The Best Places to Elope in Death Valley
Choosing where to elope in Death Valley is tough because there are so many gorgeous options. There is no singular “best place to elope” because every location has pros and cons, and every couple is going to need or want different things.
Death Valley National Park is the size of Connecticut and it would quite literally be impossible to list all the options. This is why I send all my couples a location questionnaire at the beginning of elopement planning. This helps me build them a custom location guide full of options that meet their specific needs. Interested in having me plan your elopement? Contact me here.
In this blog I’m sharing the most popular and visually striking elopement locations. In order to tackle this massive national park we’re going to break this down into two categories: frontcountry and backcountry.
“Frontcountry” refers to developed areas that are easily accessible by most cars, offers amenities like restrooms and picnic tables, and is reasonably close to services like a gas station, visitor center, or restaurant. “Backcountry” refers to remote, undeveloped wilderness areas that are usually only accessible with 4WD vehicles, and are not close to any services or facilities. Let’s get into it.
Frontcountry Elopement Locations
Zabriskie Point
One of the most iconic spots in Death Valley, Zabriskie Point offers sweeping views of rippling, golden badlands that glow beautifully at sunrise and sunset. Its easy accessibility makes it a fantastic option for couples who want dramatic landscapes without a strenuous hike.
Dante’s View
At over 5,400 feet, Dante’s View provides a breathtaking, panoramic vista of the entire valley below. It’s a perfect spot for couples who want an epic overlook, especially at sunrise or sunset, with a cool breeze and a sense of vastness.
Artists Palette
This otherworldly landscape showcases colorful hills in shades of pink, blue, and green due to oxidized minerals. The soft, rolling terrain makes for a playful and colorful backdrop, especially at the end of golden hour when the hues are most vibrant.
Badwater Basin
Standing at the lowest point in North America, couples can exchange vows on the vast, white salt flats that create an ethereal, endless landscape. The cracked salt formations and the surrounding mountains make for a striking and surreal setting, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Mesquite Flat San Dunes
The most accessible dunes in Death Valley, Mesquite Flat offers classic rolling sandscapes with rippled textures, twisted mesquite trees, and ever-changing patterns of light and shadow. Perfect for couples who want the magic of a desert elopement without a strenuous hike.
Backcountry Elopement Locations
Remember, these locations require more than just an airport rental car. I strongly recommend renting a capable vehicle from Farabee’s, located right next to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.
Racetrack Playa
A remote and mysterious dry lakebed famous for its “sailing stones,” this location is perfect for couples who want an off-the-grid, once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The long drive requires a high-clearance vehicle, but the reward is a vast, untouched landscape with an almost alien feel.
Eureka Dunes
Towering at nearly 700 feet, these are the tallest dunes in California. Their pristine, wind-sculpted ridges provide an epic and secluded setting for couples who want an adventurous trek into the sand for stunning, windswept portraits.
Ibex Dunes
A hidden gem on the southern edge of the park, Ibex Dunes offer a remote and intimate setting with fewer visitors than the more well-known dune fields. These dunes are also relatively close to a quirky desert town called Tecopa. There you can find a couple of restaurants (operating hours are limited) a date farm, and even hot springs.
For more tips on planning your Death Valley elopement, check out this blog.
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