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Your Ultimate Puerto Vallarta Wedding Guide

October 17, 2025 | lexi

Puerto Vallarta beach wedding reception sweetheart table

If your idea of a dream wedding involves ocean breezes, mountain views, and margaritas at sunset, Puerto Vallarta deserves a top spot on your list. Between its stunning scenery, world-class resorts, and warm local hospitality, this gem on Mexico’s Pacific coast makes it easy to turn your wedding into an unforgettable getaway for everyone on your guest list.

Why Puerto Vallarta for Your Destination Wedding

There’s a reason Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most beloved wedding destinations. The international airport makes travel seamless for guests, and once you’re there, it’s a breeze to get around. The city is compact, safe, and filled with authentic local charm.

You’ll find a rare mix of beach and mountains, making it easy to plan a weekend that feels both adventurous and relaxing. Between luxury beachfront resorts, boutique villas, and charming local eateries, there’s no shortage of incredible accommodations and dining. Puerto Vallarta is also proudly LGBTQ+ friendly, offering a warm, inclusive atmosphere that welcomes all couples.

And let’s not forget the weather—sunny days and ocean breezes make it easy to celebrate outdoors nearly year-round.

Puerto Vallarta wedding ceremony

Puerto Vallarta Wedding Venues

At Junebug Weddings, we’re big believers that your wedding should feel like an experience, not just a day. Our team has been lucky enough to stay at Velas Vallarta, Casa Velas, and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, and we can confidently say: the service, wedding spaces, and cuisine at these properties are unmatched.

Velas Vallarta

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that doubles as a vacation, Velas Vallarta is the perfect place to start. This all-inclusive oceanfront resort sits on 10 lush acres, where every suite overlooks the Pacific and every sunset feels like it was designed just for you.

Whether you’re saying “I do” on the jetty surrounded by waves, on the beach framed by mountains, or on the lawn under swaying palms, the views here are unreal. Guests can stay right on-site, so the celebration doesn’t have to end after just one night. From beach bonfire welcome parties to poolside cocktails while the little ones enjoy the Kids’ Club, there’s something for everyone.

The two gourmet restaurants feature nightly themed dinners and local specialties (trust us, the piña coladas are a 10/10). And for couples who value sustainability, Velas Vallarta’s EarthCheck certification and sea turtle conservation program are a testament to their environmental commitment.

Wedding Highlights at Velas Vallarta:

  • Two elegant indoor venues and six outdoor settings
  • Certified wedding planners to bring your vision to life
  • Award-winning spa and all-inclusive gourmet dining
  • Family-friendly resort with endless activities
  • Sea Turtle Conservation & Release program (June–December)

It’s ideal for couples who want their celebration to unfold like a vacation—relaxed, refined, and beautifully seamless from start to finish.

Velas Vallarta all-inclusive resort

Casa Velas

For couples looking for a more intimate, adults-only setting, Casa Velas offers a boutique, hacienda-style atmosphere just minutes from the beach. Think tranquil gardens, art-filled suites, and a private beach club where you can host everything from your ceremony to a sunset cocktail party. It’s elegant with a side of authenticity.

Casa Velas all-inclusive resort

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

If luxury and indulgence top your wish list, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit delivers. This AAA Five Diamond resort is known for its spacious ocean-view suites, award-winning restaurants, and world-class spa. It’s the ultimate choice for couples who want to treat their guests (and themselves) to a truly elevated wedding experience.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit all-inclusive resort

The Best Times to Get Married in Puerto Vallarta

The most popular wedding months are November through May, when the weather is warm, dry, and sunny. June through October marks the rainy season, but it’s also when everything is lush and vibrant with fewer crowds and great travel deals.

Puerto Vallarta wedding ceremony on the lawn at Velas Vallarta

Marriage Requirements in Mexico

Non-resident couples can legally marry in Mexico, but the process involves a few extra steps. You’ll need valid passports, tourist permits (FMM), and birth certificates, along with blood tests done locally. Many couples choose to handle the legal paperwork at home and celebrate with a symbolic ceremony in Mexico—something the Velas Weddings team can easily arrange for you.

