A destination wedding is a vacation and celebration in one. What could be more romantic than escaping to an amazing location, spending quality time with your loved ones, and marking your big day in style? If you’re tying the knot this year, doing it in the vibrant and tropical nation of Mexico could be for you. But where are the best places to get married in Mexico?
Cue this guide. It hops from the Caribbean Coast to the wave-washed shores of the idyllic Pacific on the hunt for the most loved-up places to get hitched in the coming year. We’ll cover everything from remote, rural places where you can have a charm-filled wedding that oozes true Mexicana charm to chic shoreline hotspots that have fine-dining and five-star resort hotels.
Mexico is known for its colorful culture and friendly vibe, so there shouldn’t be too much need for excessive planning, decorations, and themes. Blend your wedding seamlessly into the local scenery or have a big blowout on a cliffside, with all the trimmings and sea views to back it up. With coasts on both sides, landscapes scattered with mountains, cities with rich colonial histories, and cuisine that is loved worldwide, Mexico is home to some of the best wedding destinations of all. Let’s take a closer look…
Tulum, Quintana Roo
The Yucatan Peninsula has long been popular with holidaymakers. Known for its postcard-perfect coastal panoramas, ancient ruins, and exotic cuisine, it’s where Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea. One of the main draws in the region is the town of Tulum. Now a hotspot for travelers who like bohemian class, parties from dusk to dawn, and exquisite views, it also boasts the white sands and turquoise waters of a dreamy beach destination.
This little paradise is full of tranquility and exclusivity. It is ideal for celebrating a private wedding. Just look to the luxury resorts or world-class villas for that. You could have a barefoot wedding on the white sands, or even a sustainable celebration at any of the many eco-conscious retreats. You name it, Tulum can deliver the day of your dreams.
One of the best wedding destinations in Tulum itself, where you can “kill two birds with one stone” so to speak, ticking a UNESCO World Heritage site off your bucket list while you tie the knot, is Sian Ka’an Village. It’s located inside the Sian Ka’an biosphere, with seven cabin suites, a private villa, a chef, and amenities that redefine luxury. Nice.
Mérida, Yucatán
The captivating city of Mérida is full of historic estates to take your wedding party’s breath away and make your day one to remember. The Yucatán – where Mérida makes its home – is also one of the safest and most accessible Mexican states, which means you’re less likely to be whittling down that guest list because of flight connections and state department warnings.
With grand buildings that date back to the colonial era, along with plenty of local wedding planners eager to jump in and take the weight off your shoulders, Mérida is a no-brainer for a cosmopolitan celebration. The town is best known for its architecture, which provides the perfect romantic backdrop – think gilded Baroque palazzos and leafy plazas backed by mighty churches.
There’s also PLENTY of adventure for all your guests to get stuck into before and after the event itself. Take the cenotes and underground rivers, for example. They flow crystalline waters and offer wild-swimming spots deep in the Yucatan jungles. Merida is also a three-hour road trip from Cancún, so your honeymoon is sorted if you’re after some resort relaxation right after the big day.
One place that stands out for a destination wedding is Hacienda Santa Rosa. A former nobleman’s private estate with carved columns, ornately furnished gardens, and evening campfires. Or there’s Hacienda San Jose, a venue with magical walkways of gracefully cut flower arches and rustic pathways. Spend a morning by the swimming pool, amongst tropical greenery, and rest under the sun.
Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada Baja California
Flanked by the Pacific Ocean and filled with some of the most prestigious vineyards in the whole of Mexico, the Guadalupe Valley is one of the rising stars on the country’s luxury- and wedding-travel scene. Known internationally for producing fine wines and for a distinctive gastronomic scene, the spot is ideal for couples who take that wedding meal very seriously.
On top of the eating, Valle de Guadalupe will give you and your guests a trip to remember, with countless activities to include on your special day or enjoy on the days following. Try hot air balloon rides, glamping, Instagram backdrop hotels, vineyard tours, and wine tasting – there’s oodles to get through and you can rest assured that there’s something for all sorts of guests, the adventure seeker and the R&R buff.
Those looking for a dream wedding venue will be enchanted by Bruma Vineyard. The winery’s amenities include suites and villas, an infinity pool, a terrace overlooking said vineyards, a private tasting room, and a tranquil wine garden set between rows of olive trees. Among the top chefs on the Mexican culinary scene, David Castro-Hussong, is the chef and owner of Bruma’s restaurant. A Guadalupe wedding at Bruma Vineyard is perfect for foodies, and wine pairing comes as part of the parcel.
