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The Pacific Coast
Though as of late the spike in social media praises bestowed upon the town of Tulum has turned the Riviera Maya into the nation's most-talked about holiday hotspot, surfer dudes and beach babes have been sweet talking the Pacific Ocean's coastline since the 70s thanks to the region's wow-inducing waves. If you're looking for a beachy wedding destination where you won't be hounded by any green juice sipping tourists, head west to another palm-tree-lined Shangri-La: The Pacific Coast of Mexico.
Punta Mita
Photo Credit: Visit Punta Mita
Once a bucolic fishing village, the paradise that is Punta Mita enhabits a 1,500-acre spear-shaped peninsula in the Riveria Nayarit, just north of Puerto Vallarta. With its close proximity to ten major airports, a major perk of having a destination wedding in Punta Mita is that it's only a short 45-minute drive from the airport to the main entrance of this seaside seventh heaven. The archetype of the kind of place where divine dreams of tropical vacations become reality, Punta Mita is a high-flying hotspot for the beauty of its long stretches of golden shores, which naturally bring about a sense of peace and privacy.
Designed in 1999, the stripped-down, authentic allure of the land paved the way for the gated, ultra-luxurious home to multimillion-dollar villas that we know today. Since then, the stunning seascapes have had no trouble enticing celebrities, tastemakers, and high-profile execs alike including the Kardashian clan, luxe-lifestyle guru Gwyneth Paltrow, and tech tycoon Bill Gates who purchased 48 acres of beachfront property along with the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita back in 2014. Besides that, the combination of the solitude, ease of access and unwavering splendor lay the cornerstone of this highly-regarded destination for downtime-seeking honeymooners and lovebirds hoping to bring a bit of seaside luxury to their holy matrimony.
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Photo Credit: Alonso Reyes
Bordered on all three sides by awe-inspiring aquamarine waters, the north-facing coastline inheres the secluded Litibu Bay, considered a crown jewel of the Mexican pacific for the allure of its storybook beaches that parade pristine, unpolluted waters despite its close proximity to a bunch of buzzing beach clubs. Alternatively, the east side gives grounds for unencumbered views of the dreamy Banderas Bay while the western coast hugs the Pacific Coast laying claim to plenty of swimmable beaches bestowing a bevy of aquatic adventures to choose from: surfing, scuba diving, windsurfing, and paddle boarding. You name it, Punta Mita's got it.
By the same token, the breezy, balmy weather conditions that grace Punta Mita are a year-round draw, and being that the town shares the same latitude as the islands of Hawaii, gentle sea breezes keep the temperature comfortable. As a result, hurricanes are rare in this stretch of the Pacific Coast in spite of the high-likelihood nearby towns have of getting hit by the natural disaster. Yet even throughout the wet season, occurring between the months of June and September, rainstorms tend to take place in the evening with the skies clearing up by the next morning. With an average of 345 days of sunshine per year, getting married in Punta Mita is a considerable choice that affirms you'll be likely to avoid rain on your wedding day.
Photo Credit: Haute Retreats
What to Plan For Your Guests
Even though you’ll be deep in the final days of your wedding planning journey, you may still want to provide your guests with some activities to do in the days leading up to the big day. If you have any daredevils in your wedding party, give them that adrenaline rush by embarking on a zipline adventure or mount an ATV and take them on a thrill-seeking ride through the rainforest. Less risky rendezvous include tequila tasting, whale watching, or playing 18-holes at one of the town's two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses.
Venues & Accommodations in Punta Mita
From the perfect proposal to the most vibrant honeymoon and everything in between, W Punta de Mita provides an original and magnetic backdrop; whether you choose to have a fabulous cocktail party on the beach or a tented reception on the beach, the bold venues and fresh menus at one of the most coveted hotels in Mexico will surely amplify your special day. When you wed at W Punta de Mita you also receive their world-famous Whatever / Whenever® promise which will allow you to make your wildest dreams a reality.
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
From the extraordinary Gilded Age ceremonies to traditional hacienda-style settings to bespoke beachside gatherings, The St. Regis Punta Mita hotel delivers exquisite experiences, personalized service, and a level of glamour that inspires timeless celebrations.
