Best Locations

Mexico is so much more than just Tulum and Cancun. We have waterfalls, pine-covered mountains, desert dunes, and pristine lakes  and it’s not all cactus, either! There are charming colonial towns with colorful cobblestone streets that offer more than Instagram moments  they’re full life experiences waiting to be lived. As a wedding and elopement photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to explore almost every state in Mexico, and let me tell you  this country is massive. It’s not as small as it looks on Google Maps! Whenever couples or friends ask me where to elope, I always consider their personality and what they actually enjoy. Just last month, a friend asked if I’d recommend Ensenada. I told her, “Honestly, I don’t think it fits your vibe.” A month later, she messaged me: “I regret not listening to you.” Turns out, another friend had hyped it up. And while Ensenada has some of the best tacos, wine, and off-road adventures  it’s not for everyone. That’s why choosing the right elopement destination in Mexico matters. If you already have a vision, let’s talk! But if you’re still exploring ideas, here are some of my favorite locations with real pros, tips, and things to consider so you can find the perfect match. How to Choose the Right Elopement Location in Mexico Before picking a destination, ask yourself a few key questions: ✶ Who’s Coming? ✶ What’s Your Vibe? ✶ What’s Your Timeline? ✶ What’s Your Budget? The pacific coast ✶ Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit Best for: Couples who love vibrant beach life, colorful towns, and want easy access to vendors. Puerto Vallarta is well-known as an LGBTQ+ friendly destination with exciting nightlife, romantic sunsets, and direct flights from major U.S. and Canadian cities. If you’re looking for jungle vibes with a quieter, bohemian feel  Nayarit (like Sayulita,and San Pancho,) might be your perfect match. Photographer Tip: Don’t miss tacos de birria with handmade tortillas, so good! Best Elopement Locations: Best Time to Visit: November to MayFlight Time: 3–6 hours from US/CANLodging Range: $200–$900 USD/nightNote: Bring light clothes — it gets humid.Bonus Tip: December is high season, book early. ✶ Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Best for: Cliffside views, authentic culture, and a slower, more local feel. Zihuatanejo feels like the kind of place where time slows down. There’s a beautiful pier for morning or evening walks, locals sipping coffee by the beach, and a strong community vibe. Instead of ceviche, ask for “tiritas”; it’s the signature dish here. Best Elopement Spots: Best Time to Visit: November to MayFlight Info: Connect via Mexico CityLodging Range: $150–$700 USD/nightNote: Bring light clothes — it gets humid. Caribbean Coast – Tropical Jungle Meets Turquoise Waters ✶ Tulum, Riviera Maya & Islands Best for: White sand, turquoise water, and boho vibes. With direct flights into Cancun, this area is super accessible  but it comes with seasonal challenges like sargazo(seaweed) and tourist crowds. Still, it’s absolutely worth it if timed right. Photographer Tip: Plan your ceremony for sunrise on a weekday,  especially Tuesday or Wednesday for privacy and the best light.Top Elopement Spots: Best Time to Visit: December to AprilAvoid: June–November (hurricane & sargazo season)Flight Time: 4–6 hours from USLodging Range: $150–$1000 USD/night Vendor Tip: Easier to find vendors here than in La Paz, but always double-check beach permit rules. Final Thoughts – What’s the Best Elopement Destination in Mexico? There’s no single best place — only what’s best for you. Whether you’re drawn to a quiet cliff in Zihuatanejo, a boat-access beach near Puerto Vallarta, or a sunrise ceremony in Tulum, the magic comes from choosing a place that fits your personalities, your pace, and your dreams. 📩 Need help deciding? I’m happy to guide you through ideas based on your vision, travel plans, and what matters most to you both. Reach out here or explore my elopement packages to get started. Need help choosing where to elope?

