7 Best Places to elope in Mexico in 2025 (local wedding photographer’s Guide)
Mexico is one of the best places in the world to elope. From wild beaches and colonial towns to tropical jungles and mountains, it offers unforgettable backdrops and incredible hospitality - all at a fraction of the cost of many other destinations. This guide highlights top elopement destinations across the country, based on real experience as a photographer who’s helped over 200 couples plan their unforgettable wedding adventures in Mexico.
If you're dreaming of something adventurous and non-traditional for your elopement, Mexico is exactly what you’re looking for. Yes, it’s about the wild beaches and misty mountain forests. The colorful colonial towns and jungle hideaways. But what really makes Mexico special is the vibrant culture and the warmth of the people, who make you feel at home right away.
And the best part? You don’t need a massive budget to make it happen. Eloping here gives you the freedom to slow down and focus on what matters most — just the two of you (or a few close people), in your dream bucket-list spot. I’ve spent the past decade photographing love stories across Mexico, and I hope this guide helps you find the place that’s just right for your elopement story.
Disclaimer: This is by far THE biggest blog I’ve ever written - super detailed and based on my 10+ years as a wedding photographer in Mexico. I’ve tried to keep it fact-based, but of course, it’s still MY opinion. Take it with a grain of sea salt 😉
Ok, still wondering which country is the best to elope? Keep reading 🙂
Table of Contents
2. Best Mountain Elopement: Tepoztlán
3. Best Historical City Elopement: Oaxaca City
4. Best Pueblo Mágico Elopement: San Miguel de Allende
5. Best Jungle Elopement: Mérida & Surroundings
6. Best Beach Elopement: Puerto Escondido & Mazunte
7. Best All-Inclusive Elopement: Huatulco or Tulum
Why elope in Mexico? What makes it one of the best destinations for an intimate wedding?
Short answer: variety of landscapes with the best backdrops, vibrant culture and food, and world-class, affordable hospitality - much of that just one flight away.
Long answer:
Variety of unique landscapes. Want a stunning beach elopement with a rocky sunset spot and no people around? Or maybe a “magical village” with cozy streets and colonial architecture? Or a mountain landscape? Maybe a big city vibe? Mexico has it all.
Vibrant culture. From Mayan ruins in Yucatán to mezcal tastings in Oaxaca, your elopement can become an incredible adventure.
Easy to travel. Mexico, with its huge travel hubs, is well connected with North America and Europe with direct flights.
World-class Affordable hospitality. Enjoy incredible venues, great food, and professional photography without insane price tags.
Combine it with your honeymoon: celebrate it with fresh seafood by the ocean, or hike a stunning volcano, explore ancient ruins, or relax in a jungle eco-lodge.
Best places in Mexico for elopement wedding - Full Guide:
Best Mountain Elopement: Tepoztlán
Ideal if you want:
Lush green mountains with mystical energy;
A small-town escape just outside Mexico City;
Spiritual touches like temazcales, rituals, and nature hikes.
Example: this January elopement included a town stroll, ice cream, a legal ceremony, and dinner (venue: Amomoxtli).
Pros:
Just a 40-min drive from Mexico City (renting a car is an amazing option, as it gives you the freedom to discover areas nearby, which are also stunning!).
Stunning, lush landscapes - best backdrops if you want a mountain elopement (especially if you’re ready to hike). Tepozteco is just a basic option - and there are hidden gems where we can go for some stunning photos :) Ask me for more details!
It’s a “pueblo mágico” - meaning you also get a great cultural experience - add a walk through the village to your elopement day, or simply take time to explore it afterward.
Mystical energy. It shines through its vibrant spiritual community. Whether you want an ancestral ceremony or take a temazcal or a different ritual, the options are pretty abundant.
Great lodging options (see below).
Things to consider:
Weather - the best months for an outdoor ceremony are November – April (dry season, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures).
Crowds - Tepoztlán is a popular getaway from CDMX, so try to avoid coming around New Year and Easter, when local tourism is thriving. Choosing a weekday over a weekend is also best.
Accommodation - be very picky, as it will determine much of your experience (location, quality, and extra services). Best places: Amomoxtli, Casa Fernanda, La Buena Vibra.
