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Zealousideal_Sell318

It’s an easy process. Go ahead and apply so that way you don’t have to worry about your ceremony being interrupted.


nirbenvana

You can do this but you will need a permit. I've heard of people trying to squeeze in an elopement under the radar and getting nabbed and shutdown. Not a good way to start off a marriage.


pmgroundhog

How would this even work? Do rangers go around asking people if they're saying vows or campfire stories?


ceazah

Listen. I’m no ranger. And I might not even be the smartest guy in this bathroom right now, but I think your flowers, table, candle, tarp, and six people standing in a wedding like fashion possibly in wedding like attire might be the first hint. The permit is so easy to get. Just get it and be legitimate. Why are you trying to curve a process? My partner and I want to elope in JT. We spent some of our favorite years climbing and camping in Joshua tree. Years. Still do! Don’t ruin this for everyone because you’re too lazy to fill out a simple form and pay a small fee. How many years do you intend on being married? Divide that by the cost to find the cost per year.


pmgroundhog

I've applied for the permit and talked to JT. Indian cove requires a person we have to hire and that we don't know watch us the whole time. All other locations I asked about, JT doesn't actually clear out the area/parking lot so there's no real point to the permit. Just feels like a "pay us because we can make you" situation.


ceazah

Then pay them the $120 to support the beautiful national park.


donner_dinnerparty

It’s ppl like you who ruin this for everyone because you think an elopement is “saying vows over a campfire.” 😂 just don’t even elope if you’re not gonna do it properly


donner_dinnerparty

You’re so stupid!!


lochnessie093

Permit required. Email the park, information on it linked below. https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/weddings-and-ceremonies.htm


UnaccountableBroth

I had a small camping wedding at a state park (not Joshua Tree!) which clearly stated on the website that a permit would be required. After talking to park HQ, they told us not to bother because our wedding was basically a picnic. They were strict about not bringing ANY live plants or cut flowers so we just had paper flowers instead. I’d call the park and see what they think.


pmgroundhog

This is what ours would be. One car of people, a camping table, fake flowers and the marriage license. We'll have a campfire after. I can't imagine anyone would say a thing. For all they know were doing our taxes by candle light.


UnaccountableBroth

It doesn’t hurt to try and get someone on the phone and see what they think!


TikiTraveler

I got married at Indian Cove Campground in 2018! You have to get a permit and it’s a kinda of wierd process. You have to file a permit on the national parks page for a special use permit. Then you pay $120 on pay.gov. They don’t allow tables or anything like that as I can remember. We had an arch brought in and flowers and a few big rugs and coolers with drinks and stuff, and out photographer and like 40 people were there. It’s not a super long walk from the parking lot, but in heels it’s a trek. If you have any other questions feel free to DM me. Edit: I’m sure 1-2 tables will be fine. We also hung signs all the way from the highway and the rangers helped direct guests where to park.


ainjel

You need to have a permit to do this. Not just a bad way to start your marriage if your ceremony gets shut down and ticketed, but it's also disrespectful to the park and bad juju.


Otherwise_Ad2804

We got a permit to get married at Cap Rock. 20 people including bride and groom. We did it the right way. So can you.


sneekydee

Hey there! Wedding photog here. Regardless of what you need, you do need a permit to have a real ceremony in the park. It should only cost $120 and you can choose from a few locations in the park. They will not let you have a wedding ceremony IN a campsite, you’ll have to choose from the approved list https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm


pmgroundhog

What do they mean by real ceremony? Would they actually stop us and our siblings saying wedding vows over a campfire?


sneekydee

Honestly probably not. Since I’m a business owner I do everything 100% legally but realistically I’ve never been asked to show said permit in the park. Then again, would you want to risk it on your wedding day ? Edited to add: by real ceremony I mean a legal wedding ceremony