Behind
the Lens
Choosing Your Mexico Wedding Venue
Here’s what no one tells you: the “perfect” venue doesn’t exist. But the perfect venue for your story? That’s what we’re about to find. I’ve shot in every corner of Mexico, and I can tell you exactly where your vision will come to life. Whether you’re dreaming of Valle de Guadalupe vineyards or Caribbean beaches, let’s cut through the Instagram filters and talk reality.
Your 60-Second Regional Personality Test
Skip the guesswork. Here’s exactly where you belong.
Valle de Guadalupe
Choose Valle if: You’d rather have 75 guests who really matter than 200 acquaintances. You care more about the food being incredible than having a massive dance floor. You want photos that look like they belong in Kinfolk magazine. Oh, and you actually enjoy good wine (not just for the ‘gram).
This is my home turf. Golden hour here hits different—dusty, warm, absolutely magical. Just know: it gets dusty (embrace it), and distances between venues are real (plan transportation).
Los Cabos
Choose Cabo if: You want the full luxury treatment without apologies. Your guests expect top-shelf everything. You need that guaranteed sunshine (350 days a year, baby). The photos need to scream “successful power couple” in the best way.
The light here is intense and dramatic. Sunsets are legendary. Just prepare for wind (it’s real) and have a hair/makeup team that knows how to handle it.
Riviera Maya
Choose Riviera if: You want that postcard-perfect beach without the stress. All-inclusive sounds like heaven (it is). Your crew includes party people AND chill beach lovers. You’ve been dreaming of turquoise water since you got engaged.
The light here is soft and flattering—everyone looks good. Cenotes offer insane photo ops. Just avoid the seaweed season (check current conditions) and the massive resorts if intimacy matters.
San Miguel de Allende
Choose San Miguel if: You studied abroad and it changed you. Architecture makes you emotional. You want church bells, not beach waves. Your Pinterest board is all terracotta and bougainvillea.
The light bouncing off those pink colonial walls? Chef’s kiss. Spring weddings here are magical when everything’s in bloom and the weather is perfect. Peak season runs October through May with ideal sunny days and cool evenings. Pro tip: those cobblestone streets are real—warn your guests about heels.
Oaxaca
Choose Oaxaca if: You want the real Mexico, not the resort version. Mezcal > champagne. You’re okay with things being perfectly imperfect. The idea of a calenda parade makes you giddy.
The best time to marry here is October through April when the weather is mild and dry. The colors here are unreal—every wall is a backdrop. Budget realistically: it’s difficult to pull off a wedding here with less than $30K. But the authenticity? Priceless. Those mezcal toasts hit different at altitude.
Valle de Guadalupe: Where Wine Country Gets Interesting
This is my backyard, and after 15 years here, I know every sunrise spot, every hidden corner, every venue’s personality. Valle isn’t trying to be Napa—it’s something entirely its own. Dustier, wilder, more surprising. And yes, Veya Banyan Tree just changed the entire game.
Veya Banyan Tree Valle de Guadalupe
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or should I say, the architectural masterpiece on the hill. Veya (yes, it’s Banyan Tree’s first Mexican property) isn’t just raising the bar; it built a whole new bar. Michel Rojkind designed this place to mess with your perception, and trust me, it works.
That Pictograma mural? It’s not just a backdrop—it’s THE backdrop. The sunrise from the yoga deck will make you believe in magic. The infinity pools literally disappear into the valley. Every angle here is the money shot.
BRUMA
BRUMA walked so Veya could run. That ceiba tree ceremony? Still unmatched. Still makes people cry. Still photographs like a dream. Plus, the food here is stupid good—like, your foodie friends will still be talking about it years later good.
Book the ceremony for 5 PM. Trust me on this. The light through the tree at that exact time is *chef’s kiss*. Also, embrace the concrete—it’s not cold, it’s editorial.
Hacienda Guadalupe
Highest point in the valley = you own the entire view. I’ve shot here dozens of times and still gasp at sunset. It’s intimate (only 16 rooms) but doesn’t feel small. Perfect if you want your people to wake up and have breakfast together overlooking the valley.
There’s a hidden spot behind the chapel where you can see the ocean on clear days. Only locals know about it. Now you do too.
Cuatro Cuatros
Vineyard AND ocean? Only here. That cliff-side Tahona bar is where proposals happen (I’ve photographed 12). The sunset is so good it’s almost cliché, except it’s not because it’s THAT good every single time.
Book cocktail hour at the cliff, dinner in the vineyard. The contrast in your photos will be insane. Also, their wine is actually fantastic (not always a given here, let’s be honest).
