This trash the dress session took place at Palmilla Public Beach one morning. The wedding was over. The dress was still in one piece, and the couple wanted one more set of photos in the water.
A trash the dress session is a second session in the wedding clothes, usually the day after the wedding or later in the trip. The dress gets wet, the sand gets everywhere, and the photos are more relaxed than the wedding day. Some couples use the real dress. Others bring a second dress they do not mind getting wet.
Palmilla Public Beach
Palmilla is on the Sea of Cortez, in the corridor between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. The water is calmer than on the Pacific side, and the beach has rocks, a lifeguard tower, and a few boats pulled up on the sand. We started on the rocks while the dress was still dry.
The morning light was soft and the beach was quiet. That is one reason I like Palmilla for this kind of session: the public beach is calm early, and the rocks give you a frame without a crowd.
Into the water
From the rocks we moved to the water. The dress gets heavy when it is wet, and the couple has to move slowly. We started in the shallows and worked our way in.
The underwater photos are the ones couples remember. The couple held their breath, went under together, and came up laughing. We repeated it a few times until the dress moved the way we wanted.
The sand
By the end, the dress was wet and heavy. We finished on the sand, where the couple lay down and let the water come around them. The sand stuck to the dress, and that was the point.
The full session
All 27 photos are on this page. The rest are below, in the order we made them. Click or tap any photo to see it full screen.
Planning your trash the dress session
The session is private. I plan it around the tide and the light, and I direct you through each frame. You do not need to know how to pose.
The dress will get wet and sandy. If it is the real wedding dress, ask your dry cleaner before the session whether they can clean it afterward. Some fabrics handle salt water and sand better than others. A second dress is an option if you want the original preserved.
Palmilla is a public beach. Early morning is quieter and the light is soft. Sunset is also possible, but the beach is busier. This session was in the morning.
Bring a towel, a change of clothes, a plastic bag for the wet dress, and sunscreen. The session takes about an hour to ninety minutes. The groom can join, and he will get wet too.
If you want a session like this, tell me your date and the beach you like. I photograph trash the dress sessions at Palmilla, Medano, Chileno, and other beaches in Los Cabos.
For more couples sessions, see Cabo couples and engagement photography and private photo sessions in Cabo. For locations, read the best places for engagement photos in Cabo. For what to wear, see what to wear for beach photos in Cabo. For the area, see the official Los Cabos tourism board.
Frequently asked questions
What is a trash the dress session?
A photo session in the wedding dress after the wedding, often in the water or sand. The dress gets wet and sandy, and the photos are more relaxed than the wedding day.
Does the dress get ruined?
It gets wet and sandy. Many dresses can be cleaned afterward, so ask your dry cleaner before the session. Some brides use a second dress they do not mind getting wet.
Where is Palmilla Public Beach?
It is on the Sea of Cortez, in the corridor between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. The water is calm, and the beach has rocks, a lifeguard tower, and boats on the sand.
When is the best time for a trash the dress session at Palmilla?
Early morning for soft light and fewer people. Sunset is possible, but the public beach is busier. This session was in the morning.
Do you photograph trash the dress sessions in Cabo?
Yes. I have photographed weddings and sessions in Los Cabos since 2012, including Palmilla, Medano, Chileno, and other beaches. I work in English and Spanish.
Location: Palmilla Public Beach, San José del Cabo · Photography: Ana Badillo Photography.
If you want your own trash the dress session in Cabo, tell me your date and I will send the details.
