The Ultimate Guide to Destination Weddings in Mexico

Around the world, Mexico is famed for its white-sand beaches, sizzling street cuisine, and 62,345 colorful cultural traditions. But did you know that it is also ranked among the top countries to get married today? Year after tear, some of the most popular wedding destinations are located in sunny Mexico (ex. Cancun, Riviera Maya and Cabo San Lucas). Mexico is also home to regions which dominate the list of top emerging destinations to say "I do" abroad, and overall is among the most affordable wedding destinations today.

Why Get Married in Mexico?

Mexico is full of fun, food, and fabulous weather - but that is just the beginning of its many feats. Couples are often blown away by the hospitality of the Mexican people, the rich cultural sites throughout the country, as well as the abundance of all-inclusive resorts and inexpensive wedding packages available at some of the most stunning venues.

Below are some of the many reasons to have (and to hold) a destination wedding in Mexico.Close proximity to the United States, meaning easy (and often direct) travel for couples and guests

Beautiful beach weather and tropical temperatures year-round
Postcard-worthy cities and miles of incredible coastline views
Delicious cuisine, curated by some of the best chefs in the world

Average Cost of a Destination Wedding in Mexico

It's no secret that weddings are, or can get, expensive. Today, the average couple spends almost $40,000 on a traditional wedding close to home. Some locations - such as New York City - have an even higher price tag on wedding venues and packages, all for one single day of bliss. It's no wonder that 20% of engaged couples are now exploring the alternative, affordable, and extended destination wedding route.

Destination wedding couples spend an average of $9,850 on their whole wedding experience, which often includes the honeymoon. They will pay about $1,000 for airfare, $2,284 for accommodations (usually around 7-10 days), and $3,417 on the wedding package itself. All-inclusive resort venues help to keep these costs low, where your hotel stay, décor, food and otherwise high-ticket items are rolled into one bundled price.

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Explore the Most Romantic Regions of Mexico

The beauty of Mexico lies in its diverse landscapes. Certain parts of the country offer scenic mountain skylines, while other regions are world-famous for their white-sand beaches and crystal-clear ocean views. Cities like Cancun and Cabo San Lucas are recognized for their colorful culture and vibrant nightlife, while Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Maya are historic gems bounding with old-world charm. Whether you dream of saying "I do" on the beach or beside ancient ruins, you can find a dream wedding destination at every corner of Mexico. Below are some of Mexico's most beloved destination wedding spots.

Riviera Maya

In 2023, Riviera Maya was the top destination for weddings in Mexico and for destination weddings worldwide.Riviera Maya sits along the Caribbean coastline on the Yucatan Peninsula, possessing some of the most brightly-lit waters in all of Mexico. Beach weddings are therefore very popular in this region, with its turquoise reef waters serving as the perfect backdrop for couples saying "I do." In addition to beaches, couples have the option to marry in a lush jungle setting, nearby a secluded underwater cove, or next to ancient Mayan ruins. Tulum, a small-town retreat in Riviera Maya, ranked among US News' top five most affordable destination wedding locations in the world.

Cancun

Cancun was also ranked among the top wedding destinations of 2022, and it's easy to see why. In addition to a bustling nightlife, this coastal escape offers an array of wonders to surround your wedding day. Think subaquatic caves (called cenotes), an underwater museum, the second largest reef in the world, and the world's most visited Mayan ruins, Chichen Itza. Not to mention, Cancun offers romantic miles of white-sand beaches for couples to relax- rated third by US News for the best beaches in Mexico.

Puerto Vallarta

Ranked as one of our top emerging wedding destinations in Mexico, and also among the friendliest destinations in the world, Puerto Vallarta is truly a place to write home about. This seaside city is nestled along the shoreline of Mexico's largest natural bay, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre mountains. There are both intimate and lively areas of Puerto Vallarta, with top-notch wedding resorts at each side of the spectrum. Puerto Vallarta is also listed among the most affordable destination wedding locations in the world today.

Mexico is full of natural wonders, vibrant ecosystems, cultural experiences, and picturesque beaches for couples exchanging vows. There are secluded settings tucked away in pockets of Mexico, as well as bustling coastal hotspots for couples looking to have some fun. Explore all Mexico wedding destinations below.

See All Mexico Destinations

Planning a Mexico Destination Wedding

Mexico is by far one of the most desired wedding destinations in the world. And while getting married in Mexico (and international locales overall) can mean less stress for couples, there are some extra things you need to keep top-of-mind. Getting married in a foreign country simply isn't the same as getting married at home. Before jetting off to say "I do," for example, you need to research the specific seasons, venue options, and marriage requirements of Mexico.

Your Wedding Date

While wedding season in the United States is considered late spring to early fall, wedding season in Mexico is generally year-round. This means you have the option to get married on a sundrenched beach in the middle of winter, if you'd like! May is the most popular month for our couples to get married in Mexico, while late Fall boasts some of the most affordable, off-season prices. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons with your Destination Wedding Specialist, as you will need to consider things like hurricane season, spring vacations, and other travel factors that you may not encounter in the U.S.

Your Wedding Place

As noted above, the regions of Mexico are extremely diverse in nature - and so are Mexican wedding venues. Upon choosing your destination, you will need to start thinking about where you'd like to exchange vows. You can get married barefoot on the beach, atop a romantic sky terrace at your resort, in a treasured chapel in Mexico, or nearby historic landmarks. If you adore Mexican décor, a traditional hacienda wedding is another beautiful option. After selecting your dream destination, a Destination Wedding Specialist will walk you through the various local wedding venues.

Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Mexico

Knowing just how to get married in Mexico is key when planning a Mexican wedding. According to the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico, the different districts of Mexico have different marriage requirements. Here is what's typically needed when having a legal wedding in Mexico:

Mexico Destination Wedding Inspiration

Couples from around the globe choose to get married in Mexico, and have held all types of wedding celebrations across its many regions. Some couples have said "I do" in a beachside gazebo surrounded by natural palms, while others have gotten married right in the sun and the sand. Some have had small, intimate weddings with a few close loved ones, while others hosted grand celebrations for hundreds of guests. Get inspired by real couples who have tied the knot in beautiful Mexico.

Catherine & Zach

By Sweet Basil Productions
Riviera Maya, Mexico

Shweta & Farbod

By Mike Cantarell Films
Riviera Maya, Mexico

Kayla & Marissa

By Jose Jimenez
Riviera Maya, Mexico

Ariana & Jasmine

By PhotoPro
Riviera Maya, Mexico

Asia & Nana

By Axl Zamudio
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Jessica & Ryan

By Studio by the Ferry
Riviera Maya, Mexico

Lina & Timothy

By Sarani Weddings
Riviera Maya, Mexico

Priya & Jigar

By Twin Production
Riviera Maya, Mexico

Nisha & Leon

By Sarani Weddings
Cancun, Mexico

Kim & Nichol

By EM Weddings
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Holly & Dustin

By Marisol Alcarez
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Clare & Kevin

By Adventure Weddings Cinema
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Shannon & Ryan

By Ever After Films
Cancun, Mexico

Start Planning Your Destination Wedding With Us

While destination weddings have become more popular in recent years, Mexico has long-been a popular wedding destination, with culture, flavor, and true amor at its heart. If you are looking to get married in a dream destination far (but not too far) from home, consider a wedding in one of the many breathtaking regions of Mexico. Contact a destination wedding specialist today to get started.