How to Elope in Palm Springs
In the Coachella Valley, there's an adorable mid-century modern style town surrounded by desert oases and purple mountains - Palm Springs! The hot, dry weather makes this a popular winter destination for those who want to escape the cold, and whether it's the desert landscape, unique wildlife, or extraordinary architecture that makes you want to elope in Palm Springs, you'll find plenty of exciting ways to plan a wedding day that's authentically you!
Here’s what you’ll find in this Palm Springs Elopement Guide:
Booking a Palm Springs Elopement Photographer
The Best Places to Elope in Palm Springs
The Best Time to Elope in Palm Springs
Getting Legally Married in Palm Springs
Palm Springs Elopement Packages
Booking a Palm Springs Elopement Photographer
When you elope, the only thing you should be worrying about is saying "I do" and having the time of your life. Hiring a photographer and videographer to document your wedding day takes the pressure of planning your wedding off of you, so you can focus on celebrating! Our job doesn't start and end with documenting your elopement, we'll be your ultimate elopement guides - from location scouting to holding your bouquet - and help you plan and craft your dream day, every step of the way.
The Best Places to Elope in Palm Springs
One of the coolest things about choosing to elope is being able to have your ceremony anywhere you want! Palm Springs is full of unique places to get married. Whether you elope high up in the mountains or down in the desert valley, you'll find the perfect place for your ceremony! Here are just a few of the best places to elope in Palm Springs.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Head up to the peak of Mt. San Jacinto on a rotating tram car! Just a 10-minute ride from the base, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway gives you 360 degree views all the way up. Once you reach the mountain station, you'll see tons of beautiful places to elope! Take a hike at Mt. San Jacinto State Park or head to one of the observation decks for easily accessible, gorgeous views of the Coachella Valley. It's a bit colder than Palm Springs - it even snows in the winter - but be prepared for some heat in the summer months.
Coachella Valley Preserve
Situated in the Indio Hills just 10 miles from Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley Preserve is a stunning elopement location. Little lizards scamper across the sand dunes and rocky mountains adorn the horizon. You can say your vows at the Thousand Island Palms Oasis or at McCallum Grove - both feature giant fan palms surrounding pools of water created by the San Andreas Fault.
An Airbnb
For a more private experience, try renting out an Airbnb! Palm Springs has tons of unique homes that would make a great place to say "I do." This Private Mid-Century Oasis includes a saltwater pool and even a hot tub! Blue Lemon Haven is a quiet mid-century modern home with a cute yellow door and a great backyard for relaxing. And if you want more of a rustic feel, the Wildflower Cabin is a cedar A-frame cabin with a loft that sits on 5 acres in the Whitewater Canyon, perfect for stargazing!
Joshua Tree
About an hour outside of Palm Springs is another vast desert landscape with incredible rock formations and the biggest yuccas in the world - Joshua Tree National Park! Hike along the Arch Rock Trail to say your vows under a natural altar and then head to one of the campgrounds in the park to sleep under the stars - it's one of the best places in California to check out the Milky Way!
The Best Time to Elope in Palm Springs
Deciding when your elopement will be is an important part of the planning process. The weather in Palm Springs, while predictably hot and dry year-round, varies a bit in each season. Let's talk about the weather so you know what to expect when you say your vows, and when the best time to elope in Palm Springs is!
Winter in Palm Springs
The most comfortable time of year to visit Palm Springs is definitely in the winter. Mild temperatures are perfect for hiking and exploring all that Palm Springs has to offer, but this also means it's peak tourist season! Average high temperatures hover around 60 degrees Fahrenheit and the low temperatures only reach about the mid-40s, so you probably won't need your puffy jackets here - though, the locals might disagree. If you elope in the winter in Palm Springs, consider eloping on a weekday or at sunrise or sunset to avoid the crowds.
Spring in Palm Springs
As the seasons change, days are longer, wildflowers bloom, and temperatures are milder, combine all of those things, and you'll get the perfect time to elope in Palm Springs. This is the best time for hiking in the San Jacinto mountains to see the wildflowers covering the valley - keep an eye out for the waterfalls that the melting snow from the mountains create! April is one of the busiest months in Palm Springs because of spring break and a couple of festivals, so try to plan around that. It starts to get really hot in May, but the mornings are still cool enough to enjoy the outdoors.
Summer in Palm Springs
Unless you're a night owl or used to 100 degree heat, Palm Springs in the summer can get pretty uncomfortable. Sunrise and sunset hikes can be okay, but you'll probably want to stay out of the midday sun! It's the low season, though, so you won't find many people around!
Fall in Palm Springs
It stays pretty hot in Palm Springs until about mid-October, but late fall is one of the best times to elope. The weather is mild and the crowds of winter haven't started pouring in, so you'll be able to say your vows and explore the trails without an audience!
Palm Springs Elopement Packages
Eloping is about creating a wedding day that's as unique as the two of you - that's why our Palm Springs elopement packages are curated for you and your partner! We want to help you fill your day with unforgettable memories, so from the moment you tell us about how you met to the day you say your vows, we'll be there to make sure you have the elopement of your dreams. If you're ready to start planning your Palm Springs elopement, contact us to tell us a little bit about yourself, and we'll get this party started!