Wedding reception on the jetty at Velas Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Activities for Your Wedding Weekend

Puerto Vallarta is made for celebration, and your wedding weekend can be as relaxing or adventurous as you want it to be.

  • Welcome Bonfire on the Beach: Kick off the festivities with a laid-back night under the stars, complete with s’mores and a live mariachi band.
  • Catamaran Cruise: Set sail on Banderas Bay for an unforgettable day trip with your guests. Between December and March, you might even witness the magic of humpback whales breaching in the distance.
  • Spa Day: Treat yourselves to a spa day with your wedding party or slip away for a romantic couple’s massage. At Velas Vallarta, you can even enjoy your massage right on the jetty, surrounded by ocean breezes and the soothing sound of waves all around you.
  • Golf Outing: Spend a morning on the greens at one of Puerto Vallarta’s world-class golf courses. With three championship-level 18-hole courses located within walking distance of Velas Vallarta (including the renowned Marina Vallarta and Vista Vallarta Golf Clubs) it’s the perfect way to relax and connect before the big day.
  • Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourselves in the local culture with cooking classes, tequila tastings, or art walks through the charming cobblestone streets of Old Town.

The Velas Weddings team can coordinate all of this for you, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy.

Massage by the ocean at Velas Vallarta

Incorporating Mexican Wedding Traditions

Infuse your celebration with local culture by adding traditional touches like La Víbora de la Mar, el lazo, or live mariachi music. Velas Vallarta even features an all-female mariachi band—a highlight of our visit and an unforgettable way to celebrate Mexican heritage and joy.

Mariachi band at Velas Vallarta for a Puerto Vallarta wedding

Book a Trip to Visit Venues in Person

Can’t decide which venue is right for you? Make a trip of it! Velas’ certified wedding specialists assist you with every step—from venue tours and menu tastings to drone filming and live video streaming for families back home. Their goal: to make planning your destination wedding as seamless as the celebration itself.

Pool at Velas Vallarta, all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Start Planning Your Puerto Vallarta Wedding

If Puerto Vallarta is calling your name, now’s the time to start planning. Get in touch with the Velas Weddings team to explore venues, menus, and everything in between. Your dream destination wedding—and maybe your best vacation yet—is waiting. Start planning with Velas Weddings.

Puerto Vallarta wedding portrait at Velas Vallarta

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Elegant Garden Wedding Where Intimacy Meets Sophistication

October 17, 2025 | justine

Fabiola and Adrián wanted their wedding to feel like them—elegant, warm, and effortless. Their elegant garden wedding took place in a serene outdoor space surrounded by trees, soft blooms, and golden light. Every detail reflected their love for simplicity, from the neutral color palette and lush greenery to a black-tie dress code that made the day feel timeless yet relaxed.

They first met during a tennis match, and what began as a casual encounter quickly turned into something lasting. “We met at a tennis match, love blossomed instantly, and I knew he was the love of my life,” Fabiola shared. That same sense of ease and connection shaped their day. A celebration that felt natural, romantic, and deeply personal.

What We Love About This Elegant Garden Wedding

  • The bride’s sleek off-shoulder gown paired with modern minimalism
  • Guests dressed in black, creating a timeless visual harmony
  • A tango show honoring Adrián’s family heritage
  • Personal touches like live violinists and a cocktail cart for guests

Featured Vendor:

Jessica Schultz Photo

Designing an Elegant Garden Wedding Rooted in Simplicity

Fabiola’s goal was to keep things simple and intentional. The garden itself set the tone, with white flowers, soft drapery, and gold details adding a quiet touch of luxury. “I wanted something intimate, peaceful, and surrounded by nature,” she said. Against the soft green backdrop, the guests’ all-black attire created a striking contrast that made every photo look effortlessly refined.

A Meaningful Ceremony With Family at the Heart

The ceremony was both emotional and intimate. Fabiola walked down the aisle hand in hand with her son, a moment she described as unforgettable. Surrounded by trees and music, the couple exchanged vows in a setting that felt personal and full of calm. “It was a truly memorable moment,” she shared.

Elevated Fashion That Matched the Mood

Fabiola embodied modern elegance in a minimalist off-shoulder gown that flowed beautifully against the garden setting. Her look was polished yet understated, with natural makeup and sleek hair that highlighted her features without overpowering the simplicity of the dress. Adrián complemented her style perfectly in a classic black suit.