Legal vs symbolic. A symbolic ceremony might be easier than a legal one in Tepoztlán - it’s a small village, and some paperwork might take longer. In this elopement, yours truly was not just the photographer but also a witness - happy to help :)
Summary: Tepoztlán is my top pick for a mountain elopement destination in Mexico. Just 40 minutes from Mexico City, it offers lush landscapes, special energy, and cultural charm.
Incredible photo spots (especially if you're up for a short hike), options for ancestral ceremonies, and some of the best boutique hotels - this combination will help you have the best elopement days ever.
Best Historical City Elopement: Oaxaca City
Ideal if you want:
A cultural elopement (Oaxaca is Mexico’s most vibrant historic city)
A bigger city but still with “small-town” vibes
Diversity of photo backdrops - from the town streets to the mountains
A destination full of art, color, and character
Example: This wedding at Quinta Real & Fábrica, and this engagement session in the center.
It’s hard to be impartial - having worked in Oaxaca for almost a decade as a photographer, I still absolutely love it 🙂 But you don’t have to trust just me - trust hundreds of destination wedding couples who come here every year!
Oaxaca City is a booming wedding destination in Mexico, and there are serious reasons for that. If you’re after an elopement that blends rich culture, colonial charm, INCREDIBLE food, amazing people, and gorgeous nature, Oaxaca City might just be your perfect match.
Let’s go into the pros and things to consider:
Pros:
Colonial Beauty & Timeless Backdrops. Every street corner in Oaxaca feels like a painting, and your wedding day naturally becomes part of the story, not just the setting.
Unreal Food & Mezcal. No place compares to Oaxaca for us, food lovers - the local flavors will blow your mind. And as the world capital of mezcal, there’s no better spot for tasting its varieties.
Boutique Hotels & Intimate Venues. Oaxaca has seen tourism evolve greatly over the last years and now boasts all kinds of options: from boho boutique spots to hacienda-style hotels, and more.
Authentic Cultural Experience. Symbolic Ceremonies are very easy to organize and are popular here in Oaxaca.
Year-Round Elopement Destination. Oaxaca offers pleasant weather year-round (it gets warmer in summer, but the mornings and evenings remain cool). Although the rainy season does exist, it’s not as heavy as in many other destinations.
Amazing Nature landscapes. If eloping out of town and then going back for some street photos is your thing - Oaxaca is an amazing destination for that. Hills, forests, waterfalls, mountains - and all of them within a couple of hours' drive from the city center.
Things to consider:
Altitude & Walking. Oaxaca sits at around 1,500m altitude, consider it if you live at the ocean level and are sensitive.
Photography Permits for Some Locations. A lot of people dream of those photos at the Botanical Garden in the center of Oaxaca. For pro photos, a permit is required (usually around 200-250 USD).
Tourist Season Spikes Around Festivals.
🟡 Pro Tip: You DON’T want to have your elopement around 3 dates: Day of the Dead (end of Oct - first days of Nov Oaxaca gets packed!), New Year, Guelaguetza, and Easter days (local tourism thrives). Check out for dates on official Oaxaca tourism site here.Minimum 3h drive from the Beaches or ocean views. That’s a “glass half full” situation - if a 3h drive is long, that’s a “con”, but if you consider it “close”, then it’s definitely a “Pro”. Places like Mexico City / San Miguel de Allende, and many others, are way farther from any closest beach. And Oaxaca beaches are incredibly beautiful, too (see my take on Puerto Escondido and Huatulco).
Summary: As a photographer who's spent years exploring this region and is based here, I can honestly say Oaxaca is simply the best when it comes to a historical elopement destination in Mexico.
Bursting with color, culture, and colonial charm - ideal if you’re seeking more than just a pretty view. With year-round great weather, epic food and mezcal, and diverse photo backdrops (from city streets to nearby nature), it’s ideal for a meaningful, soulful elopement.
Best Pueblo Mágico Elopement: San Miguel de Allende
Ideal if you want:
Elegant architectural beauty;
“Little town” charm, away from the beach;
Elegant experience: boutique hotels, rooftop venues, artful details.
