An All-Inclusive Cancun Elopement That Rewrote the Rules

Ally & Sierra

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Sometimes the most beautiful elopements happen when you throw out the rule book. Ally and Sierra’s Cancun elopement started out as an Olympic National Park plan and ultimately became a destination elopement in Mexico that prioritized their joy and vision above everything else.

The Couple and Their Decision to Plan a Cancun Elopement

When we first met each other over a video call, Ally and Sierra knew exactly what they wanted: an elopement surrounded by water.

We originally talked about planning their elopement in the PNW complete with a ferry ride in the Olympic Peninsula. But as they followed along with our travels on Instagram and saw couples eloping in locations all around the world, their vision started to evolve. Water was still one of their top priorities, but now they didn’t just want to be near the water – they wanted somewhere where they could jump into the water.

Ultimately, they decided on a Cancun Mexico elopement, however, the path to get there wasn’t straightforward. After pivoting from their Olympic National Park plan, Ally and Sierra started to plan an elopement in St. Vincent. They had everything booked, but then we discovered it wasn’t safe for queer couples to openly celebrate in this region of the Caribbean.

While the brides were disappointed to have to change their plans again, they took the time to consider what was truly important to them. That’s when they landed on an all-inclusive elopement in Cancun, Mexico. This location had everything they were searching for: crystal-clear waters they could jump into, all-inclusive resorts that would let them focus on their experience, and a welcoming environment where they could celebrate their love freely.

From Ocean Dives in their Wedding Dresses to Sunset Vows After the Celebration: How Ally and Sierra Rewrote Traditions for their Cancun Elopement

One of the most memorable parts of Ally and Sierra’s Cancun destination elopement was watching how they completely redefined what their wedding day could look like. Instead of following traditional wedding and elopement timelines, they created an experience that was truly their own.

They started the day with breakfast and candid photos in their hotel room followed by more editorial portraits outside the hotel lobby. From there, we packed up and headed to the boat where their adventure was just getting started.

From the beginning Ally and Sierra knew that they wanted to jump into the water in their wedding dresses. While most couples would save these water adventures for after their ceremony, that didn’t fit their vision. Saying their vows during sunset was more important than keeping their dresses pristine, so we planned their entire timeline around these two experiences.

Planning these types of logistics weren’t simple and it’s where I (Henry) stepped in to help the couple plan. We had to coordinate multiple backup plans (A, B, and C) because jumping into the ocean in wedding dresses means everything changes after that moment – hair, makeup, outfits, the whole flow of the day. But we planned enough time for them to dry off, change into their second outfits, and still have that magical sunset vow exchange they were dreaming of.

The Moments That Made This Cancun Destination Elopement Stand Out

While getting to witness Ally and Sierra’s Cancun elopement come to life was incredibly special, what truly made their elopement day stand out was all the in-between moments that you don’t see in the photos.

Throughout the whole day (whether walking to the boat or whenever we had time to slow down together), we talked and shared coming out stories. This is how I learned that the brides’ coming out story was very similar to my husband and I. In both of our stories it was never just about one single moment. It was a thousand tiny choices to choose love over fear, truth over silence, and peace over acceptance.

As they jumped into the ocean that day and the water washed away all the pain, as they sat in front of the boat sharing their vows over sunset, I saw the strength in their love and it made me remember that sometimes, we have to lose people to find family. Sometimes, we have to walk away from what we thought we needed, so we can step into what we’ve always deserved.

The Magic of All-Inclusive Resort Elopements

One thing that made Ally and Sierra’s Cancun elopement so relaxed was the brides’ choice to stay at an all-inclusive resort. This isn’t always the right choice for every couple, but for them, it was ideal.

The all-inclusive format meant they could wake up without any decisions to make about meals or activities. They could focus entirely on their experience – getting ready together, taking portraits, enjoying their boat adventure, and celebrating without any logistical stress.

Resort elopements can sometimes get overlooked in favor of more “adventurous” destinations, but there’s something beautiful and luxurious about having incredible amenities, stunning backdrops, and seamless service that lets you be completely present in your celebration.

If you’re considering this type of elopement experience, check out some of our favorite destination elopement locations around the world that would be perfect for an all-inclusive elopement.

Meet the couple & the best Cancun elopement photographer everrrr!!! 🙂😘

Meet The Best Cancun Destination Elopement Vendors:

Photographer: Henry Tieu Photography

Hotel: Atelier Playa Mujeres

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