Puerto Vallarta has long been one of the most beautiful locations for a destination wedding.
One of Mexico’s highest-rated resort towns, Puerto Vallarta is nestled against the Pacific Ocean with stunning bay and mountain views. Puerto Vallarta weddings exude traditional Mexican charm, with plenty to do both in town and on the water. Snorkeling, diving and kayaking are worthwhile excursions, as humpback whale and dolphin sightings are common. In the nearby tropical jungle, you can also try more adventurous outings, like bungee jumping and zip lining through the forest canopy. In town, stroll the boardwalks to watch artists craft sculptures outside. There is so muchfor you AND your guests to do here!
To find out everything you need to know about planning a Puerto Vallarta wedding, we reached out to Christine Sholander, Certified Destination Wedding Specialist at DestinationWeddings.com, to give us the inside scoop.
What are the marriage license requirements for Puerto Vallarta?
Civil Ceremonies: Couples must arrive on property 3 business days before the wedding. Blood tests must be done on property. Judge fees and documentation fees apply; ceremony date and time are subject to the judge’s calendar and are not confirmed until closer to ceremony date.
The ceremony is performed in Spanish by the judge; there may be a fee for English translation. After the ceremony, it can take up to 3 months for the paperwork to be completed and then mailed to the couple to take to their local courthouse to file.
Vow renewal or symbolic ceremonies: Couples must arrive on property 3 business days before the wedding. Some hotels will allow 2 days. The couple can be married at home prior to arrival or just enjoy a Symbolic commitment ceremony. No paperwork is necessary; the ceremony is performed by an officiant (usually a hotel staff member) and in Spanish with English translation. Some hotels have a fee for officiants and for English translation.
What’s the best time of year for a wedding in Puerto Vallarta?
Temperatures are steady through the year with the best weather in April-June; room rates are affordable and there is less chance of rain. It can be windy in May and the most humid month is September. Pricing drops September through November, staying away from the holidays. For whale watching, the season is January-March.
Why do you love it here?
There are great beaches here (the sand is more brown than white) as well as a fun range of water sports, shopping and nightlife. Banderas Bay is one of the deepest and largest bays in the world and offers great snorkeling and diving (summer months have best visibility).
What are some of your favorite wedding venues in Puerto Vallarta
Secrets Vallarta Gazebo and the Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta beach for your ceremony/ballroom reception.
Connect with the experts at DestinationWeddings.com for exlusive offers at these resorts
What’s the average cost of a wedding in Puerto Vallarta?
Considering all the amazing resorts in Mexico, there are competitive offers which can really help bring your wedding costs down…no matter the size!
What’s the #1 piece of advice you would give a bride planning a destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta?
Look for a resort that matches your style and vision!
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