One of our favorite parts about photographing engagement photo sessions in Southern California is that there are so many locations to which to choose from. You have the option of having your session at one of many different types of beaches, mountains, parks, urban areas, amusement parks, or even the mountain. But what if you are looking for something really different for this region of the state? That said, Joshua Tree National Park is a great location to consider. Joshua Tree engagement photos by Three16 Photography will provide you beautiful photos at affordable prices that will last a lifetime.

Located about 12 miles south of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Joshua Tree is where the Colorado and the Mojave come together. It is full of trails, large rocks, plant life and of course, wildlife. All this makes for a great location for photography, rock climbing, camping, hiking or just for taking in the beauty of nature.

If you are not familiar with this part of Southern California, understand it is a dessert. Therefore, in the summer months, not only are there more visitors, but it can get extremely hot. So, if Joshua Tree is your desire, you might want to consider something around late October thru April.

Joshua Tree National Park is open to both Engagement Photography and Weddings. Be sure to check with their website on all the do’s and do not’s, as well as permitted locations. In addition, they can be pretty particular as to what you can include in your photos and what you cannot.

Items prohibited in your engagement session include, but not limited to:
• Drones
• Open-Flame Candles
• Balloons
• Confetti
• And much more
• You are also not allowed to attach or hang anything on bushes, onto a tree, stake into the ground.

Among some of the items they will allow, include:
• Blankets
• Candles that are battery operated
• Small Chalkboard
• Rugs
• And other items as well.

For engagement photography, they do require a permit and photographing for engagements are only authorized to be taken in these locations:
• Split Rock
• Rattlesnake Picnic Area
• Quail Springs (not available February thru May)
• Live Oak
• Cap Rock
• Hidden Valley Picnic Area (not available February thru May)

Please note that due to distance, we do charge an additional fee. So again, if you are looking for that amazing location while getting out of town, then take into consideration Joshua Tree National Park for your engagement photo session.

You can learn more about Joshua Tree as your engagement location by visiting nps.gov/jotr/index.htm.

Some locations are subject to permit and/or travel fees.