The Sonoran Desert sounds enticing. Yes, it is. The Coachella Valley is surrounded by the San Jacinto, Little San Bernardino, and Santa Rosa Mountains in this huge sandy desert. It’s home to Palm Springs weddings, as well as eight other cities, amid a waterfall of stylish mid-century design and towering palm palms. There are also many hidden oases in the shape of boutique hotels and resorts with absolutely awe-inspiring aesthetics.
This, combined with the unrivaled weather, stunning landscapes and art, a reputation for outstanding dining and drinking, and a dynamic, inclusive wedding party culture (not just during the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, but all year), make it an incredible wedding destination. Because of the incredible number of hotels and private venues that host events, there is nearly always a feel that speaks to every wedding couple. There is also lots to do during rehearsal dinners and day-after brunches.
- Kempa Villa
Kempa Villa’s five acres in Palm Desert are an oasis where you may “escape the everyday,” a slogan that perfectly captures the extraordinary atmosphere of this luxury retreat. The instant the front gates are opened, guests are transported to a tropical paradise that exudes a laid-back kind of elegance. It is stunningly gorgeous, but there is nothing stuffy about it. The spacious mansion can host up to 18 guests. Even better, the master suite can be found at the top of the spiral staircase (ideal for wedding photos), and it features a giant soaking tub, a double-headed shower, and expansive balconies with views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
- Sands Hotel & Spa
The Sands Hotel, designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, is the perfect solution if Morocco is on your list of dream wedding locations, but its distance makes it difficult to invite people. The ultra-chic boutique hotel takes design cues from the Mediterranean and Morocco in addition to classic Palm Springs architecture.
Envision a wedding ceremony set against the building’s soft pink facade, with the aisle lined in checkered tiles and framed by ancient olive trees. The pool area can be transformed into a dramatic setting for dinner with the addition of lights, black-and-white striped cabanas, and daybeds.
For a weekend wedding, you’ll need to reserve all 46 rooms for a minimum of two nights, and you can host up to 180 people for a meal of Mediterranean cuisine and beverages. Amplified music can only be played outdoors until 10 p.m., but inside the highly Adorable Pink Cabana restaurant, you and your guests can dance until 2 a.m.
- Ace Hotel & Swim Club
The Ace Hotel Palm Springs is a favorite and sought-after resort-style wedding venue in the area, and it features its very own vintage photo booth in addition to a hodgepodge of mid-century and contemporary design elements. The team is willing to assist couples in realizing whatever it is that brings them joy while minimizing the amount of stress they experience along the route. The atmosphere is both extremely inclusive, and anything goes. The package includes catering, recommendations for vendors, and “friendly pricing,” among other perks.
- Korakia Pensione
This small resort in the style of Morocco was constructed in 1920 by an artist, and it continues to be popular with people who are creative in today’s world. It is seductively sensuous and lush, and it features a Moorish keyhole doorway that provides a great entrance. At Korakia Pensione, you’ll find special small details, one-of-a-kind design, and courtyards alive with sunshine and fragrant flowers spread across a total area of one and a half acres that contain 28 bungalows, guest houses, and villas. At this one-of-a-kind facility, where there are not one but two swimming pools and a plethora of alternatives for tailoring your ideal day, it will feel as though a million stars are shining down on your special day.
- Parker Palm Springs
A wedding in Parker or Palm Springs may include just about everything you would imagine, including a real, live elephant (no, we’re not kidding!). However, a trip to this world-famous desert area won’t come cheap. There is no doubt that the ambiance is reminiscent of a fairytale, and there is an enormous amount of one-of-a-kind settings for photos that will wow friends and family for years to come. In addition, the gardens and other event venues will completely astound them in person. The furnishings of the hotel are witty and entertaining, while the grounds, which are laid out in a maze, provide a verdant and private atmosphere.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get married in Palm Springs?
The Palm Springs Wedding Chapel is the only approved authority that is able to issue a legal marriage license outside of the county. This authority is located in Palm Springs.
Is a civil ceremony a legal marriage?
A civil ceremony is a non-religious marriage performed by a registrar. The ceremony has legal consequences. Some people want to have a longer religious ceremony (or a non-religious blessing such as a commitment ceremony) before or after the civil wedding to ensure they are legally married.
What is the best month to get married in Palm Springs?
The months of March, April, May, October, and November are the most popular times for couples to get married in Palm Springs. It is essential to give some thought to the holidays and well-known events that will be taking place in Palm Springs.