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Celebrating With Music, Dance, and Heartfelt Surprises

After the ceremony, guests were treated to live performances that set the tone for the evening. A tango show paid tribute to Adrián’s family roots, followed by violinists during dinner and surprise serenades by mariachis. “The surprises were the serenades with mariachis and the tango dancers,” Fabiola said. The mix of music, laughter, and movement gave the celebration an energy that felt both refined and full of life.

Creating a Guest Experience That Felt Effortless and Memorable

From start to finish, Fabiola and Adrián focused on making their guests feel cared for. “My priority was to make it memorable,” she said. With thoughtful details, live music, and an inviting atmosphere, every part of the day reflected their gratitude and warmth. “Everything was done with so much love and care for our guests,” Fabiola added.

Advice From the Couple: Keep It Simple and Enjoy Every Moment

Looking back, Fabiola’s advice for other couples is to stay present and focus on what truly matters. “Create a space and a moment that everyone will remember. And enjoy it to the fullest.”

Their elegant garden wedding proved that sophistication doesn’t have to be complicated. With a thoughtful vision, the right team, and a focus on love, simplicity can be the most beautiful form of luxury.

 

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Jessica Schultz
Event Planning – Jose Burgos
Ceremony Venue – Casa Turru

 

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A Bohemian Scottish Wedding Channeling a ‘70s Laurel Canyon Living Room

October 15, 2025 | justine

Jess and Rob’s bohemian Scottish wedding looked like something out of a 1970s dream. Mismatched vintage furniture, rich earthy tones, and a relaxed, living-room atmosphere that felt more like a gathering of friends than a formal affair. Inspired by the free-spirited energy of Laurel Canyon, they set out to create a celebration that felt nostalgic, handmade, and beautifully imperfect.

It was a vision rooted in who they are as a couple. The two Scots first met in the French Alps during the 2016  ski season. He was training to be an instructor, she was on a gap year. And what began as a fleeting winter romance slowly became something lasting. Years of traveling between France and Scotland eventually gave way to a more grounded life together, and after attending a friend’s wedding, they realized they wanted to host a party of their own. One filled with music, warmth, and personality.

What We Love About This Bohemian Scottish Wedding

  • A ’70s-inspired color palette of mustard, camel, brown, and burgundy
  • DIY florals and mismatched vintage furniture for that lived-in, Laurel Canyon feel
  • Pressed-flower bolo ties made by the bride’s dad
  • Two vintage wedding dresses
  • A handfasting ceremony inspired by Scottish and Welsh traditions

Featured Vendor:

Caro Weiss Photography

Turning Vintage Inspiration Into a Modern-Day Celebration

Jess and Rob’s vision was crystal clear: a bohemian Scottish wedding that looked like you’d stepped into a 1970s Laurel Canyon living room. “We wanted the decor and furniture to feel cobbled together and mismatched, rather than polished and precise,” Jess said. They pulled inspiration from ’60s and ’70s patterns, Pinterest boards, and weddings like Mimi Fariña’s in the ’60s—filled with Persian rugs, wooden furniture, and faded charm.

They didn’t hire a planner but found their dream coordinator in Gemma Lavender of Lavender Blue. “She took so much of the admin and logistics off our shoulders,” Jess shared. “It let us focus on making things look pretty!” From sourcing vintage doilies and lampshades to DIY macramé candle lanterns, Jess and her family poured months of love into every corner.

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Building a Team That Shared Their Creative Vision

Gemma also helped them find vendors who fit the easygoing energy they wanted. Food and photography topped the couple’s priority list. As vegetarians, Jess and Rob wanted a menu that would excite every guest despite any dietary restrictions. “Platter and Pop’s sample menu was the most interesting and delicious sounding by far,” they said. “Lauren and her team were so kind and flexible with every catering query.”

Photography was equally essential. “It sounds morbid, but we knew the photographs would be all we’d have left someday.” Junebug vendor Caro Weiss Photography was the perfect fit, capturing the laughter, chaos, and joy of the day in Caro’s signature candid style. “She’s unbelievably talented at being exactly the presence you need behind the camera at any moment,” Jess said.

