00
Days
the wedding of
Willow & River
Beneath pampas grass and a terracotta sky, we are gathering the people we love to watch us begin.
Sun, sand & forever
The desert is waiting
00
Hours
00
Minutes
00
Seconds
written in the dust
How the desert brought us together
We met in the desert dust at a music festival, two strangers swaying to the same song as the sun dipped low and gold. One shared canteen of water turned into a night of trading stories under a sky thick with stars. Three festivals later, we're still chasing that golden hour together, and now we'll spend every one of them as one.
As the light turns gold
Two days in the desert
5:00 PM
Welcome Gathering
Mezcal & mingling on the ranch patio as the dust settles and old friends find each other
7:30 PM
Desert Supper & Stories
A slow, unhurried meal under the first stars — pull up a chair and stay a while
4:30 PM
Ceremony
Vows beneath the desert arch, golden hour
5:30 PM
Sunset Cocktails
Sips & small bites as the sky turns rose
7:00 PM
Feast & Bonfire
Long-table dinner, dancing & firelight
Joshua Tree, golden hour
Where the dust
turns to gold
Gather round the long table
A grazing feast
Served family-style, passed hand to hand — earthy, seasonal and made for lingering as the fire burns low.
To Begin
Desert Mezze Boards
smoky baba ganoush, whipped labneh, charred flatbread & sun-dried olives
Figs, Honey & Pampas Greens
torn figs, wildflower honey, toasted seeds over bitter leaves
The Main
Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder
twelve hours over coals, cumin & orange, pulled at the table
Harvest Tagine Vegetarian
slow-cooked squash, apricot & chickpea over saffron couscous
Something Sweet
Honey & Olive-Oil Cake
warm spiced cake, orange-blossom cream & a drizzle of dark honey
Find your way out here
Joshua Tree Desert Retreat
Joshua Tree Desert Retreat
Open-air grounds · Joshua Tree, California
Get Directions
before you pack your bag
What to know
Desert boho attire
Earth tones encouraged
Bring a layer for the night
We'll be celebrating in the open desert: think warm clay, sun-faded ochre, soft sage and natural linen.
Pampas, clay & open sky
Our world
Golden Hour
Dried Florals
Open SkyEarth TonesDesert LightTogetherWith love
Gifts
Your presence under that desert sky is the only thing we could ever ask for. If you wish to give more, a little toward our honeymoon would warm our hearts like the last light of the day.
Our RegistryContribute directly
Willow & River · Honeymoon fund
Account 0042 1187 · Sort 20-00-00
Rest your boots
Where to Stay
While you're out here
Things to Do
Sunrise at Skull Rock
Watch the desert wake up in terracotta and gold — worth every early alarm.
Hike the Hidden Valley Loop
A short, stunning trail winding through boulder gardens and twisted Joshua trees.
Pioneertown Stroll
A dusty old-west movie set turned bohemian village — cold drinks, live music, good souls.
Before the dust settles
Good things to know
Can I bring a plus-one?
We've named every soul we're saving a seat for right on your invitation. If a plus-one is yours, you'll see them there. If you're unsure, just ask us when you reply — we'd rather you know than wonder.
Are little ones welcome?
We adore your kids, but this desert night is a grown-ups' gathering by the fire. Treat it as a chance to kick off your boots and stay out late — we'll dance for the both of you.
What should I wear out here?
Desert boho, earth tones, natural linen — think warm clay, sun-faded ochre and soft sage. Flat or block heels are your friend on sand, and pack a layer: the desert turns cool the moment the sun dips.
How do I get there, and where do I park?
The retreat sits on open grounds just outside Joshua Tree — follow the dirt track to the lit lanterns. There's free parking on site, but the roads are dark and dusty, so we warmly encourage carpooling or a shared ride from your lodging.
Will the celebration be outdoors?
Every moment is under the open sky — bare feet on warm sand, vows beneath the desert arch, dinner by firelight. Bring sunglasses for golden hour and a wrap for the stars, and let the desert do the rest.
Come as you are
All that's missing
is you
Come sit with us in the dust
RSVP
Bare feet on warm sand, dusk painting the rocks terracotta — we want you there. Tell us you're coming.
RSVP by EmailKindly reply by August 28, 2026