How to Plan a Destination Wedding in Mexico
Planning a destination wedding in Mexico? Whether you’re wanting beaches or the charm of Playa Del Carmen, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to plan a destination wedding in Mexico. From choosing the best Mexico Wedding Venue to figuring out all the legal stuff, and guest travel.
Table of Contents:
1. Why Plan a Destination Wedding in Mexico
2. Best Wedding Venues in Playa Del Carmen
3. Best Mexico Wedding Venues
4. Playa Del Carmen Wedding Guide
5. How Much Does a Destination Wedding in Mexico Cost
6. Planning a Destination Wedding in Mexico
7. Example Mexico Wedding Weekend Timeline
8. What to Pack for Your Mexico Wedding
9. Travel Tips For You and Your Guests
10. Photographer Tips From a Destination Wedding Photographer
11. Final Thoughts | Is a Mexico Wedding Right for You?
Why Plan a Destination Wedding in Mexico
If the idea of getting married in a gorgeous destination like Playa Del Carmen sounds like a dream, you’re in the right place! Mexico is one of the best spots to make this happen. Planning a destination wedding in Mexico means warm weather year round, incredible food, stunning backdrops, gorgeous beaches, and luxurious resorts. Whether you’re picturing a laid back wedding, a huge party, or an intimate ceremony, there’s a vibe for every couple. Plus, Mexico offers more flexibility than you’d think. With a mix of affordable wedding venues, accessible flights, and experienced vendors, it’s surprisingly easy to plan a wedding in Mexico that feels intentional.
Best Wedding Destinations in Mexico
-Playa Del Carmen
-Tulum
-Cabo
-Puerto Vallarta
-Cancun
Best Wedding Venues in Mexico
Playa Del Carmen:
Tulum:
Cabo:
Puerto Vallarta:
Cancun:
Playa Del Carmen Wedding Guide
If you’re dreaming of an oceanfront wedding with charm, delicious food, and a fun downtown area, Playa Del Carmen is the perfect location. Playa Del Carmen is one of the most popular wedding destinations in Mexico and for good reason.
Here’s why:
– It’s just a quick drive from Cancun International Airport.
– There’s a mix of hotels, villas, and resorts
– You can combine your wedding and honeymoon together.
Best Time to Get Married in Playa Del Carmen
November through April has the best weather. Summer can be more affordable but it’s definitely way more humid and there’s a higher chance of rain. You’ll want to choose a venue that offers both ceremony and reception spaces and that has a backup plan just in case of rain.
Whether you’re eloping, planning a micro wedding, or want to have a huge party, weddings in Playa Del Carmen can be so fun.
Legal vs Symbolic Ceremonies in Mexico
Legal Ceremonies:
If you want your marriage to be legal, you’ll want to do a civil ceremony first. This means you’ll want to file the paperwork, pay the fees, and complete any required medical tests/documents.
Symbolic Ceremonies:
This is how most couples do it. You get legally married at home before your trip and the ceremony in Mexico is all about celebrating, saying vows, exchanging rings, and whatever else you want. Going the symbolic route keeps things simple and allows you to enjoy the experience.
How to Plan a Destination Wedding in Mexico
Planning a destination wedding in Mexico doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a step by step guide to make your destination wedding in Mexico smooth, stress free, and fun.
1. Pick your location and venue
You’ll want to decide what kind of vibe you want, whether that’s beach, jungle, architectural, and narrow down your venue options from there. Book early, especially if you’re wanting to get married during a popular time of year or a popular location.
2. Decide on legal vs symbolic ceremony
This will help guide you with the rest of your wedding planning and paperwork, Most couples opt for a symbolic ceremony and get all the legal stuff done at home.
3. Make your Guest List and Budget
Keep in mind travel costs, accommodations, and how many people you really want to celebrate with.
4. Hire a Local Planner who knows the area
Trust me, they’ll help with logistics, vendor recommendations, and unique cultural touches.
5. Book your travel and accommodations
Consider blocking out rooms at a hotel and encouraging guests to book early.
6. Plan all the Extras
Think welcome dinner/party, post wedding brunches, excursions, or bonfire on the beach. This is what makes destination weddings feel extra special and connected.
7. Prep your documents
If you’re doing a fully legal wedding in Mexico, you will want to start this early. Some areas require notarized documents, health tests, or advance applications.
Cost Breakdown for a Destination Mexico Wedding
One of the biggest questions couples ask is how much does it cost to get married in Mexico. This answer is complex, as it depends on different factors like your style/vibe, guest count, location, vendors, but here’s a general breakdown to help you budget a little.
Venue and Ceremony:
$2,000-10,000
Usually varies depending on guest count, location, and inclusions.
Photography/Videography:
$3,000-$10,000 +
Legal Fees:
This depends on if you’re doing it symbolic or legally, and depends on the state. Some are as little as $50, while some can be $300-$500.
Travel and Accommodations:
Air: $500- $1000 depending on season and where you are flying from.
Hotel: $200-$800 +
Example 8 Hour Wedding Timeline | Mexico Wedding Photographer
Wondering what an actual wedding looks like when celebrating in Mexico? Here’s a real 8 hour timeline:
2:00 PM-details and getting ready photos
3:30- put on dress
3:45- first look + couples portraits
4:45- wedding party photos
5:15- family photos
6:00- ceremony
6:30- cocktail hour
7:15- grand entrace
7:30- dinner
8:00- sunset portraits
8:30- speeches
9:00- first dance
9:15- dance floor open
9:45- end the night with a night swim, flash photos, late night pizza, or private last dance on the beach
10:00- photography ends
Planning Tips from a Destination Wedding Photographer
1. Go with the flow, but be prepared with lots of buffer time in your timeline.
2. Find vendors you love and connect with, but hire a wedding planner that knows the area.
3. Have a backup plan in case of rain
Mexico Destination Wedding Photographer | Why Work With Jessica Frigge Photography
Planning a destination wedding in Mexico? You deserve to have a wedding photographer that’s more than just someone taking pretty photos.
You deserve someone who:
-helps you navigate permits, travel logistics , and timelines
-knows how to location scout in new places
-feels like more of a friend and not just a wedding vendor
-sends fast sneak peeks
About Jessica Frigge Photography
Hii, I’m Jessica! Photographing laid back, adventurous, and travel weddings are my favorite. Whether it’s in the jungles of Tulum, a private beach, a luxury resort, or an airbnb, I’d love to document your day in a way that really feels like you.
Let’s plan your Destination Mexico Wedding! Reach out through this link.
Hey there!! I’m Jessica, your go to Wisconsin and destination/ travel wedding, elopement, and boudoir photographer. I help couples ditch the big wedding stress and plan a wedding day that’s is authentic to them. Whether you’re dreaming of an adventure elopement, a breathtaking micro wedding, a wedding at a venue, a cozy in home session, a picnic engagement session, or an intimate boudoir session in Milwaukee, I got you! I’m here to guide, plan, and capture it all in an authentic way. My style is storytelling, so expect real moments, genuine emotions, and photos that really feel like you. Let’s create a day that feels unique to the two of you
