Riviera Nayarit, regarded as one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets, has gradually transformed itself into the country’s most exclusive spot for ultra-luxury destination weddings. With stunning Pacific Ocean views and warm Mexican sunsets as backdrops, an ever-increasing number of couples are choosing this beautiful beach escape to promise their love for a lifetime. From a wide array of luxury resorts and breathtaking private settings that harmoniously fuse lush nature with the never-ending views of the ocean to special Huichol cultural touches and ceremonies, Riviera Nayarit presents singular experiences impossible for couples and guests to forget.

“As vaccinations continue to rise, couples are finally resuming their weddings plans that were put on pause, and with all the new engagements that have emerged in the last year, 2022 is destined to be the year for destination weddings,” says Leslie Frausto, Destination Wedding Specialist and President of the Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit Wedding Planners Association. “We’ve already seen an incredible increase in wedding bookings, both intimate gatherings as well as larger parties. Even some celebrities have chosen the destination for their private, romantic weddings, including Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and now-wife Fernanda Gómez who got married here last month.”

Some wonderful venue options include the newly opened Conrad Punta de Mita which lends itself perfectly for outdoor ceremonies by the water boasting a two-mile stretch of beautiful beachfront and more than 54,000 square feet of event space. The One&Only Mandarina, which also opened late last year, serves as the perfect oasis for couples who are looking to plan a multi-day celebration all in one spot. With eight spaces to choose from, each with its unique atmosphere and mesmerizing backdrops, couples and their guests can enjoy the best of all worlds with everything from jungle-esque beaches and clifftop views to an elegant ballroom with an adjoining alfresco courtyard framed by an emerald canopy. Additional hotels with excellent wedding offerings and packages include Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Imanta Resorts Punta de Mita, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, W Punta de Mita, St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta and Armony from Marival, among many others in the area.

These stunning hotels and properties offer unique ceremonies for all types of couples. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, for example, pays homage to Mexico’s ancient culture by offering couples Huichol Wedding ceremonies, a spiritual ritual performed by the indigenous tribe living in the Sierra Made Mountains of Mexico. Characterized by their simplicity, symbolism, and spirituality, the Huichol Wedding ceremony celebrates the couple’s union of souls, making this a lovely option for same-sex marriages. Set in a beautiful natural setting, the bride(s) and groom(s) are encouraged to wear traditional Huichol white attire and are led by the Marakame (priest) which purifies them while advising on their life as a couple. Once officially anointed the couple enjoys an intimate dance as the Huichol singer proclaims in chorus their forever-lasting love.

Other spectacular venues that Riviera Nayarit offers include Veneros Venue, a breathtaking and exclusive seaside location surrounding by nature; Tierra Tropical Beach Club, which offers the best sunsets in all of San Pancho; Tizate Sea Garden, an event garden that accommodates different set-ups with the serene sea as a backdrop; and Vallarta Gardens, a boutique private residential club set right on the tranquil bay. Couples can also consider an array of private luxury villas in Punta Mita such as Ranchos and El Banco Estates. Riviera Nayarit also makes for dreamy pre-or post-wedding photoshoots for couples and their guests, with options such as horseback riding through the Sierra Madre, or a boat ride to the romantic Hidden Beach in the Marieta Islands.

Undoubtedly, Riviera Nayarit adds countless cultural touches to ceremonies that can be incorporated in different ways, from the dining menus to the décor. “We integrate traditional tacos for a midnight snack at the receptions, as well as the Mexican “antojitos” for the welcome parties – and churros are a favorite Mexican dessert,” Frausto says. “Couples love to welcome their invitees with cold Mexican beers and a variety of flavored margaritas such as hibiscus, mango, cucumber, tamarind, passionfruit, and lime.” Colorful, and delicate Huichol art accents are also a hit, which are made by members of the area’s indigenous people, such as colorful sombreros, hand-painted Mexican maracas, and hand-fans made of palms from the area.”

While Riviera Nayarit’s wedding season runs from November to May, the destinations’ privileged year-round weather allows for outdoor wedding celebrations any time of the year. Also, now with more nonstop flights from the U.S. and Canada to the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, which serves Riviera Nayarit, it is easier than ever for couples to plan the destination wedding of their dreams. For more information, visit www.rivieranayarit.com. 

Photos courtesy of (in order of appearance): Conrad Punta de Mita (1st & 2nd); Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit (3rd); Riviera Nayarit Visitors & Convention Bureau (4th)