A Death Valley National Park elopement should definitely be on your radar. For this couple, it was the plan all along. They knew their elopement experience deserved to be more than a couple hours. They planned a two-week road trip across the American Southwest, with the grand finale being an elopement at Death Valley National Park. A few months later, they hosted a reception back at home. Genius.

eloping couple stands on sand in death valley national park with swinging lit lanterns in hand

elopement couple stands in front of a badwater basin sign, the lowest point in death valley national park with salt flats behind them

couple who chose to elope at death valley national park at sunrise walks up sand dune under the light of the moon and lanterns

elopement couple stands on top of sand dune in the dark kissing in death valley national park with lanterns in hand and mountains behind them

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENT

This glorious elopement started well before sunrise. After getting ready at The Inn at Death Valley, we set off for our first location. We hiked into the peaceful darkness, over the sand, with the moon and stars above and our lanterns below. The sun rose gloriously with pinks and blues, bleeding into golds and reds. They exchanged vows atop a massive dune with no one else around. We went to another location after the sun rose and did a light hike into a massive canyon, full of interesting rocks and textures.

couple stands at the back of their car preparing for a pre-dawn hike for their elopement in death valley national park

death valley national park elopement couple walks down palm tree lined path on the property of the inn at death valley

Later that day, we met up for an evening adventure to different spots. Before we set off, these two enjoyed cake together and we explored the grounds of The Inn at Death Valley. It was the perfect location for them to stay, nearby to popular sights, and an onsite spa, restaurant, and beautiful oasis-like surroundings. View another Death Valley elopement I’ve photographed here. To find information about obtaining a permit for your Death Valley National Park elopement, click here.

death valley national park elopement photographer

“Working with Emily was so easy and we had a great time spending the day with her in Death Valley. She captured all of the magical moments and the photos are beyond amazing. The turnaround was faster than we expected and she kept us updated along the way. We loved how the photos came out so much we might have to do it all again but in Alaska!”

– Mina + Colin, eloped in Death Valley National Park

AN OVERLOOKED NATIONAL PARK FOR ELOPEMENTS

Death Valley national park is the largest in the lower 48 states. From the lowest of lows at Badwater Basin, to the ridgelines above the whole valley, this park has a huge variety of landscapes, colors, and textures. If you’re envisioning something lowkey, breathtaking, and unique, pick a national park venue like this one. I’ll help you plan, in a supportive, stress-free way. I want to help you decide, but not push you in any one direction. It’s your special day and I’m here to help you inspire, plan, and document the type of day you dream of. Contact me to get started today.

This elopement was featured on Wandering Weddings’ blog. See it here!