An adventurous, golden hour session in the quietest corner of the desert

As a Death Valley engagement photographer, I’m always in awe of the raw, natural beauty this desert holds—and Allison & Sully’s session at the Eureka Dunes was no exception. With golden light, quiet dunes, and a wind that made everything feel alive, we captured their love in one of California’s most dramatic landscapes. For adventurous couples who want something truly unforgettable, Death Valley offers a wild kind of intimacy, and this session shows just how magical it can be.

Why They Chose Death Valley for Their Engagement Session

Allison and Sully love to explore. They’re the kind of couple who trade Netflix for road trips, and when they asked me to recommend a unique, off-the-beaten-path spot that would feel like them, I immediately thought of the Eureka Dunes. This spot, tucked away in the northern part of Death Valley National Park, is one of the tallest and least-traveled dune systems in California.

It’s quiet. Dramatic. And wildly romantic.

The Eureka Dunes: A Photographer’s Dream

We timed our shoot for golden hour, when the dunes turn to velvet and the shadows stretch long. Walking barefoot in the warm sand, Allison and Sully laughed, ran, held each other close—and let the silence of the desert wrap around them. One of my favorite parts? The way the light caught her flowing dress, softening every moment into something dreamy and timeless.

Death Valley is known for extremes, but here, among the wind-sculpted ridges and open skies, we found something tender and still. Their joy, their connection, and their calm were the real stars of the session.

A Note on Planning a Desert Session

Thinking of your own session in Death Valley? Here are a few tips:

• Bring water (always!).
• Wear neutral or earth-toned clothing—it photographs beautifully.
• Be ready for wind (and embrace it!).
• Prepare for a bit of a drive—but I promise, it’s worth it.

Whether you’re planning an engagement shoot, elopement, or intimate wedding in Death Valley or Mammoth Lakes, I’d love to help you dream it up and capture it all.

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Location:

Eureka Dunes, Death Valley National Park
Remote, quiet, and ideal for couples who want something stunningly wild and away from the crowds.

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Ready to Plan Your Adventure Session?

If you’re dreaming of sand dunes, desert silence, and golden hour magic, reach out! I’m a Mammoth Lakes-based wedding and elopement photographer specializing in helping adventurous couples find meaningful, intentional ways to celebrate their love.

Let’s go somewhere unforgettable together.

Inquire here to start planning your own engagement or elopement session!

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Vendor Credits

Photographer: Sierra Farquhar – Mammoth Lakes Wedding & Elopement Photographer
Location: Eureka Dunes, Death Valley National Park