Mexico’s Top 10 Wedding Destinations: Say ‘Sí’ to Romance
Mexico’s Top 10 Dream Wedding Destinations: Say ‘Sí’ to Romance
There’s nothing new in the fact that weddings in our country are very sought-after because of the rich culture and the most spectacular landscapes.
The only problem is, with SO MANY destinations and venues to choose from, it can get overwhelming when making the final decision.
However, based on experience and places I’ve been to (and some of them worked at), I narrowed it down and made a short list of some of the best places for your Mexican wedding.
In this guide, I unveil Mexico’s top 10 wedding destinations, each offering its own unique blend of allure, elegance, and charm.
Whether you envision exchanging vows on a pristine beach, amid lush tropical gardens, or within the walls of a centuries-old hacienda, Mexico has a venue to suit every couple’s dream wedding vision. Let’s begin!
Top 10 Mexican Wedding Destinations
If there’s a particular city you’re interested in and is not mentioned in this list, get in touch and I may give you recommendations based on your travel needs and budget.
1. San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
Located south of Chiapas, San Cristobal is surrounded by the wonderful flora and fauna of the region’s spectacular natural scenery.
Imagine celebrating your destination wedding among cobblestone streets and colonial architecture surrounding this picturesque town full of Mexican tradition.
Furthermore, you can take advantage of your trip and extend your stay to visit beautiful natural wonders such as the Agua Azul and Chiflon Waterfalls, the Montebello Lakes, and the Sumidero Canyon.
San Cristobal de las Casas is distinguished for combining traditional Mexican roots and the contemporary with its modern Boutique Hotels that will make your stay the most pleasant.
Among them are Hotel BO, Hotel Casa del Alma, Plaza Gallery Hotel Boutique, and Hotel Sombra del Agua.
2. Valladolid, Yucatan
The Pueblo Magico of Valladolid is two hours by bus from Mérida or Cancún.
This town will make you feel like you are taking a trip back in time because of its colonial buildings and hotels, surrounded by beautiful parks and churches.
Valladolid is considered the most important city in Yucatan after Merida, as it is a central point for visiting the archaeological sites of Chichen Itza and Ek Balam.
Furthermore, there are spectacular natural wonders such as its famous Cenotes.
If you ever dreamed of having your wedding in an old Hacienda, Valladolid is a great option!
There are beautiful Haciendas here such as Hacienda Kaan Ac, Hacienda Guadalupana, and Hacienda San Miguel where you can celebrate a dream destination wedding with all the facilities and amenities.
3. Rosarito, Baja California
In the heart of Baja California lies this beautiful and picturesque destination that is a midpoint to enjoy all the best of Baja.
Rosarito is only 40 minutes by road from the Tijuana-San Diego border, the perfect spot if you don’t want to travel too far from the U.S.
If a wedding with a spectacular ocean view is what you want, then this is the best option closest to the border.
Rosarito boasts everything needed to celebrate a destination wedding as envisioned, exemplified by Rosarito Beach Hotel, Castillos del Mar, and The Castle.
Also, Puerto Nuevo, a small and picturesque town known worldwide for its delicious and traditional lobster and beautiful handicrafts, cannot be missed (only twenty minutes away).
4. Mexico City, of course
Having a destination wedding in Mexico’s capital also has its special charm because, in addition to having the best restaurants, bars, and hotels in the country, you will also find endless things to do.
You and your guests will love touring the Historic Center, visiting its various museums, strolling through Chapultepec, and taking a traditional trajinera ride through Xochimilco.
Furthermore, you can venture a little further and take a day to visit the pyramids of Teotihuacan.
One of the trendy venues where couples celebrate their wedding in Mexico City is the spectacular Proyecto Público Prim, a colonial building in the heart of Colonia Juárez.
This building comprises two Porfirian houses, which stand out for their architectural design of the early twentieth century and can host weddings of up to 450 guests.
5. Holbox Island: One of the top Mexican wedding destinations
This famous island in the Mexican Caribbean is full of “boho-hippie” vibes. Which makes it, among many other things, the perfect site for special celebrations.
Holbox is about 140 km from Cancun, you can get there by taking a bus from Cancun to Chiquila, where you can board a ferry to the island.
Due to its characteristics, Holbox is an ideal destination for “elopement” and intimate destination weddings.
If you dream of celebrating your wedding with a traditional Mayan ceremony in front of the turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean, this is the place!
Celebrate in an exclusive chic boutique hotel like the Villas Flamingos or something more rustic at Spirit Holbox.
It would be a waste not to take the opportunity to extend your stay and spend your honeymoon here as well, as it is the ideal place to disconnect from everything and enjoy the natural wonders Holbox has to offer.
6. Yelapa, Jalisco
Yelapa was my home for about 7 years, I witnessed several amazing weddings. It is a special place that can only be reached by boat (there is a road to get there but it’s challenging).
If you’re in Puerto Vallarta, you can take a water taxi from the main pier at Los Muertos Beach or Boca de Tomatlan if it’s more convenient for you.
Yelapa is an ideal destination to enjoy the peace of the sea and practice yoga and ecotourism.
There are two hotels here that are experts at arranging the best weddings. Hotel Miramar and Verana.
