When there’s hype about a new destination wedding location that brides are flocking to, we’re all over it. Though we love a great Riviera Maya wedding, it seems brides are becoming more and more excited about new locations in Mexico. One of those locations is San Miguel de Allende, a cosmopolitan, colonial town in the Bajio Mountains, one of Mexico’s prettiest places to visit and a World Heritage Site. It’s located about 150 miles north of Mexico City. Visitors enjoy walking alongside the quaint cobblestone streets, browsing the shops for artisanal crafts, hot springs, horses, balloon rides, organic restaurants, and inventive chefs at incredible restaurants.
There are a number of festivals throughout the year keeping the city lively. The city is always bustling with mariachis and the sights and sounds are exciting. You’ll find wines from Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe, mezcals from Oaxaca, Casa Dragones tequilas and great farm-to-table food options. You’ll also find the Parroquia Church which is a hallmark of the city. Also, did we mention there are no stop-lights? It’s that quaint. The countryside is also becoming known for its vineyards, olive and lavender production and harvest season in the fall is a great time to visit. Our friends at DestinationWeddings.com are the experts when it comes to awesome destination weddings, so we asked them a few questions to help you decide if San Miguel de Allende is perfect for you…
Why choose San Miguel de Allende?
With a rich history dating back to the 16th century, San Miguel de Allende was recently listed as a World Heritage Site because of its well-preserved (and romantic) historic city center. Situated in the foothills of the Sierra Madres, San Miguel de Allende weddings provide dramatic mountain sunsets and a sophisticated food and cultural scene. When wandering the cobbled streets, stop by the Parroquia de San Miguel Archangel. Horseback riding through the city’s surrounding foothills guarantees a stunning vista, and check out the Mask Museum, with a collection of beautifully-displayed headdresses and masks.
What are the marriage requirements?
Weddings in San Miguel de Allende require a valid passport and an original & copy of birth certificates annotated & translated by an authorized translator. You must also have death and divorce decrees if applicable. We recommend a civil ceremony here. Check with your Certified DestinationWeddings.com Specialist for more details.
What is the average weather?
The area around the city has a semi-desert climate. The rainy season begins in June and lasts until the middle of October. The temperature is usually 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit and cools down drastically at night. May is the hottest month, with an average high of 87°F and January is the coldest month with an average high of 73°F. In general, winter is high season, with nice days and chilly nights, spring is still a great time to visit, summer is rainy season with mild temperatures and fall is fiesta season with tourists, parades and fireworks.
DestinationWeddings.com Tip: The perfect time to get married after rainy season ends in October! Want to know more?
What are some great activities to do there?
San Miguel de Allende offers plenty of outdoor adventures in the surrounding Sierra Madre foothills, including horseback riding, mountain biking, and rock climbing. In the city, most visitors wander the historic city center, with striking architectural gems like Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel. There are also a number of amazing boutique spas and restaurants in the city for travelers to visit. It’s a walking city, so make sure to pack comfortable shoes!
What’s the easiest way to get there?
From the US, you can fly to Del Bajío International Airport (BJX) or Querétaro Intercontinental Airport (QRO), and will have to make at least one connection such as in Dallas, Houston or Atlanta. The prices vary depending on where you are coming from, but prices are about $500 or more.
What are some of the best hotels?
We recommend the Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada, the Hotel Matilda and the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende. Both the Belmond Casa de Sierrea Nevada and Rosewood San Miguel de Allende both host weddings.
Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada
This hotel is truly beautiful and offers so much cultural relevance for its guests. The water fountains and flowerpots decorate the heritage mansions, 17th- and 18th-century buildings with inner courtyards, terraces and gardens that make up the hotel. A large pool with foliage and plants is great location to enjoy and relax.
We especially love the Sazón Cooking School that’s hosted in the property’s 18th century mansion. Rooms feature antique furniture, original artwork, luxurious fabrics, quarry stone fireplaces and talavera-tiled bathrooms. Suites also feature patios and select have copper freestanding tubs and private plunge pools.
Venues
Our favorite venues on the property include the following, but they also offer locations for more intimate weddings.
Jardin Del Parque: Found in Casa Parque, this breathtaking alfresco event space is surrounded by trees and colorful flowers. An ideal choice to accommodate any function, choose this verdant setting for a large reception or intimate ceremony. Max 150 guests
Salon Interior Del Parque: In summer, this indulgent space in Casa Parque offers views over lush gardens dotted with vibrant blooms. Also perfect for winter gatherings, the ornate fireplace provides a cozy corner where guests can curl up with a drink—or two. Max 80 guests
Jardín Principal: Nestled in the main garden of Casa Limón, Jardín Principal is backdropped by the exquisite manicured lawns that surround the pool. This grand setting is ideal for formal and informal receptions alike. Max 120 guests
Sazón: An acclaimed cooking school in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, Sazón also makes a picture-perfect venue. Housed in a colonial 18th-century casa, the space seamlessly blends old-style grandeur with modern luxury while offering unparalleled catering facilities. Max 80 guests.
Rosewood San Miguel de Allende
This colonial style hotel is right in downtown San Miguel de Allende. Hotel accommodations are reminiscent of a fine hacienda, and the 67 beautifully appointed rooms and suites feature wood-beamed ceilings, hand-carved furniture and colors reflective the rich hues of the town. Select rooms and suites offer spectacular views of the skyline of San Miguel from terraces. The hotel offers the fine luxury guests know and love from the Rosewood brand. We especially love the resort’s dining options which include the Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar, Los Pirueles Artisan Kitchen & Garden Bar, 1826 Restaurant and the 1826 Tequila Bar as well as private dining options like in the wine cellar.
Venues
Rosewood San Miguel de Allende features some of the most picturesque venues for your wedding. Your ceremony can be set at the private Amphitheater followed by the elegant reception at one of the idyllic venues. Our favorite is The Rosewood Lawn but the resort offers many locations throughout the property for guests from 10-1,000.
Los Pirules: The relaxing smell of lavender surrounds this intimate area, ideal to hold day-time events.
Roof-Top Terrace: The romantic terracotta and sandy colors of San Miguel frame the view from the Roof-Top Terrace.
The Rosewood Lawn: A fairy-tale location to recreate magical ambiances that make for memorable celebrations. The Parroquia at the distance stands as silent witness to the start of a life together. The lawn is expansive and breathtaking with lush gardens and the quaint skyline of San Miguel de Allende.
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