Puerto Vallarta
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Photo Credit: Cinthia Aguilar
A bustling beach town with bohemian roots, Puerto Vallarta oozes romance and small-town charm despite its recognition as one of the top destination wedding locations in the world. The calm, cerulean waters of the Pacific Ocean rock gently against a string of wild tropical hillsides serving as a breathtaking backdrop for a city that is abounding with natural wonders juxtaposed with a strong sense of cultured charm. However, what makes this destination particularly special isn't something that can be attributed to mother nature; it is the collective lifestyle of acceptance and love catalyzed by the local community that makes Puerto Vallarta such a spectacular safe haven.
Take your guests on an informal walking tour with a stroll past the terracotta abodes and aromatic bougainvilleas on your way to the Malecón, Puerto Vallarta's mile-long oceanfront promenade. Sandwiched between the beautiful blue Pacific waters on one side and bustling shops and restaurants on the other, this lively boardwalk is the ideal place to amuse your wedding guests with a late afternoon amble. End the night with a trek up to Mirador Cerro de la Cruz where the sweeping oceanic and cityscape views guarantee a promising reward, though the steep, 30-minute hike is undeniably strenuous so Grandma may want to sit this one out.
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Photo Credit: Manuel Marin
A perennial pick for queer travelers, it's no secret that Puerto Vallarta is not only the beloved gay beach capital of Mexico but one of the most gay-friendly cities on the planet. There's no better place to experience this than the Zona Romantica, a charming corner chock-full of colorful storefronts and narrow cobblestone streets made even better by the fact that it doubles as the city's celebrated gayborhood where a mecca of gay-friendly bars, hotels, and beaches are largely established. All in all, the gay scene in Puerto Vallarta is many things, but boring is not one of them. Taste-test authentic Mexican fare along colorful cobbled side streets. Sip tequila while sunbathing on an intimate LGBTQ+ cruise. Or simply wade the day away at any one of Puerto Vallarta's picture-perfect beaches before a night of world-class cuisine, cocktails, and celebration.
What to Plan For Your Guests:
Buzzing Beach Clubs
Photo Credit: Mantamar Vallarta
Known for having some of the most beautiful sandy spots in all of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is the perfect place to channel your inner merman. Beach-hop over to the ever-popular Playa de Los Muertos and make your way south past the hordes of resort-goers to the iconic blue chairs that represent the beach's very own queer-oriented subsection. The adults-only division of Los Muertos Beach takes form in Mantamar Beach Club which comes highly regarded as an exclusive yet trendy LGBTQ+ discotheque where you and your guests can indulge in a day of fun in the sun full of seductive staff, chic cabanas, and delightful dips in the infinity pool. This buzzing beach club also puts on lively pool parties and themed events that are well worth checking out if one happens to fall on your wedding weekend.
Then, there is the jungle-like cove of Mismaloya - first made famous for its portrayal in the 1960s romance film, The Night of the Iguana. Irrespectively, Mismaloya remains a lovely little beach, full of al fresco eateries with access to spectacular snorkeling and diving nearby. Although most say this film and the accompanying steamy Elizabeth Taylor / Richard Burton love affair is what transformed the area from a sleepy fishing town into a glamorous tropical getaway, there is no movie magic happening here; you too can use Puerto Vallarta as the setting for a fabulous celebration of love.
LGBTQ+ Tours
Spend the day at sea on a world-famous LGBTQ+ day cruise with Diana's Boat Tours, a legendary way to see Banderas Bay! The all-day journey draws guests from around the world and includes booze, appetizers, a stop at a private beach, lunch at a beachfront restaurant, and a snorkeling excursion at Los Acros; an admirable add-on considering the hefty price tourists are charged just to snorkel there alone.
Venues & Accommodations in Puerto Vallarta
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Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
The upscale Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa doubles as a wonderful waterfront venue delivering the perfect tropical Mexican setting for your destination wedding. Say your vows with the sound of lapping waves and sand beneath your toes. With their on-site wedding planners ready to assist you with all the details of your day, you are sure to have the fairy-tale wedding you’ve been dreaming of.
