Tulum Wedding Elopement

In the heart of the Riviera Maya, where the Caribbean Sea’s turquoise waters meet the lush jungles of the Yucatán Peninsula, lies the enchanting town of Tulum. Known for its bohemian charm, ancient Mayan ruins, and pristine beaches, Tulum has emerged as a dream destination for couples seeking an intimate and romantic wedding or elopement. Picture this: a direct flight from London to Cancun, followed by a scenic two-hour drive to Tulum, or a short hop to the new Tulum Airport for your Tulum elopement. And the best part? You can legally tie the knot in Mexico, just make sure to arrive three business days before your ceremony.A Dreamy Tulum Elopement – The Ultimate Destination for Romance

Tulum is more than just a picturesque beach town—it’s a sanctuary for love, where the turquoise waters of the Caribbean kiss the golden sands, and the ancient Mayan ruins stand as timeless witnesses to unforgettable love stories. If you’ve ever dreamed of an elopement or intimate wedding in a place that feels like magic, Tulum might just be your perfect destination.

Tulum and Mexico hold a special place in my heart—it’s where I met the man who would later become my husband, the father of my children, and the reason I embarked on a new adventure in the UK!

The Inspiration Behind the Shoot

The vision for this editorial was to capture the raw beauty and effortless romance of a Tulum wedding elopement. I wanted to showcase Tulum as an enchanting escape, where couples can forgo the traditional wedding stress and instead embrace an intimate celebration set against lush jungles, crystal-clear cenotes, and breathtaking ocean views. Whether you imagine a barefoot ceremony on the beach or an intimate jungle celebration, Tulum offers an unmatched blend of nature, culture, and romance.

How to Achieve This Look for Your Own Tulum Wedding Elopement

Define Your Vision – Start by deciding the kind of experience you want, both for you and your guests. Whether it’s an intimate beachfront ceremony or a secluded jungle celebration, knowing your priorities will shape your wedding style.
Hire a Local Planner – A planner with Tulum expertise (like Sofia from Magnolia Events) will help you navigate logistics, find hidden gem venues, and source the best local vendors.
Incorporate Local Elements – From handcrafted decor to traditional cuisine, adding authentic touches will make your celebration feel even more meaningful.
Be Mindful of the Season – The best time to tie the knot in Tulum is from November to April when the weather is ideal—steering clear of the summer heat and potential hurricanes.
Consider DIY Moments – Sourcing wedding favours or decor from Tulum’s local markets is a great way to bring a personal and cultural touch to your day while gifting guests a meaningful keepsake.

The couple walks hand-in-hand along Tulum's serene beach, with the sunrise casting a warm glow on their elopement day.

Greta and jairo on the rocky shores of Tulum beach at sunrise.

Romantic Tulum Wedding Elopement at Sunrise – Greta and Jairo embrace on the rocky shores of Tulum at sunrise, with waves crashing behind them. The bride wears the elegant Reine Dress Le Blanc Bridal by Casablanca Bridal, provided by Belle Lueur Bridal, paired with a flowing veil. Captured by Sarah Hurja Photography, a Tulum wedding photographer, this intimate moment reflects the beauty of a destination elopement.

Romantic beachside wedding couple in Tulum – A newlywed couple embraces on a rocky shoreline in Tulum, Mexico, with waves crashing behind them. The bride wears a sleek, elegant white gown, and the groom is dressed in a relaxed, natural-toned outfit. They hold each other closely, sharing a joyful and intimate moment at sunrise.

The couple stands together, gazing at the horizon on Tulum beach, bathed in the golden light of sunrise.

A tender kiss between Greta and Jairo on Tulum beach as the first rays of sunrise illuminate the moment captured by destination wedding photographer Sarah Hurja.

Greta and Jairo share a quiet moment of joy, the early morning sun rising over the calm waves of Tulum beach before their wedding day.

Tulum wedding elopement - Greta and Jairo walk barefoot along the shore of Tulum beach, with the sunrise creating a dreamy, romantic atmosphere.

Planning Your Tulum Wedding Elopement – What You Need to Know

Tulum is one of the most accessible wedding destinations, with direct flights from London to Cancun followed by a scenic two-hour drive (or a short hop to the new Tulum Airport). And yes, you can legally get married in Mexico! Just ensure you arrive three business days before your ceremony to take care of legalities.

