cacti that look straight out of a dream. When the sunlight hits those spines, it creates a magical glow that gives your pics a unique vibe that is hard to create anywhere else. The Cholla Cactus Garden requires a longer drive through the park from the West Entrance, but the peaceful atmosphere makes it a super intimate and romantic place to include in your session.
Maze Loop Trail
Maze Loop Trail is perfect for engagement photos! There are many paths and offshoots that allow for people to have their own space to really capitalize on the stunning rock formations and desert scenery. The trail offers a mix of dramatic backdrops and intimate spots, allowing for variety in your final gallery.
Rattlesnake Canyon
Rattlesnake Canyon is an amazing spot for engagement photos with its stunning rock formations, winding trails, and lush desert flora offering a variety of beautiful backdrops. Its secluded location ensures privacy and intimacy, so you and your partner can feel relaxed and natural during the shoot. The dramatic lighting, especially during golden hour, adds a touch of romance to every shot, making it all the more magical.
Sheep Pass
After six locations, are you tired of me mentioning the gorgeous rock formations yet? Well, hold on tight because I’m not stopping yet! Sheep Pass is another awesome spot for engagement photos with its gorgeous rock formations that lead to sweeping desert views. The dramatic scenery gives you endless options for unique and beautiful backdrops. It’s also a pretty quiet area, so you can enjoy a relaxed and intimate session without any distractions, perfect for capturing those candid moments.
Joshua Tree Engagement Session FAQs
When should engagement photos be taken?
Planning your engagement photos about 6-8 months before your wedding is ideal. This time frame ensures that your beautiful photos are ready to be featured in your wedding materials, including save-the-dates and your wedding website.
What is best to wear for engagement photos?
When choosing outfits for your engagement photos, it's important to select pieces that you feel comfortable in. When you feel good, you look good. Aim for coordinating, not matching, outfits. Neutral colors are always a great choice as they look fantastic in any setting and lend a timeless quality to your images. Ensure that the colors you choose complement the environment where your session will take place. Both your location and outfits should be something you'd be proud to display in your home or use on your save-the-dates.
How much should you spend on engagement photos?
The cost of engagement photos can vary widely based on location, photographer experience, and package inclusions. Engagement sessions can vary from basic to premium. Basic engagement photo packages can include limited photos in your final gallery, and premium packages may include an extended session, multiple locations, wardrobe changes, and a comprehensive collection of edited photos. When budgeting for engagement photos, consider the quality and style of photography you desire, as well as the photographer's reputation and experience. Investing in a knowledgeable and skilled photographer can ensure you receive beautiful, timeless photos that you'll cherish for years to come.
kelsey layman | Joshua tree engagement photographer
Hi, I'm Kelsey Layman, an intimate wedding and elopement photographer based in Southern California. I specialize in capturing the unique love stories of couples through beautiful, heartfelt images. My engagement sessions are perfect for building trust and connection between you and me, helping you feel more comfortable in front of the camera on your wedding day. These sessions are a fun way to create new memories and celebrate this exciting phase of your life. Let's have some fun together and create stunning memories that you'll cherish forever.
joshua tree engagement packages
Engagement sessions include:
Assistance with styling and wardrobe
Recommendations for the most stunning and picturesque locations
Unlimited, high-resolution images delivered in an online gallery for easy download
The memories are yours, I don’t withhold any usable images from you. All that are usable are delivered. You are guaranteed 50 images.
Online store attached to the gallery for convenient ordering of your favorite images
Click HERE to check out my engagement session pricing!
Ready to capture your love story in one of the most stunning settings on Earth? Let’s make it happen! Contact me today to book your Joshua Tree engagement session and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