El Cielo Winery & Resort
Look, not everyone wants boutique. Sometimes you need 85 rooms, a chapel, multiple restaurants, and someone else handling everything. El Cielo does “big” without losing the Valle vibe. Plus, that chapel light at 4 PM? Heavenly (pun intended).
It’s more polished, less rustic. If your family needs amenities and options, this is your spot. The manicured vineyard rows are perfect for those symmetrical shots everyone loves.
Pro Boda Baja Weddings
After shooting 100+ Valle weddings, I can spot a great planner instantly. The team at Pro Boda Baja gets it—they know when the light is perfect, which vendors actually show up on time, and how to handle the Valley’s quirks (dust storms, anyone?). They speak perfect English and have connections at every venue I’ve mentioned. Most importantly? They understand that great photos need time built into the timeline.
Check Them Out →Want My Venue Insider Tips?
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Los Cabos: Where Luxury Isn’t Optional
Cabo doesn’t do subtle. It’s all drama—desert meeting ocean, infinity pools that cost more than houses, sunsets that make everyone a photographer. If you’re going big, go here.
One&Only Palmilla
This place has been the Cabo standard since 1956. That chapel on the cliff? Icon. The service? They’ll probably know your coffee order before you do. It’s old-school luxury that never went out of style.
Chapel ceremony at sunset = guaranteed tears. The beach reception under stars hits different here. Pro tip: steal 20 minutes for portraits at the spa gardens—trust me.
The Cape, a Thompson Hotel
Modern, sleek, and that view of El Arco from literally everywhere. The rooftop makes everyone look like they’re in a music video. If One&Only is classic luxury, The Cape is luxury’s cooler younger sibling who went to art school.
Sunset + El Arco + you two on the rooftop = the photo that goes viral. The glass-edge pools are insane for reflections. Bring a good DJ—this place was made for parties.
Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
585 acres. 115 rooms. Do the math—that’s space. This is where celebrities get married when they don’t want paparazzi. The desert spa is next level, and the beach club feels like your own private coast.
The desert garden at sunrise. Most couples skip it for the beach, but the cacti with morning light? Pure art. Also, their helicopter pad makes for epic dramatic shots.
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Finally, an all-inclusive that doesn’t feel like one. AAA Five Diamond everything. The three-tiered infinity pools are architectural poetry. Your type-A mom will love that everything’s handled.
Those infinity pools at different levels create insane compositional opportunities. The spa’s water ceremony is surprisingly photogenic. Skip the ballroom, do dinner on the beach.
Riviera Maya: The Beach Wedding You’ve Been Pinning
That turquoise water isn’t photoshopped. It really looks like that. Add in cenotes, jungle, and enough all-inclusive resorts to make your head spin, and you’ve got options. Let me break down which ones are actually worth your time.
Rosewood Mayakoba
Built over a lagoon. OVER. A. LAGOON. The overwater walkways alone are worth the price. Add a mile of beach, and you’ve got every backdrop imaginable. This is where nature and luxury had a very beautiful baby.
Sunrise portraits on the overwater walkways—the water is glass-smooth then. The beach ceremony at 5 PM gets that perfect side light. Skip the ballroom, use the beach club.
Hotel Xcaret Arte
All-inclusive that includes the adventure parks? Genius. Adults-only so no kids at the pool bar? Double genius. The cenote chapel is absolutely bonkers in the best way. Your adventurous friends will lose their minds.
That cenote chapel with natural light beams? It’s like nature’s spotlight. Time it right (11 AM-1 PM) and you’ll get those ethereal light rays everyone wants.
Maroma, A Belmond Hotel
Recently renovated but kept its soul. The beach here is stupid perfect—like, ruins-other-beaches perfect. Small enough to feel exclusive, big enough that your guests have options. That Guerlain spa? Yes please.
This beach has the whitest sand I’ve seen. It literally glows at sunset. The jungle garden is perfect for intimate first looks. Trust the beach for ceremony—it’s that good.
NIZUC Resort & Spa
Contemporary architecture that doesn’t fight the landscape. Two private beaches means options. Six restaurants means picky eaters are covered. The spa is basically a small village. This place gets the details right.
The clean lines against tropical landscape? *Chef’s kiss* The long pier is made for dramatic walking shots. Multiple pools mean we can always find good light.
San Miguel de Allende: For the Romantics
Cobblestone streets, church bells, and more photogenic corners than you can shake a camera at. San Miguel is what happens when colonial Mexico gets discovered by artists and never looks back.
