The Integratron is one of the most unique and mystic spots in the High Desert. Built in the 1950s by aviation engineer and ufologist George Van Tassel, the dome-shaped structure was designed as a machine for time travel, rejuvenation, and communication with extraterrestrials. Van Tassel said the plans came to him from aliens from Venus, and he spent years combining principles of sacred geometry, Tesla-style electromagnetism, and the area’s powerful geomagnetic forces to bring it to life.

These days, it’s best known for its 360° sound baths—gorgeous sessions where crystal bowls are played live inside the acoustically perfect dome. You can also refill your water bottles with mineral-rich water from the aquifer the Integratron sits atop, wander the peaceful grounds, or hang in the gift shop watching desert UFO documentaries and maybe—just maybe—catch a last-minute opening. That’s how we got in one year for Dustin’s birthday .

If it’s calling to you, we recommend booking ahead—but showing up and catching the vibe is part of the magic too. There’s and nice man name Boo who will help you at the gift shop. Follow the palo santo smoke and you should find him.

One of the best parts about our wedding location is that it’s just minutes from the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. You can easily spend a morning or afternoon exploring this iconic landscape—whether that means hiking through Hidden Valley, scrambling up boulders, or laying out a blanket for a picnic among the Joshua trees.

The park is also a world-famous rock climbing destination, so if you’re the adventurous type, bring your gear—or just watch climbers scale the massive granite formations. Sunset and stargazing here are next-level, too. We love this place deeply, and we hope you get to experience even a little of its quiet magic while you’re in town.

Pioneertown started as a movie set in the 1940s, built by Hollywood actors who wanted to shoot Westerns by day and hang out by night. If you’re from Texas—or just into old cowboy films—you might get a kick out of knowing that classics like The Cisco Kid were filmed right here. These days, it’s a dusty little stretch of preserved frontier buildings, a few shops, and one incredible venue: Pappy & Harriet’s.

Pappy’s is an old desert biker bar known for its live music (we’ve seen everything from local legends to huge surprise acts), cold drinks, and genuinely good BBQ—if you eat meat, folks say the ribs and burgers are where it’s at. Anthony Bordain at there once so you know it’s real. Sadly for us, Dustin’s been vegan for over a decade, and I’ve joined him on that path… but I’m not judging! You might even want to feed this non binary bride a rib before they tie the knot.

I’ve have spent a lot of time in this spot when I was missing Texas. My friend Emily first brought me here, and it’s held a special place in my heart ever since.