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ashley laprade

ashley laprade

Palm Springs photography

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The Picture-Perfect Thompson Hotel Palm Springs Wedding Venue

Sep 14, 2025

The Thompson Hotel Palm Springs might be the new kid on the block, but I think it’s about to be the next big thing. This Hyatt Hotel branch brings you all the luxury you’ve come to expect from the brand, as well as all the charm of Palm Springs. If you are looking for the best spot for your wedding, I would love to tell you why I think you should consider this hotel. As a Palm Springs wedding photographer, I recently got to go behind the scenes of the Thompson Hotel. Here’s everything you can expect if you choose this spot for your wedding location.

A woman in a white dress smiles while walking by the pool holding her purse and large hat at thompson hotel palm springs

About The Thompson Hotel Palm Springs Wedding Venue

414 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California 92262

The Thompson Hotel in Palm Springs opened its doors for the very first time in October of 2024. Almost instantly, it became the next iconic spot in town with its books filling up for months at a time. This hotel puts you smack dab in the middle of Palm Springs. Not only will it give you amazing backdrops for your wedding, but it’s also going to be there for all the festivities of the week. From the pre-game to the after-party to the after-after-party to the mimosa-fueled, post-wedding brunch, this area is going to have just the thing for you. 

Friends all in white laugh and chat at the bar and under umbrellas by the pool
Live shots of a synchronized swimming performance in the pool at sunset as guests watch by the bar
Three women perform a synchronized swimming show in the pool at sunset

When I got to tour the hotel, I was working as the photographer for Emerge Collective, a group of event planners who know how to take your celebration and kick it up a notch. This well-connected group will be there to help you figure out the design, find your perfect vendors, and absorb all the stress of your wedding so you’re simply left with a day completely tailored to you. They are the perfect group to help you out with your Thompson Hotel wedding! 

A large group stands by the bar taking photos and watching a performace with everyone in white
Women in white lunge by the pool at sunset while smiling with friends at thompson hotel palm springs
Four synchronized swimmers stand in whtie bathing suits holding parasols

Details of the Grounds

While the Thompson Hotel might be brand new, you would never know it thanks to their seasoned events team. First off, let’s set the scene for the day for your wedding day. During your wedding weekend, you can book a hotel suite where you can stay with your wedding party. When you wake up, you’ll get to work with the stylists who will give you your dream look. Once you’re all ready (you look gorgeous, by the way!), you can head out to the balcony where you can take pics along with your wedding party. The hotel even lets you select the view from your room so you can have the ideal backdrop. 

Two women stand and smile and play with some synchronized swimmers by the pool at thompson hotel palm springs
A group of friends hang out on pool chairs laughing at thompson hotel palm springs
A DJ in white stands at his turntable with headphones on

Next up comes the ceremony. You’re going to have several outdoor options. My favorite is The Podium. Located on the second level, this space completely defines Palm Springs chic. You will have the rolling San Jacinto mountains in the background with palm trees adding to the view. You’ll also have some pretty iconic architecture in the backdrop. The area can host up to 150 guests. Want something a little closer to the ground? Then you can use either The Courtyard (capacity of 120 guests) or The Lawn (capacity of 105 guests). With these locations, you will have a grassy turf and thoughtfully planted succulents as your background. 

Details of a reception table set up with dark black and gold themes and custom menu at thompson hotel palm springs
Details of a cocktail table set up with black chargers and unique linen next to a signature drink menu at a bar at thompson hotel palm springs
A man plays acoustic guitar on a chair next to cocktail tables set up with heat lamp

While your guests can grab drinks at your reception locale, the South Pool Deck is a fabulous spot for a cocktail hour! Your guests will get to feel all the glamor of Palm Springs as they sit in lounge seating or unwind by the fireplace. 

