Planning Tips

After photographing intimate weddings across Mexico since 2019 and working in sustainable tourism, I’ve learned that the most memorable elopements aren’t just about the ceremony itself, they’re about creating a full experience that tells your unique story while embracing Mexico’s incredible culture and natural beauty. The couples I work with often tell me months later that what made their elopement special wasn’t just the “I do” moment, but the entire day they crafted around it. From sunrise ceremonies followed by private lunches to sunset sailboat celebrations, Mexico offers endless possibilities to make your elopement truly yours. Beyond the Ceremony: Creating Your Full Elopement Experience ✶ What Makes an Elopement Experience vs. Just a Ceremony The difference between simply having a ceremony in Mexico and crafting a truly immersive elopement experience comes down to intention and activities. Including meaningful activities in your elopement day makes it more memorable, you’ll remember how much fun you had, the incredible food from that private chef, or maybe the gastronomic tour that introduced you to flavors you’d never experienced. ✶ My Philosophy: Relax, Enjoy, and Embrace the Imperfect I usually suggest that couples take a relaxing and fun approach to their day. I remind them how important it is to enjoy themselves on this special day of their lives. Sometimes they worry too much about the perfect timeline, perfect poses, and perfect makeup, but let’s be real: life isn’t perfect. Yes, maybe the weather can’t be as expected, but that’s fine! don’t forget that the most important thing is your union and why you’re there celebrating this love that will face many things together. ✶ The Practical Side of a Full-Day Experience For me, it’s important that couples have a good breakfast and take time for lunch. Maybe if you’re busy getting stuff ready, order a pizza—please treat yourselves well on this day, or else you can feel moody by the end of the day. To experience a full-day elopement, consider including activities that span your special day. Maybe have a sunrise elopement, then later enjoy a private, romantic lunch at your Airbnb. For the evening, add a paddleboard activity or a sunset sailboat tour where I can photograph you dancing and jumping together into the water. I actually imagine this perfectly in Bacalar Lagoon—I love this place for these kinds of celebrations. Incorporating Authentic Mexican Culture Into Your Day ✶ Understanding Mexico’s Rich Cultural Tapestry Mexico is known for having different indigenous cultures—around 68 that have different traditions and rituals. Incorporating these elements can make your day more special and meaningful. What are some of the most authentic ways couples can weave local Mexican traditions into their elopement ceremony or celebration? ✶ Cultural Immersion Activities I Recommend Beyond the ceremony, there are incredible cultural immersion activities I recommend couples explore during their elopement trip to truly connect with Mexico: Hands-On Learning Experiences: Meaningful Ceremony Elements: Adventure Activities to Make Your Elopement Unforgettable ✶ For Couples Who Want Adventure For couples who want an adventurous elopement, here are some of my top recommendations for unique activities they can experience around their ceremony location:Water Adventures: Land Explorations: Cultural Adventures: ✶ Matching Activities to Your Location Each region offers unique opportunities. When I’m helping couples plan, I consider what’s authentically available in their chosen location and what matches their personalities and interests. Personal Touches That Make Your Elopement Uniquely Yours ✶ The Most Heartfelt Personal Touches I’ve Witnessed What are some of the most creative or heartfelt personal touches I’ve seen couples incorporate into their elopement that made it truly unique and reflective of their relationship? Intimate Moments: ✶ How I Guide Couples in Brainstorming Personal Elements I usually ask them how they imagine their day and if there’s any activity or sport they enjoy together. From there, I give them recommendations. I also encourage them to share a Pinterest board with ideas, since sometimes it’s hard to explain with words what you’re envisioning. The goal is to ensure their elopement feels authentically theirs, not like something they saw on Instagram and tried to recreate. Seamlessly Transitioning to Your Mexico Honeymoon ✶ Combining Your Elopement with a Mini-Moon Most couples after their elopement go to different destinations within the same state or other regions in Mexico. When it’s like that, I recommend them to have their elopement wedding within their third