A Mexican wedding

Mexico has two types of wedding ceremonies: civil and religious.
The civil ceremony has any legal standing and is recognized outside the country of Mexico. The civil ceremony requires that the couple present identification including a passport or birth certificate, and in some Mexican states both. A blood test performed in Mexico, and a three day waiting period from the filing of the paperwork until the ceremony itself. If one or both parties are divorced, you must provide certified proof that the divorce has been final for at least a year. In addition, each member of the couple is required to present 2 witnesses, four total. The legal ceremony is performed in the local civil registrar’s office by a government official, while arrangements can be made for the ceremony to be performed in an outdoor location. Your wedding planner can help you choose a location that is available and handle the preparations. Following the ceremony, the couple receives a marriage certificate stating that they are legally married according to the laws of Mexico. This is largely recognized as legal worldwide, but must be filed in your home country upon your return in most cases.

The religious ceremony is generally for show and celebration. These can be held in one of Puerto Vallarta’s many beautiful cathedrals, churches, outdoor locations, resorts, beaches, etc. There are endless options throughout the city. In order for the religious ceremony to be performed, the couple must present proof of the civil marriage, performed either in Mexico or their home country.

Read more Puerto Vallarta destination wedding articles…

Another advantage of a “destination wedding” is that by requiring the wedding party to fly to another country will likely trim your guest list to your dearest friends and family, Plus you will be able to visit with your guests over a long weekend rather than just an evening or afternoon, and with a Mexican destination just a short flight from most U.S. cities, it is easy to treat your guests to a memorable time.
All inclusive wedding

If you want to get married in Mexico, there is nothing legal or technical stopping you from doing so; but you will need to plan ahead and get a few documents together, fill in a few forms and pay a few fees.You can opt for a legal ceremony that requires blood tests and legal paperwork to be performed within Mexico. Or you can select to have the legal paperwork and ceremony done at home and save the symbolic and/or religious ceremony for the beach. Many couples choose this option for its simplicity, and most resorts have a wedding planner to help guide you through the process, whichever option you choose. Wedding planners can also take care of all the details, from catering, lodging and music, to entertaining any children that might make the trip.

Resorts such as Golden Parnassus and the J.W. Marriott in Cancun are all-inclusive resorts that offer wedding services. If you are planning to tie the knot in Acapulco, the Avalon Excalibur is a good choice, or you can be married and honeymoon like the stars at the famous Las Brisas Resort, Hollywood’s playground. From a beautiful, well decorated occasion at the prestigious Palmilla Resort to a nice small beach ceremony overlooking the Cabo San Lucas arch at sunset, Los Cabos has stunning locations for any style of wedding. One of the most amazing locations to tie the knot is Ristorante Da Giorgio Cabo. Set atop a cliff overlooking the famous arch and lover’s beach, this restaurant might just be one of the most romantic settings in all of Los Cabos. The world-famous Hotel Playa in Mazatlan has been hosting unforgettable weddings for over 35 years. They offer on-site locations such as the beach, beside their own waterfalls, pools and gardens, or in a magnificent reception hall.

The Hotel El Cid Marina Riviera Maya offers a complimentary wedding package when your guests stay at the resort. The beach-front package includes all you need to have a dream wedding, from the cake and the music, to having all the proper documents ready. They supply a wedding coordinator to ensure your special day goes smoothly. The El Cid can even supply the witnesses if required. This is yet another advantage to an all-inclusive resort, where everything is included in the resort price, making all-inclusive an affordable option for travelers on a budget.
Mexican wedding

Mexico has two types of marriage ceremonies, civil and religious. The civil ceremony is the only one that has any legal standing, and is recognized outside of Mexico. The civil ceremony requires that the couple have positive identification, such as a passport or birth certificate, a blood test performed in Mexico, and wait three days from the filing of the paperwork to the ceremony itself. If one or both parties are divorced, you must provide proof that the divorce has been final for at least a year. Also, four witnesses are required, two for each member of the couple. The ceremonies are performed in the local registrar’s office by a government official. However, arrangements can be made to have the ceremony in an outdoor location. Your wedding planner can arrange this for you. The couple receives a certification, stating that they are legally married according to the laws of Mexico. This is largely recognized as legal worldwide.

