Best Palm Springs Wedding and Engagement Photography Locations in the Coachella Valley Desert
There is no place in the world quite as magical and serene as Palm Springs and the Southern California desert. Palm Springs and the surrounding desert communities of the Coachella Valley are home to some of the most exquisite and unique wedding venues and engagement photography locations in all of California. From the historic mid-century appeal of the iconic Parker Palm Springs to the Spanish Colonial architectural charm of the sprawling La Quinta Resort and Club, the Coachella Valley set against the Santa Rosa Mountains provides an unforgettably romantic backdrop for wedding and engagement photos.
As local Palm Springs wedding photographers, having spent many years photographing weddings in Palm Springs and around the Coachella Valley desert, we are intimately familiar with the top wedding venues and engagement locations in the region. If you are planning your Palm Springs wedding and haven’t yet found a photographer, we hope you’ll consider hiring a local team like us who can help guide you through the process with confidence.
Below are some of our top favorite wedding venues and locations around Palm Springs and the desert for wedding and engagement photos. The Avalon Hotel and Bungalows, Parker Palm Springs, La Quinta Country Club, Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, PGA West, Stone Eagle Golf Club, Vintage Club, The Hideaway, La Quinta Resort and Club, the Saguaro, and Joshua Tree National Park are just a few wedding venues and locations we cover in this resource. For each, we’ve selected a handful of images that showcase the beauty of each venue. Be sure to click any of the photos to check out the full wedding or engagement gallery!
La Quinta Country Club, La Quinta, California
La Quinta Country Club weddings are an ideal blend of sophistication and luxury! A vision of refined elegance, paired with unparalleled natural beauty, La Quinta Country Club is one of the top wedding venues in the Palm Springs and Coachella Valley region. Located in La Quinta, and set against the backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains, this exclusive country club offers a remarkable setting for capturing the magic of a couple's special day. Opportunities for wedding photography at La Quinta Country Club are unlimited: the tranquil surroundings of the outdoor spaces, the upscale ballroom, or the stunning mountain views, La Quinta Country Club offers a perfect blend of sophistication and romance!
The Avalon Hotel and Bungalows, Palm Springs, California
The Avalon Hotel and Bungalows in Palm Springs is a delightful blend of mid-century modern charm and timeless romance. This boutique hotel, an oasis in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, offers a sophisticated and intimate setting for capturing the magic of a couple's wedding day. The lush secluded gardens surrounded by a magical labyrinth of greenery and hedges lead through stylish poolside lounges and refined dining areas, providing a picturesque and intimate backdrop for wedding photographs in Palm Springs. The distinctive architecture of the hotel, with its iconic Palm Springs mid-century modern design, adds a touch of retro elegance to any wedding. Whether exchanging vows in the tranquil courtyard surrounded by towering palm trees, or celebrating in the chic poolside cocktail patio, The Avalon Hotel and Bungalows offers a unique and stylish ambiance for wedding photography, allowing couples to create a collection of images that perfectly encapsulate the chic and romantic atmosphere of Palm Springs.
Stone Eagle Golf Club, Palm Desert, California
The epitome of desert luxury and sophistication, Stone Eagle Golf Club is one of the most exclusive and renowned venues to host your wedding in all of the greater Palm Springs area. Because of its incredible location, perched high among the hilltops of the Santa Rosa Mountains in Palm Desert, the views at Stone Eagle Golf Club are both unmistakable and jaw-dropping for any wedding. This luxurious club offers a unique blend of natural beauty and refined elegance, emerald fairways, and stunning vistas—some of the best views of the Palm Springs and Coachella Valley region. The serene landscape coupled with Stone Eagle’s upscale amenities, create an ideal wedding venue for couples to create timeless photos that reflect the beauty and joy of their special day.
Joshua Tree National Park
Engagement photography at Joshua Tree National Park offers a stunning backdrop of unique desert landscapes, rugged rock formations, and the iconic Joshua trees. The warm, golden hues of the park create a magical atmosphere, providing couples with a captivating setting for their engagement or wedding photos. As the sun sets over the vast desert expanse, the soft glow and shadows cast against the rocks make for truly enchanting images. Whether capturing intimate moments amidst the Joshua trees or against the striking geological features, the park's otherworldly beauty adds a touch of romance to engagement and wedding photos. With its diverse scenery, Joshua Tree National Park serves as a picturesque canvas for couples seeking a memorable and visually striking engagement photography experience.
Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, Rancho Mirage California
Luxury meets natural splendor for weddings at the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage. Perched atop a bluff in the picturesque Coachella Valley, this five-star resort provides an idyllic setting for Palm Springs wedding photography. The panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape and mountains create a breathtaking canvas for wedding photographs. With its elegant architecture, lush gardens, and stylish interiors, the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage offers an exquisite setting for both outdoor and indoor wedding venue options. The private and secluded ceremony site offers sweeping views of the valley. From intimate moments overlooking the Coachella Valley, to grand celebrations in the resort's upscale ballroom, this iconic desert resort is the perfect venue for wedding photography, encapsulating the romance, opulence, and timeless allure of the Southern California desert.
La Quinta Resort & Club, La Quinta, California
La Quinta Resort & Club is a dream wedding oasis boasting 45 acres nestled at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains, it is a captivating blend of Spanish-inspired architecture, lush gardens, scenic pathways, and 41 serene pools. Just miles away from Palm Springs, this historic oasis features many wedding photo opportunities including mature greenery, enchanting gardens and pathways, and mountain views. For weddings, La Quinta Resort and Club offers numerous outdoor ceremony and reception options surrounded by towering palms Spanish Colonial architecture, and mountain views. La Quinta Resort & Club is a wonderful choice for any couple seeking exclusive, old-world Spanish charm set against the iconic California desert backdrop of Palm Springs.
The Parker Palm Springs, Palm Springs, California
There truly is no wedding venue in all of the greater Palm Springs region quite like The Parker Palm Springs. Wedding photography at The Parker Palm Springs is a journey into a realm of whimsical sophistication and vintage glamour charm. Dozens of weaving pathways, tunnels of towering greenery, and hidden niches offer romantic vignettes for wedding photo opportunities. This iconic and historic Palm Springs desert resort provides an unforgettable and stylish setting for the magic of a wedding. The sprawling gardens, dotted with citrus trees and serene pools, offer a romantic ambiance for both intimate ceremonies and grand celebrations as well as the perfect backdrop for wedding photography portraits. The Gene Autry house at the Parker Palm Springs, with its mid-century modern design and distinctive architecture, adds a touch of historic Palm Springs charm. Chic interiors adorned with retro furnishings to the vibrant outdoor spaces with art installations, The Parker Palm Springs provides an eclectic but elegant backdrop for wedding photography. A true oasis in Palm Springs, The Parker represents a unique blend of whimsy and chic sophistication that has come to define the Southern California desert.
The Vintage Club, Indian Wells, California
The Vintage Club in Indian Wells, California is located just outside Palm Springs and provides a sophisticated oasis for couples seeking a refined and exclusive Coachella Valley desert wedding experience. Featuring acres of manicured lawns, lush gardens, and pristine golf courses, The Vintage Club offers timeless charm, creating a perfect canvas for capturing the romance of a wedding day. The modern architecture and scenic vistas add a touch of opulence, while the grandeur of the club's facilities provides ample opportunities for capturing both intimate moments and grand celebrations. With its impeccable surroundings and attention to detail, The Vintage Club in Indian Wells sets the stage for truly enchanting wedding photography that reflects the beauty and sophistication of the Coachella Valley.
The Saguaro Hotel, Palm Springs, California
Color and fun are what The Saguaro Hotel in Palm Springs is all about! Wedding and engagement photography at The Saguaro Hotel in Palm Springs radiate vibrancy and bohemian charm. Known for its iconic rainbow-hued exterior, this lively and modern desert oasis provides a playful and stylish backdrop for couples looking for wedding or engagement photos. The technicolor palette of the hotel, inspired by the desert's flora, creates a visually dynamic setting for wedding or engagement photos, while the cheerful and eclectic ambiance sets the stage for joyous celebrations. The Saguaro's poolside cabanas, surrounded by mountain views, offer a laid-back yet trendy atmosphere. From the lively outdoor spaces to the uniquely decorated interiors, The Saguaro hotel in Palm Springs provides an energetic venue for couples to express their love like nowhere else in Palm Springs!
Palm Springs Welcome Center, Palm Springs, California
Just as you enter the desert oasis city of Palm Springs, you’re welcomed by a stunning panoramic view of the Southern California desert! Engagement photography at The Palm Springs Welcome Center offers a wonderful blend of desert allure and rugged texture. The surrounding desert landscape, framed by the San Jacinto Mountains, adds essential natural beauty for any couple looking for wedding or engagement photographs. Adorned with native plants, the Palm Springs Welcome Center serves as a distinctive location, allowing couples to infuse their engagement photography with a sense of sophistication set against a stunning desert panorama.
PGA West, La Quinta, California
Wedding photography at PGA West in La Quinta, California, unfolds against a backdrop of luxury and world-class golfing grandeur. This prestigious venue, nestled within the Coachella Valley, boasts manicured fairways, stunning mountain views, and high end facilities fit not just for the avid golfer, but for any couple looking to share their love in a stunning desert venue. The expansive golf courses and pristine landscapes pair with the modern architecture of PGA West clubhouses to create an atmosphere of refined sophistication. PGA West's commitment to excellence in every detail ensures that couples can immortalize their special day with images that reflect the timeless beauty and opulence of this renowned golf resort in La Quinta, California.
