Travel to Puerto Vallarta: The Perfect Wedding Destination
What to Expect:
Teresa Stauring, owner of Vacations For Less, Inc. in Southern California and a consultant for travel wedding events, explains that all-inclusive resorts are the ideal destination wedding venue for couples. Secrets provides Unlimited-Luxury®, including all the amenities you would expect from a world-class destination, plus reservation-free gourmet dining, daily activities, and entertainment programs. Another top recommendation is the family-friendly Now Amber Puerto Vallarta, located in the heart of the Hotel Zone. Get married in a beautiful wedding gazebo facing Banderas Bay, or choose a private terrace or one of Now Amber’s elegant ballrooms. The resort offers three romantic wedding packages, with plenty of options to personalize your day and make it your own.
Stauring is also a strong advocate for the cost-effectiveness of destination weddings. "While many couples think that traveling for a wedding is more expensive than having a hometown wedding, it actually tends to cost less. Destination weddings are perfect for couples who want a dream beach wedding, plus the honeymoon included." Her advice? "Work with a professional who knows the destination and the property where you want to get married. It’s important to have someone who understands the ins and outs, knows quality wedding vendors, and can help you plan everything from afar."
Puerto Vallarta is located on the same latitude as the Hawaiian Islands, nestled in the middle of the largest bay in Mexico, Banderas Bay, which stretches 26 miles from tip to tip. This idyllic destination offers a similar climate to Hawaii, with over 300 days of sunshine and an average temperature of 77°F. During the dry season, from November to May, daytime temperatures range from 80°F to 85°F, with very little rain. Nighttime temperatures dip to between 55°F and 65°F, perfect for sleeping, though you may want to pack a shawl or light jacket. The hotter, more humid rainy season lasts from June to October.
The Puerto Vallarta area actually encompasses several distinct destinations, each with its own unique charm. The River Cuale divides the town into north and south. On the southern side, you’ll find the quaint Romantic Zone, where Playa los Muertos attracts sun worshippers to its golden sands and numerous beach bars. Further south are the seaside villages of Boca de Tomatlán and Mismaloya, where *The Night of the Iguana* was filmed. North of the river, the Old Town meanders uphill to Gringo Gulch and along the bay, where you’ll find the main square and Los Arcos amphitheater, where daily free performances attract crowds.
Puerto Vallarta’s renowned Malecón promenade runs from the Romantic Zone to the start of the Hotel Zone. Along this path, you’ll encounter a charming collection of bronze sculptures, including the town’s iconic seahorse. Downtown, the parish church Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe dominates the skyline and is one of Puerto Vallarta’s most famous landmarks, with its crown-topped spire.
Couples and their wedding guests traveling to Puerto Vallarta may also want to explore Riviera Nayarit. With roughly 200 miles of shoreline, this beachside town is surrounded by lush vegetation, top-tier golf courses, and a delightful mix of small, affordable hotels and luxurious resorts like the Hard Rock Vallarta, offering nine different beach wedding packages. Another great option is the Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta, which offers three romantic Dreams wedding packages. There are many gorgeous, quiet beaches to discover in Riviera Nayarit, as well as surfing hotspots like Sayulita, a bird-watcher's paradise in San Blas, and the eclectic town of San Pancho.
If you begin your stay in Riviera Nayarit, also known as Nuevo Vallarta, and drive into Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find yourself in the state of Jalisco, still enjoying the stunning combination of beaches and jungles. A walking tour of downtown Puerto Vallarta reveals unique architecture, cobblestone streets, art galleries, and landmarks such as the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Salcedo Theater, and the sculptures that line the Malecón. You’ll discover that Puerto Vallarta is truly a 2-in-1 wedding destination, offering everything you’ve ever dreamed of and more.