A while ago, I worked at Verana for a few years, and the weddings there are spectacular due to its location on a hill.
7. Puebla de Zaragoza, Puebla
The Historic Center of Puebla de Zaragoza (aka Puebla City) is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its cultural, historical, and architectural impact preserved in its streets.
Proud of its cultural past, this city boasts constructions from the 17th century and a transcendental culinary sample, cradle of traditional dishes such as chiles en nogada and mole poblano.
Puebla is home to some of the most beautiful churches in the country.
You can’t miss the delight of artisanal ice cream in the Zócalo (main square) and strolling through the portals and streets full of art, colors, and history.
Puebla has beautiful traditional haciendas where you can celebrate the wedding of your dreams.
They offer different packages to suit your needs; some even offer the choice of turning it into a full weekend experience.
Among the options that might interest you are Hacienda Rijo, Hacienda de San Juan Bautista Amalucan, and Hacienda Real Puebla.
Although, if your budget is not a problem, the Banyan Tree Puebla is the best.
8. Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro
Queretaro is another excellent destination that perfectly combines history, culture, adventure, and modernism.
Santiago de Queretaro (the capital of the state of Queretaro), is only a 3-hour drive from Mexico City.
Like Puebla, the heart of this city lies in its Historic Center, which has also been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to the iconic baroque and neoclassical architecture of its monuments.
During your visit, you can’t miss a stroll through its squares and walkways, surrounded by beautiful restaurants, cafes, and bars to enjoy with your companions.
Some places you cannot miss while you are here are the Templo de la Santa Cruz and the Church of Santa Rosa de Viterbo, the Plaza de Armas, the house of the Corregidora, the Regional Museum of Queretaro and the Zenea Garden.
Queretaro has beautiful venues to celebrate your wedding, such as Hotel Hacienda el Salitre and Hacienda los Cues.
9. Tepoztlán, Morelos
This Magical Town is just a 2-hour drive from Mexico City. Tepoztlán is known for the Tepozteco hill, its archeological zone, temples, and beautiful traditions.
When visiting, you have to taste a traditional dish in its market and enjoy artisanal ice cream and sorbet from Tepoznieves, an ice cream shop known for having the largest selection of flavors in all of Mexico.
Another thing not to be missed is having a Temazcal and experiencing the most mystical part of this beautiful place in the north of Morelos.
Imagine celebrating your wedding at the foot of the majestic Cerro del Tepozteco, if you like the idea then Bajo la Montaña is an excellent option to make it happen.
10. Alamos, Sonora
Sonora is not all desert, and to prove it there is Alamos, a destination recognized as a Magical Town due to its incomparable beauty surrounded by ecosystems that are of great importance for our country due to their biodiversity.
Known as “The City of Portals,” Alamos has an architectural mix of Baroque, Spanish, and indigenous culture.
The first thing you should do when visiting this beautiful place is to take the tourist train tour from Plaza de Armas, visit the Municipal Palace, the Parish of the Immaculate Conception, and the house where famous golden age actress Maria Felix “La Doña” was born.
Among the most beautiful places to celebrate a destination wedding are the Hacienda de los Santos and the Colonial Hotel.
TOP 7 Mexican Wedding Traditions
You know Mexicans, we really know how to party! And weddings are no exception.
Mexican wedding traditions are no different than in most countries, however, there is always the Mexican touch. Let’s take a look:
1. Removing the bride’s garter. In the 16th century, the French considered it good luck to have a piece of fabric from the bride’s dress and chased her until they tore it off.
Fortunately, this evolved and now the groom removes the garter from his wife’s leg and then throws it among his male guests as a symbol of good luck.
2. Bouquet for the virgin. As you may know, in Mexico, we are very devoted to the Virgin of Guadalupe, so the bride’s bouquet is taken to the church and left at the Virgin’s altar for devotion and gratitude.
3. Bouquet toss. Undoubtedly one of the most fun moments and traditions of the celebration is when the bride throws the bouquet to her friends.
Tradition says that whoever catches the bouquet will be the next to get married.
4. La tornaboda. This is pretty much an after-party; the happy newlyweds offer a hangover party with typical Mexican snacks and drinks the day after the celebration.
5. El muertito. This is the famous moment when friends carry and throw the groom in the middle of the dance floor.
6. La víbora de la mar. As soon as the DJ plays this song, the guests immediately know that they have to get up and dance and form a line that is led by the bride and groom around the entire event. (Watch the video above)
7. The godparents. In Mexico, we are used to having godparents for everything.
If it is the church, the most common are wedding rings, bouquets, and ribbons, although some godparents are used to sponsor the banquet, photography, etc.
Mexico’s Top Wedding Destinations: Final thoughts
In conclusion, Mexico offers an array of breathtaking wedding venues that promise to turn your dream wedding into a reality.
From the serene beaches of Holbox to the historic charm of Puebla, each destination exudes its own unique charm and allure.
Whether you envision an intimate ceremony under the stars or a lavish celebration amidst lush tropical gardens, Mexico has something to offer every couple seeking romance and beauty on their special day.
So say ‘Sí’ to love, ‘Sí’ to adventure, and ‘Sí’ to creating unforgettable memories in one of Mexico’s top 10 dream wedding destinations.
Let the magic of Mexico set the stage for your happily ever after.
