For decades, destination weddings have been the domain of celebrities and the ultra-rich. Destination weddings and “weddingmoons” have, in recent years become popular with couples looking to add an exotic flare to their wedding ceremony. It is particularly easy to combine a wedding and honeymoon in Mexico, not only for its close proximity to the U.S., Canada, and Europe, but also for its simple marriage requirements. More than 200 thousand Americans alone married abroad last year, a 200{228efccc870839ae469269e86e00e47152df79753e930955a4dda5cfddb888ac} increase than previous years according to Conde Nast’s Bridal Group Infobank and Modern Bride Magazines. Thousands of these took place in what is now recognized as the world’s 5th most popular destination- Puerto Vallarta. A tropical paradise with camera-calling sunsets and beautiful sandy beaches, all surrounded by lush jungles and rainforests and mixed with rich latin culture- what could be more romantic than marrying in Puerto Vallarta?
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.