LGBT Destination Weddings in Mexico: Your Ultimate Guide to a Dream Celebration

A year after Mexican officials in Quintana Roo announced that same-sex couples were allowed to marry in the municipality, the Riviera Maya has become a top honeymoon destination for LGBT couples according to the popular site About.com. Same-sex marriages are performed without restriction in Mexico City and in Nayarit, home of the Riviera Nayarit, also known as Nuevo Vallarta. With scenic beaches and vibrant culture, these locations are not only legal but also welcoming to same-sex couples looking for a romantic getaway.

“Mexico is the ideal destination for LGBT couples, with Puerto Vallarta being our number-one destination for couples staying at Secrets Resorts, Now Amber, and Dreams resorts,” says Shelly Davis, sales manager of AM properties. You’ll also find comfort that Secrets properties are Tag Approved® gay-friendly properties. “All our properties are quite welcoming and prepared to conduct same-sex wedding ceremonies,” says Davis. The unique offerings and attentive service at these resorts make them ideal venues for unforgettable celebrations.

“We’re experiencing a surge of LGBT weddings in Mexico,” agrees Teresa Stauring, a travel agency owner from Beverly Hills, California. Since August 2010, same-sex marriages have been legally performed in 31 states in Mexico. Teresa adds she tells her clients that Mexico is very accessible for LGBT couples wanting to have a destination wedding and is generally welcoming to the LGBT community. Besides the recent legalization by many states, Mexico has always been a popular destination for same-sex symbolic weddings, especially in Puerto Vallarta. For those interested, there are many informative resources available, such as Weddings in Mexico.

Here are some tips for couples wanting a same-sex wedding in Mexico:

• Choose an LGBT-Friendly Destination: The last thing you need is to experience discrimination during your wedding. Begin by selecting a destination where same-sex marriage is legal, focusing on locations with large LGBT communities, such as Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Maya. Resources like GayCities can help you identify LGBT-friendly locations and accommodations.
• Work with Experienced Planners: Collaborate with an experienced travel agent in the US and hire a local planner to help with all requirements and paperwork. Many Mexican properties have on-site coordinators familiar with destination weddings. Note that many couples prefer to have legal marriages in US states that recognize them, followed by a symbolic wedding and honeymoon at a same-sex friendly hotel in Mexico. For further assistance, consider reaching out to Destination Wedding Directory for tips and vendor recommendations.
• Make It Unique: All weddings, whether same-sex or not, are unique, so don’t be afraid to express your love during your ceremony and reception. Work closely with your on-site coordinator to customize your experience. If you want a two-themed grooms’ cake instead of a traditional white one, ask for it! You can also find inspiration from wedding blogs like Style Me Pretty or The Knot.
• Confirm LGBT-Friendliness: When reserving destination wedding venues, ask resort management if the hotel staff is genuinely LGBT-friendly. It’s crucial for you and your guests to have a pleasant, accepting ambiance. Consider bringing key vendors, such as photographers or officiants for your ceremony, to ensure familiarity. Check with your hotel coordinator if special permits are required; some vendors may need temporary working permits to operate on your wedding day.
• Care for Your Guests: Make an effort to take good care of your wedding guests; after all, they are traveling far to celebrate your special day. Host a welcome cocktail event, schedule tours, and activities to help break the ice. Provide welcome bags in rooms upon check-in and create a one-stop place for all necessary reservations for the wedding trip. This way, they’ll benefit from negotiated travel rates. For more ideas, check out WeddingWire for tips on hosting and planning.

In conclusion, Mexico stands out as a premier destination for same-sex weddings, offering stunning venues and a supportive environment for LGBT couples. Whether you’re considering a beachfront ceremony in Puerto Vallarta or a luxurious wedding at a resort in the Riviera Maya, you can create the wedding of your dreams surrounded by the beauty and warmth of Mexico. For more information and personalized assistance in planning your dream wedding, reach out to specialized agencies and explore the wealth of resources available to LGBT couples seeking a memorable wedding experience in Mexico.