Forget everything you think you know about cenote elopements. While most photographers stick to the overcrowded, expensive cenotes near Tulum and Cancun, I’ve spent five months living in Yucatan, exploring hidden cenotes almost every weekend to escape the terrible summer heat with that refreshing cold water. What I discovered changed everything about how I approach cenote elopements. The real magic isn’t in the tourist-packed spots you see on Instagram, it’s in the authentic Maya community-owned cenotes where you can have an intimate ceremony without the crowds, the corporate permits, and the inflated prices. As someone who’s photographed elopements across Mexico and lived in Yucatan’s jungle heat, I can tell you that cenote ceremonies offer something completely different from beach weddings. The spiritual atmosphere, the cool water against the jungle humidity, and the connection to ancient Maya culture create an experience that’s both refreshing and deeply meaningful. If you’re considering a cenote elopement, here’s what you actually need to know,  from someone who’s been exploring these sacred waters long before they became an elopement trend. Why Choose Yucatan’s Cenotes Over Tulum’s Tourist Spots Here’s the truth most photographers won’t tell you: the cenotes near Tulum and Cancun are way more expensive because they’re run by companies that require complex permit processes. But the cenotes in Yucatan? They belong to families and Maya communities who organize together, and you simply talk to them about availability and pricing. They’ll suggest a date and time — it’s that simple. I had the opportunity to live in Yucatan for five months, and I can tell you that these community-owned cenotes offer something the commercial ones can’t: authenticity, privacy, and direct connection with the Maya people who’ve been guardians of these sacred waters for generations. The difference isn’t just in price and process, it’s in the entire experience. Instead of fighting crowds for photos, you’re working with local families who understand the spiritual significance of what you’re doing. Open vs. Cave Cenotes: What’s Best for Your Ceremony When planning your cenote ceremony, the choice between open and cave cenotes is crucial. Open cenotes are easier to enter and I’ll recommend them so you don’t get your clothes dirty trying to navigate through small spaces. For a ceremony, an open cenote offers better light and, honestly, fewer mosquitos. The lighting in open cenotes is simply magical for both ceremonies and photos. You get that ethereal glow filtering through the jungle canopy, creating natural spotlights that make every moment feel cinematic. Cave cenotes can be dramatic, but they’re not practical for intimate ceremonies where you want your guests comfortable and your dress pristine. Hidden Cenote Gems: Direct Access to Maya Communities ✶ Best Accessible Cenotes for Ceremonies Through my time living in Yucatan, I’ve discovered incredible cenotes where you’ll have direct contact with the Maya community who own them: Tzaujunkat, Yaxbacatun, Balmil, Hool-cozom, and Los 3 Oches. These aren’t the ones you’ll find in typical tourist guides,  they’re authentic, accessible, and perfect for intimate ceremonies. Almost every weekend during my five months there, I’d visit these cenotes to enjoy the cold water relief from the jungle heat. This gave me the chance to build relationships with the local families and understand which cenotes work best for different types of ceremonies. ✶ Unique Henequen Railway Cart Experience Here’s something special you won’t find anywhere else: you can experience a unique cenote tour involving horse-drawn carts on old railway tracks. These carts, once used for transporting henequen, now carry couples to and from multiple cenotes. It’s a piece of Yucatan’s history that adds incredible meaning to your elopement day. Getting There: Merida Airport vs. the New Mayan Train These authentic cenotes are in Yucatan, so the closest airport is Merida International Airport. But don’t worry if it’s easier for you to arrive at Cancun airport,  I can recommend another incredible experience: taking the new Mayan Train from Cancun, which departs right behind the airport and takes approximately 3.5 hours to reach Merida. You can book train tickets at: https://reservas.ventaboletostrenmaya.com.mx/web/portal/inicio The train journey itself becomes part of your elopement adventure, giving you time to relax and watch the Yucatan jungle pass by your window. What if I started documenting everything from here? I can also be your guide at the same time. Best Times for Cenote Ceremonies (Lighting & Weather) My best advice? Visit in January, February, or March. The heat and humidity are strong year-round in Yucatan’s jungle, but these months offer the most comfortable conditions for ceremonies. I really suggest a sunrise or morning ceremony when the humidity isn’t that strong yet, so you feel more comfortable. If you’re not a morning person, don’t worry — somehow in Yucatan, the sun comes up earlier. My friends and I would always wake up at 5am or 6am, while in central Mexico we usually wake up at 8am. For photos, sunrise or before 10am gives the best lighting in cenotes. After your ceremony, you can enjoy a nice romantic breakfast without the intense midday heat. What to Expect: Vendors, Logistics & Group Size These cenotes work best for a maximum of 10 people, including the couple. Only small decor will be allowed but honestly, cenotes are so naturally beautiful that you won’t need much decoration. Vendors like officiants, musicians, and florists can access these cenote locations, but remember that the intimate nature of these spaces means everything should be kept simple and respectful of the natural environment. Most cenotes have washrooms and restaurants nearby, so your guests will be comfortable throughout the celebration. The Cenote Experience: Water Temperature & Swimming The water is cold, which is fabulous since Yucatan is a jungle and the heat and humidity are usually strong. That refreshing cold water against the jungle heat creates an incredible contrast that makes the whole experience feel magical. Yes, couples can actually get in the water for photos! It will be so refreshing for them. Consider this for sure and bring extra clothes and towels. Some of my favorite

