Alexis and Dustin's Joshua Tree elopement was one for the books! The couple wanted an intimate day filled with special moments that reflected their personalities and love... and I'd say they crushed it! I especially loved this elopement because I got to spend plenty of time with them, truly capturing the full day.


Eloping is the perfect solution if you want to skip the stress and expenses of a big wedding and focus on what really matters: your love for one another. However, there is a common misconception that elopements have to be short. While some elopements are an hour or two (and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that if that's your vision!), eloping does not have to be a small, simple affair. In fact, your elopement can be an even bigger experience than a traditional wedding.


Elopements are an opportunity to create a truly unique experience that reflects your personalities, values, and love!


There are no "rules". You get to decide what YOU want! And as your photographer, I can capture every moment of the day from getting ready to exchanging vows to popping champagne and dancing the night away. You deserve to have a beautiful record of your day to cherish and share with loved ones for a lifetime!


Alexis and Dustin eloped at a beautiful Joshua Tree Airbnb. The two chose to spend the morning of their elopement getting ready together. This allowed them to have quality time before the ceremony, and helped calm their nerves. I love that they decided to do what felt best to them! And, let's be honest... I'm a sucker for some gorgeous getting ready photos. I mean, how perfect is their stationary?!

invitations for intimate elopement at Joshua Tree airbnb
brides shoes and bouquet for intimate Joshua Tree elopement
Joshua Tree elopement bridal flowers and shoes
detail photo of brides getting ready items for intimate elopement in socal desert
Bride getting ready for intimate elopement at airbnb in Joshua Tree
black and white image of bride getting ready for elopement
Getting ready for elopement at Joshua Tree airbnb
Bride gets ready for intimate Joshua Tree elopement
Bride with bouquet at Joshua Tree airbnb before eloping
close up of bridal bouquet and engagement ring in Joshua Tree
Bridal portrait before Joshua Tree elopement
bridal flowers perfume and shoes for intimate elopement at airbnb in Joshua Tree

Did you know that getting ready photos aren't just for the bride? This day is for both of you. And with style like Dustin's, how can you not capture his fit too?! The rings, the hat, and the suit all deserved their moment to shine.


Before heading out to their ceremony, the bride and groom helped each other with final touches. I think it's so special that Alexis tied his tie and Dustin put on her veil. The black and white image of them sneaking a kiss before eloping is an all-time favorite of mine.

Groom getting ready for intimate elopement at Joshua Tree airbnb
Groom buttoning his shirt before eloping in socal desert
close up of grooms hands before Joshua Tree intimate elopement
groom putting on his suit jacket for Joshua Tree wedding
close up of groom tying shoes before eloping in Joshua Tree
groom portrait at joshua tree wedding
black and white portrait of the groom before socal elopement
bride helps groom with tie before eloping in Joshua Tree
Bride and groom getting ready together for intimate elopement at airbnb in Joshua Tree
black and white photo of couple stealing a kiss before their elopement
Bride and groom at airbnb before intimate Joshua Tree elopement
Bride and groom getting ready together for intimate elopement at airbnb in Joshua Tree
Groom helps his bride put on her veil before their adventerous Joshua Tree elopement
Bride and groom laying on couch together at airbnb in Joshua Tree

Let's get these two married in Joshua Tree


After they were ready, Alexis and Dustin headed out to explore the area surrounding their airbnb in Joshua Tree. They strolled through the cacti, taking in the stunning views and enjoying each other's company. In my opinion, one of the best perks of eloping is a slower paced day. These two were so present with one another.

Bride and groom eloping in Joshua Tree
Couple shares intimate embrace during socal elopement
Bride and groom hug during Joshua Tree elopement
Bride and groom walking amongst the cacti and Joshua Trees
Couple eloping in Joshua Tree National Park
Groom kisses brides neck at intimate Joshua Tree elopement
Couple kisses to celebrate their Joshua Tree wedding
Groom kisses brides cheek at intimate Joshua Tree elopement

After the short ceremony, we drove a couple minutes up the road. Alexis and Dustin rented the coolest vintage Volkswagen Beetle as a getaway car. It couldn't have been a better pick for these two! Seriously though... this classic beetle perfectly complimented Alexis and Dustin's style! It was impossible trying to narrow down which images to include. If you'd like to see the full gallery, click here.

couple with getaway car at socal wedding
Classic car wedding portraits in Joshua Tree at sunset
Bride + Groom with a vintage Volkswagen Beetle celebrating their elopement in Joshua Tree
black and white of bride and groom kissing in vintage car in Joshua Tree
Couple in getaway car kissing in Joshua Tree
Bride and groom with vintage volkswagon beetle
Bride looks at groom in classic car after Joshua Tree elopement
Bride + Groom after elopement in Joshua Tree in a vintage Volkswagen Beetle
Bride + Groom elope in Joshua Tree with classic car
Intimate elopement in Joshua Tree
bride and groom kiss in car after eloping in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree and Palm Springs wedding photographer black and white of couple with car
Bride and groom walking holding hands by classic car in Joshua Tree
Couples photographer in Joshua Tree with vintage car
black and white close up of getaway car Palm Springs wedding
Couple kiss in front of classic car after Joshua Tree wedding
black and white of couple in classic car after intimate elopement in Joshua Tree
Couples photographer in Joshua Tree with vintage car

After plenty of portraits with the vintage bug, we headed back to their Airbnb to celebrate! Alexis changed into her reception dress, some super fun red boots, and the cutest heart sunglasses. We had so much fun with the flash photos! To end the perfect elopement day, the couple cut the cake together and celebrated their love with a champagne pop! It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

black and white of bride and groom with champagne glasses at airbnb in Joshua Tree
Bride and groom lounging on couch at airbnb after intimate elopement in Joshua Tree
Bride and groom kissing and showing off their rings after eloping in Joshua Tree
Wedding cake "meet me under the Joshua trees", brides elopement flowers, white sunglasses on wood table at airbnb in Joshua Tree
Bride with cake after eloping in Joshua Tree
Couple cutting cake after elopement in Joshua Tree
black and whitebride and groom bitting into wedding cake after intimate elopement in Joshua Tree
Groom putting cake icing on brides nose at airbnb in Joshua Tree
Couple with champagne glasses after intimate elopement at airbnb in Joshua Tree
Couple kissing at Joshua Tree airbnb wedding
Bride and groom popping a bottle of champagne after intimate elopement at airbnb in Joshua Tree
Bride drinking out of a bottle of champagne after Joshua Tree elopement
black and white groom pouring champagne after eloping in Joshua Tree

Alexis and Dustin's elopement in Joshua Tree is a reminder that elopements are what YOU make them! By getting ready together, taking time to explore the area, renting a vintage car, and having cake at the Airbnb, these two created a truly unforgettable day!


Eloping in Joshua Tree?


If you're considering eloping, take a page from Alexis and Dustin's book and focus on the joy and love that brought you together. And, if you're looking for a Joshua Tree elopement or wedding photographer, I'm your girl! Learn more about the process here, or reach out to schedule a discovery call here.


Ready to plan the perfect Joshua Tree elopement?