7 Great Places to Get Married in Puerto Vallarta

Image: Copyright © Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort

Q: I want to get married in Puerto Vallarta. Do you have any suggestions for hotels?

A: Here are seven hotels that would make an exceptional wedding location. The properties range in style and price to meet a variety of tastes and budgets.

1. Playa Fiesta Beachclub & Hotel, South of Puerto Vallarta
(Boutique Hotel)
A few minutes south of Puerto Vallarta you will find Playa Fiesta Beachclub & Hotel, a charming boutique hotel that has chosen to focus exclusively on weddings. Affordably priced, the entire property is typically rented out by wedding groups, creating a completely private atmosphere for their event. Couples have the freedom to fully customize their wedding day with a variety of symbolic ceremonies, unique decorations, and specialty wedding cakes. To keep the wedding guests entertained, couples can arrange to have live music, a moonlit dance, fire jugglers, a fireworks display, and more! With beautiful accommodations and stunning ocean views, this quaint hideaway is one of Puerto Vallarta’s best-kept secrets. For more information, visit www.strayweddings.com/find_resort_details.php?resort_id=56.

2. Four Seasons, Punta Mita
(Luxury European Plan)
Without question, the Four Seasons Punta Mita is one of the most luxurious hotels in the region, situated on a private stretch of beach 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. 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). 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. For more information, visit www.strayweddings.com/find_resort_details.php?resort_id=193

3. Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort, Nuevo Vallarta
(Luxury All-Inclusive)
The only member of The Leading Hotels of the World in the area, Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort is one of the classiest resorts you will encounter. Its spacious and luxurious suites, which are all a minimum of 1,000 square feet, feature teak wood imported from Bali and most offer ocean front views. Located in Nuevo Vallarta, this peaceful all-inclusive resort has stunning views of the ocean and a fabulous stretch of fine sandy beach. The resort has two spectacular wedding sites, both in semi-private areas overlooking the ocean. A patio set just off the beach makes the perfect spot for a ceremony, and the large garden site can accommodate an elaborate reception dinner by the sea. For more information, visit www.strayweddings.com/find_resort_details.php?resort_id=58.

4. Vallarta Palace, Nuevo Vallarta
(Mid-Range All-Inclusive)
This contemporary-style hotel, which is part of the Palace Resorts family of hotels, is located in Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit. Far from the noise of the city, this hotel offers a more peaceful and romantic setting for your wedding day. A contemporary wedding gazebo that overlooks the ocean has been constructed in such a way that the sun sets right in the middle of the gazebo. Just behind the gazebo is a large green space where you can hold a cocktail or dinner reception for literally hundreds of guests. In addition to the garden area, receptions can be held on the beach, at the snack bar, in the ballroom, or if you have a smaller group, in any of the resort’s four restaurants. For more information, visit www.strayweddings.com/find_resort_details.php?resort_id=154

5. CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort, Puerto Vallarta
(Mid-Range European Plan)
For a high-class experience at a reasonable price, CasaMagna Puerto Vallarta Resort provides comfort and luxury in a tropical setting. The polished marble floors, elaborate chandeliers and high ceilings give the resort a formal ambience. Located in the Marina Vallarta, this resort enjoys a more secluded setting, but is still close to downtown entertainment. The resort has fabulous outdoor ceremony and reception sites in the beach and garden areas, all with full ocean views. In addition, couples can choose from an extensive menu for their wedding dinner. For more information, visit www.strayweddings.com/find_resort_details.php?resort_id=57.

6. The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta
(Mid-Range European Plan)
Its modern architecture, brightly-colored décor, and beautiful tropical grounds are what make this resort stand out from the rest. Located down the street from the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort in the Marina Vallarta, guests are separated from the bustle of the city center, but can still easily head downtown with a short taxi ride. The resort customizes its wedding services to fit each couple’s individual style. Ceremonies can be held on the beach or in the nearby garden area. Afterwards, couples can enjoy an outdoor reception with dinner and dance directly on the beach or in the ocean front garden. For more information, visit www.strayweddings.com/find_resort_details.php?resort_id=129.

7. Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, South of Puerto Vallarta
(Affordable All-Inclusive)
Nestled between the Sierra Madre Mountains and the crystalline waters of the Banderas Bay, this resort is in one of the most picturesque areas of the region. Tailored to families, it has a variety of activities to keep a wedding group entertained night and day. If you want to venture off the resort, it is only a few minutes south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. There are several indoor and outdoor wedding sites around the property to choose from. For beach weddings, it is one of the few resorts that offer a semi-secluded beach away from beach vendors and other hotels. This wedding site allows for a catered dinner on the beach with music, dancing, and even fireworks! The wedding services are reasonably priced, and couples can opt for a free wedding package if they so choose. Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is a great family resort that offers quality service at exceptional value. For more information, visit www.strayweddings.com/find_resort_details.php?resort_id=3.

If you were married in the Puerto Vallarta area and have uncovered a wonderful wedding location, we would love to hear from you. Send your comments or stories to info@strayweddings.com. Note that resorts can change their services and wedding locations without prior notice so please contact the resort directly for current rates and offerings.

Jewish Weddings in Cancun

Q: Do you know of any rabbis or cantors that can perform a Jewish ceremony in Cancun?

A: We posed your question to some of the wedding planners in the Mayan Riviera and here's what we found out:

• There is a cantor in Cancun who performs marriages on the beach.
  
• If you want a rabbi, you would probably have to fly one out from Mexico City, which can become expensive so it may be cheaper and easier to bring your own.
  
• Kosher meals are not yet available in the Mayan Riviera, but hotels will prepare reception meals to meet Jewish dietary restrictions.

For more information, talk to your wedding planner, or contact the Jewish Community in Cancun at 52 (998) 892-0674 or comjudcan@prodigy.net.mx

Thanks to the following wedding planners for sharing their info!

• My Cancun Wedding - www.my-cancun-wedding.com
• Micas de Miralls - www.micasdemiralls.com
  
• Cancun-Weddings.com - www.cancun-weddings.com
• Beautyweddings - www.beautyweddings.com

Iberostar Playa Paraíso Resort, Mayan Riviera - Wedding Photos

Q: I would love to see pictures of the different wedding setups available at the Iberostar Playa Paraíso Resort in the Riviera Maya. Any pictures would help. Thanks!

A: To see photos from recent weddings, follow the links below.

• Sol Tamargo Photography (Paraiso del Mar) - Apr 2007
  http://www.soltamargo.com/weddings/lisa&nathan
• Sol Tamargo Photography - Mar 2007
  http://www.soltamargo.com/weddings/maryea&nate/
• Sol Tamargo Photography - Mar 2007
  http://www.soltamargo.com/portraits/maryea&nate/
• Sol Tamargo Photography (Paraiso del Mar) - Mar 2007
  http://www.soltamargo.com/weddings/traci&jimmy/
• Elizabeth Medina Photography - Oct 2006
  http://www.elizabethmedina.com/blog/?cat=14

For more information about getting married at this complex visit the following links:

• Iberostar Paraíso Beach
• Iberostar Paraíso Del Mar
• Iberostar Paraíso Lindo
• Iberostar Paraíso Maya
  

*View Real Wedding Galleries for other resorts across Mexico.

Note: If you were married at this resort and would like to share your wedding photos, please contact us at info@strayweddings.com.

Calling Mexico

Q: I live in the USA and I've never made an international call before. Can you tell me what to do to call Mexico?

A: To call Mexico from the United States or Canada, first dial the exit code, the country code, the city code, then the telephone number. For example, to call the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico, you would dial the following:

• Exit Code: 011 (from the USA or Canada)
  
• Country Code: 52 (Mexico)
  
• City Code: 998 (Cancun)
  
• Telephone Number: 848-9600 (JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa)
  

The end result would be 011-52-998-848-9600.

What's New on StrayWeddings.com - Weddings at the Gran Bahía Príncipe Riviera Maya

Image: © Gran Bahía Príncipe Riviera Maya

Q: I'm a Canadian looking to get married in Mexico and every travel agent I talk to recommends the Gran Bahía Príncipe resort in the Mayan Riviera. Do you have any information about this hotel?

