How To Plan An Epic Elopement In Death Valley National Park!

>> for the outdoor lovers and adventurous souls

Ready to get married at a location that feels like you just landed on another planet?? Then you’ve chosen the right place to elope, because Death Valley National Park feels just like that!

Eloping here can be a truly epic and adventurous wedding experience. And wanna know the best part? Planning an elopement in Death Valley doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful. In fact, it can be a lot of fun!!

First things first, let’s address a few of the most commonly asked questions about Death Valley National Park that maybe you’ve been wondering yourself…

Why is it called Death Valley?

Here’s the answer directly from the National Park’s Service official website: “Death Valley was given its forbidding name by a group of pioneers lost here in the winter of 1849-1850. Even though, as far as we know, only one of the group died here, they all assumed that this valley would be their grave. They were rescued by two of their young men, William Lewis Manly and John Rogers, who had learned to be scouts. As the party climbed out of the valley over the Panamint Mountains, one of the men turned, looked back, and said "goodbye, Death Valley." This name, and the story of The Lost '49ers have become part of our western history.”

Not only that, but Death Valley is the hottest place on earth. Yup. THE hottest. So the name is pretty fitting for its record breaking temperatures. That being said, do not plan to elope here in the summer months aka: May to September.

Can you get married in Death Valley?

Short answer… yes! You can hold a legal ceremony inside of the national park. Instead of paying thousands of dollars on a wedding venue, you can pay a few hundred dollars and be surrounded by a spectacular landscape!

Here is the specific information you need in order to secure Death Valley National Park as your elopement venue…

#1: Decide on where inside of the park that you would like to host your ceremony. As of last year, the park now allows you to choose whichever location you’d like in the park, as long as it isn’t a private property. However, a staff monitor may be required to be present for just the ceremony. If you plan to take other portraits inside of the park with your photographer, that’s not a problem! No permit is required for portrait photography, because Death Valley is awesome!!

Permitting is something I always go over with my couples before we move forward with anything. Your vows are the most important part of your elopement experience, so it’s important to decide on this location first. Also, you need to know this information in order to move on to the next step!

**Insider tip: If you want complete privacy for your ceremony without the risk of other tourists or hikers around, you can request the location — Breakfast Canyon. It’s a private area that’s restricted from the general public. The canyon also has amenities like picnic tables and a restroom. However, Death Valley is so vast and secluded that many locations generally aren’t swamped with tourists.

#2: You need to secure a Special Use Permit (SUP). Typically I like to apply for permits on behalf of my couples, but occasionally a park may require you, as the couple getting married, to apply. In the case of Death Valley, they expect the couple getting married to complete the permit application. However, I’m happy to guide you through this process every step of the way and even review the permit before submission!

**You can read full wedding permitting info right on the official website for Death Valley here: https://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/management/special-use-permits-sup.htm

#3: Once the permit has been accepted, the payment has been made, and the permit has been issued, you’re ready to host a ceremony!

Now on to the big question…

How do you plan an elopement in Death Valley?

Here is a basic checklist to help you get started:

Decide on a date (or at least have some ideas). As I mentioned, for Death Valley I would recommend avoiding the summer months. Late October through early May are the best months to elope in Death Valley!
Hire an elopement photographer. I recommend someone that specializes in elopements. Wedding planning and photography are very different from elopements. You want someone with experience that can guide you through this process, while delivering images that tell your individual story.
Even if you’ve already decided on Death Valley for your elopement (amazing decision by the way), start narrowing down the specific location you want to have your ceremony inside of the park. If you’ve hired a photographer that also assists with planning, like I do, you can discuss this with them and they can guide you.
Start applying for a permit! I recommend doing this fairly early on in the process because a permit ultimately decides if your ceremony can happen in the park or not. Your photographer can generally guide you through this process as well.
Begin deciding on the details you want included in your day like: other locations you want to visit in the park, other vendors you’d like to hire, activities you’d like to do, etc. This is another reason why it’s important to hire your photographer early on because they can help inspire you and plan out all of these details. They can also help you use this information to create a seamless timeline of your day.
Book your accommodations!
If you’ve decided to include other vendors (like an officiant, florals, etc.) be sure to secure those vendors.
Make it legal! Don’t forget to have an ordained minister present and the appropriate paperwork on hand for the ceremony. If you’ve decided to hold the legal portion of your ceremony elsewhere and just want to share private vows, don’t forget to bring your vows with you!
**If private vows take place within the park and will not include any guests OR a legal ceremony, a permit would not be needed.

Once you’ve completed all of these steps, you’ve officially eloped in Death Valley National Park and had it documented for you and your loved ones to cherish for generations.

Here are a few answers to additional questions I’ve heard over the years…

Are pets allowed in Death Valley National Park?

Pets are not allowed in most areas of the park, even on a leash. However, pets are welcomed in developed areas; essentially wherever a car can go. So this means that pets would not be allowed on trails.

In my experience, bringing your pet along for your elopement can become complicated and stressful. While I looooove animals, it might be best to leave your pup at home for Death Valley. However, if you plan to visit the park again at some point, here are some great roads you and your pet can enjoy together:

Lake Hill Road

Mustard Canyon Road
20 Mule Team Canyon
Devil's Golf Course Road
Titus Canyon Road
Cottonwood-Marble Access Road
Father Crowley Point spur road to Padre Point
Furnace Creek Airport Road

You can read more about pets in Death Valley on their official website here.

Where should I stay for my Death Valley elopement?

Inside of the park: Death Valley has a few options to choose from if you want to be right in the middle of it all. There are campgrounds and hotels available. However, these can fill up quickly during peak season in the spring, so if you’ve chosen this time of year to elope then book early.