day in Mexico. This way they still haven’t gotten too much sun burn, and after this they can enjoy to the fullest without worrying if their skin would look too red for the pictures. They usually stay for a whole week or 2 weeks in Mexico exploring and relaxing. ✶ Choosing Complementary Destinations How can couples choose a follow-up destination that complements their elopement location for a well-rounded experience? For example, if they decided to elope in La Paz—which is desert dry with lots of cactus and brown scenarios, known for good seafood—then for their honeymoon they might want to go to Oaxaca City: fresh weather, good and authentic Mexican food, visit ruins, or take a handcraft class. I’m happy to suggest where they can visit after their elopement to create a complete Mexico experience. How I Help You Craft the Perfect Experience ✶ Beyond Photography: My Role in Creating Your Dream Day Beyond photography, how do I, as a local Mexico elopement photographer, actively assist couples in envisioning and executing these deeply personalized and unique experiences? I connect them with specific local experiences, provide unique activity recommendations, and help with cultural nuances. Since I also have a degree in sustainable development tourism and have worked for travel agencies, I know many tour companies and have experience creating travel itineraries. I’m super happy to also help couples with this and create a full package where I cover this service as well. ✶ My Approach to Planning Your Experience My process starts with understanding your vision completely. I want to know: From there, I can recommend everything from the perfect ceremony timing to post-elopement adventures that

After photographing intimate weddings and elopements in Mexico since 2019, I’ve learned that finding the right vendors can make or break your special day. The biggest challenge I see couples face isn’t the language barrier—it’s knowing where to look and what questions to ask. Having worked across Baja California Sur, Puerto Vallarta, and Zihuatanejo, I’ve built relationships with dozens of vendors who understand the unique needs of intimate elopements. Here’s everything you need to know about finding and working with vendors who will make your Mexico elopement unforgettable. Why Working with Local Vendors Makes Your Mexico Elopement Special The biggest vendor-related mistake I see couples make is struggling to explain their exact needs because not all vendors speak fluent English. But when you find the right local vendors, magic happens. They don’t just provide services—they become part of your story. Just recently, an officiant in Todos Santos recommended a stunning location for photos that I didn’t even know about, and I’ve been shooting here for years! Local vendors know hidden gems, understand the logistics of remote locations, and bring authentic Mexican touches that make your celebration truly special. Finding Bilingual Officiants for Your Ceremony ✶ Where I Find Officiants for My Couples Most couples either bring a friend to officiate or, if it’s just the two of them, sometimes skip an officiant altogether. But when couples do want a ceremony, I have a proven process for finding the perfect person. My first stop is always wedding planners—they know my clients are usually just the two of them or small groups under 20 guests, so they’re happy to share contacts. If that doesn’t work, I turn to Facebook groups, specifically searching for “expats” (like “La Paz Expats”). I know I’ll find English speakers who might be interested in officiating, and I always suggest couples have a video call to ensure it’s the right fit. ✶ What Officiants Cost in Different Regions You can expect to pay $200-$500 USD for an officiant, depending on the season. High season (December-April) commands higher prices, so book early if you’re planning a winter elopement. ✶ Questions to Ask Potential Officiants Before booking, couples should ask: ✶ Booking Timeline Book your officiant as soon as you pick your location, especially during high season. I recommend 3 months in advance or more to avoid disappointment. Essential Vendors You’ll Actually Need ✶ For Just the Two of You The essential vendor list for an intimate elopement is beautifully simple: ✶ When You’re Bringing Guests If you’re bringing 10-15 guests and want to set up a private dinner or celebration, you’ll also need: ✶ Hair and Makeup Artists I work with makeup artists that wedding planners have recommended and others I’ve found on Instagram. Most speak enough English to communicate with brides, which is crucial for getting the look you want. The key is making sure the bride sees their work beforehand to ensure it matches