When couples think of Mexico elopements, they picture beaches and cenotes. But here’s what most people don’t know: Mexico has incredible mountain landscapes that look like Oregon, complete with pine forests, pristine lakes, and colonial towns with cobblestone streets where you can have a completely different kind of magical ceremony. I once had a couple reach out to me saying they saw a photo session on my website that looked like Oregon landscapes. I had to laugh , “Oh no, that’s actually Hidalgo state in Mexico, just 3 hours away from Mexico City!” As someone who’s explored Mexico’s diverse landscapes for years and volunteers with CONANP (Mexico’s National Parks), I can tell you that mountain elopements offer something beach ceremonies simply can’t: cool weather without sweating and sunburn, authentic Mexican culture, quiet intimacy, and landscapes that will surprise you with their beauty. If you’re drawn to something more cultural, quiet, and authentically Mexican, let me share the hidden mountain gems that locals know about but tourists rarely discover. Why Choose Mountains Over Beaches for Your Mexico Elopement Mountain elopements appeal to couples who want something more cultural, quiet, and comfortable weather-wise. Instead of dealing with heat, humidity, and crowds, imagine yourselves staying at a nice quiet cabin with a fireplace and jacuzzi, drinking hot chocolate after hiking up to a mountain for your sunset ceremony. The atmosphere is completely different from beach weddings. Picture walking on colonial cobblestone streets, having complete immersion into Mexican culture, and experiencing authentic Mexican food that you won’t find in tourist beach towns. The benefits are real: privacy, cool weather, nature immersion, and access to Mexico’s incredible biodiversity. Mexico has pine forests and lake scenarios that will surprise you. The connection to authentic culture is deeper when you’re in small mountain towns where traditions are still lived daily, not performed for tourists. Mexico’s Best Hidden Mountain Destinations for Intimate Ceremonies ✶ Mineral de Chico, Hidalgo This is a really small town with lots of history related to mines, so you can take tours related to this heritage while experiencing authentic food and real Mexican culture. This place is still a hidden spot only known by Mexicans from central Mexico. It has beautiful lakes and trails, plus a scenic lookout that’s perfect for intimate ceremonies. I know people who offer tours here and speak English. The altitude is only 2,700 meters above sea level, and it’s a national park that requires a permit to enter — but don’t worry, I volunteer for CONANP and know how to handle this stuff. Important note: I don’t recommend going to the mountains without a guide, even if you’ve done solo trails. It’s always important to go with a local guide who knows the area. ✶ Cuetzalan del Progreso, Puebla This small town offers beautiful green mountain scenarios with stunning waterfalls and archaeological ruins to visit. The authentic Mexican food here is incredible, and the cool weather makes it perfect for ceremonies year-round. Cuetzalan is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its indigenous Totonac culture, traditional architecture, and weekend markets where you can experience real Mexican traditions. The misty mornings and lush coffee plantations create a magical atmosphere that’s completely different from typical elopement destinations. ✶ San José del Pacífico, Oaxaca This beautiful village is immersed in the mountains and known for its different varieties of mushrooms and breathtaking landscapes. What makes it special is that it’s not far from the ocean, so you can actually visit both mountain and beach locations during your stay. The town sits at 2,200 meters above sea level and is famous for its mystical atmosphere, artisan markets, and traditional temazcal ceremonies that can add spiritual depth to your elopement experience. ✶ Llano Grande, Sierra Norte of Oaxaca This small village gives you direct contact with the local community. They have their own guides, nice cabins, and the food is really good here. It’s definitely a place to drink hot chocolate — their cabins have fireplaces, and they offer hiking tours, mountain bike tours, or cooking classes with locals. I actually recommend this place a lot. I know many people from here since I used to work in Oaxaca City. I’d recommend this place to tourists, and they were always happy with the recommendation. The community-based tourism here is authentic and supports local families directly. ✶ San Pedro Mártir, Baja California To get here, you’ll pass through Ensenada, so you can actually have delicious seafood and wine in Ensenada. Consider spending a few days in Valle de Guadalupe or Ensenada after your elopement in the mountains of San Pedro Mártir. This place usually has snow in December and January. I’d recommend staying there for 1-2 nights since it’s literally in the mountains, apart from everything. It’s also a national park with good hikes and nice cabins that could make you feel at home if you’re from Canada. San Pedro Mártir sits at 2,800 meters above sea level, about 4 hours from Tijuana airport. The park is home to Mexico’s largest telescope observatory, and the clear mountain air offers incredible stargazing opportunities for romantic evening ceremonies. Best Time of Year for Mountain Elopements This depends on the region, but I’d say the best time is right after the rainy season: October, November, and December. This is when everything is greenest and the weather is most comfortable. Yes, San Pedro Mártir has snow during winter months, which creates completely unique photo opportunities. Many mountain locations have misty mornings that create ethereal ceremony atmospheres you can’t get anywhere else. Weather surprise couples should plan for: If they plan a mountain elopement, bring jackets since it can actually be pretty cold, especially in the early morning and evening when the best light happens. What to Pack for Your Mountain Ceremony Essential items for mountain elopements: The key is dressing in layers and choosing footwear that can handle uneven terrain while still looking beautiful in photos. Planning Your Hiking Elopement: Essential Tips How long is too long for a wedding