SUN-SOAKED DESERT WEDDING WITH MOUNTAIN VIEWS AT LA QUINTA RESORT | WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

A Sun-Soaked and Romantic Wedding with mountain views at La Quinta Resort

When you think of an iconic desert wedding, La Quinta Resort & Club in the heart of Coachella Valley effortlessly comes to mind. C + H’s wedding was a perfect reflection of the serene desert charm, layered with elegant, personal moments and a timeless aesthetic. As a Southern California wedding photographer with a deep love for the desert landscape (and the fact that I’m frequently in the area thanks to family), this wedding was such a dream to capture—both visually stunning and emotionally rich.

If you're planning a wedding in La Quinta or the Palm Springs area, this one is for you.

Getting Ready at La Quinta Resort’s Casitas

One of the unique features of La Quinta Resort is its sprawling layout of private casitas, each with its own quiet charm. C and her bridesmaids got ready in one of these beautiful rooms—complete with iconic blue doors that added the perfect pop of color to the morning. This was such a dream backdrop for bridesmaid portraits and wedding details. C’s stunning diamond ring, tucked into her soft blue-and-white bouquet, made for an elegant editorial detail shot to start the day.

The morning unfolded with so many sweet, layered moments: a heartfelt gift exchange with her mom, the quiet emotion of zipping up the dress, and a tearful first look with her dad—each moment real, unscripted, and emotionally charged in the best way.

Meanwhile, H and his groomsmen got ready nearby and took portraits in front of one of the resort’s grand wooden arched doorways—a Spanish architectural detail that adds such a sense of old-world charm to the space.

The First Look & Exploring the Grounds

When C + H saw each other for the first time, it was the kind of moment every couple hopes for, pure joy, a quite moment together, and instant calm.

First looks give couples a chance to share that moment privately, and as a photographer, I love how it lets us slow down and focus on just the two of you before the whirlwind of the day takes off.

Afterward, we took full advantage of La Quinta Resort’s expansive and varied grounds. The staff was kind enough to drive us around by golf cart, allowing us to maximize our time and stay comfortable in the desert heat—a big factor to consider when planning a wedding in the Coachella Valley.

From the grand cypress-lined entrance (an absolute must-capture location) to the lush golf course backed by desert mountains, every corner of the property offered something new. We made stops at the Spanish tile staircases, arched wooden doors, and cactus-lined walkways—all of which provided the perfect mix of architectural elegance and desert charm.

As their photographer, one of my goals was to guide them through portraits in a way that felt effortless. We moved intentionally through light and shade, working with the sun—not against it—to ensure they looked and felt their best. It’s always my priority to keep couples comfortable and relaxed, especially when it’s 90+ degrees in the desert. That’s where experience matters—not just knowing where to shoot, but how and when.

Outdoor Ceremony with a Palm Tree & Desert Mountain Backdrop

The ceremony took place on a vibrant grassy lawn framed by palm trees and mountains, with an elegant and stunning white floral branching arch. White were set up to mirror the soft natural palette, creating a clean, elevated look that let the scenery speak for itself.

The light during the ceremony was bright and romantic, casting a soft desert glow over the entire space. And as a photographer who leans into an editorial documentary style, I loved capturing the candid emotion—C’s teary walk down the aisle, the look H gave her as she arrived, and all the little glances, smiles, and reactions in between.

Reception Under the Stars

Following the ceremony, guests transitioned to an al fresco reception in the same grassy area. Twinkle lights sparkled overhead, white and wood table settings lined the lawn, and touches of blue florals tied the whole day together.

The couple made their grand entrance hand-in-hand, glowing as the sun dipped behind the mountains. Their bridal party sat with them, which made for so many sweet toast reactions, clinking glasses, and laughter-filled moments. From a photography perspective, I always love when couples are surrounded by their closest people at dinner—it makes for dynamic and joyful storytelling.

They shared their first dance under the twinkle lights, and once the dance floor opened, it stayed full all night. I played with lens drag techniques during open dancing to capture the movement and energy—the laughter, the spins, the spontaneous joy.

Why La Quinta Resort is a Dream Wedding Venue

From a photographer’s perspective, La Quinta Resort & Club is one of the most photogenic wedding venues in Southern California. It’s ideal for couples looking for a mix of luxurious architecture, vibrant natural scenery, and desert elegance. Whether it’s the tiled staircases, romantic casitas, manicured gardens, or the sweeping mountain views, it offers endless options to craft a visually rich and deeply personal wedding gallery.

A few tips if you’re considering a wedding here:

• Plan for golden hour portraits! The light in the desert is magical, but timing is everything.

• Stay hydrated and plan breaks, especially in the warmer months.

• Use the resort staff’s golf carts to get around, it's a time-saver and keeps everyone comfortable.

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Documenting the Real Moments With Style

C + H’s wedding was filled with intentional design and effortless emotion, and that’s exactly what I aim to capture as a photographer. My style blends editorial framing with a documentary approach, so your photos feel like you—just elevated. I believe in giving gentle direction when needed, while also knowing when to step back and let the story unfold naturally.

If you’re planning a wedding in La Quinta, Palm Springs, or anywhere in the Coachella Valley, I’d love to be part of your day. Whether it’s an intimate celebration or a grand resort wedding, I bring a calm presence, an editorial eye, and a deep love for storytelling in every frame.

Planning Your Own La Quinta Wedding?

If this wedding inspired you, reach out here or find me on Instagram @allymajkastudios. I’d love to help you create something beautiful in the desert.