Adventure Luxe Mexico Beach elopement
THE RESULT:
The perfect balance of exploration and intimacy — The perfect blend of refinement and freedom — Private moments between ocean and desert light — Michelin-starred design balanced by wild coastline — Water, as the grounding through-line of the story —
All across two days, shaped entirely by the flow of time spent beautifully together.
Two days by the ocean — where Mexico’s wild Pacific meets quiet luxury.
This Oaxaca editorial was designed to inspire on the luxury that time brings to an elopement... To show how slowing down and having space to be fully present transforms everything... All framed by a simple philosophy:
The experience itself is the most beautiful detail of a luxury adventure elopement.
Scroll below to see the story of this two-day refined Mexico beach adventure.
Elopement Vision:
Oaxaca Editorial Vision
Oaxaca's Coast - The Setting
Day One - LIfestyle + Elopement Adventures
Beginnings Story
Vows & Scene Story
Day Two - Luxury of Experiences
Sunrise Story
Beach Explore Story
Image Collections - Day 1
Image Collections - Day 2
Day 2 - Sunrise Boat Ride
Day 2 - Beach Explore & Swim
CLICK TO Close
Day 1 - First Looks
Day 1 - Ceremony & Celebrate
Day 1 -Getting Ready
Day 1 - Rooftop Pool
Day 1 - Exploring Terrestre
More inspiration
Northwest of Puerto Escondido, along a quiet stretch of the Oaxacan coast away from the surf-town bustle of "Puerto", the land opens into warm light and ocean wind. The coastal mountains drop into highlands; the highlands dip into desert into the sand, and into the ocean. This is where we built our story — between the crashing energy of the Pacific and the grounding calm of the desert.
As a luxury elopement photographer for couples who value uncommon experiences in off-the-beaten path destinations, finding the right Adventure Luxe lodging to fit the editorial experience was critical.
My search took me beyond the resorts of Cabo, the commercialization of Tulum, and into a hidden little gem...
The first part of the experience unfolded at Terrestre, a Brutalist-inspired, Michelin-Key recognized retreat known for its architectural and sustainability focus, and organic connection to the elements. Concrete and hand-crafted brick rise from sand here — deliberate lines softened by sun and breeze. Each suite has a private rooftop plunge pool, open-air living, and space to slow down.
Oaxaca’s Wild Coast — The Setting
Day one — LifestylE & Elopement Adventures
Liv & Matt spent the morning in their casita — coffee on the terrace, and an easy start before the adventure began.
Exploring all the beauty that Terrestre had to offer, they stole away to a private hammam session, playing in cool plunges, hot tub, into steamy romance. That time then melted into a easy play and sweet moments in their rooftop pool.
Water... Architecture... Romance. All combined into slow moments before getting ready for vows, and the feeling that nothing else existed beyond that beautifully relaxed moment in time.
Getting ready, we home-based at the beautiful Casa Matilda, directly on the beach and across from Terrestre. An architectural gem, Brutalist inspired, but leaning into softer edges. With natural, plant filled courtyard, a plunge pool, and walls and windows that open wide immerse you in nature and allow "inside" spaces blend seamlessly with the "outside."
Here, the decor team staged the sweetheart table, and the hair and makeup team set up to support both Matt and Liv in prep.
PRO TIP: While Terrestre & Casa Matilda are remote from the hustle of Puerto Escondido, well regarded wedding vendors are available to travel from there, Oaxaca (city) and/or Mexico City for couples who wish to further customize their elopement wedding design and decor elements.
Once styled, Matt dipped back over to Terrestre for his getting ready, while Liv dressed at the Casa.
This is the kind of intimacy that defines luxury for me — intentional, unhurried, and deeply immersed in the soul of the place you've chosen.
Day One — Beginnings
Day One — Vows in Earth, Water, Light
Day One —
Earth, Water, Light
The ceremony inspiration unfolded on the beach, with only the crashing sea as witness.
A unity reading by a celebrant and private vows were exchanged with hair, dress and suit jacket flowing in the wind. With sand shifting beneath their feet, the afternoon light over the distance hills caught every small movement between them.
