Palm Springs has everything you could need for your perfect elopement! With bright colors, jaw-dropping nature, and tons of options for the after party, you are about to have a day you will always remember, and I’m here to make sure of it! As a Palm Springs wedding photographer, I got the chance to work with Cody and Michelle to document their elopement. Here’s everything you need to know before your Palm Springs elopement.
Your Guide To Planning An Unforgettable Palm Springs Elopement
When You Should Elope in Palm Springs & How to Pick Your Date
The very first thing you need to decide for your elopement is when you want to tie the knot in Palm Springs. If you are considering an outdoor elopement, the perfect time is going to be late October through December. Starting in May, Palm Springs gets unbearably hot with temperatures regularly in the triple digits, and this can continue throughout the early weeks of October. If you really want to be safe, I would recommend a November wedding where you can enjoy average temps in the upper 70s. You can also try out February through April before the summer starts.
If these seasons don’t work for you, you’ll have a few options. You can plan an indoor summer wedding and just have to deal with the heat for your pictures, or you can head to nearby places like Joshua Tree, where the temps will be about ten degrees cooler. Once you figure out what you want your wedding day to look like, you will have an easier time finding your date. BTW: weekday elopements are one of the best ways to cut out the crowds that tend to flock here once Friday hits.
The Legalities of Eloping in Palm Springs
Now, it’s time to figure out all the legal stuff. This is also where your intended Palm Springs elopement spot is going to make a difference! The public lands are going to require a special use permit ahead of time. Typically, these are first-come, first-served, with reservations available about a year in advance. The National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management should have all the paperwork and requirements on their website.
Once you have that worked out, you will need to apply for your license. You will need to go to the Riverside County Clerk-Recorder’s office to do this step. You and your partner will need to present a valid ID, and you will pay $100 for a standard license or $110 for a confidential license. There isn’t a waiting period, but it does expire after 90 days, so you might want to save this for the wedding week.
Finally, you will need to have one witness and a Palm Springs officiant to make your marriage legally binding.
How Much Does a Palm Springs Elopement Cost?
Now, it’s time to build your budget. The beauty of an elopement is that you get the freedom to decide what you want to include in your day. Here are the things you need to consider in Palm Springs for an elopement:
- Transportation for you and your guests
- Accommodations
- Food throughout your week
- Licensing and permits
- Flowers and other decorations
- Incredible outfits
- Reception venue
- Hair and makeup
- Activities for your stay
- An amazing photographer ready to help you remember every last second.
All in all, couples tend to spend anywhere from $10,000-$30,000 on a destination elopement.
Palm Springs Elopement Locations
Now comes the fun part: figuring out where to get hitched! Here are some of my favorite spots!
- Casa Tierra: Cody and Michelle used this resort to get ready for their day. The site can hold ceremonies and receptions for up to 100 guests. With this spot, you can combine exceptional comfort with amazing views.
- Moorten’s Botanical Garden: This is where the two held their ceremony. Think backyard wedding meets Spanish architecture with lush plants as your backdrop.
- La Serena Villa: Cody and Michelle used the rooftop of this spot for their reception, offering mountain views and delicious food.
- The Saguaro Hotel: If you love the bright colors of Palm Springs, this is your spot! This rainbow-colored backdrop has made this one of the most Instagrammable spots in town.
- Casa de Monte Vista: This quaint lawn offers some of the best views of the San Jacinto Mountains.
- Palm Springs Windmills: This location is pretty iconic, with giant windmills towering over the desert. It’s one of my favorite photo sites!
Accommodations for Guests in Palm Springs
Next up? Spoiling your guests! This city is full of unforgettable experiences that will ensure your guests never forget this day for more reasons than one. Here’s what to know:
Where to Stay
- Drift Hotel: Located near the airport, this spot offers cozy rooms, fantastic food, and live entertainment!
- The Rowan: This Kimpton hotel brings all the charm of Palm Springs and all of the luxuries of the brand name.
- The Trixie Motel: This kitschy spot was renovated by none other than Trixie Mattel!
- Arrive Hotel: Bright colors and midcentury modern architecture make this a local haven.
- Frank Sinatra House: Did you know you can rent out the house where Sinatra used to live? They can also let you tie the knot on-site if you really want to go all out!
Palm Springs also offers tons of classic AirBnBs that let you pick and choose your amenities while giving you a picture-perfect elopement prep backdrop.
Closest Airports
- Palm Springs International Airport: This is the most convenient option, but it can be a little pricier.
- Ontario International Airport: This one is located about an hour from the city and offers more budget-friendly options.
- LAX: Pros? Affordable with more flight options. Cons? It’s two hours away, and it’s LAX.
- San Diego International Airport: This is the furthest away (2.5 hours), but it does provide lots of options.
Local Food Locations to Try
Truly, Palm Springs is a foodie’s paradise with award-winning restaurants. Here are the best:
- Boozehounds: This pup-friendly restaurant gives you great vibes and delicious fusion food.
- Cheeky’s: If you like elevated diner food, this spot’s for you! Their brunch is also excellent.
- Rooster and the Pig: This Vietnamese restaurant has quickly become a Palm Springs fave!
- Sherman’s Deli and Bakery: This Kosher restaurant is a staple, serving up traditional food since the 1950s.
- Mister Parker’s: This is a highly famous restaurant with required reservations and a dress code. From juicy steak to grilled octopus, you are in for a treat!
Hiring a Palm Springs Elopement Photographer
The most important thing when you plan your Palm Springs elopement is finding a photographer ready to help you document every blissful, joy-filled minute. Remember, an elopement is an experience. You need a way to create memories you can carry with you for the rest of your life. As a Palm Springs wedding photographer, I love getting to work with couples to make sure they can have their dream celebrations. Not only am I going to give you gorgeous pictures, but I am also going to tell you all about the best vendors and venues I know will match your style. If you are looking for someone with both experience and style, I might just be the one for you!
Planning Your Dream Palm Springs Elopement Is Easier Than You Think
If you have been considering a Palm Springs elopement, I really hope this guide helps you out! And if you do want to see if I’m a match for you, let’s chat about it! Send me a message today to find out more!
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