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The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta
From the contemporary Hispanic architectural style and lush gardens of native tropical greenery to the beachfront vistas and exceptional cuisine, The Westin Resort & Spa creates one-of-a-kind weddings offering plenty of customizable options to give couples the wedding weekend of their dreams. This gay-friendly, oceanfront jewel provides full-service wedding packages to make the planning process easy for you as well as hundreds of luxury guest suites for you to enjoy throughout the wedding weekend.
Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit, An All-Inclusive Resort
Say "I do" surrounded by the mountains and the ocean at Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit, an all-inclusive resort that brings you strikingly beautiful venues in a tropical paradise. Watch your dream destination wedding become a reality with the gentle ocean breeze and the peaceful sounds of nature at Delta where the friendly staff will take care of everything, from the planning to the decor so that you can relax and enjoy your big day.
Combining Mexico's traditional charm with modern sophistication, Pinnacle Resorts 179 is an adults-only resort in the Romantic Zone delivering the ultimate wedding fantasy with beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets, and the big blue ocean. Featuring 34 one-bedroom suites and 2 stunning three-bedroom penthouses as well as a chic hotel-style concept with luxury accommodations, this fabulously gay-friendly resort is the ideal option for any couple planning a destination wedding in Mexico.
Guadalajara
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Photo Credit: Roman Lopez
Packed with elegant buildings and surrounded by scenic countryside, easy-going Guadalajara is a wildly underrated wedding destination found along the way to the Pacific coastline. The landscape is exceptionally green and mountainous, spotted with volcanoes and lakes, most famously Laguna de Chapala - perfect for an adventure-filled wedding weekend.
The second city of the Mexican Republic and the capital of the state of Jalisco, Guadalajara is regarded as the most traditionally "Mexican" of the country's big cities. Though its conversion to a sleek metropolis has resulted in some sacrifice of that Mexican mellowness, Guadalajara remains a terrific town to tie the knot with an edge over the other big cities with its fun foliage, clean streets, and overall friendliness. Unchanged since the days of the Spanish Colonization, the downtown area around the cathedral boasts a series of plazas that offer an old-world atmosphere while the city at large is abundant in parks, fun-size squares, and other open spaces. This area is further illuminated by the Plaza Tapita, which opens up the city's historical roots to pedestrians, mariachi bands, and street performers.
What to Plan For Your Guests
Day Trip to Tequila
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Photo Credit: Tour a Tequila
Just a few hours from Guadalajara you will find another one of Jalisco's gems, the town of Tequila. Considered the birthplace of tequila, this town is one of the best day trips you can take from Guadalajara and acts as a Disney World for adults. Plan a day trip to the blue agave-filled fields and see the intricate production process for yourself and see for yourself why visiting the distilleries is such a popular activity for big crowds.
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There are loads to see and do in this neck of the woods no matter what your interests are, including the biggest indoor market in Latin America. Mercado Libertad is home to all of Jalisco's culinary specialties with the most celebrated being birria, or stewed meat in a spicy but not-too-hot sauce, best served by street vendors. Other fan favorites include roast goat, often found alongside a goat skull, and Pozole, a stew of pork and ground corn is another popular pick. Rarely found beyond the city limits, there is also Torta Ahogada, which translates to "drowned sandwich" and consists of a bread roll stuffed with a filling of your choice and then drenched with a thin, spicy salsa that soaks through the bread. It's a little bit messy but muy delicioso.
Venues & Accommodations in Guadalajara
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At the AC Hotel Guadalajara, the chic venues are customizable to your preferences delivering you the wedding of your dreams. Host your celebration at the Sky Lounge and watch the on-site mixologists create custom cocktails. Additionally, you can treat yourself and your wedding party to a day of pampering at one of the nearby spas in Jalisco.
From intuitive service to enriching experiences and vibrant venues, the expert staff at The Westin Guadalajara ensures each detail comes to life flawlessly. Whether it's a bridesmaids' luncheon, rehearsal dinner, or complete ceremony and reception, the stunning contemporary venues are designed around a unifying style that offers warmth and openness as well as natural hues, for a romantic and sophisticated ambiance that can be tailored to your individual tastes. The cozy Agave Ballroom can accommodate up to 150 guests or 120 with a dance floor and for a more intimate event, El Rosedal is a private dining area accommodating up to 60 people with spectacular views of the city of Guadalajara.
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