LOCATIONS, TIPS, PERMITS, AND SAMPLE TIMELINE

WHEN TO GO

The best time to visit the park is Spring (March – May)  to Late Fall (October – November). I’ve visited the park in every season and these are definitely cooler times of the year. Yay for minimal sweat, though I still recommend bringing plenty of water and snacks with you!

PERMITS & FEES

If you’re getting married in the park, you will need to email a special use permit to jotr_permit_office@nps.gov. Make sure to do so with enough time for them to review (about 15 days). There is a $120 non-refundable fee, find it here.

RESERVATION TIME LIMIT

According to nps.gov, there is a 2 hour limit to arrive and depart (that includes setting up, enjoying your ceremony, and taking down).

CEREMONY LOCATIONS

• Indian Cove Amphitheater No more than 100 people total and only 1 vehicle. You must hire a shuttle for your guest to this location. The park does not provide transportation. (Location not available June 1-August 31)
• Hidden Valley Picnic Area No more than 35 people total and up to 8 vehicles.
• Turkey Flats No more than 35 people total and up to 8 vehicles.
• Cap Rock No more than 25 people total and up to 8 vehicles.
• Rattlesnake Picnic Area No more than 20 people and 8 vehicles.
• Quail Springs Picnic Area No more than 15 people and 8 vehicles.
• Split Rock No more than 15 people and 5 vehicles.
• Porcupine Wash No more than 12 people and 4 vehicles.
• Queen Valley Mine Intersection No more than 10 people and 5 vehicles.
• Lost Horse Parking Lot No more than 10 people and 5 vehicles.
• Live Oak Picnic Area No more than 5 people and 3 vehicles.

Get the full rundown here!

OTHER TIPS

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring your other pair in a backpack (I’m a professional bag carrier)
• Bring sunblock, water, and snacks
• Bring a change of comfortable clothes in case you want to change for the drive home after your awesome session in JT
• Plan more time than you think (the park is pretty big)
• There’s little to no service inside the park, so coordinate beforehand

BONUS TIMELINE

If you’re planning on taking photos before or after your ceremony, or are planning to visit the park for engagement photos use this timeline (and adjust depending on daylight savings).

TIMELINE

3:20 Meet @ Walmart 58501 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, CA 92284

Travel into the NP to Jumbo Rocks (~40 min)

4:00 Start shooting @ Jumbo Rocks Campground

4:45 Outfit change/touch ups 

Travel to Hidden Valley Trail (~15 min)

5:00 Hike in/shoot @ Hidden Valley Trail

6:15 End (~sunset)