You want to get married in Mexico but can’t exactly narrow down where? Tulum might be too much of a party vibe and San Miguel de Allende might be too familiar, so what’s left? Well, the rest of the country… but we’re making a case for Puerto Vallarta.
We’ve only featured two weddings in Puerto Vallarta (and maybe three in the Mexican state of Jalisco). Both celebrated with fireworks overlooking the water and rented private villas for their big weekends. Mark Nelson and Luis Perez León’s October 2017 wedding hosted 65 guests and treated them to scenery that rivaled that of the French and Italian seasides. And Tara Brook Lyons wore custom couture Vivienne Westwood to her wedding in March 2019.
We’re dying to see more people take advantage of what locals say is a place that “feels like the real Mexico.” Below, we break down why PV might be where you’ll want to say “I do.”
When to Go
A summer wedding in Mexico is not a formula we want to recommend because it’s just too hot, even by the water. You want to test your waterproof mascara through happy tears not beads of sweat. That being said, the obvious prime times are early spring and, mid-late fall, and winter. November might be the ideal month because the sunsets are particularly beautiful.
Where to Stay
While there are plenty of options for big hotel weddings, we were moved by Casa Velas and its more intimate feel with only 80 suites. If you want a villa feel with the accommodations and luxuries of a hotel, look no further. Close to the marina and beach, this adults only, luxury resort sits on a golf course (complimentary for guest-use) and has a great beach club, spa, and pool, perfect for guests to use in-between formal wedding events. We can totally see you lounging on an oceanside cabana with chips and guac and a margarita in hand!
The hotel hosts ceremonies regularly in stunning garden, beach, church, and ballroom settings, and its getting ready suites are spectacular. Not to mention that if you get married in town, the portraits are guaranteed to have colorful and artistic backdrops— think wall murals, the beach, and lots of papel picado.
The resort team provides couples with an on-site coordinator to make things run smoothly, who will gladly work with any outside planner that you find, and if you want, you can host a pre- or post-wedding event at their bigger, sister resort, Grand Velas. They also have modern wedding elements like a “trash the dress” shoot, the morning after the wedding, and cultural touches like a mariachi band.
What to Do
Between official wedding-related events, you’ll want to show your guests the most of Mexico that you can. The Malecón (boardwalk) is a mile-long, beach-side walkway that is lined with palm trees, the most interesting art, and tons of restaurants, clubs, and shops. Walk inland and you’ll hit downtown, where cultural and artistic murals fill the streets.
The Marina area is also a great place to eat, shop, and take in the sights. El Faro Lighthouse Bar stands tall on the water and is such a unique spot for drinks. The Romantic Area is Puerto Vallarta’s famous LGBTQ+ neighborhood. And it’s again filled with fun nightlife, food, and cultural sites, like the colorful Lazaro Cardenas Park.
And you can’t not take advantage of the beaches. Whether in the north or the south, there’s no lack of sun and sand. Renting a boat at sunset with your guests might be an excellent way to kick off the wedding weekend, or maybe lounging at a beach club is the perfect way to detox from all the tequila. If you’re more of an adrenaline junkie, we’re sure finding water sports won’t be an issue too.
Still not sure Puerto Vallarta is where you want to walk down the aisle? Well, maybe after all of this info, you’ll consider it as a honeymoon destination!
