The Ontario airport (ONT) is probably the best option all-around. It's about 1 hr and 30 minutes from Joshua Tree. Palm Springs (PSP) is only 40 minutes away although tickets are generally more expensive. That said there is a bus that runs from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree (https://basin-transit.com/routes/yucca-valley-palm-springs/). Las Vegas and LAX are also decent options for those willing to drive a few hours.
There is free dispersed camping nearby on BLM land. Alternatively, I highly recommend Indian Cove Camping located on a northern avenue of the park, which is quite close to Joshua Tree (the town). other than that there are the classics e.g., Hidden Valley campground which is first come first served last I checked
There are two forms of accommodations on-site at the Institute for Mental Physics. One is very bougie: Bungalows by Homestead Modern. The other is inexpensive and somewhat spartan; rooms go at about $130 per night, please contact me if you are interested in this latter option and I can book it for you. In addition to being proximal to festivities, the advantages of being on-site are as follows: You will have access to the pool/hot tub which we will rent for the weekend, there's an amazing, delicious, and reasonably priced restaurant on site, there's 420 acres of land to explore with trails leading into the northern hills, the campus is weird and interesting with many art installations, it's only a few miles from the park entrance and the town of Joshua Tree, and, last but not least, we plan on staying there :) Besides this option, there are a variety of AirBnBs in the surrounding area which are reasonably priced especially if you gather a few folks to split a single place.
Absolutely! It is encouraged! Although I cannot say how available we will be on either end, we really do hope to get some climbing and hiking done before and after the festivities.
As noted on the main page we highly encourage Afghan clothing to be worn on the Henna night. These are fairly inexpensive and can be acquired all over. For a masculine look, consider something like these: https://a.co/d/04tz7t8 https://a.co/d/0V9bOQ4 For a feminine look, consider an Afghan Kurta like this: https://a.co/d/idt5y7r https://a.co/d/59vegTN
Yes, in this context it would be a form of honoring the culture of Adiya and her family. Of course, be sure to wear such clothing with respect, they aren't to be treated like a costume.
As a gift please honor us with a charitable donation! Our goal is to reach 2k in donations! https://events.doctorswithoutborders.org/campaign/Jaffari-Troxel-Charity-Wedding-Gift-
Duh.
Car rentals are expensive but are always an option; Turo is probably your best option in this case. If you fly to PSP you can bus to the venue (https://basin-transit.com/routes/yucca-valley-palm-springs/). Should you like to potentially carpool consult the google sheer linked below and add your name with your flight info (arrival and departure time and place) and then txt me and I can connect you with someone who is renting a car and has space. We do ask that carpoolers pay some reasonable amount to the driver to thank them for saving you money or time. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MrY3ZbE5xm8Pfv8lgahd-esvosdaup72WWY7XulG1qU/edit?usp=sharing
We are holding a tiny ceremony with immediate family several hours before the wedding celebration in the park. Unfortunately, there is a person-limit that restricts us from having anyone beyond the aforementioned folks.