A destination wedding in Mexico is decision you won’t regret! Mexico is a beautiful blend of romance (of course, being a latin country), culture, and STUNNING beaches + destinations. Cenotes, beaches, haciendas, palm trees, deep desert, you can choose how you want your day to look and feel. If you are someone who loves to have a good time, have a party with your friends, you love colors + music, and tons of culture, Mexico is the place for you. Still looking for a venue? I’ve made a list of the most popular and unique wedding venues in each part of Mexico!
Take it from me, I live here in Mexico and have never loved a nation more. Here’s your ultimate guide to planning a destination wedding in Mexico –
Choose Your Ideal Location:
Mexico is extremely diverse and offers many different locations to choose from!
- Cancún & Riviera Maya: Known for white-sand beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and turquoise waters. Ideal for beach lovers.
- Tulum: Boho, eco-friendly, intimate. Great for smaller weddings that want a more luxury feel.
- Los Cabos: Desert meets ocean. Offers luxury resorts and beautiful beaches.
- Puerto Vallarta: Lush jungles, beautiful town, rich in culture, and pretty waters.
- Mexico City: Perfect for urban weddings, cultural lovers, and foodies.
Tip: Visit your location in advance if possible. Or, choose based on your wedding style—beachy, romantic, cultural, rustic, or glamorous. Go ahead and check out my location guide here.
Hire a Local Wedding Planner
A local planner is your best friend. They know the vendors, the laws, and how to navigate cultural situations. I would look for someone who –
- Look for bilingual planners with experience in destination weddings.
- Sends vendor recommendations with people they have personally worked with.
- Knows your resort well or can make suggestions on the best places for you. They can also help you to find the best deals for accommodations or help you make a room block.
Make a Plan For Your Legal Ceremony
It’s much, much easier to have a civil ceremony in the country you’re from before your ceremony + reception before getting married in Mexico. Of course, have your party in Mexico, but get all your paperwork done beforehand!
Choose the Best Time of Year
Mexico’s wedding season runs from November to April—sunny, dry, and ideal for outdoor weddings.
Things to Remember:
- May to October: Warmer, more humid, with a higher chance of rain (especially in the Caribbean).
- Holiday periods (Christmas, Easter, Spring Break): More crowded and expensive.
- Hurricane season: June to November—get travel and event insurance.
Best Months: Late November, February, or early April (for good weather and fewer crowds).
Make Your Budget
Destination weddings can actually be more cost-effective than local weddings—depending on your guest list and style. Mexico is a great option even if you have a smaller budget!
Typical costs:
- $10,000 – $25,000 USD for 30–50 guests.
- All-inclusive resort packages can simplify budgeting.
- Save on decor—Mexico’s natural beauty does the work for you!
Break down your budget by:
- Venue & catering
- Travel & lodging (yours and any guests you may want to pay for)
- Photographer/videographer/content creator
- Decor & flowers (my suggestion, any extra budget you have, use for the florals, it makes everything feel much more luxury and levels up your decor)
- Officiant (ask a friend to marry you to save some money + make things feel more personal)
- Entertainment (DJ/live music)
Watch Out for Resort Vendor Fees
If you’re getting married at a resort in Mexico, it’s essential to understand vendor fees—also called “outside vendor fees.” These are charges resorts impose when you bring in a photographer, DJ, florist, or other service provider not affiliated with the resort.
What to Know:
- Fees can range from $200 to $1,000+ per vendor.
- Some resorts require you to use their in-house vendors or preferred list.
- A few resorts will waive the fee if the vendor books a room at the property.
- Others allow a limited number of outside vendors, or charge one flat fee for all.
Common Vendors Affected:
- Photographers/videographers
- DJs/bands
- Makeup/hair artists
- Planners/coordinators (if not in-house)
- Florists and decor stylists
How to Avoid Vendor Fee Surprises:
- Ask early: Before signing a resort contract, ask about all outside vendor policies and fees.
- Negotiate: Some resorts will reduce or waive fees if you ask, especially during low season or if you’re bringing a large group.
- Consider “vendor-friendly” resorts: Some boutique or non-all-inclusive properties are more flexible.
- Use local vendors: Some vendors live nearby and already work with your venue, reducing or avoiding extra fees.
Hack: some vendors are willing to do your wedding in exchange for the cost of travel – but make sure to do extensive research on if they are experienced enough
Add Personal and Cultural Touches
Honor your love story while embracing the local culture. This is my FAVORITE part of a destination wedding in Mexico and believe in this wholeheartedly! Of course, take advantage of the beautiful scenery, but also showcase the nation for who they are to your guests.
- Add a Mariachi band to your cocktail hour.
- Serve authentic Mexican cuisine and tequila tastings.
- Use handmade papel picado or local florals in décor.
- Host a welcome fiesta or beach bonfire the night before.
Mexico is rich with tradition—mixing your own style with cultural elements makes it UNFORGETTABLE.
Curate a Full Wedding Weekend Experience
One of the best parts of having a destination wedding is that it’s more than just a single day—it’s an extended celebration! With guests traveling from afar, consider planning a multi-day itinerary to make the most of your time together and give everyone a true taste of Mexico.
Here’s how to design an unforgettable wedding weekend:
Welcome Fiesta!!
Kick things off with a casual welcome event the evening guests arrive:
- Theme idea: Taco & Tequila Night (or you can try chilaquiles or tostilocos)
- This can combine as your rehearsal night too
- Keep it relaxed—guests may be arriving at different times.
Think about hiring a local guitarist, mariachi band, or fire dancer to create an incredible first impression.
Adventure or Group Activity
Get everyone out to explore! Plan an optional group outing during the day before the ceremony. This helps guests bond and makes your destination wedding feel like a vacation.
Here are a few ideas:
- Rent a private catamaran or boat for snorkeling, sunset sailing, or whale watching (seasonal).
- Cenote swim & Mayan ruins tour if you’re in the Riviera Maya.
- ATV jungle adventure, ziplining, or horseback riding.
- Cooking class or mezcal tasting for a slower-paced, cultural experience.
Tip: Keep the activity fun but not exhausting—you want your guests fresh for the big day.
Wedding Day
Now that everyone’s relaxed and familiar with each other, the ceremony will feel even more meaningful. All the connection and shared memories of the weekend lead up to this moment.
Share your weekend itinerary on your wedding website, welcome bag insert, or a printed schedule upon arrival.
A full wedding weekend turns your celebration into an experience your guests will never forget—and gives you more quality time with the people you love most.
Stay for Your Honeymoon
You’re already in a destination spot for your honeymoon, just stay a few more days and explore a different part of the country! Many resorts offer honeymoon packages or room upgrades for newlyweds. Splurge on a couple’s massage, private villa, or romantic excursion.
Explore nearby ruins, cenotes, or cultural tours. My suggestion? Get married in Cancun area, and then travel to Cabo, or Mexico City, or Oaxaca. Change up the scenery!
Check out the best venues in Mexico for you day here!
