If sun-kissed nuptials are calling your name, a Mexican destination wedding may be for you. The beaches are sparkling and balmy, the food is delicious, and the people are welcoming. Plus, most major airports in the United States offer direct flights to Mexico, making it a convenient getaway for your friends and family. 

There’s countless reasons to choose a Mexico wedding location, from the beautiful beaches of the Riviera Maya to the charming streets of historic towns. What’s not to love about sharing your love story in Mexico?

Keep reading to learn more about our top Mexico wedding locations and venues, what to wear to a Mexican destination wedding, and more tips to have an enjoyable trip, whether you're the bride or a guest.

1. San Miguel de Allende

Why San Miguel de Allende is Great for Your Wedding

This charming Colonial-era town is nestled in the mountains of central Mexico. Known for its baroque 16th-century Spanish architecture, thriving arts scene, and excellent cuisine, San Miguel de Allende is popular with romantics and foodies all over the world.

Our Top San Miguel de Allende Wedding Venue: Rosewood San Miguel de Allende

Nestled in the center of this vibrant city lies Rosewood San Miguel de Allende. This venue embodies the artistic spirit of colonial Mexico in every detail, making it a stunning backdrop for your big day.

Rosewood is known for its exceptional service, multiple wedding venues with stunning views of the San Miguel skyline, and seamless relationships with wedding vendors. Weddings of all sizes are welcome here, from micro weddings to large celebrations of up to 800 guests.

What To Know About Your Destination Wedding in San Miguel de Allende

Distance From Nearby Airports

- (QRO) Queretaro International Airport: 1 hour

- (BJX) Leon/Guanajuato International Airport: 1 hour 15 mins

- (MEX) Mexico City International Airport: 3 hours 30 mins

Things To Do in San Miguel de Allende

- Let an expert guide you through the city with a Historical and Cultural Walking Tour

- Immerse yourself in local cuisine with a class at La Cocina Cooking School

- Take a day trip to one of the region’s many wineries

- Admire gothic architecture at the historical Parroquia de San Miguel Arcange

- Shop works by local artists and craftspeople at Fábrica la Aurora, a renovated textile mill turned art market

Popularity: San Miguel de Allende is one of the most popular wedding destinations in Mexico.

2. Tulum 

Why Tulum is Great for Your Wedding

If you love spring break in Cancún, you’ll adore a wedding in Tulum. This Caribbean paradise is located just 80 miles south of Cancún, with a quieter and more romantic atmosphere. It’s known for ancient Mayan ruins, white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and eco-friendly focus.

Our Top Tulum Wedding Venue: AHAU Tulum

Tie the knot in a beachfront paradise with lush, vibrant flora at AHAU Tulum. Wedding guests can feast on fresh-caught seafood, steaks, and regional produce on the pristine beach, or find their zen with daily yoga classes. 

This eco-luxury hotel has accommodations ranging from suites to a private beach house. AHUA is available for occasions of up to 80 guests.

What To Know About Your Destination Wedding in Tulum

Distance From Nearby Airports

- (CUN) Cancún International Airport: 1 hour 30 mins

- (TQO) Tulum International Airport: 30 mins

Things To Do in Tulum

- Explore the well-preserved temples and stunning beach of the Tulum Ruins

- Take a plunge in the otherworldly underground cenotes

- Check out the vibrant street art on a walk through downtown Tulum

- Kick back and relax at one of Tulum’s beach clubs

- Immerse yourself in natural beauty at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere 

Popularity: Tulum is a popular destination wedding location with a more private vibe.

3. Oaxaca City 

Why Oaxaca is Great for Your Wedding

Located in the south of Mexico, Oaxaca is a vibrant city with an easygoing feel. It’s known for its historical cobblestone streets, diverse indigenous cultures, and traditional Oaxacan cuisine like smoky mezcal liquor and complex, spiced sauces known as moles.

Our Top Oaxaca Wedding Venue: Quinta Real Oaxaca

Immerse your wedding day in rich history with Quinta Real. Built in the 16th century, this property was once the Convent of Santa Catalina de Siena, then abandoned, before being converted into a hotel. 

Today, this unique venue combines old-world charm with modern sophistication, and can accommodate parties of up to 600 wedding guests. If you’re looking for a destination wedding venue with rich character, look no further than Quinta Real Oaxaca.

What To Know About Your Destination Wedding in Oaxaca

Distance From Nearby Airports

- (OAX) Oaxaca Airport: 30 mins

Things To Do in Oaxaca

- Discover the tastes of Oaxaca with a walking food tour

- See stunning waterfall-like rock formations with a day trip to Hierve el Agua

- Explore the city’s many galleries, shops, and restaurants

- Step into history with a tour of the ancient Monte Albán ruins

- Try Oaxaca’s famous ancestral hot chocolate at Rito Chocolatería

Popularity: Oaxaca is a popular destination for both tourism and weddings.

4. Merida 

Why Merida is Great for Your Wedding

Mérida is the capital of the state of Yucatán, with a culture that comes from a unique blend of Mayan and Spanish influences. Mérida’s vibrant streets are full of unique shops and colorful architecture.

Our Top Merida Wedding Venue: Hacienda Tekik de Regil

Just thirty minutes outside of Mérida unfolds the stunning grounds of Hacienda Tekik de Regil. This 16th-century Hacienda is one of the oldest in the state and features lush gardens that highlight the region’s natural beauty.

