Natalie + Zac’s Joshua Tree Elopement

Adventure ElopementsJoshua Tree National ParkSouthern California

Feb 1

Intimate + Boho Joshua tree elopement | Summit and Sur Photography

SoCal Elopement photographer // Joshua Tree, CA

When Natalie reached out to me about being her and Zac’s Joshua Tree elopement photographer, I knew immediately that I wanted to work with them! Their vision included an incredible and funky Airbnb in the desert, an intimate ceremony in the park, and back to their Airbnb for cake and champagne. Most importantly, Natalie was so incredibly sweet and I knew we would all get along great, which is such an important detail to consider when choosing your elopement photographer (you spend a huge chunk of time with us leading up to your big day and, of course, the day of). They chose a date that was not only the perfect time of year for a desert elopement, but was also meaningful to them. Natalie and Zac put a ton of thought into the details of this special day and it was incredibly clear when it all came together that day.

The afternoon of their elopement, I arrived at their Airbnb to find Zac in the living room and Natalie in the bedroom, both getting ready separately. They were so excited for their first look and had been talking through the shared wall the last couple hours; when Natalie needed something, Zac made sure to hand it to her while closing his eyes and looking the other way. It was the cutest, most romantic thing I had seen in a while! After they both finished getting ready, they had one of the sweetest first looks ever on the back patio of their Airbnb. They made sure to grab a few more photos around their incredible house before they hopped in the car towards the park to get married!

We arrived at the Quail Springs Picnic Area, one of the approved ceremony locations in the park, and I guided them to a perfect little spot to share their personal vows with each other. Afterwards, as their officiant, I legally declared them married and they shared their first kiss as husband and wife! We then spent the next hour or so grabbing lots of fun photos around the area and taking in the incredible sunset that Joshua Tree offered us that evening.

After the sun had set, we headed back to the Airbnb where Natalie and Zac popped some champagne and cut their cake (which was delicious, by the way). They soaked in their newly married status as they sipped and snacked before changing out of their wedding clothes and into their bathing suits for a dip in the hot tub. Outside, they marveled at the incredible night sky while cuddling up together in the warm water. When they were ready to head back inside, they rinsed off in the outdoor shower while sneaking in some kisses (and lots of laughs)!

Natalie and Zac’s Joshua Tree elopement was absolutely stunning and the perfect day for such a sweet couple. And without further ado, here are some of my favorites from their elopement…