How to elope in Tulum, Mexico | Ultimate Tulum Destination Wedding Guide

How to elope in Tulum, Mexico | Ultimate Tulum Destination Wedding Guide

Introduction

If you’re looking for a laid-back and adventurous destination wedding, Tulum, Mexico is the perfect spot! Whether you’re looking for the perfect beach wedding, or a hike to a stunning waterfall for your elopement, Tulum has it all. This blog post will tell you everything you need to know about your dream Tulum elopement!

groom picks up bride on beach
bouquet on red table

Where is Tulum?

Tulum is a city in southern Mexico on the Caribbean Sea. Tulum is known for its iconic Mayan ruins, gorgeous beaches, and exciting nightlife. 

Nearby Cities: 

bride holds drink in car

How to Travel Around Tulum

To get to Tulum you will more than likely need to fly to Cancun. When you arrive, there are a few different options of how to get around the city, but we recommend renting a car or a bike if you’re staying near the ocean. :) 

Major Airports near Tulum:

groom kisses bride sitting on counter

How to Travel Around Tulum by Car

There are a lot of Taxis in Tulum to get around. Driving yourself can be a little stressful with all the traffic in Tulum, but if you do decide to, there are places to rent cars and your U.S license is valid in Mexico. Click here to learn more about getting around Tulum.  

grooms stand against clay wall

Why Should You Elope in Tulum?

Imagine waking up in your gorgeous Airbnb and doing yoga with the locals before your elopement. Then, have your perfect jungle, beach, or whatever vibe you're going for, wedding. Dinner after is a must, and Tulum has some authentic and delicious spots you’ll love. To wrap up the night, it would be iconic to go out to the local clubs and bars. 

  • Stunning beaches

  • Year-round warm weather

  • So many hikes and waterfalls 

  • Authentic food and culture

  • Endless options for where to elope

photographer with camera in woods

FAQs About Eloping in Tulum

Do you need witnesses?

Yes. You need two witnesses over the age of 18 who must be present at the ceremony. 

Do you need an officiant?

Yes. You must have a civil ceremony conducted by a Mexican judge, or you can do a symbolic ceremony instead!

Where can we elope in Tulum?

There are sooo many places to elope in Tulum. The beach, under a waterfall, a hidden lake, or Mayan ruins just to name a few. 

woman couple embrace on beach

Best Time of Year to Get Married/Elope in Tulum

Tulum Seasons & Weather

  • Winter: The winter months are the coolest with an average daily temperature of 72-80 degrees fahrenheit. 

  • Spring:The spring has the least rainy months and the average temperatures range from 75 to 85 degrees fahrenheit. 

  • Summer: The summer is the hottest time of year in Tulum and the average temperatures are between 84 and 89 degrees fahrenheit. 

  • Fall: Fall is a great time to visit tulum and the temperatures average from 75 to 86 degrees fahrenheit.

coconut trees against sky

Best Locations/Hikes/Spots for Your Tulum Elopement

1. Tulum Cenotes

A cenote is a sick underground cave that is filled with water. They’re all around Tulum and would be SO cool for an adventure elopement. Click here to see all the different Cenotes in Tulum. 

2. Tulum Beach

The beach is the perfect place to get married if you're into the white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are rentals and hotels all along Tulum Beach so you can be close to your elopement location. 

3. Tulum Ruinas Maya - Playa Tulum

If you're looking for a beautiful, historic backdrop, the ruins of Tulum would be the perfect elopement spot. The Tulum Ruinas Maya is about a 3.4 miles round trip, and you can see all the ruins and the beach from the trail. Click here to learn more.

table setting for elopement with flowers

Sample Tulum Elopement Timeline

10:00 AM Coffee and breakfast together at your cute lodging/rental while writing love letters

12:00 PM Help each other get dressed

1:00 PM Love letter reading outside your rented treehouse/beach house/jungle retreat

2:00 PM Incredible adventure session at the ruins, a waterfall, the jungle, one of the many beaches

7:00 PM Dinner and drinks at one of the amazing local restaurants

9:00 PM Bar hopping/dancing/karaoke at the local rooftop bars and clubs 

woman sits on swinging chair embracing girlfriend

Legalities of Getting Married in Tulum, Mexico

Mexico Marriage Requirements:

  • Completed marriage application

  • At least two witnesses over the age of 18

  • Birth Certificate translated into Spanish

  • Prenuptial medical exam issued by the local General Hospital

  • Proof of Planned Parenthood lecture 

  • To learn more about the legalities, click here. 

To skip all the legalities and stress of getting a Mexico Marriage License, you could always opt for a symbolic ceremony!

photographer writes on table with camera

groom helps bride with dress
sign for tacos and burritos in mexico

Where to Eat in Tulum

These are just some of my personal faves!

restaurant with mural and motorbike

What to Do in Tulum: Fun Activity Ideas

  • Explore ancient ruins

  • Ziplining 

  • Reef Snorkeling 

  • Sailing

  • Mexican Cooking class

  • Go swim in the Cenotes

  • ATV adventure

  • Hiking

  • Visit the town of Akumal

  • Go to the Kaan Luum Laguna

  • Go shop the coolest antique/art market — Senor Tlacuache

flea market with antiques

Tulum Elopement Photographer

Heyyy, I’m Shay, your Tulum elopement wedding photographer and videographer for the adventurous and laid-back. I love traveling all over the world capturing vlogs-mixed-with-indie-films for the coolest couples. Click HERE to learn more about working with me for your Tulum wedding or elopement

shayna lloyd elopement photographer and videographer
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