Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s top destinations for weddings. The area is known for its scenic beauty, romantic beach settings, and year-round great weather, making it a popular choice for couples from around the world.
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Why Puerto Vallarta for Weddings?
There’s no shortage of reasons why Puerto Vallarta is so popular for destination weddings. The resort town is located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, with lush jungle landscapes stretching out to meet the crystal clear water of the Pacific Ocean, with unique, golden sand beaches. Puerto Vallarta is home to many resorts, each more luxurious than the last. The region is also known for its rich culture, which tourists can experience for themselves through Puerto Vallarta.
Another big reason why Puerto Vallarta is so popular is how convenient it is for travelers coming from across North America. The city is an easy flight from the west coast of the U.S. and Canada, as well as from the southwest of the U.S.
The popularity of Puerto Vallarta for weddings has led many resorts to expand their wedding venue options. Couples can choose between beachside venues, lush garden ceremony spots, luxury terraces, and more, making it easy to customize your wedding to fit your style.
Average Cost of a Wedding in Puerto Vallarta
After someone pops the question and a couple gets engaged, one of the first questions they have is what they can plan to spend on their wedding.
Destination weddings, just like regular weddings, can vary greatly in price based on the size, the venue you choose, the number of guests, and the individual choices that the couple makes about the decor, food, and extras. Destination weddings in Puerto Vallarta generally range from $5,000 to $20,000, with the average falling right around $9,200.
There are a few common expenses that you need to think about when planning your destination wedding, including:
- Your choice of venue
- A wedding planner
- Catering
- Décor
- Photographer
- Travel to and from your destination and between the airport and the resort
- Your resort stay
Destination weddings have the added expense of travel and accommodations. However, they are still a fraction of the cost of traditional weddings. The average cost of a traditional wedding in the U.S. is $35,000. Even with travel and a resort stay, your destination wedding is likely to be far cheaper than a traditional wedding!
Key Factors Influencing Puerto Vallarta Wedding Costs
No matter what kind of wedding you’re planning, it’s important to have an understanding of what different aspects of your wedding are likely to cost, and how certain choices will impact that cost.
Puerto Vallarta is more affordable than some locations popular for destination weddings. But there are a few big expenses that you’ll need to consider.
- Venue choice: A simple beach wedding ceremony will be far more affordable than renting a private villa. Booking a resort wedding package with a venue falls somewhere in the middle.
- Guest count: Whether it’s a destination wedding or a traditional wedding, in general, the higher the guest count, the higher the cost of the wedding. Not only do you need a larger venue, but you’ll also be paying for food and drink for those guests.
- Travel logistics: Cities and countries that are harder to get to by plane or car are going to drive up the cost of your travel to your destination wedding. An easy-to-reach location like Puerto Vallarta can help you save on this major destination wedding expense.
- Time of year: The time of year you plan your wedding will influence the cost. Planning your wedding during high season in Puerto Vallarta, which occurs during the winter months, will mean that the cost of your resort stay and even your wedding package may be higher than it would be for an off-season wedding.
- All-inclusive packages vs à la carte planning: While it may mean that you’ll have fewer options to customize your wedding, booking an all-inclusive package can help you save money.
- Extras: Add-ons like excursions, live music, or custom decor can also increase the cost of your destination wedding.
3 Ways You Can Reduce Wedding Spend
Weddings, and even destination weddings, can get expensive. But there are plenty of ways that you can use some smart planning to reduce the cost. If you want to reduce your Puerto Vallarta destination wedding cost, consider what season you book, choosing a package from a resort, and limiting your guest list can all help.
Choose an Off-Peak Season for Better Rates
To get a better deal on your resort stay and possibly your wedding package as well, consider planning your wedding during the off-season in Puerto Vallarta, which runs from June to September. In addition to discounts at your resort and venue, this is also a great time to score cheaper flights. It may also be easier to book with vendors this time of year.
Keep in mind that this is the off-season for a reason. Temperatures and humidity are higher this time of year, and hurricanes are a risk. But if you’re flexible with your plans and okay with having a backup indoor venue in case of rain, this can be a great way to save some money.
Limit the Guest List to Cut Costs
Another way to reduce the cost of your wedding is to invite fewer guests. Having a smaller guest list will reduce nearly every wedding-related cost. You can choose a smaller venue, a smaller package, and save on food and drinks.
Destination weddings in Puerto Vallarta naturally lend themselves to trimming guest lists. You’re less likely to invite distant family or acquaintances to your destination wedding, and many guests may be unable to travel for your wedding anyway. When planning your destination wedding, keeping it intimate and meaningful will not only make it more special but will help you save money, too.
Many resorts in Puerto Vallarta offer wedding packages designed with a smaller guest list in mind. They also offer elopement packages that include only the couple, allowing you to save even more on your wedding.
Opt for All-Inclusive Wedding Packages
All-inclusive wedding packages combine many of the costs of a destination wedding into one convenient package. Not only does this make planning easier, but it can also save you money. Instead of going to individual vendors for things like flowers, decor, or a venue, everything is bundled all in one and offered by your resort.
Resorts in Puerto Vallarta offer these at a discounted rate compared to what you would spend if you booked them individually, because they know that you’re also booking a stay at the resort, and your guests are as well.
When choosing a wedding package, make sure that you fully understand what is and isn’t included. Watch for hidden fees, upgrades, or extras that can drive that affordable wedding package to a higher price.
In most cases, an all-inclusive wedding package at a Puerto Vallarta resort will include:
- Wedding planner/coordinator provided by the resort and available to you during your wedding day
- Venue of your choice at the resort, including a beach or jungle setting
- Ceremony setup and décor
- Officiant services for a symbolic or religious ceremony (usually not a legal wedding ceremony)
- Bouquet and boutonniere
- Cake and champagne toast for the couple
Free Puerto Vallarta Wedding Packages
Some resorts offer complimentary wedding packages for couples booking a stay at the resort. Usually, there is a minimum night requirement, or a minimum number of guest rooms that will need to be booked in order to qualify for the package. Make sure that you understand the requirements of the package and that you will be able to meet them before you go this route to avoid ending up having to pay out of pocket for your package.
Some Puerto Vallarta resorts that offer free wedding packages include:
Start Planning Your Puerto Vallarta Destination Wedding Today!
Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful place for a destination wedding. From the stunning beaches to the lush jungles to the luxurious resorts, one visit and you’ll see why it’s such a popular choice for couples from around the world.
While each Puerto Vallarta wedding costs vary, with some smart planning, it’s easy to plan a wedding that fits your budget while still matching the style that you have in mind. Wedding packages from resorts make this even easier by allowing you to bundle the most important parts of your wedding into one affordable package. In some cases, you may even be able to get a free wedding package from a resort with a qualifying booking.
If you’re thinking about getting married in Puerto Vallarta, our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists are here to help you find and book the perfect resort and package for you. All you have to do to get started is fill out our online wedding planning form. Fill out your form today and let us help you bring your dream wedding to life!