their style. Sometimes brides bring a friend to help with makeup, which works beautifully too—it adds a personal touch to your getting-ready photos. Real Vendor Costs by Category Here’s what you can realistically expect to pay for 4-6 hours of coverage/service: ✶ How Mexico Costs Compare to US/Canada Many couples expect Mexico to be significantly cheaper, but remember—you’re flying to famous tourist destinations. Mexico is one of the world’s most popular wedding destinations, so vendors stay busy, especially during high season, which drives prices up to levels similar to the US and Canada. ✶ Total Budget Expectations For a simple 2-person elopement: $5,000 USD total For 10-15 guests with basic celebration: Up to $20,000 USD ✶ Seasonal Price Differences December through April sees significant price increases. If you’re considering a winter elopement, plan and book vendors well in advance to secure better rates and availability. How to Communicate with Mexican Vendors ✶ Transportation Recommendations by Region Transportation needs vary dramatically by region: Baja California Sur (Cabo, Todos Santos, La Paz): Rent a car from the airport. Driving here is similar to the US/Canada—people respect stop signs and roads are easy to navigate with Google Maps. Major Cities (Mexico City, Guadalajara): Use Uber or Didi apps. Don’t stress about traffic—let someone else drive. Remote Areas (Huatulco, Zihuatanejo): These areas don’t have rideshare apps. Get taxis recommended by your resort, or I can suggest a trusted taxi driver. For your elopement day, hire a transportation company based on your guest count. ✶ Working with Florists You can find affordable, reasonable prices for bouquets made with locally available flowers. But if you want something really special that requires imported flowers, prices increase dramatically. Be clear about your budget and ask for alternatives using local blooms. ✶ Finding Musicians I always find musicians through wedding planners since they’re my friends and happy to share contacts. They need to know you personally, or they’ll want to quote you for full planning services, which isn’t necessary for intimate celebrations. My Trusted Vendor Network ✶ Regional Vendor Availability Puerto Vallarta: Easiest to find all types of vendors Zihuatanejo: Second-best vendor options Cabo: Many vendor options available La Paz: My favorite for landscapes and secluded spots, but limited florist and decor options For La Paz specifically, I work with about 2 florists/decor specialists regularly. When couples reach out for these areas, I message them immediately to check availability—that’s how limited the options are! ✶ How I Support My Couples I help coordinate with vendors on your elopement day and can assist with Spanish-English communication when needed. My goal is making your Mexico elopement feel easy and stress-free, even without a planner. Money-Saving Tips: What You Can Skip ✶ Vendors You Can Skip Without Affecting Your Experience ✶ When You Actually Need a Wedding Planner If a couple thinks they need a vendor, they should listen to their instinct. I’ve had couples hire wedding planners even for just-the-two-of-them elopements. They preferred having someone else contact the florist, musician, and arrange their private dinner. Sometimes couples are too busy with work, and

Why Elope in Mexico? Mexico is one of the easiest and most exciting places to elope,  especially if you’re coming from the U.S. or Canada. There are plenty of direct flights to major cities and coastal towns, making travel smooth and accessible. But what truly makes eloping in Mexico special is the experience. It’s not just about your wedding day, it’s about soaking in the food, the culture, the warmth of the people, and the feeling of being somewhere completely different. Everything adds meaning without requiring extra effort. You can elope in one beautiful spot and head to another for your honeymoon,  many couples I’ve worked with have done this. Plus, your budget goes further here. With the currency exchange, vendors and services are often more affordable than in your home country. No matter if you’re in a quiet beach town or a lush mountain area, there’s always something to do: hiking, sailing, waterfalls, horseback riding, or just watching the sunset. Your elopement can easily become a full-day adventure you’ll never forget. Legal vs. Symbolic Elopement in Mexico Many couples from the U.S. and Canada choose to elope in Mexico  but when it comes to the type of ceremony, you have two options: legal or symbolic. ✶ Legal Elopement in Mexico Having a legal wedding in Mexico is possible, but it comes with extra paperwork and requirements that can vary by state. To get legally married in Mexico, you may need: All foreign documents must be apostilled in your home country and translated by an official Mexican translator. It’s recommended to work with a local planner or coordinator to help with the process. ✶ Symbolic Elopement in Mexico (Most Popular) Most couples choose a symbolic ceremony instead. It’s easier, faster, and more flexible  no legal paperwork required in Mexico. You can: Many couples also celebrate again with family back home — like a dinner or small party.  