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
San Miguel de Allende has been one of the most popular destinations for weddings in Mexico since it was named the best city in the world in 2013 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its historic center. Its cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture, and creative cuisine attract visitors all year round. Pretty much everyone who heads there remarks how much of a magical place it really is!
At heart, San Miguel – as it’s known for short – is a city of creatives. Cue plenty of expert caterers, event planners, florists, and decorators in the area. On top of that, San Miguel is nestled in Mexico’s central highlands, in the far eastern part of Guanajuato. There are amazing cacti gardens and great mountain bluffs to explore in the region. Finally, the city is considered one of the safest in the country and is hugely popular with expats, artists, and writers thanks to its liberal vibe and literary traditions.
Spend a day walking along the historic streets, to the artisan markets, and bump into the traditional ‘callejoneadas’ in the Miguel Allende gardens, with a final stop at the San Miguel Arcángel parish. The parish is one of the most photographed in Mexico and could even be your wedding location if you’re lucky.
Sayulita, Nayarit
The stunning coastal village of Sayulita in Nayarit is a superb spot for seaside fun and relaxing getaways. It’s a wedding mecca to boot – many a bride and groom-to-be have tied the proverbial knot in this Mexican paradise. It’s brimming with natural beauty, with the lush green Sierra Madre Occidental mountains rising behind and endless golden sand beaches strung out in front. It makes the perfect destination for intimate, relaxing weddings and the hippy-chic vibes are well suited to bohemian lovers and surfers.
Sayulita is home to world-class restaurants, boutiques, resorts, and venues. Just an hour away is Puerto Vallarta and other destinations, like Punta Mita, the Marieta Islands, and Yelapa, a secret Robinson Crusoe beach town. All well in reach of the quiet village. On top of that, there are waves – some of the best in the country, no less. You can cruise on longboard peelers right in front of the town and have a surf sesh just minutes after saying “I do”.
Villa Valentine is a private resort nestled in the jungle on the outskirts of town, offering panoramic ocean views. Where luxury meets privacy, you’ll feel like your wedding has its own private island. With three separate villas, there is enough space for you and your whole wedding party.
Campeche, Campeche
Campeche is a historical fairyland filled with pastel-painted Baroque buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, fortified ramparts, and well-preserved mansions. There are 17 archaeological sites, which helps Campeche reign as the biggest Mayan city to have ever been discovered. There’s also plenty of stunning natural scenery nearby, from cenotes to hiking trails.
Added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 1999, the state capital lacks a little of a ‘daily life’ ambiance, as few people live in the historic center. But leave the inner walls, and you’ll find a genuine Mexican provincial capital complete with a frenetic market, peaceful malecón, and old fishing docks. Campeche is equally peaceful to get married in, no matter if you choose the center of town or the surrounding countryside.
Campeche’s coastal setting and delicious regional cuisine make it a top seafood destination. Check out La Pigua restaurant, renowned for its fish-centric menu. Ceviche fans should drop anchor at Marganzo for super-fresh oysters and other raw sea delicacies. Guests can enjoy a seafood fountain with lobster as an extra treat – the perfect wedding table centerpiece, perhaps?
Hacienda Uayamón and the Puerta Campeche Hotel Hacienda are just a couple of the example places you could rent for the special event. They’re each super-luxurious and offer guests some welcome pampering after a long journey over to the land of tacos and tequila.
Todos Santos, Southen Baja California
Take a road trip just an hour north of Cabo and you’ll arrive at the magical town of Todos Santos. Stroll along the quiet beaches and enjoy the incredible scenery for an evening in this chilled surfer town and we think there’s a good chance you’ll be looking for places to tie the knot. It’s just got a knack of making people fall in love with it that way.
Surfing is huge in the Baja California and Todos is among the best beginner breaks in the region. It’s got long beach breaks and a few surf schools, which means your guests can keep themselves busy learning the ins and outs of the pop up while they wait for the big event to swing around.
The town is well-known for its local and international gastronomical talents. You can add an element of responsible consumption to your wedding as caterers pride themselves on using all local products. That means oodles of Pacific seafood and exotic fruits, with an overload of chili and spice and tacos.