A: The Gran Bahía Príncipe Riviera Maya Resort has become very popular in recent years, especially among Canadian travelers. This is a large, mid-priced, family-friendly, all-inclusive resort with sprawling grounds and something for everyone. If you're looking for a fun, laid back atmosphere for your wedding group, the Gran Bahía Príncipe may be a great option for you!

The complex is made up of three resorts – Tulum, Akumal, and Coba – with a total of 2,568 rooms, making it one of the largest complexes in the Mayan Riviera. Guests will enjoy all the amenities of an all-inclusive resort, including 10 restaurants, numerous bars, snack bars, non-motorized water sports, tennis courts, amphitheatres with nightly shows, a gym, and a salon & spa. In addition, the resort complex includes a commercial and entertainment center, Hacienda Doña Isabel, where guests can shop for souvenirs during the day, and enjoy dining, music and dancing in the evening. If you have golfers in your group, they will be happy to hear that the resort chain is building a stunning, 27-hole golf course across from the resort – coming soon!

Both religious and civil weddings can be held at the resort. The wedding gazebo is perfect for small ceremonies, offering a view of the ocean in the background. Receptions are typically held in one of the à la carte restaurants, with set menus for groups over 15 people. Below you will find their current wedding packages, which are valid until April 2007.

Religious Wedding Standard Package (US$575)

• Fees for religious ceremony and minister
• Ceremony and decorated location
• Dinner in one of the specialty restaurants
• Free upgrade for wedding couple (upon availability)
• Special amenities in room

Religious Wedding Deluxe Package (US$805)

• Fees for religious ceremony and minister
• Ceremony and decorated location
• Music from CD (guests can bring own music)
• Floral bouquet for bride and buttonhole for groom
• Wedding cake for up to 18 guests
• 2 bottles of domestic sparkling wine
• Dinner in one of the specialty restaurants
• Flower arrangement on table
• Free upgrade for wedding couple (upon availability)
• Special amenities in room

Civil Wedding Standard Package (US$1,380)

• All legal fees for judge, marriage license and certificate
• Ceremony and decorated location
• Music from CD (guests can bring own music)
• Floral bouquet for bride and buttonhole for groom
• Wedding cake for up to 18 guests
• 2 bottles of domestic sparkling wine
• Dinner in one of the specialty restaurants
• Flower arrangement on table
• Free upgrade for wedding couple (upon availability)
• Special amenities in room

Extra Wedding Services (US$)

• Bottle of Sparkling Wine or Champagne $21-$148
• DVD (25 min with edition) $250
• Photo Packages $540-$1,050
• Mexican Guitar Trio (45 min) $242
• Mariachi (45 min) $330
• Saxophonist (45 min) $385
• La Rancherita Disco (1 hr, including bartender, national drinks and DJ) $150

For more information, photographs, and ratings for the Gran Bahía Príncipe Riviera Maya Resort, visit www.strayweddings.com/find_resort.php For information about Bahía Príncipe www.bahia-principe.com or www.bahiaprincipegolf.com

Note: Wedding packages valid until April 2007. Prices are in USD, including tax. All prices and packages are subject to change without notice. For current offerings contact the Weddings Department at grupostulum@tulum.bahia-principe.com. All images are copyright material and are used with permission.

Dreams Resorts - Wedding Photos

Q: I would love to see photos of weddings at the Dreams Resort. Especially what a reception would look like. Is that at all possible? It would help me out a great deal!

A: There are several Dreams Resorts across Mexico, including Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa, Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, and Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa. Here are some photos to give you an idea of what Dreams has to offer. Hope it helps!

You may also want to check out Sol Tamargo's wedding photos of Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa - http://www.soltamargo.com/weddings/kristina&jeremy/

Above Image: © Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa - Ceremony

Above Image: © Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa

Above Image: © Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa - Reception

Above Image: © Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa - Ceremony

Above Image: © Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa - Reception

Above Image: © Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa - Ceremony

Above Image: © Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa - Ceremony in Chapel

Above Image: © Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa - Reception

Above Image: © Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa - Reception

Above Image: © Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa - Reception

For more information about weddings at Dreams Resorts across Mexico, including more photographs, see www.strayweddings.com/find_resort.php.

*View Real Wedding Galleries for other hotels across Mexico.

