The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Destination Wedding in Mexico

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From Playa Mujeres and Playa Del Carmen to Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos, Mexico wedding venues are some of the world's most dazzling. Among them, you'll find countless beachfront spots that will blow you away with their beauty. No matter what city you choose for your Mexico wedding destination, you and your soon-to-be spouse are bound to have an incredible wedding and capture some gorgeous photos to last a lifetime. Can you say dream wedding day? It's no wonder Mexico is known for being one of the best destination wedding locations.

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As with all destination weddings, planning your big day in another country has its challenges. Questions will likely arise, including the legalities of getting married in Mexico, what the weather is like and the cost of a wedding in Mexico compared to other countries. To answer all of these questions and help you navigate the planning process for your special day, we turned to Apryl D. Roberts, owner of design and production company Memorable Events by Apryl, for some expert intel on Mexico destination weddings.

Why Couples and Guests Love Mexico Weddings

Photo: Thomas Barwick/Getty Images

If you've ever fallen down a Pinterest rabbit hole and stumbled upon images of Mexico destination weddings, it's easy to see why so many couples opt to tie the knot there. Mexico is the epitome of paradise. The food and culture are rich. The nightlife is lively. The natural scenery is beyond gorgeous (hello, turquoise waters, cenotes and white-sand beaches) and the tropical climate lends itself to a great getaway for your nuptials.

Another reason couples love Mexico? The cost. Roberts says destination weddings in Mexico are much cheaper compared to weddings in the United States or other destinations abroad.

Pro tip: Invite a destination wedding travel expert to join your vendor team. Browse travel agents near you on The Knot Marketplace for Mexico wedding expertise, group hotel blocks, flight arrangements and more.

The Best Places to Get Married in Mexico

Photo: Thomas Barwick/Getty Images

Mexico has no shortage of beautiful places to get married. According to Roberts, these are the top spots.

Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya is a top destination wedding location for couples opting to get married in Mexico, Roberts says. It's located right outside of Cancun and it's known for its lush beaches and all-inclusive luxury wedding resorts.

Tulum

If you're looking for an oceanfront wedding location that's dreamy and divine, look no further than Tulum, a town on the country's Yucatán Peninsula. "It's enriched by the Mayan culture and known for its pure white sand and natural parks," Roberts says.

Baja Peninsula

The Baja Peninsula, which includes stunning Cabo San Lucas, is another beautiful spot to add to your list. "It's on the western coast of the country and does not have major hurricane seasons," Roberts says. "This region is also known for luxury villas and great beaches."

Cozumel

Roberts says Cozumel is a budget-friendly location that boasts all-inclusive resorts and all-inclusive wedding packages.

Pro tip: As you consider Mexico wedding locations, don't forget about your newlywed vacation. Plan an amazing Mexico honeymoon, too, with our complete guide.

The Top Mexico Wedding Venues and Resorts

Photo courtesy of Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort

If heading south for the border for a Mexican destination wedding sounds like the perfect fit for you and yours, you'll want to find a venue that fits your version of postcard-perfect. Mexico is a tourist hotspot for its beachy surroundings and historical sites — there is no shortage of them. Many offer Mexico destination wedding planners with years of insights and experience with the area's top vendors. To make planning easier, consider one of the resort or hotel's Mexico wedding packages, which offer perks like overnight stays and flowers.

Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort

Marriott Cancun's all-inclusive deal makes it a destination even when "I Do's" aren't involved. Recently upgraded rooms and ballrooms feel fresh and modern, some offering ocean vistas. The sprawling Maya Ballroom can seat up to 800 but can be broken up into sections for more intimate gatherings. AV equipment allows couples to play slideshows, and wedding planners are at the ready to handle all the logistics from flowers to the menu. Pairs can also book a honeymoon there — an oceanside suite comes with the deal. Bonuses: There's a waterpark, easy access to local attractions like the Tulum Ruins and even childcare for guests who can't leave tiny tykes behind.

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort

Another lauded, all-inclusive resort, Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya is a refined spot that offers couples and their guests access to two of Mexico's main draws: History and the beach. It's less than 20 miles from the Tulum Archaeological Zone and is set right on the beach. Of course, the real draw of a trip to Mexico for your wedding will be a chance to celebrate you. They can do that beginning with a ceremony on a so-soft white sand beach before enjoying a sit-down reception. Packages are available — each includes perks like flowers, a morning-after breakfast and a four-night stay (with one night on the house) for your first anniversary.

Iberostar Cozumel

A breezy luxury resort along the Caribbean Sea, Iberostar Cozumel makes it easy to go from plush bed to soft sands in a New York Minute. It's also not far from the airport Cozumel International Airport, making it easy for guests to get there. Weddings can take place right beside the ocean, where lauded coral reefs are worth exploring on pre or post-wedding snorkeling adventures. Wedding planners can help you get the most out of your stunning surroundings and plan a day that feels anything but cookie-cutter. Before or after the big day, you and yours can retreat to bungalow-style rooms or enjoy a trip to a pool or spa. Playa Mia Grand Beach Park and all its water slides are also nearby. Or, everyone can head to the sandy white beach and stay a while.

Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya

Hyatt Zilara Riviera Mayaadults-only oceanfront surroundings make it an ideal spot for a wedding day that's equal parts mature and gorgeous. The elegant adult hideaway offers packages that can meet nearly any size and budget, from intimate affairs to all-out bashes with every one of the people you love most. On-site wedding planners handle tasks big and small, allowing pairs to focus on saying "I do" and enjoying the company of their family and friends. A Zen Spa menu boasts bridal party treatments and other offerings that'll have you truly glowing in time for your Big Day.

Mexico Wedding Legal Requirements

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Before tying the knot, you'll want to ensure your vows are more than symbolic but legal to boot. It's possible to take care of both in Mexico. However, couples will have to jump through some legal hoops if they want to make things official south-of-the-U.S. border, including getting a marriage license in Mexico. This guide will help, and it's best to lean on local professionals like a wedding planner for further advice as requirements vary by state.

Legal Weddings vs. Symbolic Weddings

As with all destination weddings, couples have the option to get legally married in the country where they're hosting their destination wedding or getting legally married in their home country prior to their wedding date. (For the latter, the ceremony on the day of their wedding would be symbolic.)

The benefits of having a symbolic over a legal ceremony include not having to deal with the paperwork, legalities and fees associated with getting legally married in that country. For a destination wedding in Mexico, Roberts notes that couples will need four witnesses at their legal wedding ceremony.

Required Legal Documents

Legal requirements to get married in Mexico vary by district. Generally, legal documents, like a valid passport, birth certificate translated to Spanish and Apostilled (certifies the certificate's legality), a tourist permit and a prenuptial medical examination that includes locally drawn blood tests and chest X-rays. (She notes that not all wedding locations require chest X-rays.) "Mexico requires blood tests to detect syphilis and HIV," she says. "The chest X-rays, if required by that state, are just an additional measure.

Legal Marriage Timeline

The process of getting legally married in Mexico begins once you enter the country. "The couple must visit the local registry office to obtain the application forms," Roberts says. "Once the paperwork is filled out, the couple will pay the marriage license fee. Depending upon the jurisdiction, the application may be processed anywhere between 30 minutes to a couple of days."

If one of the partners has Mexican citizenship, they'll also need a foreign marriage permit, which can take up to two weeks. After the ceremony, Roberts says you'll need to obtain a certified copy of the marriage certificate from the registry office.

Legal Marriage Cost

A Mexican marriage license will run approximately $26, Roberts says. You'll also need an Apostille stamp that authenticates the marriage, which costs approximately $7. Some states in Mexico also require a national marriage permit, which can run around $175. A private ceremony in Mexico will cost about $30 USD or more. Again, the costs will be predicated on where the ceremony takes place, including jurisdiction, private vs. home ceremony vs. Office of the Civil Registry.

Pro tip: Once you've decided on your Mexico wedding venue, send out destination wedding save-the-dates with important info so your guest can book the time off and start thinking about travel plans.

Mexico Wedding Planning Tips

Photo: Thomas Barwick/Getty Images

Some other logistics to think about as you're planning your destination wedding include transportation, weather, venues, vendors and budgeting. All that and more is covered below.

How to Get There

Flights from the US to Mexico range in cost from $250 to $800 round trip. "Once in the country, you may arrange transportation directly with the resort or hire a local transport company," she says. "There are many at the airport, but I recommend arranging transportation prior to your arrival with your wedding planner or travel agent."

Mexico Weather

Wedding season in Mexico runs from October to July. "The weather is milder, yet still warm," Roberts says. "Summer months are plagued by extreme heat and storm season."

Choosing Your Mexico Wedding Venue and Vendors

As you do the legwork to find your dream wedding venue in Mexico, Roberts offers up one piece of advice, and that's practicing patience.

"Mexican culture is very laid-back," she says. "Responses may not be as expedient as you would hope for or experience stateside." However, she says, the results are always executed well. The Knot Marketplace is a great resource for finding wedding coordinators that specialize in planning destination weddings in Mexico.

Mexico Wedding Cost and Budgeting Tips

"The currency rate of the US dollar in Mexico has been going upward," Roberts says. "You get more value for your money there." For instance, she says, a wedding that costs $35,000 to $40,000 in the US would cost an average of $2050 to $2,400 at a four-star resort in Mexico

That said, the destination wedding cost in Mexico will vary and depend on the region and the resort where you get married. But generally, destination weddings in Mexico tend to be less expensive than weddings of the same caliber in the States.

To save money, Roberts recommends booking an all-inclusive resort. Most resorts have wedding packages that include everything you need for a dream wedding, including decor, rehearsal dinner options, cuisine and accommodations for you and your wedding guests.

Pro tip: Set up a free destination wedding website on The Knot with all the event details including your Mexico wedding itinerary, things to do, guest travel information, RSVPs and more.

BethAnn Mayer contributed to this article.