Outside of the park: One of the quirkiest and most interesting places I’ve been is the tiny town of Beatty, NV. It’s about 1-2 hours from the park depending on road closures. If you’re looking for a little bit of an experience along with your Death Valley adventure, I definitely recommend staying here. Wild burros wander the streets of the town and are friendly to tourists because they’ve become so domesticated. I’ve even pet one myself!

Not only that, Beatty has two surprisingly awesome Airbnb rentals that are nothing like the town they’re apart of. I’d recommend Designed to Death or the Death Valley House. If you want a cozy cabin experience or plan to have guests with you, check out Death Valley Getaway Cabins.

How do I get to Death Valley National Park?

Because Death Valley is so remote, the only way to get there is by car. If you are coming from Las Vegas, NV it’s about a three-hour drive. The Las Vegas airport (Harry Reid International) is also the closest and cheapest airport to fly into. However, if you live in Southern California it would be best to just make the drive directly.

Which vendors should I hire for my Death Valley elopement?

Not all elopement photographers are created equal, but for my couples I put together a location-specific vendor list to make this part of the process less stressful for you. This list includes everything from florists to officiants, but I’m also always happy to update and expand it based on your specific needs. The list will show the available information for that vendor so that you can get an idea of their work and can easily contact them.

Death Valley elopement advice:

Couples often ask me, “What should we do for our elopement besides just vows?” The number one activity in Death Valley is hiking. If you are a lover of interesting landscapes, hiking, and exploration, then Death Valley is the right choice for your elopement!

The park is MASSIVE. It’s over 5,000 square miles! That said, you can easily spend hours there visiting one trail after another. I personally feel like exploring the park is the best use of your time in Death Valley. Not only are the trails incredible, but there are great pit stops you can check out along your adventure! A few of my favorites are Stovepipe Wells and the most adorable, vintage ice cream shop! I got the best shake I’ve ever had there!! *drooling*

Here’s a fun fact about Death Valley National Park: It’s one of the locations that was used for the iconic Star Wars movie franchise!! You can read more about it here.

Have I convinced you yet that Death Valley National Park is THE best place to elope?? I hope so, because it really is!

Ready to have an epic adventure experience in Death Valley, with me as your planner and photographer??

Death Valley Elopement Packages

Full Day or Multi-Day

(Up to 12 hours of coverage)

This is the perfect option for you two if you want to explore and adventure and create a full on experience. This is also a great option if you’d like to have one day to include guests, and another to have to yourselves.

We can visit multiple locations and include various activities to make getting married more than just nuptials, but an event to remember.

Half Day

(Up to 8 hours of coverage)

This is for you if you’re a couple that wants a relaxing experience that allows you to maximize your time.

Your day can include a first look, getting ready, vows, guest photos, multiple locations, first dance, etc.

Mini

(Up to 4 hours of coverage)

This is a short and sweet option if you two are looking to have your vows captured along with a short adventure in one location.

PACKAGE PRICING BEGINS AT $4,000

WE WANT TO CO-CREATE WITH YOU!

All photography packages include:

One photographer

Personal planning assistance to help you choose locations, vendors, and create your timeline

Assistance with permitting

Private online gallery of high-resolution images, showcasing your elopement

5-10 polaroid images to take home the day of

Sneak peek photos

No additional fees

Guidance, friendship, and a meaningful experience!

Meet Your Death Valley Elopement Photographer

My husband and I have been married for 7 years, and have two cats — Kuro & Suyen. These three are my whole world.

I started my artistic journey with our family camcorder around age five, and the rest is history...

Capturing the love stories of others, going on adventures of a lifetime, and witnessing unforgettable landscapes are what I live for. Even though I would describe myself as being more introverted, I love connecting with my couples and making life-long memories together.

Shooting in an artistic style, with an intentional approach, allows your story to be told authentically.

I’m deeply passionate about photography, and I think that reflects in my work and spirit. Every couple is unique and every love story is different, so I approach each elopement with personal care.

You and your partner deserve an adventure where you are the focus.

Get in touch and let’s start planning your epic Death Valley elopement adventure!

Please be aware that I specialize in micro weddings & elopements, with a guest count of 30 people or less.

I focus on a limited number of elopements + intimate weddings each year, so that I can give yours the time and attention that it deserves. From co-creating your perfect wedding experience right down to the finer details in your final gallery, our work together will be an authentic representation of you and your love story.

In order for us to get started on the right foot, please share your love story with me and any ideas that you’re picturing for your day in the form below.

I love the outdoors more than anything! I could spend all of my time in it, but our national parks and public lands can only last as long as we protect them.

Protect this place and Leave No Trace:

Leave No Trace is a code of ethics and principles that we all should follow as best we can, when adventuring in the outdoors. These principles can help us enjoy public lands responsibly and preserve them for generations to come.

Here are the 7 principles of Leave No Trace:

Plan ahead and prepare
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find
Minimize campfire impacts
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of others

These principles may or may not impact your elopement, depending on what you have in mind. However, these guidelines are not meant to put a damper on your plans. They are meant to protect these beautiful places so that one day maybe you can come back for an anniversary, or bring your children or grandchildren to these places.

Ultimately, we want to enjoy these incredible places year after year with minimal impact.

I do my best to practice Leave No Trace for all of my elopements. If you have a question, don’t hesitate to ask! But I will do my best to educate and guide you as necessary. National and state parks have Leave No Trace practices implemented by default.

Want to see what your Death Valley elopement could look like and get some inspo??

Check out these blog posts!

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