If you were married at this resort and would like to share your wedding photos, please contact us at info@strayweddings.com.

Getting Married in Nuevo Vallarta

Q: I need information on how to contract a legal judge who can carry out a civil marriage at Villa del Palmar Flamingos in Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico. Can you please let me know who can help me do all the arrangements in order to carry out an official civil wedding! Thank you!

A: If you haven’t done so already, the first place to start is to contact the weddings department at the hotel and reserve space for your wedding. The hotel’s wedding coordinator will be able to help you arrange your wedding ceremony and reception. If you don’t want to use the hotel’s wedding coordinator, you can hire an external wedding planner. Whether you use the hotel’s coordinator or hire an external company, they will be able to guide you through the process and will help you get all the legal documents you need. They will also arrange for a judge to officiate your ceremony. Below you will find the contact information for the hotel and for some wedding planners located in Puerto Vallarta.

Villa del Palmar Flamingos
Website: http://villadelpalmarflamingos.com/cms/
Tel: 52 (322) 226 8100 (Mexico), 1-866-725-6277 (toll free USA), or 01-800-725-6277 (toll free Mexico)

Vallarta Weddings
Tel: 52 (322) 225-5989
E-mail: wed@vallartaweddings.com
Web: www.vallartaweddings.com

Vallarta Vows
Tel: 52 (765) 374-3013
E-mail: weddings@vallartavows.com
Web: www.vallartavows.com

Adventure Weddings
Tel: 1 (888) 731-8152
E-mail: events@adventurewddingspv.com
Web: www.adventureweddingspv.com

Prisar Vallarta
Tel: 52 (322) 145-3176
E-mail: info@prisarvallarta.com
Web: www.prisarvallarta.com

For more wedding planners located in Mexico go to www.strayweddings.com/find_planner.php

For a list of wedding photographers that service Central Pacific Mexico visit www.strayweddings.com/find_photographer.php?region_id=cenpacific

Hiring a Photographer for your Wedding in Mexico

Image: © Elizabeth Medina Photography (used with permission)

Q: I’d like to hire a photographer for my wedding in Mexico. Do you have any suggestions?

A: There are several professional wedding photographers across Mexico to choose from, as well as international photographers who are more than happy to travel to Mexico for your wedding. By hiring a Mexican photographer who is located near your destination, you will cut down on travel costs, and help promote local Mexican business. Magazine-style photojournalism is the hottest trend in weddings right now, but photography style is a matter of personal taste. The only way to decide whether a photographer is right for you is to view his or her photography portfolio. For more information about photographers in Mexico, including portfolios, visit www.strayweddings.com/find_photographer.php

What's New on StrayWeddings.com - Destination Weddings: The Resort Report 2007 Cancun & Mayan Riviera

Q: I’m thinking of getting married in the Mayan Riviera. Where do I start?

A: The process of planning a destination wedding can seem overwhelming at first. To help you get started, we suggest you download our new e-book, Destination Weddings: The Resort Report – 2007 Cancun & Mayan Riviera. This free e-book highlights 10 excellent properties for weddings in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Whether you're dreaming of a big beach wedding at a luxury all-inclusive resort, or an intimate affair at a boutique hotel, this book will give you an in-depth look at what's available and how much you should expect to pay. To download the book, go to http://www.strayweddings.com/report.php

Mexican Wedding Traditions

Q: We’re looking to add a special touch to our Mexican wedding ceremony. Do you have any ideas? Perhaps something traditional in Mexico?

A: There are several ways to add a special touch to your Mexican wedding. Here are a few ideas:

MEXICAN TRADITIONS

1. Mayan Ceremony: This spiritual ceremony is presided over by a Shaman (Mayan Priest) in the Mayan language, and includes ancient rituals and music to put the couple in perfect harmony with nature. You will find Mayan ceremonies throughout the Mayan Riviera in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.

2. Mexican Wedding Lasso: A lasso made of flowers, beads, jewels, ribbon, etc. is placed around the bride and groom in a figure-8 shape as they say their vows. The lasso symbolizes the couple’s love and union, and is kept by the bride as a memento.

