Weddings & celebrations
Weddings in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit
Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit form one of Mexico's most romantic and accessible wedding destinations. With the Sierra Madre backdrop, Pacific beaches with unforgettable sunsets, the colonial charm of the historic center with cobblestones and Vallarta's famous LGBTIQ+ inclusion (considered one of the world's most gay-friendly destinations), it's the perfect place to celebrate any couple's love. The Riviera Nayarit to the north offers everything from bohemian Sayulita to ultra-luxury Punta Mita resorts.
Wedding venues
The best places to celebrate your wedding in Cancún and Riviera Maya. Filter by accessibility and LGBTIQ+ inclusion.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
AAA Five Diamond all-inclusive resort with ceremonies on private beach, tropical gardens or the Grand Chapel with contemporary design. Personalized butler service, 10 gourmet restaurants and one of Mexico's best spas.
Capacity
20-300 guests
From
$200,000
- ✓AAA Five Diamond: the highest hospitality recognition
- ✓10 restaurants and 10 bars included
- ✓Grand Chapel with contemporary architecture
St. Regis Punta Mita
Ultra-luxury resort on the Punta Mita peninsula with 3 private beaches and two Jack Nicklaus golf courses. Ceremonies in the Altamira Ballroom with 180° Pacific views or in the beachfront gazebo. 24-hour butler service.
Capacity
10-250 guests
From
$300,000
- ✓Exclusive peninsula with 3 private beaches
- ✓Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses
- ✓24-hour butler service
Hacienda San Ángel
Boutique hotel in downtown Puerto Vallarta, former home of Richard Burton. Terraces with views of the bay and the iconic Guadalupe Church. Intimate, romantic atmosphere for weddings of 20-80 guests.
Capacity
10-80 guests
From
$120,000
- ✓Panoramic views of Banderas Bay
- ✓Authentic colonial architecture
- ✓Steps from the malecón and Romantic Zone
Hoteles boutique de Sayulita
For couples seeking a bohemian, relaxed wedding, Sayulita offers private villas and beachfront boutique hotels. Beach ceremonies with natural decor (tropical flowers, reclaimed wood, shells). Ideal for 30-100 person weddings with hippie-chic vibe.
Capacity
20-100 guests
From
$80,000
- ✓Bohemian and relaxed atmosphere
- ✓Private beachfront villas
- ✓Cultural connection with Huichol communities
Bachelorette party 💃
Ideas for an unforgettable bachelorette party in the Mexican Caribbean.
Marietas Islands tour
Private boat to Marietas Islands with snorkeling, visit to the famous Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor), and onboard lunch.
Surf lesson in Sayulita
Learn to surf with instructors on Sayulita's ideal beginner waves. Includes board, wetsuit and photos.
Spa day with ocean views
Complete spa experience at a luxury resort with massage, facial, thermal baths and healthy lunch facing the Pacific.
Bachelor party 🎉
Adventure and fun activities for the perfect bachelor party.
Jungle zipline canopy
Zipline adventure over tropical jungle canopy with platforms, hanging bridges and rappel descent. Includes transport and lunch.
Pacific sport fishing
Private fishing yacht trip for marlin, sailfish and mahi-mahi. Experienced crew and premium equipment.
Raicilla tasting
'Raicilla' is Jalisco's native distillate, predecessor of tequila. Tasting at artisanal distillery with 8-12 varieties and local snacks.
LGBTIQ+ weddings & celebrations 🏳️🌈
Legal status
Same-sex marriage is legal in Jalisco since 2016, in Nayarit since 2019, and throughout Mexico since 2022. Puerto Vallarta is considered one of the world's most gay-friendly destinations, with a large established LGBTIQ+ community and multiple certified resorts.
Cancún Pride
Vallarta Pride is celebrated every May with parades, parties, charity dinners and conferences. One of Latin America's most recognized Pride celebrations.
Tips for LGBTIQ+ couples
- ✓Vallarta's Zona Romantica is the gay heart of the destination, with LGBTIQ+ friendly bars, restaurants and hotels. Many couples hold their bachelor parties here before the wedding.
- ✓Puerto Vallarta holds the largest Pride on Mexico's Pacific coast, every May.
All listed venues (4 of 4) are LGBTIQ+ friendly.
Accessible & inclusive celebrations ♿
Puerto Vallarta has significantly improved in accessibility. The malecón is paved with ramps throughout. Riviera Nayarit resorts usually have accessible rooms, though the Romantic Zone with its cobblestones remains challenging for wheelchairs.
Accessibility tips
- ✓Grand Velas and St. Regis have amphibious chairs and beach ramps. Check availability when booking.
Accessible transport
PVR Airport with full assistance service. For transfers, 'Vallarta Accesible' offers vans with ramps. Many hotels coordinate adapted transport.
Accessible beaches
Playa Los Muertos
Main beach in the Zona Romantica with ramp access from the pier, amphibious chair available and accessible beach restaurants.
Playa Camarones
North of the malecón, with umbrellas, chairs and drink service at the shoreline. Flat access from the boardwalk.
Practical information
Legal requirements 📋
The process in Puerto Vallarta takes 5-7 business days. There are specialized wedding planners who handle paperwork for foreign couples. The judge can travel to your venue for an extra fee. The process is similar in Riviera Nayarit.
Required documents:
- •Apostilled and translated birth certificates
- •Valid passports
- •Blood tests from authorized Jalisco or Nayarit lab
- •Four witnesses with official ID
- •Application at local Civil Registry
Foreign couples
Puerto Vallarta has extensive experience with foreign couple weddings, especially from the US and Canada. Local wedding planners handle all apostille, translation and paperwork.
Estimated budget 💰
- 💡Sayulita offers more affordable boho weddings (30-50% less) than Punta Mita or downtown Puerto Vallarta.
- 💡Resorts with 'Unlimited Weddings' programs include the ceremony free if you book 5+ rooms.
- 💡High season: December-April. Low season with 35-50% lower prices: September-October.
Best season 🌤️
Best time: November to May (dry season, 22-30°C/72-86°F). December-April is peak season with coolest weather. May and November are excellent with good weather and lower prices. Avoid July-October due to rain and high humidity, though afternoons are still photogenic.