Travis & Vanessa’s Villas La Mar Todos Santos Elopement

When Travis and Vanessa from Austin, Texas reached out to me through Google, they had a beautiful vision: eloping in Mexico to celebrate Vanessa’s roots while creating an intimate day just for the two of them. What made their April 28th elopement truly special was how they perfectly blended meaningful cultural connection with the artistic charm of Todos Santos—one of Mexico’s designated Pueblos Mágicos.

As they shared in their initial inquiry: “Vanessa is from Mexico, so having our special day there would mean a lot.” Their choice of Todos Santos, with its stunning Pacific sunsets, vibrant art scene, and laid-back surfer culture, provided the perfect backdrop for their love story as they prepared to welcome their first child together.

When Travis and Vanessa first contacted me, they already had Todos Santos in mind. They asked for other location recommendations, and since they mentioned loving sunsets and peaceful places, I confirmed they were on the right path. This charming Pueblo Mágico offers everything couples dream of—artistic culture, stunning Pacific sunsets, and authentic Mexican charm without the crowds of larger tourist destinations.

What drew them to Todos Santos wasn’t just its beauty, but its authenticity. As seasoned travelers who appreciate genuine experiences, they were attracted to a place where local fishermen still work alongside world-class artists, where centuries-old mission architecture stands beside contemporary galleries, and where every sunset feels like a private performance over the Pacific.

Their choice of Villas La Mar proved perfect—just an 8-minute walk from the beach with stunning sunset views right from their balcony. It offered the privacy they wanted while keeping them close to both the ceremony location and the town’s artistic heart.

My 8-hour coverage began at 12:00 PM when my assistant and I arrived at the villa. My assistant helps with recording short vertical videos and supporting couples throughout the day. Melisa Arellano, their hair and makeup artist, arrived at 11:30 AM while we started capturing details—her dress, jewelry, and landscape drone shots.

Melisa finished Vanessa’s look by 2:00 PM, and that’s when the couple started getting dressed and ready together. What made this moment truly special was watching them prepare in the same room—an intimate choice that reflected their close bond and the deeply personal nature of their celebration.

Vanessa had that beautiful expectant glow, and seeing them help each other prepare for their vows was incredibly moving. These quiet, tender moments are some of my favorites to photograph because they capture the authentic love that brought them to this moment.

The villa’s terrace provided the perfect setting for their first portraits of the day. With panoramic views of Todos Santos’ landscape and the Pacific Ocean in the distance, we captured their excitement and anticipation before heading into town for the artistic portion of their day.

What I love about Villas La Mar is how it combines luxury with authentic Mexican charm—the perfect setting for couples who want sophistication without losing the genuine Baja California Sur experience.

After their villa portraits, we ventured into Todos Santos’ historic center to explore what makes this place truly magical. Todos Santos earned its Pueblo Mágico designation—a prestigious recognition requiring specific cultural, historical, and aesthetic criteria—and you feel that magic immediately upon arrival.

The town’s colorful colonial architecture, vibrant art galleries, and cobblestone streets provided endless opportunities for romantic portraits. As we wandered through the artistic heart of Todos Santos, Travis and Vanessa were amazed by the authentic charm that sets this place apart from typical tourist destinations.

Our first stop was Jazamango Café, a cozy restaurant that perfectly embodies Todos Santos’ bohemian spirit. Over lunch, they relaxed into the experience, and I captured candid moments of them enjoying this special time together. The café’s intimate atmosphere and authentic Mexican charm made it feel like we were documenting not just their elopement day, but a genuine slice of local life.

The light at 4:00 PM was still quite bright but beautifully warm—perfect for showcasing both the town’s colorful architecture and Vanessa’s natural glow.

After lunch, we continued exploring the town, and what happened next became one of the most memorable moments of their entire day. While they were enjoying ice cream together, a sweet local puppy decided to join their romantic moment—completely uninvited but absolutely welcome!

Travis and Vanessa were delighted by their furry photo-bomber, and it immediately reminded them of their two dogs back home in Austin. These are the spontaneous, unplanned moments that make elopements so special and authentic.

