Tucked into a picturesque valley with mountain views on all sides, the warm desert oasis of Greater Palm Springs exists as one of the nation’s most naturally romantic wedding locales. (Smitten brides and grooms often return to make it a second home away from home.) Consistently incredible weather and a well-deserved reputation as “Hollywood’s playground” (thank you, Rat Pack!) only add to its ongoing magnetism. Here, a relaxing, vacation-style atmosphere pairs with plenty to do. Luxurious spas, fine restaurants, golf, hiking, shopping, midcentury architecture, a growing art scene, and a sparkling pool outside every door mean each day is a sunny new adventure. Embrace it and make it your own.
Weather:
The Coachella Valley wakes up to more than 350 days of sunshine a year, with a mere 5.2 inches of rainfall per year. Winter temps average in the 70s by day, while nights can dip into the mid-40s. Summer heat draws serious sunseekers, as temps edge well into the 100s.
How To Get Here:
Palm Springs International Airport is just 2 miles from downtown. Driving time from Los Angeles or San Diego is two hours.
Popular Wedding Months:
March through May and October through November
Best Time Of Day To Wed:
Photographers like the ethereal “golden hour” around sunset. Time your ceremony to wait out the midday heat, and then catch the soft, late-afternoon light in your pre- and post-wedding photos.
Local Events:
Some of these keep the best hotels fairly full, so plan accordingly.
JANUARY:
Palm Springs International Film Festival, Humana Challenge golf tournament, Southwest Arts Festival
FEBRUARY:
Palm Springs Fine Art Fair, Modernism Week, Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament, Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival
MARCH:
Kraft Nabisco Championship, Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend, Fashion Week El Paseo, Food + Wine Festival Palm Desert, BNP Paribas Open, La Quinta Arts Festival, American Documentary Film Festival
APRIL:
White Party, Indian Wells Arts Festival, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Stagecoach Country Music Festival
JUNE:
Palm Springs International ShortFest
OCTOBER:
American Heat Motorcycle Rally
NOVEMBER:
Palm Springs Pride, Rancho Mirage Art Affaire
YEAR-ROUND:
VillageFest on Palm Canyon Drive every Thursday night
For more trip-planning info, check out www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com
Greater Palm Springs consitsts of nine distinct resort cities that span the Coachella Valley.