Hacienda Tekik de Regil can accommodate up to 1,000 wedding guests, making it the perfect destination for the celebration of your dreams.

What To Know About Your Destination Wedding in Merida

Distance From Nearby Airports

- (MID) Merida International Airport: 30 mins

Things To Do in Merida

- Take in picturesque architecture with a tour of El Palacio de Gobierno del Estado Yucatan—a 19th-century building that now houses the state of Yucatán’s government offices

- Shop like a local at the bustling Mercado San Benito

- Learn regional history at the Mayan World Museum of Merida

- Rent a car and road trip to one of the region’s many cenotes- Relax and soak up the city’s beauty in the central Plaza Grande

Popularity: Merida is a hidden gem compared to other Mexican tourist destinations.

5. Puerto Vallarta 

Why Puerto Vallarta is Great for Your Wedding

Puerto Vallarta is a resort town in the state of Jalisco, on Mexico’s west coast. It’s known for gorgeous beaches and bustling nightlife, making it the perfect choice for the party of your life. It’s also known as one of the safest destinations in Mexico.

Our Top Puerto Vallarta Wedding Venue: Casa Karma

Casa Karma is a private beachfront paradise, about thirty minutes south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. This intimate setting is full of rustic charm, surrounded by the natural beauty of the rocky shore and spectacular sunsets.

Casa Karma features three event terraces that overlook the Pacific ocean, with a combined capacity of 200 wedding guests.

What To Know About Your Destination Wedding in Puerto Vallarta

Distance From Nearby Airports

- (PVR) Puerto Vallarta International Airport: 15 mins

Things To Do in Puerto Vallarta

- Fly through the rainforest with a zipline canopy tour

- See local artists and live music on the Malecon boardwalk

- Explore entertainment, nightclubs, and gourmet dining in the city’s historic and charming Romantic Zone

- Release baby sea turtles into the ocean with a local sea turtle sanctuary

- Walk between lush mountains on the Jorullo Bridge — the largest vehicular suspension bridge in the world

Popularity: Puerto Vallarta is a highly popular destination in Mexico.

What to Wear to a Wedding in Mexico

From casual nuptials in Tulum, to traditional celebrations in Oaxaca, the dress code can vary widely. Read on for some general guidelines for what to wear. 

Wedding Couple Attire

Mexican heat means that heavy dresses and suits will feel even heavier. Look for breezy gowns with fewer layers, and light-colored suits made with breathable fabrics like linen.

Wedding Guest Attire

Bright, bold colors are right at home in Mexico. Weddings in Mexico tend to have more laid-back dress codes. Women can look for dresses in lightweight fabrics. Men can wear chinos and a button-down shirt for more casual weddings, or lightweight suit separates for more formal affairs.

Casual Attire

During the rest of your trip, you’ll want to wear loose, breathable clothing to beat the heat. Lighter colored fabrics don’t absorb as much heat, and more coverage means less chance to get sunburned (but don’t forget the SPF!). 

Tips for Having a Mexican Destination Wedding

A lot goes into having a wedding in Mexico. Here are helpful tips to make your big day go smoothly as you continue planning your big day.

When to Travel

While Mexico is beautiful year-round, certain times of year are better to visit than others. On the flip side, planning your wedding during the off season can help you snag steep discounts.

Mexico’s hurricane season is May through November. While the weather can still be beautiful, rain and high winds could put a damper on beachside nuptials.

During certain times of year, sargassum (seaweed) grows in the ocean and then washes up on the beach. This mainly affects locations on Mexico’s east coasts like Tulum from April to October. However, many resorts work hard to clean up sargassum, so you can still enjoy beautiful beaches year-round. 

What to Pack For Your Destination Wedding

Don’t forget the essentials! This handy check-list will keep you from paying an emergency visit to the resort store.

Formal Attire

- Wedding dress/suit, or wedding guest attire

- Formal shoes

- Comfortable shoes for dancing

- Accessories

Casual Attire

- Lightweight separates (shirts/shorts/skirts)

- Swimsuit

- Cover-up

- Rash guard

- Wide-brim hat for sun protection

- Sunglasses

- Loungewear

- Comfortable walking shoes

- Flip-flops or other water shoes

Jewelry

- Wedding rings & other sentimental jewelry

- Jewelry cleaner 

- Jewelry insurance to keep your wedding day stress-free

Toiletries

- SPF (that UV index is no joke!)

- Aloe/after sun lotion

- Insect repellant

- Makeup

- Dental care

- Hair styling products

Travel essentials

- Passport/ID

- Travel insurance 

- Cash, including small bills for tipping

- Chargers (and adapters, if needed)

Making Your Mexico Destination Wedding a Reality

Planning your big day is no small feat, but we hope this guide to Mexico wedding locations helped you begin to create your wedding day vision. Mexico is full of inspiration, beauty, and romance, making it the perfect backdrop for the beginning of the rest of your life.

At Sarah O., the beauty of San Miguel de Allende inspired us to create the Alma collection, launching at the end of July. But no matter your wedding style, we are proud to create jewelry that speaks to every unique love story. 

For more wedding planning ideas and resources, visit the Sarah O. blog.