As their Mexico elopement photographer, these unexpected moments are exactly why I encourage couples to embrace the adventure of eloping abroad. Mexico has a way of surprising you with beautiful, unplanned experiences that become the most treasured memories.

As evening approached, we returned to Villas La Mar for their intimate ceremony—the highlight of the day. The timing was perfect for capturing Todos Santos’ famous Pacific sunsets, and the sound of massive waves provided a dramatic natural soundtrack for their vows.

The beach location, just steps from their villa, offered complete privacy while showcasing the raw beauty of Baja California Sur’s coastline. The Pacific Ocean’s powerful waves at Todos Santos create an awe-inspiring backdrop—though as I always tell couples, these waters demand respect and are best admired from the shore. Always double-check the tides before deciding the exact ceremony location: https://www.tide-forecast.com/

Travis and Vanessa exchanged personal vows they had written themselves. The combination of Vanessa’s pregnancy glow, the golden sunset light, and the powerful ocean backdrop created some of the most romantic images I’ve ever captured.

What made this ceremony truly special was how it honored both their love story and this new chapter as they prepared to become parents. Celebrating their marriage in Mexico felt deeply meaningful and authentic.

As the sun set over the Pacific, Travis and Vanessa returned to their villa where a private chef they found through Airbnb Experiences had prepared a romantic dinner for two. This intimate conclusion to their elopement day perfectly captured what they had envisioned—a celebration that felt luxurious yet personal, without the stress and expense of a large traditional wedding.

The villa’s terrace, with its panoramic sunset views, provided the perfect setting for their first meal as a married couple. Watching them toast their new marriage with the Pacific Ocean stretching endlessly before them was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

This is exactly why I love photographing elopements in Mexico—couples can create experiences that are both deeply personal and absolutely unforgettable, often at a fraction of the cost of traditional weddings back home.

If you’re considering Todos Santos for your Mexico destination elopement, here’s what you need to know:

Todos Santos offers the perfect blend of authentic Mexican culture, artistic charm, and natural beauty. As a designated Pueblo Mágico, you’re guaranteed a location with significant cultural and aesthetic value.

April, like Travis and Vanessa chose, offers beautiful weather with comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall. The town is also less crowded than during peak winter months. If you’re interested in turtle releases, plan between December and April for this magical experience.

Book accommodations and car rentals well in advance, especially during high season. Villas La Mar offers the perfect combination of luxury, privacy, and proximity to both beach ceremony locations and the town center.

Beyond your ceremony, Todos Santos offers incredible experiences: art gallery walks, hiking with stunning cliff views, yoga retreats in secluded spots, and some of Mexico’s most spectacular sunsets.

As your Mexico elopement photographer, I can help connect you with trusted local vendors. My experience volunteering with CONANP and exploring Baja California Sur extensively means I know the hidden gems and reliable professionals who will make your day perfect.

Based on Travis and Vanessa’s elopement, here are the trusted Todos Santos wedding vendors:

• Accommodation: Villas La Mar – Oceanfront villas with stunning sunset views and easy beach access for ceremonies.
• Hair & Makeup: Melisa Arellano – Professional artist who creates natural, glowing looks perfect for beach ceremonies.
• Floral Design: Floral Florería – Beautiful bouquets that complement Todos Santos’ natural beauty and bohemian charm.
• Dining: Jazamango Café – Perfect for intimate meals and authentic local atmosphere during your elopement day.
• Private Chef: Available through Airbnb Experiences – Romantic dinner service right at your villa for the perfect end to your celebration.

After their elopement, Travis and Vanessa left this incredible review:

“Mariana is an artist, she has a passion for what she does, and went above and beyond. All I wanted for the wedding was amazing photos and she delivered. Mariana gives clear direction and is a fantastic communicator. I would recommend her for any sort of photos you need. We will likely return in a few years to take family photos. Thank you for everything Mariana and for the extremely fast turn around time on getting the final photos to us. — book Mariana and you will be glad you did!”

As your Mexico elopement photographer, I specialize in intimate celebrations in Baja California Sur’s most stunning locations, I’ll help you create an authentic Mexican elopement that honors your love story.