Dreaming of Forever on Tenerife’s Beaches: Rachel and Philippe’s Unforgettable Elopement
Eloping on a beach might already sound like a dream come true, but Rachel and Philippe's love story set against the magical backdrop of Tenerife made it nothing short of extraordinary. From sparkling ocean sunsets to charming city streets, their December elopement was the perfect combination of romance, adventure, and the start of a new chapter—not just for their love story, but for welcoming their unborn baby into the picture.
A Love Story Meets the Canary Islands
When Rachel and Philippe first reached out to plan their elopement just three months in advance, I was thrilled. There’s something wonderfully spontaneous and joyous about short-term elopements—a kind of magic that echoes the unpredictability of love itself. I personally thrive on the shortly planned elopements! And what better place to celebrate that than Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands with its eternal-spring charm and sweeping landscapes? Not really known for their many beautiful beaches but there are some. Who doesn’t love a good challenge.
They flew all the way from Washington, D.C., craving the relaxed island vibe that Tenerife does so effortlessly. They wanted their moment to feel as intimate as their love—just the two of them and their little one on the way. Their vision? A luxurious, laid-back elopement with a mix of city adventure and the summer feeling of a beach ceremony.
The Ritz-Carlton and Time Travel
Rachel and Philippe didn’t hold back—they treated themselves to a stay at the Ritz-Carlton, a standout gem on the island. The hotel itself feels like it’s stepping straight into another world, with grandeur and timeless elegance oozing from every corner.
We started their day in one of the stunning suites where Rachel got ready, her makeup and hair perfectly complementing her effortless beauty. The architecture of the Ritz was too enchanting to overlook, so we made sure to capture some breathtaking couple photos in and around the hotel—the perfect backdrop.
A Stroll Through Tenerife’s Colorful Streets
From there, our little adventure began. Hopping into the car, we headed to a charming little city on Tenerife's west coast- La Orotava famous for its vibrant, colorful houses. Imagine strolling through streets where every corner feels like a painting bursting with life, with the December sun warming your face and Christmas decorations dotted here and there, adding a whimsical, slightly ironic holiday vibe amidst the palm trees and ice cream cones.
The quaint streets gave Rachel and Philippe precious moments to soak in the day together. Laughter, sunshine, vibrant backdrops, and a stop for ice cream turned it into more than just a photo shoot—it was a memory captured between the chaos of life and the excitement of what lay ahead for them as a family. On the way back from the colorful city, we found another quiet beach, where we paused to take a few more photos. It was closed due to landslides, but the cliffs were perfect for some photos. With waves crashing in the background and Tenerife’s unique beauty framing their love, it felt like a moment frozen in time.
A Beach Sunset to Seal the Promise
After the city stroll, we made our way back to the Ritz for one last wardrobe refresh before the big moment. Their elopement ceremony was held at the hotel’s private beach.
Beach elopements carry a special kind of magic. There’s something about the feeling of sand between your toes, the sea lapping at your ankles, and the vastness of the horizon that lets you feel truly present and connected. For Rachel and Philippe, it felt like the world had quieted down for just a moment to hold space for their vows. And we got incredibly lucky—the weather had been unpredictable all week, but on their special day, the sunset showed up in all its glory.
With the sky bathed in hues of orange and pink, they exchanged their heartfelt vows while barefoot, the bouquet gently resting on the sand beside them. A bottle of champagne chilled nearby, ready to celebrate their new beginning. Drinkable just for Philippe that’s’s for sure ;)
The Perfect Ending
After their intimate ceremony, Rachel and Philippe shared a private dinner back at the Ritz, soaking up the final moments of an unforgettable day.
Inspiration for Your Elopement
Rachel and Philippe's Tenerife adventure proves that an elopement is more than just a wedding—it's a celebration of your love story, your way. For couples dreaming of a magical, intimate wedding in an unforgettable location, Tenerife offers it all—from stunning landscapes to endless opportunities for adventure.
If you're thinking of saying "I do" with just your partner by your side and a world of possibility in the air, what are you waiting for? There’s no limit to how you can make your dreams a reality—and I’d love to help you capture every unforgettable moment.
Start envisioning your own perfect day, and remember to make every detail as uniquely "you" as Rachel and Philippe did. ✨
We first found Way Up High Elopements through an instagram search. We were planning to go to the Canary Islands and knew we wanted to elope while there. From our first call with Thijsiena, we immediately clicked and knew we wanted to use her for our elopement. From that day onward, it was the best decision ever! We enjoyed our planning calls prior to the elopement and then meeting in person the day before the elopement really put us at ease. Thijsiena was organized, thoughtful, creative, and fun to be around which is important when it’s just the 3 of you for an entire day! Would highly recommend and so glad we went with Way Up High Elopements
Plan your Mountain elopement with me
Contact me with your ideas and dreams. Can’t wait to meet you
