Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
The desert elopement I know better than anywhere.
I had my own ceremony at Fonts Point — with four days' notice, Trader Joe's flowers, and a dress I changed into at a gas station. It was exactly right. If you're drawn to Anza-Borrego, I already know why.
Why I keep coming back
I'm not an objective guide to this place.
When our dog Chanel was diagnosed with cancer, my wife and I didn't want to wait. We planned a ceremony at Anza-Borrego in 48 hours. Flowers from Trader Joe's. Dresses from TJ Maxx. I changed into mine at a gas station on the way through Julian. We stood at Fonts Point at sunset and it was the most complete thing I've ever felt.
A few months later we had the big celebration with our family and friends. Both were necessary. Neither was a compromise.
That's why I understand this decision — not from a marketing angle, but from having made it under real circumstances. If you're choosing Anza-Borrego, I'm not just your photographer. I'm the person who already knows which road needs an SUV, when the light is worth waking up for, and exactly why you picked this place.
Fonts Point, Anza-Borrego — anniversary visit
Ceremony & portrait spots
Where to have your ceremony.
Every spot in Anza-Borrego offers something different. Here's what I know about each one — honestly, including the parts other guides leave out.
Fonts Point My ceremony spot
The most dramatic view in the park — sweeping badlands that remind you of the Grand Canyon, especially at sunset. It's where I had one of my ceremonies. The light here does things I've never seen anywhere else.
Heads up: The road to Fonts Point is sandy and deeply pitted. You need a high-clearance vehicle — not a sedan. If you don't have one, I drive us. It's happened more than once and I always have snacks.
The Slot
A narrow, winding sandstone canyon where light filters through the walls in ways that look impossible. If you've seen those glowy, otherworldly canyon photos — this is where they come from.
The Slot is best for just the two of you. It's tight — a larger group would feel crowded and logistics get complicated. Also not accessible for anyone with mobility limitations.
Wind Caves
Less than a mile roundtrip with serious payoff. The rock formations are sculptural and photogenic — and the hike itself is part of the experience. A good option for couples who want to move a little but not commit to a full adventure.
Like The Slot, Wind Caves works best for two people. Intimate, exploratory, and less crowded than you'd expect.
Open Desert & Pull-outs
If you have a larger group, accessibility needs, or simply want a more relaxed setup, Anza-Borrego has endless open desert, wildflower fields, and roadside pull-outs that photograph beautifully. No hike required.
This is also where the superbloom happens — if you're visiting in late February through April after a wet winter, the wildflower fields can be extraordinary.
Planning your visit
When to go.
Desert weather is unpredictable regardless of season. I help every couple plan for it — attire, timing, backups. But here's the honest seasonal breakdown.
Spring · Feb – Apr
If the winter is wet, the desert blooms. Wildflowers everywhere, dramatic contrast, and some of the most unique light I've photographed. Not guaranteed every year — I'll tell you honestly if conditions look good.
Fall · Oct – Nov
Stable temperatures, golden sunset light, and the fewest crowds of any season. This is when I'd choose to elope here if I were doing it again. The air gets crisp and the colors shift warm.
Winter · Dec – Jan
Cold and sometimes windy, but achievable for couples who plan for it. Layers are essential. The desert is eerily quiet and the light can be stunning on clear days.
Summer · May – Sep
Desert summer is brutal — 100°+ is normal. I won't recommend it and generally don't photograph here in peak summer. If this is your only window, let's find somewhere cooler.
What you need to know
The logistics, handled.
I take care of this for every couple I work with — permits, parking, timeline, what to bring. Here's the overview so you know what we're working with.
Permits
Anza-Borrego is more relaxed than most parks. Many areas are unincorporated and don't require a permit for small elopements. For specific locations like Fonts Point or larger groups, a special use permit may apply. I handle the research and application for every couple — you don't navigate this alone.
Best time of day
Sunrise and sunset are the sweet spots for light and for avoiding crowds. The desert midday is harsh — but if midday is what works for your day, we find shade (The Slot is excellent for this). I build your timeline around the light, not the other way around.
Cell service
Limited to nonexistent in most of the park. We'll have a full offline-ready plan before we get there — meeting point, timeline, backup options. The lack of cell service is also one of the best things about this location.
Getting married legally
You'll need a California marriage license before your ceremony. They're issued by the county clerk — San Diego County for most couples coming from SD. I walk every couple through the process and timing.
What to bring
- Water — more than you think. Seriously.
- Sunscreen + lip balm
- Layers — desert temperature swings are real
- Sturdy shoes (not heels, unless you have a backup pair)
- Snacks
- An offline map download
Where to stay
- Borrego Springs — closest town, charming desert rentals and motels
- Julian — beautiful for fall, about 45 min from the park. Great apple pie.
- Palm Springs — more dining + lodging options, about 1 hr east
- La Casa Del Zorro — resort in Borrego Springs, excellent for a celebration dinner
- The Palms at Indian Head — mid-century charm, great pool
Dogs
- Welcome leashed in most areas of the park
- Tell me early — I'll plan the ceremony spot with them in mind
- I bring treats. Always.
Questions about Anza-Borrego.
Anza-Borrego is more relaxed than most parks when it comes to permits. Many areas are unincorporated and don't require photography or wedding permits for small elopements. For larger groups or specific locations like Fonts Point, a special use permit may be needed. I handle all permit research for every couple I work with — you won't be navigating this alone.
Fonts Point requires a high-clearance vehicle — not a sedan. The road is sandy and deeply pitted. If you have your heart set on Fonts Point but don't have an SUV, I drive us through the park. It's happened more than once and I always have good music.
Yes — Anza-Borrego is one of the more dog-friendly parks in Southern California. Dogs are welcome leashed in most areas. If including your dog is important to you, tell me early and I'll plan the ceremony spot around where they can be.
Limited to none in most areas. We plan around this — you'll have a full timeline, a meeting point, and an offline-ready plan before we get there. It also means no interruptions on your day, which most couples end up loving.
About 2 hours from San Diego, 3 to 4 from Los Angeles. Close enough to make it a day trip, but far enough that it genuinely feels remote. Many couples make a long weekend of it — Julian on the way there, Borrego Springs for the night.
Mostly logistics and setting. A courthouse elopement is typically in the city — quick, intimate, often followed by a walk or a meal. A desert elopement is a longer day, a specific location, usually more planning involved. Both are real. Some couples do both — private ceremony in the desert first, legal ceremony at the courthouse whenever it's convenient. I've done exactly that myself.
"Her ability to capture the unique language that exists between each couple is unlike anything I've seen. She doesn't just document what's happening — she documents who you actually are together."
Ainsley E. · Google Review
Let's plan your Anza-Borrego elopement.
Tell me what you're picturing — even if it's half-formed. I know this place well enough to fill in the gaps. Permits, timeline, which road to take, where the light falls — that's all handled. You just have to show up.