Example: This two-day elopement with a traditional Aztec ceremony. (WP was the one and only Rox from Santo Amor).
The Magical Towns of Mexico are something you’ll quickly fall in love with, and there are 177 in total! San Miguel de Allende to me is one of the most romantic and visually stunning wedding destinations in Mexico. It’s got those artistic and intimate vibes and is easily one of the most famous wedding locations - yet a bit underestimated for elopements and micro-weddings.
Let’s break it in:
Pros:
Aesthetic Beauty & Historic Charm. The photos speak for themselves: small cozy streets, the famous Parroqquia, the views from above, bougainvilleas, and more - amazing backdrops for your photos.
Numerous gorgeous options for both housing and food. San Miguel has everything you want: charming boutique venues, haciendas, and also luxury design hotels - you can find options for any budget and taste. And it boasts some of the best restaurants in Mexico, too.
Cultural & Artistic Energy. From the 1900-s, San Miguel has welcomed numerous artists from all over the world. That’s reflected not only in its beauty but in overall vibes, too.
Mild Weather Year-Round. The weather in San Miguel de Allende is very comfortable for elopements, and it almost doesn’t rain - that’s a great “pro” against many other destinations and gives you extra flexibility on dates.
🟡 Pro Tip: It does get chilly at night - bring some layers!Accessible from Major Cities. You can fly into Querétaro or Leon (less than 1h drive), or get to Mexico City’s new airport (NLU), and it’ll be a 2,5h drive.
Things to consider:
Tourism Peaks During Festivals. A bit similar to Oaxaca: You DON’T want to have your elopement around 3 dates: Day of the Dead (end of Oct - first days of Nov Oaxaca gets packed!), New Year and Easter days (local tourism thrives).
🟡 Pro Tip: September is also pretty busy - Fiesta de San Miguel Arcángel + Alborada will almost guarantee crowded/blocked center streets. Check out the exact dates for each year on the official tourism page of San Miguel here.Language Barrier (with Some Vendors). This might apply to many destinations in Mexico in general, and this is also why it helps to have a wedding planner on your side (or me 🙂) - to help coordinate everything.
No Ocean Views or Beach Elopement Options. If you wanted to combine a “magical streets” plan with the beach plan, I’d consider Oaxaca (3h away from the ocean).
Altitude & Cobblestone Streets. Local taxis change their suspension systems twice a year, and brides often struggle walking on high heels - the whole city center is cobblestone. Bring some comfy shoes ;)
Summary: San Miguel de Allende, with its elegant streets, historic charm, great year-round weather, and top service, is perfect for a stylish, cultural elopement in a “Pueblo Mágico”. From sunset rooftops to bougainvillea-covered walls and colorful facades - an elopement in San Miguel de Allende is a dream to live and photograph.
Best Jungle Elopement: Mérida & Surroundings
Ideal if you want:
Lush jungle vibes mixed with hacienda elegance;
Cenotes, Mayan ruins, and epic tropical backdrops;
A unique blend of culture, history, and wild nature.
Mérida is perfect for combining adventure, romance, and deep Mayan heritage for your elopement. This part of Yucatán is home to jungle-covered haciendas, sacred cenotes, and Mayan archaeological sites—and all of that just 30 to 90 minutes from the city center. Mérida itself is vibrant, colonial, and beautifully walkable, with local markets, art galleries, and incredible food.
For a jungle elopement in Mexico that feels both grounded and luxurious, this area is full of options. You can say your vows at a restored hacienda with the sound of birds in the background, or dive into an emerald cenote after your ceremony (yes, really).
Pros:
Incredible nature & historical fusion: Cenotes, ruins, and wild green backdrops.
Stunning hacienda venues: Like Hacienda Sac Chich or Hacienda Tekik, perfect for intimate or stylish ceremonies.
Mérida itself: beautiful and safe. A lively colonial city full of charm, art, and culture - and The Safest destination in Mexico.
Traditional symbolic Maya ceremonies. As in other destinations, that’s a great and easy alternative to the legal ceremony - and Merida is the land of Mayas, so it’s got amazing options for this.
Year-round photo-worthy locations - from tropical foliage to carved stone ruins.
