Death Valley Elopement: Best Photo Shoot Spots, Requirements, and Activities

Death Valley Elopement Review

An elopement in Death Valley offers adventurous couples a chance to exchange vows while being surrounded by some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring scenery. From the salt flats of Badwater Basin to the golden hues of Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park offers numerous breathtaking spots for your ceremony and unforgettable wedding photos.

We love it when couples are adventurous and up for pushing the limits. Engagement shoots, wedding shoots, couples shoots – whatever the case – a photo shoot at the Death Valley National Park in California is worth the trip!

1. Best Death Valley Spots for an Elopement Ceremony

Death Valley is the largest U.S. National Park outside of Alaska, spanning over 3.4 million acres. Aside from having the lowest point in the continental U.S., 91% of Death Valley is dedicated to wilderness.

There are many beautiful spots to elope in Death Valley National Park where your photographer can capture one-of-a-kind wedding pictures.

Zabriskie Point

The dramatic landscape of eroded rock formations at the park provides a stunning backdrop for an adventurous couple seeking a unique elopement wedding setting. The terrain of Zabriskie Point offers numerous photo opportunities to capture your special moment, whether it’s near sunrise or sunset.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

For your wedding day, you can explore these expansive sand dunes for a serene and picturesque setting. Despite being in one of the hottest places in North America, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes of the park provide a tranquil location for an intimate ceremony at Death Valley.

Badwater Basin

Being at the lowest point of Death Valley National Park, the salt flats offer a surreal, white landscape. While popular with the general public, strategic timing can provide the privacy needed for a unique elopement experience at the Badwater Basin.

Artists Palette

Known for its colorful hillsides, this park location at Death Valley is particularly breathtaking during sunset, creating a romantic atmosphere for your wedding vows. The natural beauty of the Artists Palette makes this park area an unforgettable spot to take photos for your first dance (if you plan on having one).

Dantes View

This location offers breathtaking panoramic views of Death Valley National Park, making it an ideal park spot for couples who want to explore the landscape. The dramatic vistas of this location provide a truly unique wedding backdrop for exchanging vows and getting unforgettable photos.

Breakfast Canyon

As one of the lesser-known locations of the park, Breakfast Canyon offers a more secluded setting with beautiful rock formations that glow during sunset. The canyon’s distance from other spots in Death Valley makes it a hidden gem for couples seeking a private area in California.

2. Activity Ideas

Want some action shots after your wedding ceremony? We can capture the thrill as you enjoy these activities at Death Valley National Park:

– Hike along the slot canyons at Sidewinder Canyon.
– Sandboard at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
– Stay at a park campsite and rent picnic tables for family grills.
– Take a guided jeep tour around the park.
– Trek the Panamint Mountains during the sunrise.

Whatever you choose to do, remember to practice Leave No Trace principles when you visit the park.

3. Seasonality and Weather

Death Valley National Park experiences extreme heat in summer, milder temperatures in winter, and pleasant conditions in early spring and late fall.

Plan ahead in early spring or late fall for the best elopement photography opportunities and outdoor activities, especially if you plan to hike and visit other spots at the park. These wedding seasons provide bearable temperatures to visit one of the most beautiful places on earth to get married.

4. Crowds

To elope in Death Valley National Park, you also need to be aware that popular locations can attract the general public to visit the park, potentially impacting privacy on your wedding day. Thanksgiving and Christmas typically see the least amount of visitors because of the weather, offering a more intimate setting for those getting married. 

While inviting guests to a Death Valley wedding is possible, crowd levels at this California park can vary depending on the season and specific park location you choose for your elopement.

5. Accessibility and Transportation Options

To elope in Death Valley National Park, knowing the expected distance to your chosen ceremony site and whether to bring a car are among the most important things to do. The good thing is that most areas of the valley and mountains are accessible with a standard car.

– Los Angeles: 3.5 hours away from the park
– San Diego: 5 hours away from the park
– Phoenix: 6.5 hours away from the park
– Las Vegas: 2 hours away from the park

Are you inviting guests who need to fly to Southern California? Whether you have wedding guests flying from Las Vegas or another country, consider these airports for flying in:

– Harry Reid International Airport: 2-hour drive to the park
– Los Angeles International Airport: 4-hour drive to the park
– Ontario International Airport: 3.5-hour drive to the park

6. Permits and Entrance Fees

You’ll need a special use permit to get married at the Death Valley National Park.

