Puerto Vallarta has everything you need for a dream destination wedding: beaches, jungle, a charming old town and some of the best sunsets in Mexico. The question is how to make the day feel like yours. Here are my favorite Puerto Vallarta wedding ideas, collected from years of photographing weddings here.
If you are just starting, my Puerto Vallarta wedding guide covers the planning basics.
Pick a Setting That Tells Your Story
A big beachfront resort, a villa in the hills, a hidden cove reachable only by boat or a rooftop in the old town. Each one creates a completely different wedding. Explore Puerto Vallarta wedding venues or something more unusual like Las Caletas.
Say “I Do” at Sunset
A ceremony about an hour before sunset gives you warm light, cooler temperatures and incredible colors for your first photos as a married couple. Check the sunset time for your date and build your wedding timeline around it.
Bring Mexico Into the Details
- Papel picado and bright flowers like bougainvillea.
- A mariachi surprise during cocktail hour.
- A tequila or mezcal tasting for guests.
- Traditional dishes or a taco station late at night.
- The lasso or arras during the ceremony.
Plan Experiences for Your Guests
Your guests are traveling to be with you, so make it a trip to remember: a welcome dinner, a boat trip around the bay, a day in Sayulita or a farewell brunch. These moments also make great photos.
Choose Comfortable Outfits for the Weather
Light fabrics, breathable suits and shoes that work on sand make the day much more enjoyable. Here is what to wear for a beach wedding in Puerto Vallarta.
Add a Session Before or After the Wedding
An engagement session before the wedding or a trash the dress after gives you more photos in different locations, without the time pressure of the wedding day.
Relax and Enjoy It
The best idea of all: hire local vendors you trust, leave buffer time and enjoy every moment with your people. If you are planning a wedding in Puerto Vallarta, I would love to help you bring your ideas to life.
