Dreaming of planning a destination wedding in Mexico? Planning a wedding outside of the country is no easy task! We highly recommend hiring a seasoned wedding planner to help you put all the pieces together, for you and your guests. But the very first thing you have to do is decide where in Mexico you’d like to host your wedding!

Why Get Married in Mexico

Mexico is a gorgeous country rich in history, tradition, and culture. Mexico’s written history dates back to more than three millennia. The scenery of their pristine beaches is unrivaled by anything seen in the US. And their hospitality is warm and welcoming at every turn. Mexico is a playground of resorts, activities, tours, and fabulous must-try local cuisine.

If all of that wasn’t enough to convince you to have a destination wedding in Mexico, its border with the US provides easy access for you & your guests when it comes to travel!

Average Cost of a Destination Wedding in Mexico

The average cost of a destination wedding in Mexico, for an American citizen can range from $5,000 – $12,000. Your price will largely be dependent on your total guest count. As well as whether or not you opt for an all-inclusive wedding package.

Obtaining a Marriage License in Mexico

If you are an American Citizen and you plan to have your legal wedding ceremony in Mexico, you will have to follow all applicable rules & laws of Mexico. The process for obtaining a marriage license in Mexico can be lengthy in comparison to the process in the US. It will also vary depending on the Mexican state in which you are being wed. For a complete list of rules and regulations, you can follow this link to the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico. 

If you are working with an experienced planner for your destination wedding in Mexico, talk to them about whether it makes sense for you to have a legal ceremony in your home country prior to your big wedding in Mexico.

I Want To Get Married In A Mexican Mission

Mexican missions are some of the most breathtaking, historic churches you will ever set foot in. However, their weddings are a Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Which are reserved for couples who have been baptized in and practice the Catholic faith. If you meet those requirements, contact the mission where you’d like to hold your ceremony in to submit your documentation.

If including a piece of Mexico’s history in your wedding day is what you & your partner are after, check out some of the historic Haciendas instead!

What Else Do I Need to Know About Traveling To Mexico for my Destination Wedding?

You, your partner, and your guests will all need valid passports in order to gain entry to the country. But above all, organization and communication are key when planning a destination wedding outside your home country! You will absolutely need an experienced planner who can help you field questions about all the things. From room blocks, proximity to activities, attractions, and all of your burning wedding planning questions! The best way to keep your guests in the know is to make your wedding planner the co-host of your Guestie event. This will create an open form of communication with your guests while keeping your own personal stress level at a minimum!

Here are 10 of the best locations to plan a destination wedding in Mexico!

Playa Del Carmen

Venue We Love: Thompson Beach House

Playa Del Carmen is known for it’s pristine beaches and mega-resorts. It also attracts hordes of tourists and does not have an airport. If you decide to host your destination wedding in Mexico, in Playa Del Caren you & your guests will have to fly into Cancun and drive about 40 minutes by car or take a ferry from Cozumel (also about 40 minutes), to arrive at your location.

San José del Cabo, B.C.S.

Venue we Love: One & Only Palmilla

We have a major love for planning a destination wedding in Cabo. You can read our complete guide to planning a wedding in Cabo at this link. Cabo is easy to access if you plan on flying in from a west coast state. It also offers the most gorgeous shorelines imaginable!

Queretaro City

Venue we Love: Hacienda La Solariega

You’ll find beautiful vineyards, breweries, and tap houses in Queretaro City! Queretaro City is also considered one of Mexico’s cradles of liberty, having played a part in Mexico’s independence from Spain. Colonial architecture still stands in the Mexican state of Queretaro City and in the city square, you’ll find the old church convent. Bright vibrant colors and stone architecture make this city perfect for exploring!

San Miguel de Allende

Venue we Love: Casa Adela

A beautiful colonial-era town with cobblestone streets, San Miguel de Allende evokes the charm and history of Mexico with its neo-Gothic church Parroquia de San Miguel. While most cities on this list are known for their views of pristine beaches, San Miguel de Allende is a landlocked city that affords the ability to travel to and explore neighboring cities.

Puerto Vallarta

Venue We Love: Terrace at Barcelo

One of the most popular vacation destinations, in the world, Puerto Vallarta, is located on Mexico’s pacific coast in Jalisco state. It’s known for its amazingly gorgeous beaches, water sports, and heaps of resorts. Our favorite regional dishes from the area are Birria & Ceviche! Both of these would make amazing selections for your wedding menu.

Mexico City

Venue We Love: San Hipolito

A wedding in Mexico City comes with the ability to tour ancient ruins, parks, and plazas. The culture in Mexico City is energetic and it holds a history as an Aztec capital turned into a modern metropolis. While you’re there check out the old artifacts at the National Museum of Anthropology. Mexico City is known for some of the best street food options, making for one heck of an afterparty on the night of your wedding!

Tulum

Venue We Love: Radhoo

Tulum has gained major popularity among travelers and Instagram influencers in recent years. It’s easy to forget that Mexico also has a jungle landscape deep in its border. Which is what awaits you in Tulum. Its lush tropical jungle landscape and Mayan ruins make it one of Mexico’s must-visit states!

Mazatlan

Venue We Love: El Cid Resort

In the Mexican state of Sinaloa along the Pacific shoreline lies Mazatlan. This town that lines the shore is full of 19th-century landmarks, including the Immaculate Conception Basilica. In this charming town full of historical architecture, it would be hard to find a destination wedding venue that doesn’t face the shore! Along with its history & culture, Mazatlan is one of the destination wedding locations in Mexico that offers a wide range of all-inclusive resorts, family-friendly resorts, and adults-only resorts.

Mérida, Yucatan

Venue We Love: Hacienda Sac Chich, Casa de Maquinas

Mayan culture and colonial history create the modern-day landscape of Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán. You won’t find any beaches in Mérida. But, if visiting Mexico’s shoreline is on your checklist, we highly recommend making the 17-minute drive to enjoy some relaxation time by the shore. The wedding venues in Mérida are known for their lush gardens and tropical landscape. However, the landlocked town is also known for its heat! Be sure to keep your guests cool with fun paper fans & refreshing signature drinks!

Oaxaca

Pronounced waa-ha-kuh, this Mexican city is known for its indigenous culture, and colonial buildings made of green volcanic stone. The landscape and architecture of Oaxaca exude the colorful vibrance that Mexcio is known for! Oaxaca is ancient, literally. And has been home to numerous archaeological sites, many of which you can now visit. Bordered by Puebla, Veracruz, and the Pacific Ocean, Oaxaca is worth the visit and a top location to consider when planning a destination wedding in Mexico!

Venue We Love: Cardenal Oaxaca Social Venue

Need even more inspiration to plan your destination wedding in Mexico? Check out this post: Top 10 Cabo Wedding Venues for the Ultimate Destination Wedding!