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Mexico's Central Region
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© Emir Saldierna
Walking down the aisle should be one of the most magical moments in your life, and choosing the right destination is the key to turning your wedding dreams into reality. For the fun-loving fiancées who share a love of jet-setting, there's no doubt about what the ceremony should look like: a destination wedding. Year after year the popularity of destination weddings continues to rise, with 25% of couples today opting for globetrotting gatherings instead of traditional ceremonies. With warm weather all year round and its close proximity to international airports allowing for guests to join the fun with ease, Mexico remains one of the most sought-after spots to ring those wedding bells. Whether you're after a rustic chic ceremony, a countryside elopement, or a contemporary city affair, the incredible vintage architecture, and wide-open green spaces, you'll have plenty of options when you choose to shack up in the multifaceted region of Central Mexico.
Mexico City
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© Carlos Aguilar
Anyone who has ever planned a destination wedding is familiar with the famed beaches of Mexico... but what do you know about Mexico City? The land of monstera plants and kaleidoscopic walls, Mexico City, or CDMX as the city is colloquially referred to, is jam-packed with architecturally interesting and plant-filled venues that play the part of the cherry on top of your big day. Sure, a beachside bash embodies that quintessential destination wedding vibe, but if you want your celebration of love to materialize into an esteemed extravaganza that your guests can't stop talking about, then the cobblestoned streets of Mexico City are calling your name; or maybe it's the serenading mariachis. After all, whether it's the clinking of overflowing champagne glasses or the cutting of a delectably decorated wedding cake - everything is better in Mexico City.
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© Axel Garcia
Parks, galleries, museums, and beautifully aged cathedrals; the appeal of Mexico City lies within its boundlessness. The capital of the nation, Mexico City is a crowd-pleasing choice for your destination wedding by virtue of its bustling city atmosphere adjoined with its rich heritage. In a city layered with culture, you'll soon discover that the places as dynamic, diverse, and downright tremendous as Mexico City are far and few between. In fact, the capital city is home to some of the most poetically planned barrios, or neighborhoods, in the world. When planning an excursion-heavy escape for your wedding weekend, the fate of which locales to frequent is based on whether you want your trip to focus on shopping, food, art, or design.
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© Pyro Jenka
Named the World Design Capital of 2018, Mexico City has a powerful story to share with the world; used throughout the world as a model for how to tackle the challenges of urbanization through multi-disciplinary urban design. Though the bi-yearly designation can primarily be ascribed to the efforts of the city's impressive roster of emerging contemporary designers, many attributed the distinction to the way the city carefully curated the nation's diversified creative cultures - from surrealist sculptures to the great Modernist boom of the 1950s - into perfect harmony. A hotbed of style, though artistic touches have eked out an existence in Mexico City for generations, they appeal to a younger crowd now in the wake of the capital city's most design-forward neighborhoods: Condesa and Roma. Belonging to a larger avant-garde art scene, Roma has more of a hipster edge than its classier counterpart, the tree-lined, bohemian district of Condesa, which plays host to a cutting-edge community of creatives as well as the ultra-modern Parque México; one of the region's most visionary green spaces abounding in broad-leaf trees and artful architecture.
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© Matthaeus
Created during the height of the Art Deco movement within the transitional period between traditionalism and modernism that defined the 1920s, Parque México was designed with the intention of mirroring the hedonistic, over-indulgent aesthetic of the roaring twenties. Aside from the obvious allure of the multi-hued foliage that functions as a gratifying contrast to the otherwise grey, concrete city, the park comes alive during the daytime boasting live music, performances, and all the people-watching you could ever want.
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© Wally and Duke / Not So Innocent Abroad
As a bonus, Parque México houses a great deal of Art Deco attractions for the eagle-eyed design buff, with must-sees including the baroque iron clock tower, the fountain, locally known as the Fuente de Los Cántaros, and the Teatro al Aire Libre Coronel Lindbergh, an open-air theater encompassed by a serpentine archway. The stately, post-modern buildings that circle the densely-populated promenade are sure to grab the attention of any budding architects in your group as many of them, notably those designed by Edificio México and Edificio San Martín, personify the Mexico City Art Deco movement.
What to Plan For Your Guests:
Mexican Markets
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© Roberto Carlos Román
A trip to Mexico City is not complete without paying a visit to one of the city’s buzzy street markets. A complete cumulation of all the country has to offer, Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela, or La Ciudadela, draws travelers from all over the world looking to purchase traditional Mexican handcrafts without all of the hassles of traveling to the more isolated cities nearby. Here you can find all kinds of regional specialties like textiles from Oaxaca, ceramics from Chiapas, as well as handmade textiles, embroidered clothing, and other artisanal creations made by craftsmen hailing from all across the country. If money isn't an object, fill your basket with wool blankets, loom-woven blouses, or stone-plated jewelry. If you’re on a strict pre or post-wedding budget, stock up on enchanting miniature replicas of skeletons engaging in everyday activities like working, cooking, and dancing.
