If you’re dreaming of jetting off to sunshine and blue skies, and throwing a wedding where you tie the knot on a white sand beach, or get married on the outskirts of a tropical rainforest, or relax at an all inclusive resort in between epic adventures, a destination wedding in Mexico might be for you!
Planning a wedding abroad can feel pretty daunting, but this guide will help you navigate wedding planning, choosing your perfect venue, and more – and by the end of it, you’ll have all the information you need to start planning your destination wedding in Mexico.
Reasons to Plan a Destination Wedding in Mexico
Before we get into how to plan your perfect wedding day, here are a few reasons to plan a destination wedding in Mexico, and some signs that it might be right for you!
A More Intimate Wedding Day
One of the big reasons that couples choose to have a destination wedding is that it allows for a more intimate celebration. You’ll be a little more limited in how many people can attend a wedding abroad, so you can make sure that the people around you on the day you get married are the ones you truly want by your side! This takes the focus off of throwing a huge party for everyone else to enjoy, and allows you to make sure the day is perfect for you, and that you get to spend time with the people you love.
A Destination Wedding Includes a Honeymoon!
One of the biggest perks of planning a destination wedding in Mexico is that the day you get married is wrapped up in your honeymoon – it’s all one big adventure! You’ll already be in an epic location, and you won’t have to worry about hopping on a plane the day after you tie the knot.
Mexico is famous for its incredible resorts, along with the amazing adventures all over the country – from zip lines to hikes to snorkeling. So, you can plan all the fun activities you want, and have a relaxing place to come back to for a spa day or just to lounge on the beach! You can also spend some time with your guests before or after the wedding day, including them in the experience.
The Best Time for a Destination Wedding in Mexico
You’ll need to set a date for your destination wedding in Mexico – and luckily, there truly is no bad time to get married here! The weather will depend on where in Mexico you decide to tie the knot, but overall, the best time for a destination wedding is December through April.
Summers tend to be more rainy, and they’re very hot – so it can be a little too toasty for outdoor ceremonies and adventures! December through April, the weather is a little more moderate (but bring a jacket – evenings and mornings can get a little chilly!), and it’s usually sunny all day.
This is however the most popular time to visit Mexico, so you can expect to see more crowds and higher prices. To get the best combination of good weather and fewer crowds, plan your wedding for “shoulder season!” This refers to the time right before and right after the peak tourist season – so November or May.
The Best Places to Get Married in Mexico
Choosing the place where you’ll tie the knot is one of the most exciting parts! You’ll have plenty of options, as Mexico has tons of resort towns and wedding venues. Here are just a few of the best places to get married in Mexico!
Cabo
Cabo San Lucas is located at the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula. It’s one of the best places to get married in Mexico, with incredible beaches where you can see rocky formations in the water, and occasionally spot a dolphin or even a humpback whale! Dreams Los Cabos is an amazing resort, with all the amenities you can dream of and luxurious ocean views.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a smaller resort town, but it offers big adventures! It’s tucked between the ocean and the mountains, so you’ll have some pretty jaw dropping views. The downtown area is a great place to experience authentic Mexican culture and try the mouth watering food, and nearby you’ll find zip lining, bungee jumping, and more adventures in the jungle!
Rocky Point
Rocky Point is driving distance (60 miles) south of the US border, and it’s a little lesser known than other resort towns – which makes it an amazing place for a destination wedding in Mexico! You can experience the calm waters of the gulf and the soft beaches with tide pools to explore, or head to the shopping areas for handmade goods and the bustling nightlife.
Getting Legally Married During a Destination Wedding in Mexico
Paperwork may not be the most exciting thing about your destination wedding, but it’s important!
A lot of couples who tie the knot abroad decide to do the legal stuff at home – this can be easier, as you won’t have to figure out the legalities and logistics in a foreign country! But, if you want to get legally married during your destination wedding in Mexico, you’ll need a marriage license.
If you tie the knot at a resort, they’ll often have someone who can help you coordinate and figure out all the requirements! You’ll need:
- Marriage application forms from the local registry office
- Valid passports
- Birth certificates
- Divorce Decree / Death Certificate, if applicable
- Blood Test Results, which need to be done in Mexico no more than two weeks before the ceremony date
All documents need to be translated into Spanish, which can be done at your local embassy. Some requirements can vary depending on where in Mexico you get married, so be sure to double check the rules, and to send in your paperwork early to give them time to process!
Four witnesses are required to sign the marriage license, and after the ceremony, you’ll need to get a certified copy of the marriage certificate from the registry office.
Destination Wedding Packages in Mexico
Hiring a photographer is one of the most important things you’ll do when you plan a destination wedding in Mexico! I’ll be there to document the amazing memories you’ll make as you adventure around this incredible tropical country, and to support you as you plan.
Contact me if you’re ready to tie the knot in Mexico!