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A Ceremony That Wove Together Scottish and Welsh Traditions

The ceremony setup was simple but full of character. A wooden fireplace stood as the backdrop, surrounded by baskets and crates of wildflowers in soft, earthy tones. Layered rugs and mismatched chairs completed the cozy, lived-in look that tied perfectly into their bohemian Scottish wedding theme.

Because the legal ceremony took place earlier that week, the pair could design a deeply personal symbolic one. A close family friend, Struan Leslie, officiated with theatrical grace, while Jess’s siblings sang Fleetwood Mac’s “Everywhere” as she walked down the aisle. It was an emotional moment that turned into a spontaneous group sing-along.

In one of the most memorable parts of their bohemian Scottish wedding, guests brought strips of fabric to “tie the knot,” inspired by Scotland’s clootie wells. The strips were tied around a Welsh lovespoon, symbolizing their unity. “We plan to frame our knot and display it in our home,” Jess shared.

Bringing Personality Into Every Fashion Detail

The couple’s fashion choices were a love letter to the ’70s. Rob traded tradition for a sandy-colored linen suit from Twisted Tailor, paired with bolo ties crafted by Jess’s dad using pressed-flower slides—a creative, personal touch that replaced boutonnieres.

Jess found her wedding dress on Vinted for under £500—a pristine 1974 piece once sold at a now-closed Welsh department store. “The seller even sent me photos of her mum wearing it at her own wedding,” Jess recalled. For dancing, she swapped into a chic STAUD dress from Net-A-Porter. Even her shoes and accessories came secondhand, staying true to her sustainable mindset.

Her friend and neighbor Kelly Neilson created “bohemian and undone” hairstyles using eyelash glue to keep the flowers in place, while makeup artist Heather Snowie perfected a natural glow with subtle ’70s flair. Bridesmaids chose their own dresses in coordinating tones for a cohesive yet individual look.

A Vintage-Inspired Party That Felt Like a Living Room

The celebration continued at The Cow Shed, a venue that instantly felt right. “Seeing it set up for another couple’s wedding that day and feeling the excitement was so infectious,” Jess said. Its rustic charm and blank-canvas layout made it perfect for their eclectic decor.

Jess sourced mismatched chairs and crockery from Prop Hire Scotland and Green Cockatoo, creating a lived-in aesthetic that felt intimate and real. “It looked as though everyone had brought along their own chair from home,” she said.

DIY touches ran deep: handmade tulle runners adorned with vintage doilies, curtains from Vinted, a freestanding fireplace built by Rob’s dad, and a photo wall honoring past family weddings. “Our guests kept saying, ‘My granny had those curtains!’ which was exactly the vibe we wanted.”

After heartfelt speeches, a trad band had everyone ceilidh-dancing by 3 p.m., fueled by spritz cocktails served from Kilner jars. The night ended with custom Rude Cookies heart-shaped cakes—lemon sponge with pistachio buttercream and raspberry jam. “They didn’t just look amazing, they were the best cakes we’ve ever eaten in our lives.”

What They Learned About Staying True to Their Vision

When asked for advice, Jess and Rob emphasized staying true to what matters most. “Ensure things are exactly how you want them, and don’t be scared to stand your ground,” they shared. “Everyone’s idea of how a wedding should look or feel will differ, but this is your day. If it matters to you both, find a way to make it happen.”

And as for their biggest takeaway? “There’s no other time in your life where everyone you love is together for a weekend in the same place to party like that,” Jess said. “Enjoy every second.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Caro Weiss
Event Planning – Gemma Lavender
Venue – The Cow Shed at Crail
Floral Design – Simply Pottering
Catering – Platter and Pop + No Pineapple Pizza Project
Cake – Rude Cookies
Officiant – Struan Leslie
Live Music – Citrus
Invitation Design – Conor McBay Graphic Design
Makeup Artist – Heather Snowie
Hair Styling – Kelly Neilson
Groom’s Apparel – Twisted Tailor
Rentals – Green Cockatoo + Prop Hire Scotland
Favors – Alzheimer’s Research UK

 

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