Afterward, a sweetheart table waited — candlelit and set in the sand on this beautifully private beach. Dinner was delicious slow food delicacies, plated from Terrestre’s chef’s kitchen, paired with a custom Oaxacan chocolate cake that felt both elevated and deeply local.
When night arrived, bioluminescent water shimmered in the waves crashing at the edge of the shore — a little secret for those willing to slow down and stay up late.
These are the kind of moments that can only be lived when you allow yourself *time* to fully experience and show the story of this amazing place you've chosen.
Day Two — The LUXURY OF EXPERIENCES, ON THE Ocean Beyond
Day Two — Beach Elopement Exploration
Here, Liv and Matt changed into their second look attire, perfect for exploring the beach.
As we set out, they explored, moving around tide pools, across the sand, up and over rocks. Waves crashed. The crest and spray of the beautiful blue water were lit by the sunlight, letting the ocean become part of the story. No rush. No timeline. Just the flow and welcome of a place that invites you to stay a little longer.
As we explored, played, rested, I captured beautiful portraits of Liv & Matt on the move.
We wrapped up back at the cafe with ice cold Coca-Cola bottles, and fresh chilled coconut water, served local style. Slipping into swimwear, the ocean called Liv and Matt to play. And to cap off the gorgeous half-day adventure, we stopped at a fresh fruit stand on the way back to Terrestre, chasing delicious fresh mangos for a tick on on Liv's "Mexico Must Do" list :-)
This is what a luxury Oaxaca beach elopement can look like — not performance, but presence.
Day Two — Salt & Sand Sunrise:
Morning began early, with a local captain guiding us out along the coast in his traditional fishing and commuter boat.
This stretch of shoreline, reachable only by sandy dirt roads, tucked away as a locals' favorite, offered complete privacy — light sand, tall rocks rising from the sea, and the sound of nothing but water and the hum of the boat as we moved, with birds swooping overhead in breeze.
As the sun rose of the distant hills, the sky and water were bathed in a beautiful golden glow. The captain took us around to his favorite views, the rising sun glinting off the water. It was a deliciously easy going, beautiful, relaxed boat ride--nothing to do but be present in the moment.
Scroll for more images across the 2+ Days —
a Mexico beach elopement, reimagined adventure luxe style...
Scroll for more images across the 2+ Days —
a Mexico beach elopement, reimagined adventure luxe style...
Day One — Exploring Terrestre
Day One — Rooftop Pool
Day One — Getting Ready
Day One — First Looks
Day One — Ceremony & Celebration
Day Two — Immerse in Exploration
Expert Partners:
Grateful to the creative partners who lent their artistry to this editorial vision. Every collaboration, whether across the world or close to home, adds richness and joy to the stories I get to tell.
Decor:
Danna Weddings
Hair & Makeup:
Coconut Room
Venue + Catering:
Terrestre
Luxury Elopement Photographer & Designer:
Soul & Sky Weddings
Groom's shoes:
Raum Goods
Bride's shoes:
Softstar Shoes
Jewelry: Petite
Gold Jewelry
Florals:
Flor Mauli
Venue:
Casas Maria Matilda
Groom Suit Day 2:
Ed Williams Menswear
MEET KATE
Principal Designer & Photographer
I design -then photograph- luxury destination elopements that are neither preceded nor replicated.
Search these remarkable landscapes, and you won’t see a parade of identical wedding photos.
I believe the world is too extraordinary for a borrowed plan.
My passion for unique global travel, belief that anything is possible, and mantra that meaningful experiences can’t be rushed are the foundation of how I support you.
Share how you want your wedding to feel, and as your luxury elopement photographer I’ll create options as original as your love story—capturing images of every unforgettable moment.
Once-in-a-lifetime events nestled in once-in-a-lifetime places:
Still forests, sweeping savannas, craggy mountains: The world’s most awe-inspiring places are your stage.
Kate removes every barrier so you can fully embrace a never-been-done elopement—a journey through extraordinary landscapes & adventures you’ll carry with you forever.
let's work together
