Gorgeous Death Valley National Park Elopement | Hannah & Blake

Death Valley National Park Elopement | California Elopement Photographer | Gorgeous elopement in the sand dunes and mountains

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Death Valley National Park: a park full of extremes and adventures

Death Valley National Park, one of America’s largest National Parks, is a park of extremes. Not only is it home to the lowest point in America, it is also one of the driest and hottest points in the world. In July 1936, Death Valley recorded the hottest temperature ever recorded in the world at 136 degrees! 

But before you think that there is nothing to see in this vast desert, think again because Death Valley has some of the most gorgeous views. It will let you experience all the highs and lows (literally) it has to offer from the lowest point at Badwaters to the towering mountains at Telescope Peak. Drive the 9 mile loop through Artist’s Drive and stop along the way to see Rainbow Rocks’ pop of color which are especially glowing in the late afternoon / sunset hours. 

Thinking of eloping in a National Park? Check out some of our other elopements at national parks around the country!

When is the best time to visit Death Valley National Park?

Death Valley National Park is another one of America’s national parks that has it all ranging from sand dunes to mountains to springs, salt flats and canyons. 

Because of the desert extremes and scorching temperatures, the best time to visit Death Valley is between the months of October and May making it the perfect place for winter and spring elopements. The days are mild and in springtime, the valley becomes filled with wildflowers creating a stunning desert oasis. Stargazing is a popular pastime in this park and the views of the stars at Death Valley are stunning most months of the year, but in the months of April – May you can spot the Milky Way most days before the sun rises.

The Couple and Their Decision To Plan a Death Valley National Park Elopement

Hannah and Blake actually planned on an elopement in Jordan (I knowwwww…the country!!! 🤩)

With a surprise proposal in Patagonia where Blake got on one knee in front of one the most beautiful landscapes ever, I can see why the couple wanted to elope in the Middle East. 

Hannah and Blake are one of those couples that you can just sit there and listen to their life stories for hours. With their love for adventures and travels, they have so much to offer.

I remember the day we spoke on the phone, I was super excited to speak with the couple. Yes the location they wanted to elope at sounds incredible. But most importantly, I was excited to speak with them because I wanted to know more about their love and their adventures.

Our first phone call didn’t feel like a client/photographer phone call. It felt like a call from a friend whom you haven’t seen in a while. Hannah and Blake, I don’t know if you knew this but I was in my car, parking on the side of the road, while I was talking with you. I remember it so well because the night was dark and I was a bit nervous about where I was at the time, but talking with you guys allowed me to learn so much about you and it was just so awesome to share a bit of me with you as well.

So yes, we planned for Jordan. And 2020 hit. We held on to our date until the very end when reality hit and we realized we can no longer travel internationally this year.

The conversation became: Should we postpone or should we find somewhere else in the U.S that looks just as epic?

With COVID postponements, I knew no one wanted to cancel their love so in the very beginning, I made sure every couple is aware of my postponement policy, that I would always be there for them in this difficult time.

However, I also understand the need to get married because the fact is, pandemic or not, good or bad, life continues on and sometimes, the most beautiful moments are the moments we make intentional decisions to live.

Hannah and Blake decided to find a new location within the U.S and this is where Death Valley National Park comes into the picture

From Sunrise To Sunset, This Is How To Elope At Death Valley National Park Adventurously

So we got on more phone calls and wrote more emails since we basically plan on a total different experience.

I found some pretty nice trails with iconic and unique views for their elopement and shared with the couple. We decided that if we do Death Valley National Park, we have to do it right.

We woke up early for the sand dunes to avoid excessive foot prints during the day. If you haven’t woken up early in the desert in your lifetime, I strongly recommend you would one day. That feeling when you drive in the desert and the night is getting brighter, the stars are still hanging on, and the wind although was chilly, it feels so good on the face and in the lungs.

We arrived at the parking lot when we got just enough light to walk without using any headlamps. Us 3 started walking in, further and further away from the parking lot, till our cars disappeared behind the dune. I love the way the sun shone and cast the most heartwarming light onto our skin.

After the morning session, we all went back to hide from the desert heat. This is where I get to capture the couple while playing with pockets of lights from windows.

For the evening session, we went to another trail within the national park. We hiked among the canyons and photographed until the stars came back out again and bring with them the cool desert breeze.

Hannah and Blake,

I know Death Valley is not Jordan, but Death Valley has never looked so good till now. You and your hearts shine bright in the desert night. I am so honored I was there to capture your love in one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Southwest Desert. Thank you for trusting in me and for being a part of my life. I cannot wait for us to see each other again and I cannot wait for our pups to meet one another.

Meet the couple & the best Death Valley National Park Elopement Photographer everrrr!!! 🙂😘

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Meet The Best Death Valley National Park Elopement Vendors:

Photographer: Henry Tieu Photography (aka Me)

Elopement Dress: Damoy Antwerp

Cape: Lena Medoyeff