World’s Best Surf Destinations: Where to Plan Your Surfing Elopement 

Why not catch waves AND catch feelings? If you want to say your vows and start the next chapter of your lives together doing something you love, consider a surf elopement. A surfing elopement can be a beautiful way to spend time on the water in a more intentional way. Who says you have to walk down the aisle in a white dress, anyways? Planning an epic surf trip is just one way for ocean lovers to spend intentional time together as they get married. Here are some of the best destinations for your surfing elopement! 

Tips for planning your surfing elopement 

Combining your elopement with a surfing trip might seem like a crazy idea…but why not? If saying your vows by the water sounds like your perfect elopement, here are some of my favorite tips. 

• Bring a white swimsuit for all the bridal vibes. Even if you don’t plan to surf in it, we can snap some photos with it. 
• Decide how you want to do it. Some might want to say their vows floating on the water, while others may prefer to spend time surfing…and then have their ceremony later. 
• Plan something around the surf elopement, like notes to read from family or a first dance after the fact. 
• You don’t need a timeline. Sometimes, the most beautiful moments come with no schedule and no plans. If a timeline is your thing, then make one. But don’t feel pressured to have a schedule! 

Where to plan your surfing elopement

Planning a big surf elopement doesn’t have to be stressful. These are some of my favorite locations around the world for your surfing elopement! 

Chimaca, Perù

Most people don’t think of Peru when they think of surfing. But thanks to the country’s endless waves and winds, Peru attracts surfers from around the world. Chicama, located near the Northern border, is one of those classic surfing spots. The area is known for their most extended wave left in the world. 

The entire point is two and a half miles long with three sections: 

• Malpaso, which breaks for about 150 meters
• Keys, which breaks for another 600 meters
• The Point and El Hombre, a 2.5-kilometer-long ride, can last for minutes. This area is right next to the city’s pier. 

If you plan a surfing elopement in Peru, you can make a whole trip out of it. Peru has so much to see, from ancient ruins to sprawling jungles to a desert oasis paradise. It’s truly a unique destination with something for just about everyone. Surfing can just be one part of your big trip!

Praia do Rosa, Brazil

Praia do Rosa is one of the most popular surfing spots in Brazil. This old fishing village was discovered in 1970 and has ideal surfing conditions, including waves that reach 3 meters high. The north part of the beach is great for the execution of maneuvers, and the southern side has stronger and more tubular waves. 

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

The Puerto Escondido region is world famous for their waves and surf conditions, making this the ideal spot for your surfing elopement. Puerto Escondido is the best place for more advanced surfers. The area also hosts one of the World Surf League competitions, as well. 

Nazaré, Portugal

Nazaré is an amazing spot for surfing some of the biggest waves in the world – and what better place to plan a surfing elopement? There’s a good chance you’ve seen these waves on social media. In 2011, for example, Hawaiian surfer Garret McNamara surfed a giant 23,777 meter high wave. Since then, this beloved surf spot has attracted surfer lovers from all over the world. When the winter swell rolls in, surfers come to ride the waves. Praia do Norte is home to the biggest waves in Portugal, but it’s more of an expert spot to surf. 

Huntington Beach, California

Looking for that classic surfer vibe? Huntington Beach is the perfect spot for your surfing elopement if you’re looking for surfing culture AND sweet waves. California’s Huntington Beach is exactly what you would expect from a town created by and for surfers: great eats, consistent waves, and chill vibes. Plus, it’s home to the US Open of Surfing every September which can make for a fun little adventure for surfing fans. 

Tairāwhiti (Gisborne), New Zealand

Tairāwhiti, also known as Gisborne, is a region on New Zealand’s North Island known for its friendly environment, gorgeous weather, and consistent waves. This place is popular with professional surfers because it’s less popular that Raglan, a hotspot. The offshore winds, calm seas and good vibes make this a beautiful place to catch a wave before (or after!) your elopement. 

Waikiki, Hawaii

Waikiki is the perfect surfing elopement spot for lovers looking to explore Hawaii! Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach is another one of those classic surf spots that you can’t miss if you love to surf. This surf spot is perfect for first-time surfers, but even experienced surfers will visit Oahu to surf these iconic waters. What better place to plan a surfing elopement? 

Punta Borinquen, Puerto Rico

Punta Borinquen is the Caribbean’s first World Surfing Reserve, which protects more than a dozen world famous surfing points. This five-mile section on the northern coast of Aguadilla in Puerto Rico includes Surfer’s Beach, Table Tops, and Survival Beach. Surfers from around the world flock to this spot to catch the waves. 

Pavones, Costa Rica

Pavones is one of the most remote surfing destinations, and that’s why it’s so perfect for your surfing elopement. These legendary waves on the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica offer visitors a secluded opportunity to ride the waters – but also a great private location to say your vows. When the wind and swell hit, you can drive for almost three minutes at a time. 

Teahupoo, Tahiti

The beautiful village of Teahupoo on the island of Tahiti is one of the most popular surfing spots in the world for both amateurs and professionals alike – though it can be quite dangerous. But it’s also one of many breathtaking spots on a tropical island, ideal for your surfing elopement. At Teahupoo, waves created by the coral reef can reach 15 meters high. You may recognize this area from the Billabong Pro Tahiti, part of the World Surf League circuit. This competition remains one of the most anticipated for both local and international surfers alike. 

Closing Statements

Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you need to leave out the things you and your partner love to do together! Planning an elopement to one of these amazing surfing destinations can make a memorable trip and even more memorable elopement experience. 

Surfing Elopement Packages