Death Valley
Elopement Guide
Let's elope in Death Valley!
Death Valley, in California's Mojave Desert, is a landscape so unusual it almost looks like another planet. And while "death" might seem a little morbid for an elopement destination, there's truly nowhere else on Earth quite like Death Valley.
I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about eloping in Death Valley National Park – from ceremony permits to adventuring to the best time of year to elope.
What makes Death Valley a unique place to elope?
01/
Record-Setting Spot
Death Valley is both the lowest elevation point in the United States, and the hottest recorded place on Earth. You don't have to be a geography nerd to see why this makes Death Valley a super unique place for an elopement.
02/
Colorful Landscape
Death Valley is an extreme and dramatic landscape – and a surprisingly colorful one! In fact, the Artists Palette is a range of hills in Death Valley National Park named for the bold rainbow of rocks caused by volcanic mineral deposits.
03/
Diverse Views
Within Death Valley National Park, you can find insane rock formations, salt flats, mountain views, desert canyons, sand dunes...even a lake! Your elopement day in Death Valley could include so many diverse backdrops.
04/
Private Ceremonies
Death Valley National Park sees significantly less visitors than more popular parks like Yosemite or Joshua Tree. Plus, most Death Valley elopements are held in a part of the park not accessible to the general public – which means it's easy to have a super private ceremony. Rare for National Parks!
Not sure how to do this?
Howdy! I'm Sam, Your Death Valley Elopement
Photographer & Planner
I know there are so many options and things to consider when planning an elopement. I absolutely adore helping couples through this process + reducing stress! Death Valley is one of the many parts of California I've thoroughly explored, and I love sharing my knowledge of this area with others.
Hiring your elopement photographer + planner is the perfect first step in planning your Death Valley elopement – even if you aren't 100% sure of when or where yet! I’ll help you through every step of the process, from choosing a time of year/date for the perfect weather conditions, to picking a spot with amazing views, to securing any necessary permits, to finding other vendors and planning wedding outfits that are perfect for adventuring.
Hopefully the information below will help you decide if Death Valley is right for you guys! Let's go over everything you need to know about eloping in Death Valley, California.
We're gonna chat about all of this:
Where to Elope in
Death Valley
Where can you elope in Death Valley National Park?
Wedding and elopement ceremonies inside Death Valley National Park are usually held in an area called Breakfast Canyon.
This is actually a huge perk, because Breakfast Canyon is gated off and not accessible to most park visitors. You'll have the whole canyon to yourself, which means your Death Valley elopement ceremony can be super private, without a bunch of onlookers.
Breakfast Canyon is also pretty accessible – you can drive right up to the ceremony location. And, you're allowed to bring in some furniture, like chairs for guests – which is pretty unusual for national park ceremonies!
Can you have a ceremony somewhere other than Breakfast Canyon?
For very small weddings and just-the-two-of-you elopements, the park service will sometimes consider other ceremony locations. If you have a specific spot in mind, you can always reach out to ask if it's possible!
There's also a more traditional wedding venue in Death Valley: the Oasis at Death Valley is a resort and spa that offers both elopement packages and traditional weddings, if that sounds more like your style.
No matter where you exchange vows in Death Valley, you can explore other areas of the national park – like Artists Palette or Badwater Basin – before or after your ceremony to take portraits in your wedding attire (without needing any special permit).
Do you need a permit to elope in Death Valley National Park?
Yep! If you want to have a wedding or elopement ceremony inside Death Valley National Park, you'll need to get a special-use permit.
It's a good idea to apply for a permit far in advance, especially if you have a specific date or location in mind. You have to submit your application at least 30 days in advance of your elopement date – but the park service recommends starting the process up to 60 days in advance.
All weddings and elopements inside Death Valley National Park are subject to monitoring by a park ranger. Don't stress – the ranger won't intrude on your private ceremony – they're just there to make sure everyone follows park rules and respects the natural environment. The monitoring fee is $50/hour (in addition to the application fee).
To apply for a special-use permit, you'll need to fill out an NPS Form 10-930 and email it to [email protected]. After the NPS reviews your application, they'll send you a link to pay the $300 application fee.
Did one of these locations
strike your fancy?
I'll help you choose the perfect location for your Death Valley elopement – and apply for a permit if you need one!
Adventuring During Your Death Valley Elopement
Without the structure of a traditional wedding day, we have the freedom to do whatever you want.
Death Valley has so many unique and otherworldly landscapes to explore with your partner. My advice for planning your elopement in Death Valley is to choose activities that feel true to you as a couple – whether that's a thrill-seeking adventure or a sunset picnic. No matter what, we'll capture some incredible photos along the way!
Sightseeing & Exploring
A lot of the coolest things to see in Death Valley are just that – unreal views and fascinating landscapes. Here are some of places I'd recommend adding to your Death Valley itinerary (which also happen to be great places for elopement day portraits)...
Off-Roading
Death Valley National Park has hundreds of miles of backcountry roads to explore. Off-roading is a perfect way to reach parts of the park you can't otherwise and see some insane sights.
If you don't have a 4WD vehicle, you can rent one or take a backcountry tour from Farabee Jeeps.
Hiking & Backpacking
Death Valley has several designated hiking and backpacking trails – plus lots of less-marked routes along ridges and across the wild desert. Check out the national park's list of hiking and backpacking trails – and remember to grab a backcountry permit for any overnight adventures.
One thing to keep in mind is that Death Valley is extremely hot and dry in the summer, so a Death Valley hiking or backpacking elopement is best from November to March! (I've got more helpful info on timing for your Death Valley elopement below.)
Canyoneering
One of the activities Death Valley is famous for is canyoneering. There are tons of canyons and interesting rock formations you can descend with ropes and natural anchors.
