Greater Palm Springs’ resorts and hotels are elegant backdrops for any wedding preference. The valley’s oasis also offers eclectic and original venues for a creative celebration.
From luxury golf resorts and historic estates to the simple beauty of natural surroundings, the nine Coachella Valley cities seem to have been created especially for romance. The extensive community of talented wedding photographers, cake artists, floral designers, and savvy planners explains why couples the world over choose this renowned destination for not only their wedding, but many sunny anniversaries thereafter.
photo by matthew david studio at spencer's restaurant
Great weather and pristine pools make for ideal wedding locales.
Golf Resorts
Classic Club, www.classicclubgolf.com
Desert Willow Golf Resort, www.desertwillow.com
Escena Golf Club, www.escenagolf.com
Indian Canyons Golf Resort, www.indiancanyonsgolf.com
Indian Wells Country Club, www.indianwellsclub.com
Indian Wells Golf Resort, www.indianwellsgolfresort.com
The Great Outdoors
Empire Polo Club, www.empirepolo.com
Indian Canyons, www.indian-canyons.com
Joshua Tree National Park, www.nps.gov/jotr
The Living Desert, www.livingdesert.org
Moorten Botanical Garden, www.moortenbotanicalgarden.com
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, www.pstramway.com
Private Estates
Arthur Elrod’s Escape, www.beaumondevillas.com
The Bing Crosby Estate, www.vacationpalmsprings.com
Casa de Monte Vista, www.casademontevista.com
Colony 29, www.colony29.com
Dupont Estate, www.dupontestateresort.com
Frederick Loewe Estate, www.frederickloeweestate.com
Las Palomas, www.thecarygrant estatepalmsprings.com
The Merv Griffin Estate, www.beaumondevillas.com
The O’Donnell House, www.odonnellhouse.com
The Solomon Estate, www.eventsdepartment.com
Twin Palms Frank Sinatra Estate, www.sinatrahouse.com
William Cody Estate, www.beaumondevillas.com
photo by heather kincaid at avalon hotel palm springs
Palm Springs' size makes it easer t choose vendors and plan your wedding.
Ask These Newlyweds
Los Angeles natives Moujan and Nate Bertke chose Palm Springs as their wedding location. Here, they share details of their perfect day.
“We couldn’t have imagined getting married anywhere else. We love the relaxed and classy vibe that was created for our wedding day. When our friends and family started arriving, we just had so much fun and were so excited to share this weekend we had planned for all of them. The people who helped us bring our wedding to life made such a difference. There are so many details that go into planning a wedding, let alone a destination wedding, so having a sense of humor and fun during the process will make a difference. Thankfully, Palm Springs is such a small town, which makes life easier when choosing vendors and starting the planning process.”
TOP TIP: Have fun with the whole journey and find ways to incorporate the desert’s distinct elements into the wedding.
THEIR TALENTED TEAM:
Photography: Heather Kinkaid, www.heatherkincaid.com
Ceremony and Reception: Avalon Hotel Palm Springs, www.avalonpalmsprings.com
Florals and Event Design: Artisan Floral & Events, www.artisanevents.net
Bakery: Over the Rainbow Desserts and Cupcakes, www.romanblas.com
Hair: Jose Neira, joseneirabrides@gmail.com
Make Up: Keturah, www.makeupbyketurah.com
Officiant: Pastor Mike Coppersmith, 760-567-7684
Music: James Gonzalez, www.musicmediaentertainment.com
Magical Destination
Consistent, vacation-worthy weather and cool aqua pools under swaying palms are just two of the reasons why newlyweds love Greater Palm Springs.
Weather: The Coachella Valley wakes up to more than 350 days of sunshine a year. Winter temps average in the 70s by day, while nights can dip into the mid-40s.
How to get here: Palm Springs International Airport is only 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. Wait out the midday heat, and then catch the soft, late-afternoon light in your pre- and post-wedding photos.
Staying here: Local events keep the best hotels fairly full, so plan accordingly.