Things to consider:
Heat & Humidity: Mérida experiences heat year-round, with particularly high temperatures from May to September. Plan ceremonies for early morning or sunset.
No ocean access: You’re inland, but cenotes more than make up for it. The sea is just a couple hours drive, though, if that’s critical 🙂
Insects during the rainy season: Mosquitoes are a thing—pack the repellent.
🟡 Pro Tip: Combine your elopement with a stay in a jungle eco-lodge or a luxury hacienda - you’ll get the full jungle-escape experience while still enjoying top-tier comfort.
Summary: If you’re dreaming of a jungle elopement surrounded by nature, history, and unique beauty, Mérida and the Yucatán are unforgettable. With epic cenotes, restored haciendas, and wild green backdrops, it’s a destination those who want their wedding to feel like a secret world of its own.
Best Beach Elopement: Puerto Escondido & Mazunte
Ideal if you want:
Golden sunsets and secluded beaches with wild nature all around;
A laid-back, boho vibe far from tourist crowds;
Dramatic cliffs, untouched coves, and barefoot luxury.
Example: check out this elopement (Mizul) or this one (Casa Malandra). Ask me for more - I’ve shot 120+ elopements on these beaches.
When searching for “Mexico Beach”, many of us read about the most popular elopement wedding destinations: Cancún, Vallarta, Sayulita, Todos Santos… Certainly, they are well placed on the map, but this often makes them less appealing, as high prices and crowds are something to expect.
The coast of Oaxaca recently appeared on the wedding and elopement map and immediately took a firm place as The Destination, for several reasons.
Is Oaxaca Coast a good place to get married on the beach? I’d say it’s your BEST option. As a photographer who has been based in Puerto Escondido for 9+ years…on the one hand, I might be less objective. On the other hand, though, having traveled across all Mexico, I can honestly say this region offers some of the most stunning elopement settings.
So, here we go:
Pros:
Stunning Sunsets and golden light. If you’re a sunset lover, then you definitely need to come to the Pacific (as opposed to the Carribean, which faces sunrise). Hugging your partner, with your feet in the ocean or standing on the cliffs, watching the sun go down in the water on the horizon line - what else is there to wish for?
Affordability - Puerto Escondido and Mazunte have become hidden gems for elopements in recent years, but are still considered much more affordable than Riviera Maya, Vallarta, or Cabo. What does it mean? For the lower price, you get a better villa, amazing food, and great experiences.
Privacy. Secluded and untouched beaches, dramatic cliffs, and a jungly vibe are all around - and as the area is growing, more and more of them start to have housing options. An experience that feels untouched and authentic — ideal if you want a wedding that’s as wild and free as your love. Ask me for the best spots!
Magical Whale watching, and more. Yes, Puerto has many activities: watch the whales and dolphins, take a surfing class, go beach horseback riding, swim in a bioluminescent lagoon, take a food tour (Oaxaca is the best state to enjoy Mexican food). The list goes on and on.
Convenient connectivity. Puerto Escondido is just a 40-minute flight from Mexico City or a short 3-hour highway drive from Oaxaca.
News 2025: They just introduced direct international flights to Puerto Escondido, with Houston being the first one. Now, your dream beach elopement is more accessible than ever!
Things to consider:
Weather. The coast of Oaxaca is South Pacific, which implies two things: strong heat in April-June (I would avoid those months), and the rainy season May-October (the rains also bring more mosquitoes). Best months to come for the dry weather, but still lush green? November is your season for an awesome beach elopement on the Oaxacan Coast.
Strong Ocean. That means waves and currents. Yes, there are some bay areas where you can swim, but most of the beaches are open water, and it’s different from the calm Carribean waters. That being said, there are some awesome spots where you can safely get knee-deep and play around for some stunning photos.
Accommodation and ceremony location. Every week, more and more options get built and opened, so it becomes a matter of taste. I do, however, recommend staying outside of Puerto if you’re looking for a more intimate experience and an empty beach. The area of Hotel Escondido/Punta Pájaros if you go North, or Los Naranjos if you go South, are great. If you’re ready for a longer drive, then Mermejita Beach, before Mazunte, also has some amazing cliff-hanging villas.
