Best of the Best - The Most Luxurious Wedding Hotels in Mexico

So you've paid your dues, you’re a well-seasoned traveler, you're more mature and sophisticated, and you have a little more cash in your pocket than you once did. Now you're looking for a special place in paradise to pledge your love and commitment to the love of your life. Sound familiar? Then this list is for you! Here you will find the most luxurious, award-winning hotels across Mexico that are also excellent wedding destinations.

1. One & Only Palmilla $$$$

Image: One&Only Palmilla. This photo is copyright material and used with permission.

The One&Only Palmilla is no ordinary hotel. This spectacular property in Los Cabos, Mexico is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World™, was listed in Condé Nast Traveler's 2007 Gold List, and was rated #1 in Baja California by Travel + Leisure (2007 T+L 500 – world’s 500 best hotels). A number of celebrities have been rumored to frequent the resort. John Travolta celebrated his 50th birthday here with nearly 300 guests, including Oprah Winfrey, Meg Ryan, and Barbara Streisand, while “Growing Pains” star Alan Thicke tied the knot with his beautiful bride in 2005. Other famous guests include Tom Cruise, Céline Dion, Hugh Jackman, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Richard Gere.

With 172 beautifully-furnished rooms, the One&Only Palmilla offers complete luxury and all the amenities of an upscale resort. For weddings, the property has a charming Mexican-style chapel which overlooks the resort's grounds and ocean, accommodating up to 40 guests. Couples can arrive to the chapel by traditional horse-drawn carriage for that extra special touch. Wedding ceremonies can also be held on the beach or at the Agua Pool Terrace for a more tropical feeling. The resort’s grounds are lush, with winding stone pathways through tropical vegetation and fountains, creating a romantic ambience for cocktail parties and reception dinners.

Room rates range from $450 to $2,600 USD per night (plus 13% tax & 15% service fee). For more information, including wedding services and photographs, see www.strayweddings.com/find_resort_details.php?resort_id=189


2. Esperanza, An Auberge Resort $$$$

Image: Esperanza, An Auberge Resort. This photo is copyright material and used with permission.

This small resort in Los Cabos is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious properties in all of Mexico, and is no stranger to the rich and famous. Hollywood couple Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin spent their honeymoon at the resort after getting married in 2003. Other celebrities known to spend time at Esperanza include Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Jennifer Garner, Owen Wilson, and Paul McCartney. The resort has received numerous awards by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Andrew Harper’s Hideaway, and the Robb Report.

All of Esperanza’s 50 casita suites and 6 luxury suites feature outdoor terraces with magnificent ocean views, and range in size from 925 to 3,000 square feet. The resort comes complete with a full spa, yoga studio, and for those with an appreciation for art, an art gallery and sculpture garden.

Esperanza takes care of every detail for wedding groups. You can choose from a variety of wedding packages, and can even say your vows aboard an exclusive luxury yacht. Ceremonies and receptions can be held right on the beach or on a terrace with a full ocean view. Smaller wedding groups can enjoy gourmet dining in one of the resort’s restaurants.

Room rates range from $475 to $5,500 USD per night (plus 13% tax & 15% service fee). For more information, including wedding services and photographs, see www.strayweddings.com/find_resort_details.php?resort_id=190


3. Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita $$$$

Image: Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. This photo is copyright material and used with permission.

Situated on a private stretch of beach 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is an extravagant haven for the most discerning of travelers. The resort has received the coveted AAA Five Diamond award, and has been named among the best hotels in the world by Condé Nast Traveler (2007 Gold List) and Travel + Leisure (2007 T+L 500 – world’s 500 best hotels). If you’re looking for a small resort to host your lavish wedding, and money is no object, then look no further!