3. 13 Coins: The groom offers his bride a gift of 13 gold coins (arras), which is blessed by the Priest during the marriage ceremony. The tradition symbolizes the groom’s trust in the bride and his promise to provide for her for during their married life. It is said that the 13 coins represent Christ and his 12 apostles.

4. Mariachi: The traditional music choice for Mexican weddings and receptions. Usually a mariachi group consists of at least two violins, two trumpets, one Spanish guitar, one vihuela (a high-pitched, five-string guitar) and one guitarrón (a small-scaled acoustic bass).

5. First Dance: At a traditional Mexican reception, guests join hands and form a heart shape around the newlyweds during their first dance as husband and wife.

6. The Dollar Dance: A Mexican tradition where guests offer money in exchange for a dance with the bride or groom. One guest pins some money on the bride or groom and dances with them until the next guest pins their money.

7. El Muertito (The Little Death): Usually performed during the reception, this Mexican tradition involves lifting the groom over the shoulders of the male guests and tossing him several times in the air.

8. Mexican Wedding Cookies: These small round sugar cookies, called ojarascas, are traditionally made with pecans, but can also be made from other nuts including almonds and pistachios. The cookies are given as wedding favors to guests.

9. Mexican Favors: In addition to wedding cookies, favors given to guests can include fans, note cards featuring Mexican artists, or pottery.

OTHER FUN IDEAS

1. Sand Ceremony: During the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom pour two small vases of sand into one dish, symbolizing their unity as husband and wife.

2. Flower or Shell Release: At the end of the ceremony, guests are given a flower petal or seashell to make wishes on behalf of the bride and groom, which is then released into the ocean.

3. Butterfly Release: Guests are given butterflies in individual boxes at the beginning of the ceremony, which they release at the end for a beautiful display of colors. As a variation on this ceremony, during turtle season, we have heard of guests releasing baby turtles into the sea.

4. Throwing Rice: Since it is now considered harmful to birds, the traditional practice of throwing rice at the end of the ceremony has been replaced with birdseed, flower petals, bubbles, or balloons.

5. Other: To add a special surprise for your wedding guests during the reception, many resorts can arrange a firework display, fire jugglers, drum shows, or traditional dance shows.

Resort Chapels - Los Cabos

Q: I want to get married in a chapel in Los Cabos. Do you know of any resorts with chapels on-site?

A: The following resorts have chapels on-site that will host wedding events:

1. Sheraton Hacienda del Mar

2. Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort & Spa

3. One & Only Palmilla

4. El Encanto Inn

If you know of any other resorts with on-site chapels, please e-mail us at info@strayweddings.com.

Resort Chapels - Puerto Vallarta

Q: Are there any resorts in Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta with chapels on-site?

A: We are not aware of any resorts in the Puerto Vallarta/Nuevo Vallarta area with chapels on their property. However, if you want to hold a Catholic ceremony, there are many Catholic churches in Puerto Vallarta, including the famous Virgin of Guadalupe.

Wedding Cakes in Cancun

Q: I’m getting married in Cancun and am looking for a bakery for my wedding cake. The resort I am getting married at includes a small wedding cake as part of their package, but it is a simple one-tier cake and it seems to be the only kind they will make. I want more of a multi-tier cake with fondant and flowers. Do you have any recommendations?

A: It may be very difficult for you to negotiate getting a wedding cake on your own. You may save yourself a lot of work by going through an external wedding planner, even if it’s only for the cake. They would know the best bakeries in the area and would be able to make all the arrangements for you. This may save you stress, frustration, and time! That being said, we did put your question out to some wedding planners in Cancun and here's what they said:

Cancun-Weddings.com
Laura Mucel Cameras from Cancun-Weddings.com (http://www.cancun-weddings.com) says she has her own cake chef. The chef does not have her own website, but if you send Laura a photo of a cake, they would be able to duplicate it. Also, Laura would be happy to e-mail you photos of sample cakes to give you a better idea of what they can do. You can contact Laura at cancunweddingconsultant@yahoo.com.

My Cancun Wedding
Laura E. Vadillo from My Cancun Wedding (http://www.my-cancun-wedding.com) shares a list of highly-recommended bakeries in the area. You can contact Laura at laura@my-cancun-wedding.com.