Our suggestions for specific wedding stays might include, La Bohemia. It’s a boutique lodge in the downtown with a charming collection of six rooms, complete with crisp, white decor surrounded by swaying palm trees and a cacti oasis. The boutique hotel of Pachamama is another perfect location for couples, especially bohemian souls that love yoga. Rent the whole teepee glamping sight for you and your guests and celebrate your day in nature.
Morelia, Michoacán
State Department and Foreign Office warnings have largely kept the travel crowd out of the central Mexican state of Michoacán. But the truth is that the capital at its heart, little, loveable Morelia, rarely sees the same cartel violence and whatnot as the more rural parts of the region. It’s also ridiculously enchanting…
A UNESCO-tagged downtown core unfolds along a series of soft hillsides. It’s a patchwork of narrow, cobblestone alleys and streets that all filter off a glorious plaza. There, you’ll be able to gawp up at the Catedral Metropolitana de Morelia, a magnificent Baroque wonder that dates back to the 1600s and shimmers in pink stone above the skyline. Around it, arcades hide moody beer bars and jazz joints.
Trips out from Morelia include days in the amazing Mariposa butterfly reserves. Head there during the early spring and winter and you can encounter millions (literally millions) of elegant butterflies whizzing to and fro between the pine trees up in the sierras. Talk about romantic things to kick-start the wedding week, eh?
There are ample venue choices woven into the charming core of old Morelia, too. Take the five-star Casa Grande Hotel Boutique, a 17th-century mansion that now has courtyards clad in ivy blooms. Then there’s the Villa Montaña Hotel & Spa, another five-star choice that’s away from the bustle of the city, complete with its own wellness center and outdoor pool.
Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro
Santiago de Querétaro is a charmer. A big city that’s currently riding a bit of a boom thanks to the influx of all-new aviation and motor industries, it’s got lots going for it economically. But it’s not lost touch of its roots, either. The main town core, a maze of gridded streets with overhanging blooms of bougainvillea and more coffee-clinking cafes than you can shake your tacos at, is testimony to that.
We especially like this one as a wedding destination choice for those who want a taste of the real, lived-in Mexico. The city bustles with crowds most evenings. They move between the Plaza de Armas and the Centro de Queretaro squares as marhiachi music twists and turns in the air. There are handsome churches and intriguing regional museums for that hit of history.
Plus, you get some great boutique lodgings for that wedding event. The Gran Hotel de Querétaro probably leads the way. It’s smack dab in the middle of the historic center with views over a babbling fountain and leafy parklands. There’s also the top-class Casona de la Republica Hotel Boutique & SPA, which is adults-only.
Best places to get married in Mexico – our conclusion
If you’re looking for the best places to get married in Mexico then we can only discern that you’re thinking of getting hitched in the home of tacos and tequila. Great choice! Seriously, there aren’t many places on the planet better suited for hosting the big day as this. It’s blessed with excellent weather, two eye-wateringly wonderful coastlines, and towns and cities that simply ooze charm.
This guide focuses in on nine places that we think should be close to the top of your list of potential big-day destinations. It hops from the white-sand shores of the Yucatan in the east to the wave-bashed resorts of the Mexican Pacific, offering famous colonial cities and towns in between.
How much does a wedding in Mexico cost?
Mexico isn’t a shoestring destination, especially when it comes to the glitzy resorts and historic venues that many visitors choose for their destination wedding. Still, it could cost you less to get married here than in the US or Europe with the average cost varying between $2,000 and $10,000 depending on where you choose to tie the knot.
When is the best month to get married in Mexico?
The weather in Mexico differs by region, but January and February are popular months for a destination wedding when the weather in the northern hemisphere is brisk and unfavorable, but Mexico benefits from tropical highs and blue skies. Some coastal regions in Mexico are never chilly, but the mountainous regions and inland cities can see temperatures drop below freezing. Still, you’re less likely to experience tropical storms and monsoons further inland so this could be an option if you’re visiting in the wet season (May to October).
Can foreigners legally get married in Mexico?
Foreigners can marry in Mexico, but only ceremonies performed by Civil Registry Officials, rather than religious officials, are considered valid and legal. Foreigners also need a valid passport and up-to-date tourist or residence permit and will have to request a marriage permit from Mexican Immigration to have a lawful ceremony.
