Start with the feeling you want
Puerto Vallarta sits on a huge bay with very different settings within a short drive: calm sand in town, quiet coves south of the city, jungle gardens and sunset terraces. Picking the feeling first (barefoot and simple, polished and romantic, adventurous) makes the rest easy.
Types of settings
- Public city beaches: the easiest and most affordable. Playa Los Muertos and the beaches south of town, such as Conchas Chinas, are popular for sunset ceremonies
- Hotel and resort beaches: a built-in team, restrooms and a rain plan, but usually minimums or venue fees and rules about outside vendors
- Private villas and terraces: privacy, ocean views and flexible timing, ideal for small groups and a dinner after the ceremony
- Gardens and jungle settings: shade and lush photos away from the sand, good in the warmest months
- Boat-access coves: unforgettable and very private, with extra logistics and cost for transport and timing
Questions to ask any venue
- Is a permit or a fee required for a ceremony, and who arranges it?
- What are the noise and end-time rules, and is there a backup plan for rain?
- Are outside planners, photographers and florists allowed, and at what fee?
- Is there shade, seating, restrooms and accessible access for older guests?
- What does the venue include and what is a separate charge?
Permits, tides and timing
Public beaches are open to everyone, so we plan around the crowds and the tide. A short window just before sunset is usually the best light. We handle the practical details, including coordinating with the right people for your setting.
See it before you choose
If you are still deciding, our venue scouting tour takes you to the best fits for your style and budget with a private guide, and the cost is credited toward your wedding package.
Our packages work across settings
The Seaside Elopement, Golden Hour Wedding and Tropical Luxury Wedding packages include the planner, officiant, photographer and a beach setting. Tell us the atmosphere you want and we will suggest where to hold it.
How to compare two settings fairly
Ask each venue for the same three numbers: the total for your guest count, what is included, and what the payment and cancellation terms are. A lower headline price often leaves out chairs, sound, a coordinator or a rain plan, so compare the full list rather than the first number.
Match the setting to your guest count
- Just the two of you: a quiet public beach or a cove gives you the most privacy at the lowest cost, and our Seaside Elopement package is built for it
- Up to 10 guests: a beach plus a short dinner, or a small villa terrace
- Up to 15 guests: a villa, a resort beach area or a private garden where everyone can sit comfortably
Photography and light
Settings facing west catch the sunset, while coves and gardens give soft, even light at almost any hour. If photos matter most, ask your photographer which spots work best for your date. Our photographer guide explains what to expect.
Plan the day, not just the place
The best venue is the one that fits the whole timeline: getting there, the ceremony, photos, a toast and getting home. A setting that is easy to reach for your oldest guest will make the day calmer for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to marry on a public beach in Puerto Vallarta?
Beaches in Mexico are federal public land, so ceremonies are usually coordinated with the right permissions. Your planner normally arranges this, which is one reason to work with someone local.
What is the cheapest wedding setting in Puerto Vallarta?
A public beach is usually the most affordable, because you are not paying a venue fee. Chairs, an arch, flowers and a photographer are the main costs.
Can I have a wedding at a villa instead of the beach?
Yes. Villas offer privacy and flexible timing and work well for small groups. Ask what the rental includes and whether outside vendors are allowed.
How far in advance should I choose a venue?
For the November to April high season, choose your setting and date several months ahead. For the rainy season you have more flexibility, but plan for weather.
Can your venue scouting tour help me choose?
Yes. The venue scouting tour visits the best fits for your style and budget with a private guide, and its cost is credited toward your wedding package.
Ready to plan your day?
Tell us your date and guest count and we will recommend the right package.
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