1. Pasteleria La Creperia
Tel: 52 (998) 884-3420
E-mail: ventasgerencia@pasteleria.net

2. Tere Casola
Tel: 52 (998) 898-9911 or 52 (998) 892-4040

3. Pasteleria Italiana
Tel: 52 (998) 884-0796

Many thanks to Laura Mucel Cameras and Laura E. Vadillo for sharing their thoughts!

Mayan Riviera Attractions

Q: I'm getting married in the Mayan Riviera. What are the best excursions for my guests?

A: If you are holding your destination wedding in the Mayan Riviera, here are some highly-recommended attractions.

Chichén Itzá
One cannot go to the Mayan Riviera without visiting Chichén Itzá, the ancient Mayan city where between 50,000 and 100,000 Mayans lived. Located 200 kilometers from Cancun, Chichén Itzá dates back to between 750-1200 AD, after which time the city was abandoned for reasons still not understood. At this breathtaking site you can climb the famous Pyramid of Kukulcan, a 30-meter high pyramid that attracts visitors from around the world. You will also see an ancient ball court, a square of a thousand columns, several temples, and a sacred cenote. Chichén Itzá makes a wonderful day trip for your wedding group, and several companies in the area offer day tours to this site.

Tulum
Approximately 125 kilometers south of Cancun you will find an ancient city perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Tulum, meaning “fence” or “wall,” is the name given to this walled city, which flourished between 1200-1600 AD. Tulum offers a spectacular view of unparalleled turquoise Caribbean waters, and provides a glimpse into the extinct Mayan culture. You will see various structures including the city’s castle, watchtower, several temples, alters, and shrines. If you are staying in the Mayan Riviera, Tulum is an easy half-day trip that cannot be missed.

Cobá
Deep in the jungle you will find the ancient Mayan city, Cobá. Here stands one of the tallest pyramids in the Yucatan Peninsula, Nohoch Mul, towering 42 meters high. Cobá was not excavated until the 1970s, and many of the structures are still unexcavated today, making it a treasure for archeologists. As this city is quite spread out, you can expect to walk three or four miles through the jungle to see many of the site’s structures. Alternatively, you can rent a bike to explore the city. Many tour companies will arrange day trips to this mysterious ancient city.

Xel-Há
Xel-Há is located near Tulum, 60 minutes from Cancun, and makes a fun day trip for families. Visitors can enjoy the local flora and fauna on a nature walk, snorkel with the tropical fish, or even swim with the dolphins! This park offers a fantastic snorkeling experience where you can explore a variety of tropical fish in the river, creeks, lagoons, caves and canyons. The park also offers snuba adventures, which is a combination of snorkeling and scuba diving that allows you to descend deeper without having to hold your breath. The Sea Trek exploration is a type of helmet diving that allows you to walk along the sea bed. For more information, visit their website at www.xel-ha.com.

Xcaret
This eco park is located 45 minutes from Cancun, and 5 minutes from Playa del Carmen. There is so much to see and do at Xcaret, you will want to devote a whole day to exploring the park. The park offers water activities, a variety of flora and fauna, a Mayan village, a museum, and the Specatacular Night Show. Some of the park’s attractions include water activities like floating down the ungerground rivers, scuba and snuba diving, Sea Trek exploration, and swimming with the dolphins. The park also has a variety of wildlife including manatees, turtles, wild cats, monkeys, flamingos, a bat cave, a butterfly pavilion, and more! For more information, visit their website at www.xcaret.com.

Resort Chapels - Mayan Riviera

Image: El Dorado Royale, A Spa Resort (© Karisma Hotels & Resorts)

Q: I'm looking for a resort in the Mayan Riviera that has a wedding chapel on-site. Any suggestions?

A: The following resorts have chapels on-site:

1. El Dorado Royale, A Spa Resort
2. Barcelo Maya Colonial Beach Resort
3. Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa
4. Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort
5. Iberostar Paraíso Maya

If you know of any more resorts in the Mayan Riviera that have chapels on their property, please e-mail us at info@strayweddings.com.

Puerto Vallarta: A Diverse City for Weddings

Image: Puerto Vallarta (© CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta)

Q: I want to have my destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta, but can't decide which area to stay in. Can you give me your thoughts?