The religious ceremony is mostly for show, pomp, and pageantry. These are held in a church, or perhaps an outdoor location, such as a beach or garden. The couple must show proof of a civil marriage, performed either in Mexico, or at home, before a religious ceremony can be performed.
Destination Weddings

Destination weddings take considerable planning and research, and the best properties & accommodations often book far in advance of the wedding date. The earlier you begin planning your wedding, the greater the likelihood you will be able to book the perfect property for you and your guests. Exotic locations, luxury resorts and the ease of combining your wedding and honeymoon into one exciting event make Mexican destination weddings one of the most popular trends in weddings today.

A destination wedding and honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta has become a popular trend for couples. Aside from the simplicity of a single coordinated event, there remains endless options for making a Puerto Vallarta destination wedding… unique and unforgettable.

If you have always dreamed of romance and an exotic honeymoon adventure, Puerto Vallarta is the ideal location. A beach ceremony can accompany as many or as few guests as you would like. Endless fine-dining establishments provide for a lavish rehearsal dinner. Honeymoons are celebrated with a sunset sailing cruise, and a toast on an isolate beach. Shared with your guests, or only between the happy couple, Puerto Vallarta promises to make your wedding and honeymoon a unique and unforgettable experience.

Planning your destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta
Destination weddings normally take considerable planning and research, and the best properties & accommodations often book far in advance of the wedding date. Puerto Vallarta features numerous wedding consultants and planners that will make this simple. Relax, plan the details you enjoy and forget about the rest- it will be handled for you.

Resorts and most fine-dining establishments will have a wedding planner or event planner ready to assist you. La Palapa Restaurant is just one example- they are famous for their elegant atmosphere, beachfront luxury appeal, and outstanding service- let their planner see through the details of your wedding or rehearsal dinner and take comfort that your expectations will be exceeded.

Top 10: honeymoon hideaways
After months of planning your big day, take a much needed holiday at one of these romantic honeymoon destinations.

Puerto Vallarta is already the 5th most popular destination in the world and now, Dreams Resort Puerto Vallarta has made the top 10 of honeymoon hideaways chosen by TripAdvisor. We are not surprised since Puerto Vallarta is packed with romantic activities for the destination bride and groom or honeymooning couple.

Check out these articles for the romantic wedding or honeymoon couple:

Puerto Vallarta sunset cruise

• Only Civil Weddings are legal and must be performed by a Justice of the Peace.
• Blood tests required.
• Certified copies of birth certificates: must be documented by the Mexican consulate.
• ID: passports, id cards, or tourist cards.
• If previously married: Must be divorced/widowed at least 1 year.
• Certified copies of divorce decree or death certificate.
• 2 witnesses over the age of 18: they must also have ID and copies of the ID.
• Recommend couples bring 2 copies of all documentation.
• Recommend arriving 5 days prior to wedding date for document translation.
• Residency requirement: None.

These requirements may change without notice, so it is advised that the Mexican Consulate in your city is consulted prior to planning your wedding.

Planning a destination wedding? Don’t forget your customized “Destination Love” luggage tags:

Who doesn’t love to travel? Travel buffs, frequent and occasional fliers alike will adore the practicality of this special little favor. Brides will love the touch of sophisticated whimsy these place card holders add to any reception table. Each plane-shaped tag is crafted of substantial chrome and is dotted with charming heart-shaped windows. Attached is a black adjustable leather strap. Each luggage tag measures approximately 3 1/4″ from nose to tail. Each luggage tag comes packaged in a black bottom gift box with sheer organza ribbon and retro luggage thank you tag. What a great way to thank your guests for traveling to your wedding!

Custom Destination Wedding Clothes and Accessories:

Enjoy wine, cheese, champagne and an open bar while you relax and enjoy panoramic sunset views.  Just as the sun sets, the tour follows close to Puerto Vallarta’s famous Malecon boardwalk and continues through twilight.  Particularly romantic for couples, families and groups will enjoy this venture as well.   An ideal option for honeymooners, anniversaries, and special occasions.

For those who love to sail, celebrate the perfect sunset, reminisce under the stars and night skies, this tour is for you!  Sails depart every Tuesday through Friday at 6 p.m. from Marina Vallarta!

Reservations required:  Sunset Sailing on Banderas Bay