Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is a romantic elopement destination with some of the most breathtaking beaches. Here’s what you need to know to plan your wedding here!
Puerto Vallarta Mexico Elopement Guide
There’s just something extra magical and romantic about a destination wedding in Mexico. Puerto Vallarta sits on the western coastline and has stunning, isolated sandy beaches, as well as lush jungles where you may even see the occasional waterfall. There’s a wide variety of locations you can choose from for an elopement here, whether it’s a beachfront resort or a more secluded private rental. No matter what, you will fall in love with the relaxed and romantic atmosphere here!
Bri & Blaine are actually local to where I live, but brought me along to capture their stunning day! I loved that we were able to build a relationship in person before the wedding; it makes everyone feel more confident and comfortable for the day of! So I’ll alway highly recommend finding a photographer that is local to your area and bringing them along for the occasion.
Puerto Vallarta Elopement Locations
There’s such a wonderful blend of natural beauty here, as well as unique architecture and stunning, modern resorts. This makes it ideal for an elopement, on top of being the perfect place for a vacation. Here are a few options for locations for an elopement here in Puerto Vallarta:
A Beachfront Resort
Puerto Vallarta is best known for its beachfront resorts. Many of them offer intimate ceremonies followed by private dinners, and of course, luxurious suites for the night. There’s always so much to offer right on the property, including plenty of photo opportunities. It’s extremely convenient to have a ceremony where you are also staying, as it’s less logistics, especially in a foreign country. This elopement for Bri & Blaine was at the beautiful Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort and it had the dreamiest ceremony location!
A Private Villa
Renting a private villa can provide a much more intimate and private ceremony if that’s more your vibe. You can have a ceremony overlooking the ocean, celebrate poolside, and stay all right on the property. This is especially convenient if you have a smaller guest count, such as just immediate family, as it would be easier to find something that is large enough to fit your whole group.
A Secluded Beach
If you’d rather save on accommodations and stay more inland, then you can consider just driving out to one of the many secluded beaches for a ceremony right on the sand. Puerto Vallarta has some of the most stunning beaches, so you’re sure to find one that fits what you have envisioned. Just avoid some of the more crowded beaches if you’d rather not have an extra audience!
When to Elope in Puerto Vallarta
Eloping in Puerto Vallarta really depends on what kind of vibe you’re going for, since the seasons here can feel pretty different. Here’s a quick breakdown so you can picture what each time of year is like:
Winter (December – February)
This is peak season for a reason. The weather is sunny, dry, and super comfortable, usually in the mid-70s to low-80s during the day. It’s the perfect time if you want blue skies, no rain, and gorgeous sunsets. Just keep in mind it’s also the busiest (and most expensive) time of year for tourism.
Spring (March – May)
Spring stays mostly dry but gets warmer as you move into May. Think mid-80s to even low-90s on hotter days. It’s not quite as crowded as winter, which makes it a great balance between ideal weather and fewer tourists. This is a sweet spot for elopements if you want that sunny, tropical feel without the full peak-season crowds.
Summer (June – September)
This is rainy season in Puerto Vallarta. Days are hot and humid (often in the 90s), and you’ll likely get afternoon or evening thunderstorms. But the rain also brings lush greenery and fewer crowds, so if you don’t mind a little heat and are flexible with timing, summer can actually be pretty romantic..
Fall (October – November)
Fall is a transition period. October can still be pretty rainy and humid, but by November the rains taper off, and the weather evens out into warm, sunny days again. This is a fantastic time to elope because the landscapes are still green from summer rains, but the busy season hasn’t fully kicked in yet, so you get a mix of beauty, privacy, and more affordable rates.
Planning Your Puerto Vallarta Elopement
There’s a lot of logistics that goes into planning a destination elopement and it can make it feel overwhelming at times. But here’s what you need to know to ensure your day run smoothly!
- Choose a location: This is your first necessary step, as you need to book in advance and ensure your space is availiable! So whether it’s a private villa, or a beachside resort, it’s best to start here in your planning.
- The legal requirements: You have one of two options for getting married in Mexico. One, you can make everything legal back home and just say your vows and celebrate here in Puerto Vallarta. The second option would mean doing a civil ceremony in Jalisco with four witnesses present, and you will also need to obtain a blood test.
- Find a florist: Local florists are goign to know eactly what will hold up best in Puerto Vallarta at the time of year that you choose for your elopement.
- Choose a photographer: You absolutely want to remember this day forever, and photographers help you do that in the most beautiful way. I’m always ready for my next elopement here in Puerto Vallarta, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
- Find accommodations: If you aren’t choosing the resort or private rental route, then you’ll need to find accommodations that can work for both you and your guests!
- Add some local touches: If you’re coming to Mexico for an elopement, it only makes sense to add in some of the local flair in to your day! Whether it be in the little details, or in the cuisine choice, it’s a fun way to experience the culture on your wedding day.
Hiring a Destination Wedding Photographer
When you’re planning a destination wedding, it’s super tempting to just go with the photographer included in your resort’s package, but hiring your own destination wedding photographer can make a world of difference. Resort photographers often work on a tight schedule, shooting multiple weddings a week, and their style can feel more generic or cookie-cutter. If you want photos that actually capture your personalities, your love story, and all the little in-between moments, bringing in your own photographer is the way to go.
A dedicated destination wedding photographer will take the time to get to know you, your style, and what’s important to you. They’ll usually arrive a day or two early, scout the best spots for photos, and stick around to capture more than just the ceremony; they’ll document the welcome party, the beach hangouts, the late-night dancing, and everything in between. Basically, you’re hiring someone who’s focused solely on telling your story, not just checking boxes for the resort.
Plus, destination wedding photographers usually have a specific style you fell in love with (otherwise you wouldn’t be considering them!). That means your gallery is going to feel cohesive, intentional, and personal, not like a set of stock wedding images. So while using the resort photographer might be convenient, bringing in your own is one of the best decisions you can make to ensure your wedding photos feel as special and unforgettable as the day itself.
I’m Tessa, a destination wedding photographer based in North Dakota! I’d love to learn more about your photography needs and explore how Twelve9 Photography can beautifully capture your special moments. I believe the possibilities are endless! Let’s connect and discuss how we can create lasting memories together.