You can expect to be pampered on your wedding day. Wedding packages include special touches such as private airport transportation, flowers and margaritas in your room upon arrival, a spa treatment and massage to unwind, a romantic bath prepared in your room, and after the wedding, a romantic turndown with candles, flower petals, and chocolate dipped strawberries. Every detail of your wedding is completely customizable, right down to the type and color of your chairs. Elaborate receptions can be held at various locations around the resort including the patio, garden, beach, and in the ballroom. With no limit to what the resort can accommodate, you can create your fantasy wedding in a tropical paradise.

Room rates range from $375 to $16,650 USD per night (plus 18% tax & 10% service fee). For more information, including wedding services and photographs, see www.strayweddings.com/find_resort_details.php?resort_id=193


4. Maroma Resort & Spa $$$$

Image: Maroma Resort & Spa. Photo copyright Orient Express Hotels, used with permission.

One cannot talk about luxury hotels in Mexico without mention of the famous Maroma Resort & Spa. This 65-room Bed & Breakfast is set on a former coconut plantation on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mayan Riviera. Maroma Resort & Spa is yet another hideaway for the world’s most influential people, such as British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes, Cameron Diaz, Sean Penn, Sharon Stone, Farrah Fawcett, Dick Clark, and many more. The resort has also been highly acclaimed by Condé Nast Traveler (2007 Gold List), Condé Nast Brides, Modern Bride, Travel + Leisure, Travel Channel, Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report, and ZAGAT.

The property’s rooms are distributed among several two- and three-story white stucco buildings with thatched roof terraces. Luxury amenities include original art and handmade furniture, soft wool rugs, hand-painted tiles, aromatherapy, handmade soap, and some rooms include a plunge pool. At the resort’s 7,000-square-foot Kinan Spa, you can indulge yourself with one of the exotic spa treatments using natural ingredients such as volcanic black clay, sea salt, crushed grape seeds, and fresh banana leaves. The spa also offers healing treatments that release toxins and balance your energy flow. Offered at dusk, the Maya Temazcal combines ancient chants and meditation with the steam of herb-infused water poured over super heated lava rocks. During this experience some guests report seeing visions. Guests are then given a mineral mud treatment, after which they plunge into the sea to symbolize a re-birth and a renewed sense of inner peace.

The romantic ambience of Maroma Resort & Spa sets the tone for a perfect wedding day. Couples can be married on the secluded white sandy beach, overlooking the calm blue water of the Caribbean Sea, or amid the lush tropical gardens. Customizable wedding services are available to match your personal style.

Room rates range from $480 to $2,250 USD per night (plus 12% tax & 10% service fee). For more information, including wedding services and photographs, see www.strayweddings.com/find_resort_details.php?resort_id=15


5. JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa $$$

Image: JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa. This photo is copyright material and is used with permission.

The JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa is located along Luxury Avenue in the Cancun Hotel Zone. All 448 rooms offer luxury amenities including twice daily maid service, bathrobes and slippers, double sinks, new Revive bedding, flat screen TVs and wireless internet. In 2007 the hotel was rated #1 in Cancun by Condé Nast Traveler (2007 Gold List), and was listed as one of the world’s 500 best hotels by Travel + Leisure (2007 T+L 500). Complete with a 35,000-square-foot spa with 17 treatment rooms and an elaborate spa menu, you can release all your stress and anxiety before the big day.

Spacious grounds, amazing ocean views, specialized wedding services and their own Marriott Certified Wedding Planners make the hotel an ideal destination wedding location. The JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa can accommodate wedding groups of up to 600 guests and offers a wide variety of wedding sites including a semi-private ocean view gazebo, the beach, the seaside garden area, pool areas, and an indoor ballroom. Several wedding packages are available, or you are free to completely customize your own. The hotel will also arrange for rehearsal dinners, bachelor parties, and a post-wedding brunch. If your wedding guests want a more affordable option for accommodations, they can stay next door at the resort’s sister property, CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort.

For more information, including wedding services and photographs, see www.strayweddings.com/find_resort_details.php?resort_id=10

We want to hear from you! Do you agree with these picks? Is there a hotel in Mexico you think should be on this list? Let us know!