Darcy & Breyden’s Colomitos Beach Elopement in Puerto Vallarta

When Darcy and Breyden reached out to me through Instagram, they were planning something truly special – a boat-access elopement at one of Puerto Vallarta’s most stunning hidden beaches. December 12th turned out to be the perfect day for their adventure, complete with whale sightings, dolphin encounters, and an intimate beach ceremony surrounded by their closest friends.

What made their celebration unique was the atmosphere they created – no family drama, just good friends ready to celebrate love. Sometimes the best elopements happen when you’re surrounded by people who are genuinely excited to be there, and that’s exactly what Darcy and Breyden achieved.

My day with Darcy and Breyden began at Velas Vallarta, where they were staying for their elopement celebration. I love documenting the getting-ready process because it captures those quiet, anticipatory moments before the adventure begins. Darcy was getting ready with her girlfriends while Breyden was in a different room with his guy friends. They popped champagne in their rooms, a perfect way to start the celebration and calm any pre-ceremony nerves.

After the first look at the beach, we took photos with their friends, and I have to say,  the energy was incredible. Having only friends there (no family) created such a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Everyone was genuinely excited to be part of this adventure, and you can feel that joy in every single photo.

At 2:40 PM, we headed to Marina Puerto Vallarta to board our private boat with Pato Bobo Adventure Boat.

The 40-minute journey to Colomitos Beach was an adventure in itself, with a stop at Los Arcos de Mismaloya for photos along the way.

But here’s what made this trip truly unforgettable, just before we arrived at Colomitos Beach, we spotted whales! There’s nothing quite like seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat right before your wedding ceremony. It felt like nature was blessing their union.

As a photographer, I need to mention something important: boat photography requires a different skill set. You need good balance to stand and take pictures while the boat moves with the waves, and you definitely can’t get seasick. My experience volunteering with CONANP for two years, exploring islands and spending time on boats, definitely prepared me for moments like these.

We arrived at Colomitos Beach around 4:30 PM, and while the boat company had prepared for us to potentially do the ceremony on the boat, the weather was perfect for getting down to the beach. They sent an extra, smaller boat to help us get closer to shore,  though I have to admit, jumping from the boat to the beach was a bit tricky with the waves!

Since this beach is accessible by boat and also by hiking, there were a few people around. I politely asked them if we could have 20-30 minutes for the ceremony, and everyone was so kind and understanding. This is one of those moments where being respectful and friendly goes a long way.

One of Darcy’s friends served as their officiant, which made the ceremony even more personal and meaningful. They exchanged vows with the sound of waves as their soundtrack and their closest friends as witnesses,  it was absolutely perfect.

The wildlife encounters were definitely the highlight of their day. Seeing whales just before the ceremony felt like a magical blessing, but the adventure wasn’t over yet. On our way back to Marina Puerto Vallarta, we encountered dolphins playing in the boat’s wake.

These spontaneous moments are exactly why I love boat elopements in Puerto Vallarta. December is prime whale-watching season, so there’s always a chance you’ll witness something extraordinary. These aren’t experiences you can plan for – they’re pure magic when they happen.

If you’re considering an elopement at Colomitos Beach, here’s what you need to know:

For detailed timeline planning, check out our “How to Elope in Mexico: Ultimate Guide to Legalities & Planning”, but know that Darcy and Breyden’s December afternoon ceremony timing worked beautifully for the lighting and weather conditions.

Weather Considerations: December isn’t as humid as August and July, making it more comfortable for outdoor ceremonies. However, last December I noticed Puerto Vallarta was pretty crowded, so if you want to avoid crowds, consider January or February instead.

Tide Levels Matter: Always check tide levels for your ceremony day. Use https://www.tide-forecast.com/ to plan accordingly. This affects both boat access and beach space.

Weekday Advantage: Since locals also access this beach by hiking, consider a Tuesday or Wednesday ceremony for more privacy.

Boat Company Flexibility: Companies like Pato Bobo Adventure Boat can adapt to conditions – they were ready to do the ceremony on the boat if needed and provided extra support to get us to shore safely.

Photography Considerations: Make sure your photographer is comfortable on boats and has experience with maritime photography. It requires different skills than land-based shooting.

Prime Season: December, January, and February offer the best weather conditions with less humidity and calmer seas.

Crowd Considerations: December can be busy due to holiday travelers. January and February typically offer more privacy.

Wildlife Bonus: December through March is whale-watching season, so you might get lucky like Darcy and Breyden did!

Sunrise Alternative: If you’re morning people, consider a sunrise ceremony for ultimate privacy and stunning golden light.

After their adventure, Darcy and Breyden were so thankful I was part of their boat elopement experience. The combination of stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, and genuine friendship made their day truly unforgettable.

As your Mexico elopement photographer, I specialize in adventurous locations like boat-access beaches and have the experience needed to capture your day perfectly – whether we’re on land or sea. Let’s connect and start planning your unique love story!