– Complete and submit your permit application to DEVA_Permits@nps.gov 30 to 60 days before your elopement date at the park.
– Pay the non-refundable processing fee of $300.
– Wait for the mailed special use permit from the National Park Service.
– Sign the special use permit and return it to Death Valley’s office for final approval.

The National Park Service will determine whether your wedding park location needs an NPS monitor. You’ll need to pay $50 per hour for the NPS monitor.

Wedding guests must pay a $30 park entry fee at the visitors’ center. Most national parks also accept passes for entry and car parking. Meanwhile, a photographer won’t need a separate permit to shoot.

7. Marriage License

You can get a marriage license from any county clerk’s office of your chosen state. You don’t need to be a California resident to get married in Death Valley.

8. Vendors

When planning a Death Valley elopement, you have the freedom to choose your own vendors. Death Valley National Park offers private areas for intimate wedding ceremonies, even during the popular summer months. This lets you have a personalized experience in this remote park.

Whether your wedding vendor is from Las Vegas, California, or another city, selecting your own vendors gives you control over costs and services. Research and book other vendors well in advance, as options may be limited in remote park locations like Death Valley.

Photographer and Videographer

Selecting the right elopement photographer and videographer can make your special day in Death Valley National Park even more memorable. An experienced elopement photographer can help plan the best times and navigate the most beautiful spots at Death Valley for your preparation, actual ceremony, and reception.

Our familiarity with the unique landscape of California and Death Valley National Park will make sure every moment is beautifully documented, from intimate vows to breathtaking park backgrounds.

Accommodations

When choosing accommodations for your Death Valley elopement, options range from campgrounds within Death Valley National Park to hotels and Airbnb rentals in surrounding areas.

Consider travel time and distances between your chosen park location and accommodation, as there are only a few hotels around Death Valley National Park. Here are some suggestions:

Campgrounds are also perfect options for adventurous couples who want to maximize their stay at Death Valley National Park.

Alternatively, you can have your guests book an Airbnb around Ridgecrest, Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, and Bishop, which are near the park.

9. Attire Options

For a Death Valley elopement, your wedding attire should balance style with practicality as you walk around the terrains of the park. Here are some suggestions to stay stylish yet comfortable in one of the hottest places on earth:

– Dresses: Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like chiffon or silk for the wedding ceremony.
– Suits: Opt for light-colored, breathable materials like linen that can withstand the heat while looking sharp.
– Accessories: Bring a light pashmina scarf for morning ceremonies or a stylish denim jacket for cooler evening parties.
– Shoes: To prioritize comfort and stability, brides can wear elegant yet study wedges, while grooms can pick dress boots.

Our Experience Photographing a Death Valley Elopement

The Eureka Dunes lie in the remote Eureka Valley, an enclosed basin located northwest of Death Valley. After walking for more than two hours to reach the peak, it was time for our bride and groom – Dale and Victoria – to enjoy some intimate moments together.  

We decided to have some fun with lights for their awesome video. Seeing the views and atmosphere around us, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity for some great night photography at the park. What better place than the middle of the desert where you can see a sky full of illuminated stars?

Our Death Valley Elopement Packages

We offer different Death Valley elopement packages for photography, videography, and photography plus videography services.

You can choose from our various pricing packages depending on your required number of hours, photos, and editing. We also have add-ons such as albums and same-day edit videos you and your guests can watch at the park.

Related Questions

How to Elope in Death Valley National Park?

To elope in Death Valley, couples should first obtain a marriage license and then secure a Special Use Permit from the National Park Service. Arrive early at your selected spot, exchange vows in the presence of your officiant, and let your wedding photographer capture this unforgettable moment against the breathtaking backdrop of the park.

What Is the Best Month to Go to Death Valley?

The best time to visit Death Valley National Park is typically from mid-October to mid-May when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for outdoor weddings in California. Winter months are ideal when you want to explore the terrain of the park, including opportunities for off-roading, while early to late spring can bring stunning wildflower blooms.

Is It Worth Driving Through Death Valley?

Driving through Death Valley is worth it for those seeking to experience one of the most unique and captivating desert landscapes in North America. The journey offers breathtaking vistas, otherworldly salt flats, and colorful rock formations that highlight the raw beauty of Southern California.

Conclusion

Now that you know what it takes to elope in Death Valley, you can start planning your Death Valley elopement and start finalizing your chosen wedding vendors. We do recommend doing this early as it maximizes your chances of having a personalized experience in one of the most spectacular places in the world. As your elopement photographers, we’ll be with you every step of the way to document your special day in this magical desert landscape.