Joshua Tree Elopement: Briana + Chad

joshua tree elopement

Briana + Chad currently live in Vancouver. Since Briana is from Austrialia and Chad is from Canada they figured they would tie the knot somewhere totally different and decided to elope to Joshua Tree last spring during their annual Coachella trip! A bit about why they decided to elope from Briana + Chad:

We come from opposite sides of the globe so eloping meant we didn’t have to worry about the logistics of flying people halfway across the world. We knew we only needed each other to make the perfect wedding day. Plus, when you’re the only 2 people attending, it’s easy to make it just about the two of you and not worry “if we invite this person, we have to invite this person,” “is everyone having a good time,” “did everyone enjoy the food,” “is my single friend on table 5 meeting people”…etc etc etc! We planned our wedding (in two weeks!) around our annual Coachella trip so it was already a special time of year for us.

flower

joshua tree elopement

beaded bridal headpiece

elopement

elopement

elopement

elopement

elopement

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Even though we didn't have all the fuss of a traditional wedding, the day still flew by. At the end of the day, I do remember thinking how much my cheeks hurt from smiling so uncontrollably for so many hours. And calling our parents to give them the news was a pretty epic moment! Lots of happy tears :)

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

skeleton drawing

combat boots bride


It is a hard decision to not be surrounded by your family and friends on your wedding day. We did it because it was what felt right to us and it suited our personalities and lifestyle. And we have never had a second of regret. The reactions we had when we announced our marriage to our family and friends was amazing. There was only pure happiness and joy. No one was angry or sad that they hadn’t been present. They all said the photos/video were so amazing that they felt like they had been there with us. Some people said our decision to elope was ‘brave,’ others said it was ‘romantic’ and many said they wished they had been courageous enough to elope. To us, it was just pure and simple fun.

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

We couldn't have had a more perfect day. It was so simple and so relaxed.

And you can do elopements on the cheap too. But one word of advice - don't cheap out on your photographer. Memories fade, but photos last. You can always look back at your album and relive that wonderful day. Our photographer and his assistant not only took the most amazing pictures we could never have dreamed possible, but they played the roll of our witnesses and ring keepers! After the ceremony and photos were over, we popped a bottle of champagne and celebrated with them like old friends.

photography: Justin Lee Photography // venue name: Joshua Tree National Park and Spin and Margie's Desert Hideaway // wedding dress: Renaissance Clothing // officiant: Sallie Albertina

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