However, this is definitely not an activity that's safe to try by yourself for the first time! Unfortunately, the national park doesn't allow guided canyoneering tours in Death Valley – so this is an elopement day activity best for those with previous experience.
Camping
There are a few different ways to spend the night under the stars in Death Valley...
Stargazing
Death Valley National Park is classified as a "gold tier" dark sky park by DarkSky International – which means it's an incredible place to view the Milky Way (and take some astro photos)! There's even an annual Dark Sky Festival in February.
You can see the stars pretty much anywhere in Death Valley after it gets dark, but the national park has a list of the best locations, plus some tips and tricks to keep in mind if you want to stargaze during your Death Valley elopement.
The Best Time to Elope in
Death Valley
Fascinating Death Valley climate facts from the National Park Service:
When should you elope in Death Valley?
Death Valley has some wild and extreme weather – average temperatures can range from 40 to 120° F depending on the season. So considering the ideal time of year is super critical when planning your Death Valley elopement!
One thing that can help you choose the best time of year to elope in Death Valley is the activities you want to include in your elopement day. If hiking, off-roading, or stargazing are a part of your dream itinerary, you'll want to make sure the weather and conditions are right for your adventures!
And if you bring me on board as your Death Valley elopement photographer and planner, I'll help you choose the ideal time of year for perfect weather and lighting!
Fall
Death Valley doesn't experience the same autumn conditions as a lot of other national parks – average daily temps don't drop below 80° until November.
I'd recommend a sunrise or sunset ceremony for a fall Death Valley elopement!
Winter
Winter is Death Valley's most temperate season, with highs in the 60s and 70s and lows in the 40s from December to February. This is the best season for elopements here!
Death Valley never gets a lot of rain during any season, but February is the month with the most average rainfall – and your best chance of seeing Badwater Basin turn into a lake.
Spring
Death Valley has an unusually warm (and early) spring – March and April have average highs in the 80s and 90s. Spring is a decent time for camping in Death Valley because it still gets cool at night.
Like fall, I think a sunset or sunrise ceremony is best for a spring Death Valley elopement!
Summer
Summer in Death Valley can be downright dangerous. From May to September, you can expect the temp to exceed 100° F most days. July and August are the most brutal months – even at night, it rarely drops below 80.
Adventuring during the summer in Death Valley is almost out of the question because there's very little shade and no water. For that reason, I really don't recommend a summer elopement in Death Valley! If you are looking to elope in California in the summer, nearby areas like Mammoth, Yosemite, or Tahoe would be best!
Elope on a weekday!
This is one of my biggest pieces of advice for any couple! Weekdays are always less busy than weekends, which means it's easier to find privacy during your Death Valley elopement.
The time of day also affects how crowded popular spots will be – and in Death Valley, it can be the difference between pleasant temperatures and sweltering heat. Sunrise and sunset have the prettiest lighting, but sunrises are always less busy than sunsets. So if you don’t mind an early morning, you can plan an intimate ceremony first thing and enjoy the rest of your day being married.
how to Plan Your
Death Valley Elopement
If this guide has convinced you that a Death Valley National Park elopement might be right for you, but you’re not quite sure where to start and feeling overwhelmed by the options, don’t panic! I’ll break down the steps to planning your dream elopement and do my best to make the process as stress-free as possible for you and your partner.
Step One:
Contact Me
First things first, fill out my contact form! No worries if you don’t have all the details figured out yet – reach out to me with your ideas, and I can help walk you through the rest of the steps from inquiry to elopement day. I pride myself on being not just an elopement photographer, but also my couples’ go-to resource as they navigate the elopement planning process.
Step two:
Pick a Time & Place
This is where I come in as your on-the-ground local expert. I'll help you choose the perfect ceremony site in Death Valley National Park based on your preferences and priorities. If one of the locations above has already piqued your interest, awesome! But I can also provide behind-the-scenes insights to help you choose the perfect location for your elopement.
Once we have the location nailed down, if you don't already have a date in mind, I'll help you choose the perfect timing for whatever activities and backdrop you're envisioning on your Death Valley elopement day.
Step three:
Find Other Vendors
If your dream elopement includes florals, hair and makeup, a picnic reception, or even an off-roading adventure, I can provide tailored recommendations for vendors to make it all happen! I have great relationships with many local vendors and experience with many of the hotels, restaurants, and rental companies in the area.
I can also help you find accommodations for your Death Valley elopement, whether it's an Airbnb for cute getting-ready photos, or the perfect campground for a night under the stars.
Step four:
Get Your Marriage License
One key detail for planning a Death Valley elopement is getting a California marriage license. To get a marriage license in Inyo County, where Death Valley is located, you'll need to schedule an appointment for both you and your partner to appear in person at the courthouse in Independence, CA. Unfortunately, the courthouse is at least a two-hour drive from the main entrances to Death Valley National Park, so make sure that factor that in when making travel plans for your elopement!
California is not a self-solemnization state, meaning an officiant is required to perform a marriage ceremony. If you want your elopement ceremony to be as private as possible, I am an ordained officiant and I’m happy to conduct your ceremony – I can be as hands-off as you want to keep the focus completely on you and your vows to each other! Alternatively, it’s easy for a friend or family member to become ordained online for free through the Universal Life Church.
If you're traveling from out-of-state for your Death Valley elopement and stressed about getting a marriage license, you can also choose to legally get married in your home state, before or after your elopement. That way you can just focus on your partner, your vows, and your adventures together during your elopement day!
Step five:
Elope!
With all the planning out of the way (and me on your team to tackle any last-minute emergencies), all that's left to do is have the adventure of your lifetime with your person.
Fill out my contact form below to start chatting – no matter where you are in the planning process!
Let's chat!
