Planning an engagement is always exciting, but it becomes even more special when it’s a surprise and involves a beautiful place like Hidden Valley in Joshua Tree National Park. If you’re an outdoorsy couple looking for a unique way to get engaged or elope, Joshua Tree might just be the perfect spot for you. This blog post will walk you through one such engagement I had the honor of photographing and provide some helpful tips if you’re considering a Joshua Tree engagement.
![A couple dancing together in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley, with Joshua trees and desert landscape in the background.](https://i1.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-128_websize.jpg)
![A couple sitting close together and smiling in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley, with the woman looking down shyly.](https://i0.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-117_websize.jpg)
A Joshua Tree Engagement Story
T reached out to me with the sweetest plan. He wanted to propose to his girlfriend, now fiancée, T, while they were on a trip from Texas to California. They were heading to Coachella with friends and family and T thought it would be perfect to include them in the proposal and then celebrate at the festival.
T had a clear vision: a picnic set-up with marquee letters spelling out “Marry Me” right in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park. He chose Hidden Valley, known for its stunning rock formations and easy access, making it ideal for such a special occasion. There’s also a really pretty trail nature trail nearby offering dozens of photo spots.
Planning the Perfect Proposal
One of the first steps in planning any event in Joshua Tree National Park is securing a permit. The park has specific areas where activities like photo shoots involving a set-up can take place. Once we had the permit, we got down to planning the details. I love being part of this process because it allows me to understand my clients’ vision and help bring it to life. Plus, it’s a chance to make sure everything runs smoothly on the big day.
For T’s proposal, we chose a spot in Hidden Valley that offered a mix of privacy and stunning natural scenery. I arrived early on the day of the engagement to help set up. We laid out a beautiful picnic with a colorful rug, some cushions, flowers, and of course, the marquee letters. The setting looked magical, and I couldn’t wait to see T’s reaction.
![A person arranging pillows on a rug in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley, with desert vegetation and mountains in the background.](https://i2.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-2_websize.jpg)
![A bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne with two glasses and a bouquet of flowers arranged on a picnic blanket in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley.](https://i1.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-5_websize.jpg)
![A large "Marry Me" sign set up on a picnic blanket with pillows in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley.](https://i2.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-4_websize.jpg)
![A group of people setting up large letters spelling "Marry Me" on a picnic blanket with pillows in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley.](https://i1.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-9_websize.jpg)
![A picnic setup with a cake, flowers, and champagne glasses on a blanket in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley.](https://i2.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-73_websize.jpg)
The Engagement Day
When T and T arrived with their friends and family, there was a buzz of excitement in the air. T led T to the picnic set-up, and her her eyes lit up with excitement. As T got down on one knee, the moment was perfect. Everyone cheered when T said yes, and there were hugs and jumps all around. It was a heartwarming scene that I felt privileged to capture.
After the proposal, we celebrated with cake and champagne. Once the initial excitement settled, I took T and T on a short trail nearby. This gave them a moment to themselves and allowed me to capture some sweet and intimate photos of the newly engaged couple. The layout of Joshua Tree’s unique landscape made for some amazing shots.