Eloping in Tulum is an invitation to embrace the unconventional—to say ‘I do’ in a setting that feels like a dream. Whether it’s an oceanfront ceremony at golden hour, a candlelit jungle reception, or an intimate celebration at a boutique eco-resort, every moment will be etched in time.

As a destination wedding photographer, I can say with confidence that Tulum is more than just a place; it’s an experience. A love story woven into the fabric of paradise. If you’re ready to make it yours, let’s capture it together.

Greta and Jairo sit together on the bed at Casa Shalva Tulum, sharing a quiet, intimate moment before their wedding.

Jairo gently helps zip Greta into her stunning Casablanca wedding dress at Casa Shalva Tulum, surrounded by soft natural light.

An editorial-style shot of Greta in her Casablanca wedding dress at Casa Shalva Tulum, the elegant gown flowing as she prepares for her elopement.

Greta’s Casablanca wedding dress billows gracefully as she stands in the sunlit room at Casa Shalva Tulum, ready for her elopement.

Tulum wedding elopement with Sarah hurja Photography.

Greta and Jairo walk hand-in-hand down the elegant staircase at Casa Shalva Tulum, excited and ready for their wedding elopement.

Greta and Jairo stand together beneath a beautiful archway at Casa Shalva Tulum, their hands intertwined as they prepare for their intimate wedding vows.

Greta and Jairo share a romantic kiss under the archway at Casa Shalva Tulum, surrounded by lush greenery as they celebrate their wedding elopement.

Greta and Jairo sitting on steps in arch way.

Le blanc bridal wedding dress by casablanca bridal.

Photo of the outside of Casa Shalva Tulum.

The Wedding Attire

For this elopement editorial, Greta wore the stunning Reine gown by Le Blanc Bridal Casablanca, supplied by the incredible Belle Lieu Bridal Boutique. The gown was effortlessly elegant—featuring a minimalist straight neckline, delicate spaghetti straps, and a curve-hugging fit-and-flare silhouette that cascaded into a dramatic train. Light, airy, and refined, it was the perfect dress for a sun-drenched Tulum elopement.

Jairo complemented the look with a relaxed linen shirt and trousers for the beach ceremony, switching to a simple white open shirt paired with black trousers for the villa setting. The style was effortlessly chic—sophisticated yet in perfect harmony with Tulum’s laid-back vibe.

Greta and Jairo share a quiet moment by the pool, their hands gently clasped as they enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before their elopement.

Greta and Jairo hold hands by the shimmering swimming pool at Casa Shalva Tulum, their love glowing under the sun

Greta and Jairo share a tender kiss by the swimming pool, the sparkling water and vibrant greenery creating a dreamy backdrop for their elopement.

Greta stands beneath a beautiful arch, with her bouquet in hand, framed by the serene swimming pool and lush surroundings of Casa Shalva Tulum.

Greta is sitting by the edge of the swimming pool holding a small blue bridal bouquet.

Greta sits at the edge of the swimming pool, gently holding a small blue bridal bouquet.

Greta stands gracefully in front of a textured wall, holding her bridal bouquet, exuding elegance and calm before her wedding elopement.

Floral & Decor – A Modern Monochrome Vision

Steering away from the typical tropical colour palettes, we embraced a contemporary monochrome aesthetic—on-trend for 2025/2026 but still deeply rooted in Tulum’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. We incorporated an abundance of white orchids, lush tropical foliage like palm leaves, ferns, and eucalyptus, all locally sourced from the surrounding jungle. The goal was to create a sense of minimalist elegance while keeping the decor organic and in harmony with Tulum’s raw beauty.

To enhance the ambiance of this Tulum wedding elopement, we incorporated natural textures—wood, rattan, and linen—bringing warmth and depth to the overall look. Driftwood centrepieces added an earthy touch, while metallic accents in gold, brass, and copper introduced a subtle hint of glamour. The result? A modern, stylish yet intimate atmosphere, seamlessly blending sophistication with the essence of nature.

Sustainability & Thoughtful Design

Incorporating sustainability into wedding design is a beautiful way to honour both the environment and the destination itself. We prioritised local artisans for decor elements and opted for tropical flowers native to the region. Couples can take this a step further by choosing biodegradable or reusable decor pieces, repurposing materials, and keeping waste to a minimum. Sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing style—in fact, it often enhances the beauty and authenticity of the day.