Taylor and Alejandro’s intimate elopement in Ixtapa ZIhuatanejo

When Taylor and Alejandro visited Mexico, their original plan was to scout wedding venues. During their visit, they also chose to capture their engagement photos with me, a local photographer in Zihuatanejo. It was during this time, as they immersed themselves in the vibrant culture and beauty of Mexico, that their vision began to shift. Soon after, they shared their exciting decision: they would elope instead! and I was incredibly happy to be part of their journey. 

As Taylor explained their decision: ‘We chose to elope because as we got deeper into planning the wedding, the expenses just seemed to go up and up and our excitement didn’t follow. We realized we cared more about investing the money we had saved for a wedding into an epic honeymoon. However we still wanted to document some more traditional elopement photos. We love Mexico and truly never find ourselves wanting to travel anywhere else for vacation. The food is incredible and we love traveling to different regions and trying the regional foods. The beaches, hospitality, kindness of the community and weather is unmatched.” 

My day with Taylor and Alejandro began by documenting their ‘getting ready,’ which was wonderfully intimate and uniquely non-traditional. They chose to dress together in the same room at the stunning Cala de mar resort & spa. where their room boasted breathtaking views. It was a beautiful and calm January 5th, a day known for its pleasant, less humid weather in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. After they were ready, we took a short taxi ride from the resort to the charming Puerta Paraíso Hotel Boutique They discovered this lovely place through their wedding planner, Jennifer Jaimes, who skillfully arranged every detail for their romantic dinner at this exquisite location.

Taylor and Alejandro had completed their legal marriage back home, which allowed them to fully immerse themselves in Mexico for their union celebration and an unforgettable honeymoon experience. Their chosen location for this deeply personal moment was Playa Larga, a serene beach just 20 minutes from the charming town of Zihuatanejo. What sets Playa Larga apart is its beautiful seclusion, far from the usual crowds, ensuring a truly intimate atmosphere. The Puerta Paraíso Hotel Boutique, nestled right on this tranquil stretch of sand, was the perfect setting. It not only provided their romantic dinner but also boasts a stunning patio filled with swaying palms and lush greenery, creating an idyllic, private scenario for their heartfelt celebration. For couples dreaming of such undisturbed intimacy, we often recommend considering a weekday elopement at this kind of location to fully embrace its peaceful ambiance.

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Taylor and Alejandro’s journey offers a wealth of practical wisdom for couples dreaming of their own intimate celebration in Mexico. We asked them for their most valuable insights, and their reflections truly highlight the unique magic of choosing an elopement.

Their Top Recommendation

When it came to their single best piece of advice for other couples considering an elopement in Mexico, Taylor’s answer was delivered with a smile and absolute conviction: “Highly suggest lol for us, we do not think back to our wedding elopement and wish for a second that we had a traditional large wedding. We were so happy to keep it small just us and instead invest in an epic vacation that we will never forget.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the freedom and joy that comes with prioritizing experience over expectations.

For many couples, the guest list is a significant consideration, especially with an elopement. We asked Taylor and Alejandro if, looking back, they wished they had more or fewer guests for their special day. Their response was straightforward and resolute: “Nope because it was just my husband and I!” Their decision to keep it just the two of them underscores the profound intimacy and focus on their bond that an elopement can offer.

Every couple learns something unique during planning. Reflecting on their day, Taylor offered a very practical tip regarding the timeline, especially for those beautiful warm Mexico days: “I would have left enough time to get ready and not be rushed lol you will sweat when you rush especially if it’s warm and it makes everything more uncomfortable.” This serves as a gentle reminder to build in ample time for a relaxed start to your special day, allowing you to truly savor every moment.

Budgeting for an elopement, even if smaller, can sometimes present unforeseen considerations. Taylor and Alejandro shared crucial financial advice for future couples: “Factoring in tips that you may want to give and being prepared with Cash. Have all forms of electronic payment set up ready to use – venmo, cashapp, zelle. Have it all just in case different vendors use different things.”
This is invaluable for smooth transactions and avoiding any last-minute stress.

When asked about the biggest challenge they encountered while planning their Mexico elopement, Taylor and Alejandro highlighted the surprising ease of their experience: “Honestly very little barriers. My husband speaks Spanish so that helps but most everywhere I was able to get by on my conversational Spanish and with other people’s English we could always figure it out together. Working with a wedding planner helped.”
Their experience truly speaks to the welcoming nature of Mexico and the benefit of professional support.

For those wondering about the practicalities of planning an elopement, Taylor and Alejandro demonstrated that an epic celebration doesn’t always require years of preparation: “3 months.”
As your Mexico elopement photographer, I specialize in guiding couples to stunning, off-the-beaten-path locations and ensuring your day is stress-free and authentically you. Let’s connect and start planning your unique love story!