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© Jeremy Lwanga
When compared to La Ciudadela, the Mercado de San Juan, also known as the San Juan Market has a completely different look and feel. More than 150 years old, this buzzy Bazar is frequented by connoisseurs of food from all over the world on the hunt for fresh fruit, exotic ingredients, and decadent delicacies. Bringing you the best of both worlds, the market is actually split between two buildings located just a block apart from one another. One side displays charcuterie imported from Europe, fresh fish counters showing off the catch-of-the-day, and wild meat markets that flaunt exotic, fit-for-a-king fare such as alligator and iguana game. The other side is filled with stalls serving up ready-to-eat meals, juices, and pastries. Altogether, nearly all of the goodies found in this specialty shop have been grown, harvested, and caught in Mexico - even the scorpions which can be found in the meat section.
Floating Gardens of Xochimilco
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© Roberto Carlos Román
Considered the Venice of Mexico, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Xochimilco is perfect for a leisurely afternoon boat excursion to bring your guests on. The closest approximation to the lay of the land prior to the arrival of the Spanish, the elaborate canal system that once connected a good number of the valley's settlements has been transformed into a remarkable vestige of the region's pre-Hispanic past. One of the most popular attractions in all of Mexico, must-see sights include the canals, along with artificial islands called chinampas, which are navigated by colorful gondola-style vessels known as trajineras. These flat-bottomed boats can be rented at one of the dozens of docking points throughout the venue and to easily make your way through the waterways, you'll need a captain who, reminiscent of an Italian mariner, will navigate the trajinera through the bright and breezy canals.
© imageBROKER / Alamy Photo
Only a 40-minute drive just south of the city lights, it should be disclosed that although the fees are generally fair, you can successfully negotiate the price down here if you so wish. Operating under a "the more the merrier" philosophy, it's also important to note that while weekdays tend to be tranquil, weekends can fill up with droves of tourists and locals looking to celebrate special events like birthdays, graduations, and weddings. BYOB or flag down floating vendors selling things like tamales, elotes, micheladas, and pulque, a Mesoamerican refreshment with a frothy appearance, mild alcohol content, and strangely impressive nutritional value.
© Steve Marquis
Alongside the floating pulque vendors, Xochimilco draws plenty of water-bound musicians as well, customarily mariachis. An easy way to add some authentic Mexican flair to your wedding weekend, make sure to negotiate your fee prior to them hooking up their trajinera to yours. If you've got your budget on your mind though, you will be better off catching fragments of their melodious music as you float past them down the canal.
Venues & Accommodations in Mexico City
The inspiring Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City can host every part of your celebration, from the engagement party and bridal shower to the ceremony and reception. The ballroom serves as a flexible venue that can be separated into four distinct spaces or combined to accommodate larger parties and the Samos Bar, located on the 38th floor, offers breathtaking views of the city and can accommodate a ceremony of 50 people.
Located in the grand Polanco District, the fabulous W Mexico City is a Human Rights Campaign Foundation awarded property that offers 10 gorgeous, light-filled venues, ideal for both small, cozy events and large, banquet-style receptions. Thrill your guests with a custom wedding menu, designed especially for you by our professional catering staff, and take advantage of the vibrant Polanco neighborhood that will give your wedding photos a special spark. From the famous Chapultepec Castle to the many beautiful parks, there are endless options for creating lifelong memories.
With its excellent location, stunning architecture, and bespoke service, a wedding at The St. Regis Mexico City is filled with a level of luxury that will make your wedding day a superb event for all of your guests. Whether planning an intimate affair or an all-out gala, every detail can be customized to your unique preferences, creating a personalized celebration and a memorable experience for you and your loved ones.
Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel
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Make your dream wedding a reality at the Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel, conveniently situated in the center of Mexico City. The hotel's collection of versatile venues provides the perfect backdrop for both intimate moments and grand celebrations while at the same time, their experienced staff attends to the details, ensuring your big day is both effortless and unforgettable.
Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City
Set along the iconic Paseo de la Reforma, the hacienda-style Four Seasons Hotel is undeniably romantic from the arched colonnade draped in ivy to the lush courtyard and elegant tucked-away spaces. Invite your friends and family to gather together for an unforgettable celebration at Four Seasons, where you can escape the hustle of the city without losing its urban edge.
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