An Avalon Hotel Palm Springs wedding is a great choice for couples who want a stylish setting, a relaxed pace, and an experience their guests will actually enjoy. This wedding at the Avalon Hotel in Palm Springs is a real example of how the venue works for a full weekend celebration, not just a single event. From the layout of the property to the desert backdrop and walkable location, it offers flexibility and a strong guest experience. 

In this post, I’ll share highlights from Maddie and Ben’s wedding (thank you Brogen Jessup for bringing me along) and helpful insight for couples planning their own Avalon Hotel Palm Springs wedding.

Maddie and Ben wanted timeless, elegant photos, but they also cared about showing their personalities and spending real time with friends. A strong guest experience shaped their planning decisions. Maddie’s best friend officiated the ceremony, which helped it feel personal and meaningful without being overly formal. They chose to do a first look so they could join cocktail hour instead of missing time with guests. Because their timeline included intentional buffers, the day never felt rushed. That allowed space to relax with the bridal party, have fun, and get creative, resulting in natural moments and a few iconic images that felt true to them.

Also to keep the energy high, they brought in a saxophone player for cocktail hour that carried into open dancing later in the night. Their goal was simple: create a wedding that felt polished but never stiff, with plenty of time to connect with the people who traveled to celebrate with them.

My approach to photographing an Avalon Hotel Palm Springs wedding is candid, intentional, and guided without being intrusive. I focus on documenting real moments as they unfold while also creating space for clean, well-composed portraits. This balance works especially well at venues like the Avalon, where the setting is elevated but the energy is relaxed. 

 

 

My advice for couples getting married at Avalon Hotel:

1. Plan your wedding as a full weekend instead of a single-day event. Palm Springs is ideal for this. A welcome party, night out, or pool party the next day give you more time to connect with your friends and family without cramming everything into a tight timeline. It also takes the pressure off the wedding day itself.
2. Be aware of sunset timing. Because the mountains cause the sun to drop earlier than expected, timelines need to be built around that reality. Accounting for this early allows for better light, a calmer pace, and a smoother flow throughout the day.

About the Avalon Hotel

 

The Avalon Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, just a short walk from restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Originally opened in the 1950s, the hotel blends Spanish-style architecture with modern interiors, palm-lined walkways, and multiple pool areas. For couples planning an Avalon Hotel Palm Springs wedding, the location offers convenience for guests while still feeling like a private retreat once inside the property.

The Ceremony & Reception Spaces at Avalon Hotel

 

One of the strengths of an Avalon Hotel Palm Springs wedding is how easily events can flow across the property. Ceremonies often take place in the garden areas, surrounded by palm trees and mountain views that feel private despite the central location. Cocktail hour typically happens poolside or in a nearby courtyard, allowing guests to move naturally from one space to the next. Receptions are held in designated outdoor event areas that can be styled to feel elevated without needing excessive décor. Because everything is contained on-site, transitions stay smooth and guests are never far from the main celebration.

Why couples choose to have an Avalon Hotel Palm Springs Wedding

 

Many couples choose an Avalon Hotel Palm Springs wedding because guests can stay on-site and fully settle into the weekend. The hotel offers room blocks rather than requiring a full property buyout, making it accessible for groups of varying sizes. Guests staying at the Avalon can easily move between their rooms, the pool, and wedding events without needing transportation. This setup works especially well for weekend weddings, where guests may arrive early or stay late. For couples, having friends and family on property creates a more connected experience. It allows the celebration to extend beyond the wedding day itself.

Couples are drawn to an Avalon Hotel Palm Springs wedding because it offers a balance of style, flexibility, and guest comfort. The venue can accommodate up to 250 guests, yet the layout still feels intimate due to its enclosed courtyards and separate event spaces. Unlike larger resort venues, the Avalon never feels overwhelming. The walkable property, multiple outdoor areas, and central location make it easy to plan a seamless weekend without constant transportation. Compared to other Palm Springs wedding venues, the Avalon allows couples to host a larger guest count while maintaining a connected, relaxed atmosphere throughout the celebration.

Best Wedding Guest Group Activities to do in Palm Springs

On board for a wedding weekend in Palm Springs? Check out these group activities that can enhance the overall experience:

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
A quick ride to cooler temperatures, mountain views, and light hiking—easy for groups with different activity levels.

Joshua Tree National Park Excursion
A group shuttle or guided tour to iconic desert landscapes and photo spots just outside Palm Springs.

Indian Canyons Hiking
Shaded trails and scenic canyons that work well for smaller groups looking to explore without a full-day commitment. This interactive map can help you find trails!

Downtown Palm Springs Cocktail Walk
Walkable bars and lounges make this an easy, social option for welcome nights or post-dinner plans.

Poolside Brunch
A relaxed way to gather guests, especially popular for day-after wedding plans or downtime between events.

Spa or Wellness Day
Group massages, facials, or wellness classes offer a calm counterbalance to wedding events.

Palm Canyon Drive Stroll
Shopping, coffee stops, and casual exploring in the heart of downtown Palm Springs.

You can check out this site for more things to do in Palm Springs.

 

 

FAQ for the Avalon Hotel 

 

Where is the Avalon Hotel located?

The Avalon Hotel Palm Springs is located in downtown Palm Springs, within walking distance of restaurants, bars, shopping, and nightlife.

Is the Avalon Hotel good for a weekend wedding?

Yes. The layout and on-site accommodations make it ideal for a full wedding weekend, including welcome parties, pool days, and post-wedding gatherings.

Why get married in  the desert?

Palm Springs offers consistent sunshine, unique desert scenery, and an easy destination feel without requiring international travel.

What are the best months to get married in Palm Springs?

The most popular months are March–May and October–November, when temperatures are warm but comfortable.

What is the weather like?

Spring and fall are typically sunny with daytime temperatures in the 70s–80s. Summers are very hot and winters are mild.

What is the maximum guest capacity at the Avalon Hotel?

The Avalon Hotel Palm Springs can accommodate wedding events with up to 250 guests, depending on the layout and event design.

If this post sparked you to get married at the Avalon Hotel, I would love to be the one to capture it all! Reach out to me now!