A: If you're thinking of getting married in Puerto Vallarta, the following will give you an idea of what the different areas offer. The landscape changes dramatically as you travel through the region, and each area has its own particular advantages.

Puerto Vallarta Hotel Strip
Puerto Vallarta is a lively city full of entertainment, shopping, restaurants, and beach activities. The hotel strip has several popular hotels densely packed along the beach. If you stay along the hotel strip you will be within a short walk or taxi ride to the bustling streets. Or, if you're a little more adventurous, you can hop on the public bus, which only costs approximately 4 pesos (US$0.35).

If you want to get married right in Puerto Vallarta, keep in mind that the beaches are public, so hotels cannot guarantee complete privacy if you want to get married directly on the beach. Several resorts have a jetty (a pier made of rocks that juts into the ocean) that they use for weddings for a beautiful seaside event set apart from the beach.

For weddings, there are some great hotels with larger properties that provide beautiful outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions. Some of our favorites include Golden Crown Paradise/Crown Paradise Club (http://www.crownparadise.com), NH Krystal Puerto Vallarta (http://www.nh-hotels.com), and Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center (http://www.starwoodhotels.com).

Marina Vallarta
A few minutes north of the hotel strip you'll find Marina Vallarta. This area is set apart from the busyness of Puerto Vallarta's streets, and offers some upscale luxury hotels and a golf course. You can still venture to the popular Malecon (main boardwalk) for only a $5 to $10 taxi ride.

Some of the best resorts for weddings in Marina Vallarta include The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta (http://www.starwoodhotels.com) and CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta (http://www.casamagnapuertovallarta.com).

Nuevo Vallarta/Vallarta Nayarit
Nuevo Vallarta/Vallarta Nayarit is located approximately 20 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. This area offers several large resort complexes on a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach. This is a great choice for a quieter and more secluded wedding event.

Although there are several resorts that host many wedding events, two of the more luxurious resorts with excellent ceremony and reception sites include Vallarta Palace (http://www.palaceresorts.com) and Grand Velas All Suites & SPA Resort (http://www.grandvelas.com).

South of Puerto Vallarta
South of the city going toward Mismaloya the landscape changes, becoming more mountainous and rocky with lush vegetation. The scenery is spectacular in this area, but the beaches are not as sandy as farther north.

If you are looking for a larger resort, Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa (http://www.dreamsresorts.com) is one of the best. There are also some fabulous villas and boutique hotels that will host wedding events, like Casa Tres Vidas/Quinta Maria Cortez (http://www.casatresvidas.com, http://www.quinta-maria.com) and Playa Fiesta (http://www.playafiesta.com).

Note that resorts can change their services and wedding locations without prior notice so please contact the resort directly for current rates and offerings.

Churches & Hotels in San Luis de la Paz

Image: Colonial church in San Miguel de Allende, near San Luis de la Paz

Q: I'm looking to get married in San Luis de la Paz. Can you tell me of any good churches for the ceremony, and hotels for the reception?

A: Yazmin Melo from Foto & Arte (www.fotoarte.melo.us) shares the following information on churches and haciendas in the San Luis de la Paz area. Thanks Yazmin!

Catholic Churches
1. Parroquia de San Luis Rey - Tel: (468) 688-2288
2. Santuario de la Virgen de Guadalupe - Tel: (468) 666-2613
3. Iglesia la Virgencita - Tel: (468) 688-4335
Note: Yazmin says Inglesia la Virgencita is very beautiful, white and small.

Haciendas
1. Hotel las Villas in San Luis de la Paz
Tel: (468) 688-4152 or (468) 688-4153
http://www.hoteleslasvillas.com/

2. Hacienda Santa Brigida in Mineral de Pozos
Note: This is the place where the 2003 movie "And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself" was filmed, starring Antonio Banderas.

General Websites
1. San Luis de la Paz: www.sanluisdelapaz.com
2. Mineral de Pozos: www.mineraldepozos.com (approx. 15 km from San Luis de la Paz)

Wedding Photographers
For a list of wedding photographers in the area go to http://www.strayweddings.com/find_photo.php and see the photographers under "Central Mexico."