![A couple walking towards a picnic area in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley, with the woman covering her mouth in surprise.](https://i2.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-13_websize.jpg)
![Friends and family celebrating and hugging in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley.](https://i0.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-19_websize.jpg)
![A couple holding hands and smiling while friends capture the moment in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley.](https://i2.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-21_websize.jpg)
![A couple holding hands and looking at each other in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley, with rocky formations in the background.](https://i0.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-23_websize.jpg)
![A woman smiling at her partner while holding hands in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley.](https://i1.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-24_websize.jpg)
![A man kneeling down to propose to his partner on a picnic blanket in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley.](https://i1.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-25_websize.jpg)
![A woman covering her mouth in surprise as her partner proposes in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley.](https://i2.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-27_websize.jpg)
![A close-up of a man putting an engagement ring on a woman's finger in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley.](https://i1.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-30_websize-765x1024.jpg)
![A couple embracing on a picnic blanket with pillows and a champagne bottle in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley.](https://i1.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-33_websize.jpg)
![Friends celebrating and hugging in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley after an engagement.](https://i0.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-37_websize.jpg)
![A woman hugging a friend in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley with others standing nearby.](https://i2.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-42_websize.jpg)
![A couple embracing on a picnic blanket with pillows, with the woman holding a fan that says "bride to be" in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley.](https://i1.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-50_websize.jpg)
![A couple popping a bottle of champagne on a picnic blanket with pillows in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley.](https://i0.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-59_websize.jpg)
![A close-up of a woman holding a glass of champagne, showing off her engagement ring in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley.](https://i1.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-61_websize.jpg)
![A man pouring champagne into a woman's glass in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley.](https://i1.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-60_websize.jpg)
![Friends raising glasses for a toast in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley.](https://i2.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-66_websize.jpg)
![A group of friends celebrating an engagement in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley, with the couple holding a bouquet of flowers.](https://i0.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-96_websize.jpg)
Tips for Your Joshua Tree Engagement
If you’re thinking about planning a Joshua Tree engagement, here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Get the Permit
This is the first and most important step. Joshua Tree National Park requires permits for events that have set-ups and elopements. Make sure to check the park’s website for the most up-to-date information and apply well in advance.
2. Choose the Right Spot
Joshua Tree has many beautiful spots, but not all are suitable for a large group or a set-up like a picnic. Hidden Valley is a great option because it’s accessible and has a variety of beautiful backgrounds. The park lists approved ceremony and special event locations on their website.
3. Plan for the Weather
Joshua Tree can get very hot, especially in the summer. It’s also almost entirely exposed, other than the shade provided by boulders. Early morning or evening are the best times for a comfortable experience and great lighting for photos.
4. Hire a Professional Photographer Who Knows the Park
Capturing the moment is important, and a professional photographer will ensure that you have beautiful memories to look back on. Plus, they can help with planning and logistics. If you’re looking for someone who knows the park well and can help you create the perfect experience, I’m your photographer. Check out my portfolio for more examples of my work.
Final Thoughts
Planning a Joshua Tree engagement is an unforgettable experience. If you’re ready to start planning your own, I’d love to help capture your special moment. Contact me to get started on planning your ideas.
For more inspiration on places to elope in California, check out my blog post on Best Places to Elope in California.
![A couple walking hand-in-hand through Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley, smiling at each other.](https://i1.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-100_websize.jpg)
![A couple embracing next to large rocks in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley.](https://i1.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-107_websize.jpg)
![A couple holding hands and walking through Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley, with Joshua trees and mountains in the background.](https://i0.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-110_websize.jpg)
![A couple sitting close together and smiling in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley, with the woman looking down shyly.](https://i0.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-117_websize.jpg)
![A couple walking through a rocky area in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley, holding hands and exploring the terrain.](https://i0.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-133_websize.jpg)
![A couple sitting close together and smiling in Joshua Tree's Hidden Valley, with the woman looking down shyly.](https://i0.wp.com/karenagurto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24601/2024/07/Joshua-Tree-Engagement-138_websize.jpg)
Here's to co-creating an unforgettable elopement experience.
Here's to co-creating an unforgettable elopement experience.
I’m Karen, a Southern California Elopement Photographer who empowers couples to create memories that will last a lifetime. I am dedicated to providing the tools you need to create an unforgettable experience.
I help couples by providing personalized location lists, planning resources, vendor recommendations, permits, timeline-curation, and much more to curate elopement days that will be cherished forever.
Your Southern California Elopement Photographer, planning expert, and adventure pal.
I'm here to empower you to create memories that will last a lifetime.
About Karen
Follow me on Instagram!
@karenagurtophoto
Follow me on Instagram!
@karenagurtophoto
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