For your reception, you can use The Courtyard or The Lawn. If you want something completely unique, they let you buy out the entire Upper Stories Poo or the Lola Rose Terrace, where your guests can enjoy a poolside setting for their dinner. When I photographed the Emerge Collective event, they hired synchronized swimmers as added entertainment to the festivities! For those who would prefer something indoors, the San Jacinto Ballroom is your spot. This area is upscale and sophisticated with high ceilings, wooden accent walls, and gold accent lights. No matter your wedding style, your reception will feel right at home here. This area is able to host up to 600 guests. 

Details of dark purple and black floral arrangements
Details of a drink menu at the bar next to round reception tables set up with tall centerpieces at thompson hotel palm springs
Details of a dramatically lit ballroom with reception table using black linen and chairs at thompson hotel palm springs

Photography Opportunities

I can tell you from experience that this hotel is positively picture-perfect! Once you are done getting ready, the balcony is the ideal spot to show off your look. I love using the pools for stylish, editorial couple’s portraits. The lounge furniture and the sunny backdrop will make your photos look positively divine. The San Jacinto Ballroom has floor-to-ceiling windows that will let in plenty of natural light throughout the day. Finally, because this hotel is so centrally located, you can just walk out the door and find several backdrops that will serve as the best celebration of this amazing town! 

A woman in a white coverup walks and smiles by the pool at sunset at thompson hotel palm springs
A large group photo with some swim performers on the edge of the pool with white hats
A look at an active a lively cocktail hour above a bunch of girlfriends smiling together

Wedding Details

With Thompson Hotel, they will take care of all the catering throughout the night so you can enjoy exceptional food prepared by their executive chefs. They use locally sourced ingredients for a fresh and unforgettable meal! The hotel is pet-friendly, giving you the chance to bring along your favorite four-legged friend for your celebration. The hotel will take care of all the added details, including chairs, tables, furniture, barware, flatware, linens, and more. They give you tons of bar options and will provide their own bartenders to keep the drinks flowing late into the night! The hotel features on-site parking, and they’ll have a valet service there for your guests. 

A group of friends make silly faces in the photo booth
A happy woman in a black jacket smiles next to a photo booth with printer
Three women stand smiling together in glamorous dresses next to a table setting with custom menu and candles at thompson hotel palm springs

For those who want to ensure their wedding is both perfect and stress-free, Emerge Collective will be there! While they might be based in Colorado, they have experts all across the country, including right here in Southern California. They will work with you to transform your celebration into the day of your dreams. 

Details of a table setting with soup and deserts on a black charger and rose petals at thompson hotel palm springs
A live band plays with people dancing on the dance floor
Details of a food spread on black linens with salad kababs, deserts and wraps at thompson hotel palm springs

Dreams Come True At Thompson Hotel Palm Springs Weddings

If you are looking for a Palm Springs venue for your grand, romantic hotel wedding, Thompson Hotel Palm Springs is your spot! Now, all that’s left is to find the photographer who will be there to capture every second. Lucky for you, you’re already in the right place. As a Palm Springs wedding photographer, I love working with couples to capture their joyous and vibrant celebrations. If that sounds like your kind of thing, let’s chat! Send me a message today to find out more! 

Thank You to The Sponsors and Creative Team for The Emerge Event Collective!

Event @emergeeventcollective

Host Venue @thompsonpalmsprings

Planning & Design @michellegaribayevents

Photography @ashleylapradephotography

Filmmaker @thesirenandcofilms

Content Creator @sdcontentcreator

Floral & Decor @luna_design_studios

Stationery, Signage, and Gifting @whimsiquedesign

Rentals @adorefolklore

Entertainment @downbeat.agency

Lighting & AV @ExxelAV

Linen @designwithzaffre

Tabletop Rentals @casadeperrin

Photo Booth @desertlunaphotobooths

Custom Dance Floor @trejodancefloors

Media Sponsor @californiaweddingday @irondiamondweddings

Event Sponsor @alyrosebeautyteam

Transportation @ridemagicshuttle

Lunch Sponsor @lulupalmsprings

Brunch Sponsor @boozehoundsps

Pool Party Entertainment @aqualillies

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