Elopements

A Romantic Elopement in Tulum, Mexico With Matching Tattoos

Karla and Christian originally planned for a Malibu elopement after some soul-searching, opted to go international for an adventure elopement in Tulum, MX, and even got matching tattoos together.

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About This Elopement in Tulum

Photography by Safeena Noah

“We started the day at their gorgeous hotel on the beach, La Valise, for getting ready photos and a first look. After exploring the grounds a bit, we went on a walk down the beach road to get açaí bowls from the local spot. Karla and Christian are foodies, and are especially lovers of vegan food, so that’s part of the reason they chose Tulum. They’re also fluent Spanish speakers, so they were right at home!

After brunch, we drove to a private cenote for their ceremony in the jungle. The space was incredibly serene and otherworldly. Once the heat got the best of us, we made our way back to La Valise, where Karla and Christian had hired a tattoo artist to meet them to give them matching wedding-day tattoos. This was Christian’s first tattoo, and definitely a highlight of the day!

A storm was getting ready to roll in, so we ran out to the beach to dip our toes in the water and just have some free-range fun before dinner. The rain started pouring down on us as soon as we were walking to dinner at Wild Tulum, where Karla and Christian had a gorgeous, romantic table scape awaiting their arrival. They got to feast on some more delicious vegan food and try the best tequila in town. Overall it was a perfect day that represented and celebrated who Karla and Christian are.” [Safeena, the photographer]

Eloping in Tulum

“Much of the area in and around Tulum is sacred, particularly the cenotes, so LNT is very important here! This particular cenote is privately owned and can only be booked through local agencies, like a local wedding planner. I highly recommended getting a planner here, even for small elopements, to make sure your choices of locations follow local LNT practices and permitting rules.

If you’re not attached to staying right on the beach, the best value you can get for where you stay will be off the main beach strip. There are so many beautiful places to stay in Tulum, with endless photo opportunities, so you can’t really go wrong whether you’re at the beach, in the jungle, or taking advantage of the amazing architecture.” [Safeena, the photographer]

Explore more places to elope.

Top Tips When Eloping in Tulum

“Take advantage of the different kinds of experiences and landscapes at your disposal when eloping in Tulum! There are beaches, jungles, cenotes, incredible food, mind-blowing architecture, wildlife, and more. There are so many options for everything, so get personal recommendations if you can.

Also, be aware that the beaches are often covered in seaweed, so if you’re hoping for flawless beach scenery, this may not be the location for you. Also, definitely venture outside the main beach resort strip to get away from the crowds. The best tacos you can find are in town (and at a fraction of the price).” [Safeena, the photographer]

Details From This Elopement

“I’ll never be over Karla’s style, particularly her beaded veil and back necklace. The tablescape that their florist put together at the restaurant (Wild Tulum) was also insanely beautiful, even in the rain. I loved that Karla and Christian embraced their romantic candlelit dinner in the rain. It felt like exactly the right way to close out their elopement day.” [Safeena, the photographer]

Memorable Moments

From the photographer:

“The matching tattoos were definitely a peak of the day. The tattoo artists came to their hotel room after we got back from the ceremony; it was Christian’s first tattoo, which he was nervous about, but did so well.

I loved that Karla and Christian also incorporated their love for vegan food. That’s part of why they chose Tulum as the location in the first place –– there’s a great vegan food scene. We walked to acai bowls for brunch and then to a decked-out romantic vegan dinner.

The private cenote was by far the most photographically beautiful spot of the day –– the turquoise of the water and the rich greens were otherworldly. Karla and Christian were consistently in awe of their surroundings, which made documenting them so joyful and easy.”

Learn how to elope here.

Vendors

Photography | Safeena Noah

All Venues (getting ready, ceremony, etc) | La Valise Tulum

El Buho Cenote (ceremony) via Riviera Maya Officiant

Restaurant | Wild Tulum

Officiant | Riviera Maya Officiant

Floral Designer | Mon Amour Florals

Dress Designer | Grace Loves Lace

Rentals (backdrop, furniture, tabletop, linens, etc) |
Dinner table decor provided by Mon Amour Florals

Groom’s Apparel and Accessories | Suit Supply
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist | Prep weddings

Rings Designer (Engagement & Wedding Bands) | Brilliant Earth