The Hideaway Golf Club, La Quinta, California
The Hideaway Golf Club in La Quinta, California is one of the premier venues in all of the Coachella Valley. This exclusive and private golf club offers a stunning setting for weddings, replete with natural beauty and charming historic Spanish Colonial architecture. The elegant clubhouse and outdoor ceremony space, overlooking a vast pond, exude sophistication and create a refined atmosphere for any wedding—a true joy to photograph! The beautiful backdrops of The Hideaway Golf Club allow the grace and refinement of the couple to shine brightly. This is why The Hideaway is one of our favorite locations for wedding photos in all of the greater Palm Springs region.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Description text goes hereSelecting your Palm Springs wedding venue can be daunting. With so many beautiful locations throughout the Coachella Valley, it can be an overwhelming decision to make. Every venue in Palm Springs is unique, and it's about narrowing down what is most important to you. If you want views of the Coachella Valley, you might consider Stone Eagle Golf Club or the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage. If you want a more classic laid-back vibe, the Avalon Hotel and Bungalows or Parker Palm Springs might be for you. Or the Saguaro Palm Springs if you're looking for color! Either way, be sure to look through wedding galleries from your prospective venues to get an idea of what the venue or location has to offer.
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Finding the right photographer for your Palm Springs weddings is an important decision. After all, photos are one of the few long-lasting mementos from your wedding day. In the Southern California desert this is even more crucial because of the unique geologic conditions. The Coachella Valley is surrounded by mountains which affect the lighting conditions and weather in unexpected ways. For example, the sun retreats behind the mountains at different times depending on how far east you are in the valley. Palm Springs has a much earlier sunset time than Palm Desert on any given day due to its proximity to the San Jacinto Mountains. A photographer without experience in the desert may miscalculate the lighting conditions based upon an incorrect sunset time, missing the best time of day for portraits!
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The best time of year to get married in Palm Springs is October, November, December, January, February, March, April, and May. Though, the busiest months tend to be October, November, March, April, and May. The weather in Palm Springs is best during the winter months, though you might expect to see some rain during the month of January. This is also the busiest time for tourism in Palm Springs, with events like Coachella and Stagecoach in April, Modernism Week in February, and Palm Springs International Film Festival in January just to name a few.
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Yes! We always recommend hiring an experienced, local planner for your Palm Springs wedding. A wedding planner not only will help with the design and logistics of your big day, they will also help with finding and booking the best vendors (catering, florists, invitations, etc). The team of people you book for your wedding is the single most important factor in determining the success of your event–always look for professionals with experience. In addition, many venues require you to hire a planner or coordinator for your wedding because they know how important they are for ensuring a successful event.
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Choosing the best vendors for your wedding can be overwhelming, but Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley are home to some of the best and most creative wedding vendors in Southern California. We always recommend working with vendors who are local or those who are very familiar with the nuances of working weddings in Palm Springs. There are a number of idiosyncrasies that distinguish weddings in the desert apart from weddings in other parts of Southern California.
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The majority of weddings that happen in the Coachella Valley are destination weddings with guests visiting the desert from around the world, all in celebration of an important step in a couple’s journey together. Why not make it a special trip or vacation for everyone?!
One great way to make your wedding extra special is to treat it as more of a wedding weekend celebration–treat your guests to a pre-wedding pool party or welcome reception one or two days before the wedding. You might also consider hosting a post-wedding brunch the next day, or plan a group excursion to a nearby locale. The options are truly endless and can help elevate your wedding and give your guests something to remember forever! -
Some of the best locations for engagement photos in all of Southern California are right here in the Palm Springs desert! From Joshua Tree National Park to the eastern side of the San Jacinto Mountains in Palm Springs, to one of the many gorgeous resorts around the desert, there’s so much to offer in the Coachella Valley. One of our favorite recommendations is to rent a classic car and take photos among the classic and iconic mid-century modern homes in and around Palm Springs. The palm tree-lined streets of the desert cities make for an absolutely perfect backdrop for engagement photos.
Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding! If you’re planning a wedding here in Palm Springs or the Coachella Valley, feel free to get in touch with us to learn more about our wedding photography services.
Palm Springs wedding photographer Todd Danforth Photography is an LGBTQ+ and POC-owned wedding photography team specializing in capturing joyful and candid moments. As storytellers and craftspeople, we believe in the power of visual narratives. Our mission is to create honest and authentic photographs you can share with your loved ones for generations to come.