A symbolic elopement gives you full freedom to focus on the moment, not the paperwork. Best Places to Elope in Mexico Mexico is a vast and diverse country offering more than just gorgeous beaches — it’s full of culture, color, and breathtaking natural beauty. From mountains to deserts, from quiet lagoons to jungle trails, every region offers something unique. As a local photographer who has explored much of the country, here are some of my favorite locations for couples planning an intimate and unforgettable elopement in Mexico. ✶ Tecolote Beach – Baja California Sur White sand, blue water, and a backdrop of mountains and cactus make this beach perfect for nature lovers. It’s especially magical at sunrise, with soft light and peaceful surroundings. For privacy, it’s best to avoid weekends.Just 50 minutes from La Paz International Airport. ✶ Organo Beach – Oaxaca This secluded beach is located inside a National Park and can be reached by a 20-minute jungle hike or boat ride. Its remote setting makes it ideal for couples who want an intimate elopement away from busy towns.A permit or fee is required for park entry. ✶ Bacalar Lagoon – Quintana Roo Known as the “Lake of Seven Colors,” Bacalar has fresh turquoise water and scenic spots for paddleboarding, kayaking, or sunset sailing.You can get here by car from Cancún Airport or take the new Mayan Train. ✶ Mineral del Chico – Hidalgo A charming mountain village within a National Park, surrounded by pine forests and scenic overlooks. It’s ideal for couples who want to elope somewhere cultural and off-the-beaten-path.Only 2 hours from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (near Mexico City). ✶ Coral Island – Nayarit A quiet island perfect for birdwatching, fishing, and hiking. Ideal for couples who want a wild and peaceful experience.Reachable by boat from Rincón de Guayabitos. The nearest airport is Puerto Vallarta, making it easy to combine with time in the city. Sunrise ceremonies here are magical. ✶ Punta Lobos – Todos Santos, BCS One of the most scenic spots in Baja, with dramatic cliffs, desert mountains, and coastal cactus views. You can hike 40 minutes or take an ATV for easier access.Visit in October or November for a chance to witness sea turtle hatchlings being released. Best Time of Year to Elope in Mexico One of the great things about eloping is how flexible it can be,  I’ve worked with couples who planned their ceremony just 2–3 weeks in advance, often because they were already visiting Mexico and thought, “Why not elope while we’re here?” But if you want the best weather and fewer crowds, it’s worth doing a little research based on the specific region you’re considering. Mexico is a huge country with multiple climates, so the best time to elope depends on your destination. Here’s a quick overview of the best months by region: 💡 Pro Tip: Golden hour (sunrise or sunset) is always the best time for photos,  softer light, cooler temperatures, and fewer people around. How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Mexico? The cost of eloping in Mexico can vary depending on your travel style, the location, season, and the type of experience you’re planning. But overall, elopements in Mexico are significantly more affordable than traditional weddings. Instead of renting a large venue or planning a party for 100+ guests, most couples choose to focus on an intimate, meaningful experience,  like a romantic dinner under the stars, just the two of you. ✶ Typical Elopement Budget Range Most couples spend between $5,000–$20,000 USD for a full elopement experience in Mexico. This includes travel, accommodations, ceremony, vendors, photography, and a few extras. The higher range typically reflects high-season travel or luxury-style details. ✶ Cost Breakdown Example (High Season) ✈️ Travel & Accommodation Ceremony & Vendors  Photography Transportation Optional Extras ✶ Sunset Elopement Timeline in Puerto Vallarta Looking for inspiration for your Mexico elopement timeline? Here’s a real example based on a couple who stayed at Velas Vallarta and set sail from Marina Puerto Vallarta with Pato Bobo Adventure Boat 📅 This sample timeline is ideal for early to mid-December, when