🟡 Pro Tip: If you found somewhere online, “For a sandy beach cove, you could go to a local spot, Playa Carrizalillo” - THINK TWICE. If someone recommends it to you, they certainly haven’t been here or are fans of a beach PACKED with tourists, vendors, and families with kids. I have nothing against those, but if you are looking for a peaceful, private, and spacious beach elopement - there are way better alternatives.
High Season pricing & crowds. This applies to most elopement destinations in Mexico - try to avoid New Year and Easter weeks. Everything will be packed, and the rates will skyrocket, too. However, the above-mentioned areas usually have fewer people even in higher seasons.
Summary: If you’re looking for a laid-back, adventurous, and intimate elopement in Mexico, Puerto Escondido is an amazing choice. With secluded beaches with golden sunsets, amazing nature, and incredible food, it’s perfect for couples who want a wedding that’s free, romantic, and deeply connected to nature.
Best All-Inclusive Elopement: Huatulco or Tulum
Ideal if you want:
An all-inclusive resort elopement in Mexico
A stress-free beach wedding with hotel packages
Tulum: luxury elopement with cenotes, nightlife, and Caribbean views
Huatulco: peaceful beach elopement with no seaweed and fewer tourists
Example: This intimate wedding at Secrets Huatulco.
If you prefer an all-inclusive experience for your elopement wedding and wish to have a bigger established hotel, then Tulum (Caribbean coast) or Huatulco (Pacific) are great options.
Pros:
Beautiful beaches: Tulum offers white-sand beaches with turquoise waters, while Huatulco boasts clear bays with coral and NO seaweed (also expect more privacy than in Tulum).
Calm water. Huatulco has bays with no waves and pretty shallow water, and Tulum is on the Carribean coast which is even more shallow. In case you want those “we’re standing in the ocean” shots.
Strong transport links. Both of these destinations have airports, both are established tourist destinations with direct international flights available (and more during the winter season).
Nice high-quality hotels. Funnily enough, the recommendations will have similar names: Dreams and Secrets (both Tulum and Huatulco). Other options: Kore, Hilton, Bahia (Tulum); Coral Blue and Barceló (Huatulco).
Things to do around. Surroundings of Tulum have the beautiful Maya Ruins, cenotes, and Sian Ka’an natural reserve, whereas Huatulco boasts the Pacific whale and dolphin tours, waterfalls, surf classes and coffee plantations.
Things to consider:
Season: as in other locations, recommended to avoid the summer rainy season, and high tourist dates of New Year and Easter.
Prices: These destinations are a bit higher priced than many others, and Tulum, in particular, as it’s become one of Mexico’s most expensive beach destinations.
Permits for some of the locations, such as beaches and cenotes in Tulum (fewer restrictions in Huatulco).
Sargassum (seaweed) in Tulum - from April to October.
Limited nightlife & dining options in Huatulco (Tulum doesn’t have this issue - but check the Prices).
Summary: If you’re looking for an all-inclusive option, consider Tulum or Huatulco. From there, think of your priorities: Tulum if you want a luxury, trendy boho-chic with Carribbean beaches, cenotes, and nightlife; Huatulco for a more budget-friendly, secluded, laid-back, and nature-focused option.
Best Big City Elopement: Mexico City
Ideal if you want:
A stylish urban elopement with art, culture, and rooftop views;
World-class food, museums, and history around every corner;
An easy-to-reach destination with endless photo options.
Eloping in Mexico City means blending energy, elegance, and unforgettable scenery. One of the largest cities in the world, CDMX offers an insane variety of locations for your elopement—think colonial courtyards, rooftop terraces, lush parks, art deco hotels, and yes, even castles. You can keep it simple and personal or go full statement with a modern, artsy twist.
Mexico City is a wedding photographer's dream, with endless unique spots: colorful murals in Roma, coffee shops in Condesa, golden light in Coyoacán, wide-open spaces in Chapultepec, and hidden gems all over the city. It’s perfect for couples who want their elopement to feel like an editorial.
Pros:
A huge range of venue styles: From minimal modern rooftops to baroque churches.
Top-tier food & hotels: Perfect if you want to pair your wedding with a foodie honeymoon.
Iconic backdrops for photos: City architecture, volcano views (on clear days), street art, and historical landmarks.
Easy to get to: Direct flights from nearly everywhere.
Things to consider:
Traffic is real: Oh it can affect your plans! Plan your elopement day with smart logistics and stay close to your ceremony or photo session site.
It’s a big city: Noise, crowds, smog, and overall energy - great for some, not for others.
Permits for some public spots: Like Chapultepec or Casa de la Bola.
🟡 Pro Tip: Plan for a sunrise and/or weekday session if you want to shoot in popular areas without tons of people in the background.
Summary: If you want an elopement in a Big City that feels chic, fun, diverse, and full of creative energy, Mexico City is your spot. It’s ideal if you want a whole experience, with those epic rooftops or beautiful parks or iconic neighborhoods.
That’s all, folks!
Yes, that’s the most extensive blog post I have published so far. Thanks for reading all the way through! (For the most curious ones - there’s a Bonus FAQ section below).
I hope this guide has helped you picture your perfect elopement in Mexico.
If you have any questions about planning your elopement, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to help bring your dream wedding to life and capture every unforgettable moment.
About the author
“Alex Krotkov is a wedding and elopement photographer based in Oaxaca, Mexico. Known for his natural storytelling and calm, artistic style, he’s been named one of the best wedding photographers in Mexico by MyWed and Junebug Weddings, with features in Vogue, Forbes, AD, and more.”
Learn more about me or explore my latest work here.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know about eloping in Mexico
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Yes! Mexico is one the easiest countries to marry in.
You’ll need: valid passports, birth certificates and a few documents translated into Spanish.
A civil ceremony requires a judge and some paperwork, which can vary by location.
Nevertheless, as it does include some paperwork, most couples choose a symbolic elopement and handle the legal part at home. -
Short answer: November to April are the best for weddings and elopements in Mexico: dry season with comfortable temps and great light for photos. Avoid major holidays due to crowds and pricing (New Year, Easter, Day of the Dead).
Long answer: Consider what weather and atmosphere you want for your elopement days. Mexico generally has a tropical climate, with the dry season from November to April. This period offers sunny skies, lower humidity, and comfortable temperatures, making it an ideal time for outdoor ceremonies and celebrations. November and March are particularly popular, as the weather is at its finest. Rainy season (June–October) can impact beach locations, and some mountain areas get chilly.
It also depends on your destination: South Pacific coast looks gorgeous in November because everything is still lush green after the rainy season. The inland areas as Oaxaca or Mexico City, won’t look much different than that time, though - but in March-April, the famous jacaranda trees blossom in those cities and it’s gorgeous!
Extra tip: For a budget-friendly option and fewer crowds, consider May or October. Yes, you might encounter occasional showers (or storms in Yucatán), but the weather is still pleasant, and you can often find better deals on accommodations and services.
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Elopement packages in Mexico range from $2,000 to $10,000 USD, depending on the destination, lodging, and vendors.
Lodging alone could run 15-25k USD if that’s your priority - sky is the limit. It’s still always much more affordable than a traditional wedding. -
Legally—sometimes yes, but it depends on the region and requirements.
For a stress-free option, most couples do a symbolic ceremony and skip the paperwork. -
Packages often include an event planner, officiant, flowers, photo coverage, and even a venue.
Custom packages are available based on your destination, style, and other factors. (Want help? Reach out!)
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Start by picking your location and date.
Then sign contracts with your photographer :) , planner, and venue—those are key.
From there, we’ll build together the details like ceremony style, timeline, and travel.
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Some locations require permits, and logistics can vary (if you want a truly off-the-grid location, be prepared to spend more time organizing).
Also, language barriers, weather, or local holidays might affect your plans. Working with someone local helps a lot - ask me how 🙂
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For a legal wedding or elopement, you may need to be in Mexico at least 3 business days before the ceremony.
For symbolic elopements, there’s no required stay — you can do it on your schedule.
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First, think of your “Why”s: why you’re coming here, why you want to do that, and why in this exact location.
Pick the right season, plan ahead for legal or symbolic, and work with a local vendor (photographer and planner) who knows the area.
It makes everything smoother and more memorable.