Rosewood San Miguel de Allende
Luna Rooftop has THE view of the Parroquia. Like, the one everyone wants. The rest of the hotel is gorgeous too, but let’s be real, you’re booking this for that rooftop sunset ceremony with the pink church glowing behind you.
5:30 PM ceremony in winter, 6:30 PM in summer. The Parroquia lights up pink at sunset and it’s actual magic. Book the rooftop for ceremony, courtyard for dinner.
Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada
It’s actually multiple colonial mansions connected by secret gardens. Feels like you’re getting married at your eccentric rich aunt’s estate. The one with all the art and the best stories. Cooking school on-site = next-level catering.
Each mansion has its own secret garden. The one behind Casa 3 has this incredible jacaranda that blooms in March. The wine cellar makes for moody couple portraits.
Instituto Allende
An actual art school that lets you get married there. The murals, the cloisters, the energy of creativity everywhere. Your artist friends will think you’re the coolest. Plus, you’re supporting education. Win-win.
The murals are insane backdrops. The blue wall in the main courtyard at golden hour? Unreal. Students might photobomb but honestly, it adds to the vibe.
Puerto Vallarta: Beach Town with Benefits
PV is what happens when a real Mexican town happens to have perfect beaches. It’s got character, killer sunsets, and enough luxury resorts to keep the in-laws happy.
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Private peninsula. Beaches on three sides. Two Jack Nicklaus golf courses. If you need more convincing, the Tail of the Whale hole is literally in the ocean. Your golf-obsessed uncle just decided he’s definitely coming.
Ceremony on the point at sunset with ocean on three sides. It’s so beautiful it almost feels unfair. The beach club for late night party vibes is unmatched.
Casa Kimberly
Elizabeth Taylor lived here. With Richard Burton. They built a bridge between their houses because… drama. Now you can get married where Hollywood royalty had their legendary romance. The stories alone are worth it.
The pink bridge is iconic. The infinity pool overlooking the bay at sunset channels old Hollywood glamour. Every corner has a story—lean into it.
The St. Regis Punta Mita
St. Regis doesn’t mess around. Butler service for everyone. Two beaches so you have options. The spa is basically a small resort. When you want luxury without having to ask for it.
Ceremony on the calm beach, party on the surf beach. The contrast in energy and photos is perfect. The Remède Spa gardens are a hidden photo spot most miss.
Oaxaca: The Real Deal
Mezcal, mole, and more culture than you can handle. Oaxaca doesn’t try to be anything other than itself, which is exactly why it’s perfect. This is Mexico with the volume turned up.
Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
This botanical garden in a former monastery is basically impossible to book for weddings. Like, they say no to everyone. But if you can swing it (good luck), it’s the most unique venue in Mexico. Ancient cacti, colonial walls, and bragging rights forever.
Golden hour here is insane. The cacti create natural sculptures. Every photo looks like fine art. I’ve only shot here twice—both times were career highlights.
Quinta Real Oaxaca
16th-century convent. Original frescoes. A chapel that makes everyone whisper. This place has more history than a museum, but you can drink mezcal in it. The courtyard with the fountain? Pure romance.
The chapel at 3 PM when light streams through the windows. Actual magic. The cloister walkways frame portraits perfectly. Every stone has 500 years of stories.
Hotel Escondido Oaxaca
Minimalist design that lets Oaxaca’s colors pop. Rooftop pool with city views. Mezcal bar that knows what it’s doing. This is where Mexico’s creative class stays. Your design-obsessed friends will approve.
Sunset on the rooftop with the city and mountains behind you. The minimalist aesthetic makes the traditional wedding colors pop even more. That mezcal wall is a fun detail shot.
Historic Haciendas: Playing Estate Owner for a Weekend
Want to feel like Mexican nobility? Rent a centuries-old hacienda. These aren’t venues—they’re entire estates with chapels, gardens, and enough rooms for everyone you love. It’s like Downton Abbey, but with better weather and mezcal.
Hacienda San Antonio
Pink colonial hacienda. Active volcano in the background. 25 suites so everyone important stays on property. It’s so ridiculously beautiful you’ll wonder if it’s real. Spoiler: it is, and it photographs even better.
Sunrise with the volcano is breathtaking. The pink walls against green landscape is quintessentially Mexican. Every corner is a painting waiting to happen.
Hacienda Soltepec
This place is older than most countries. Private chapel, multiple courtyards, 15 acres of gardens. When you walk through the gates, you’re in a different century. In the best way possible.
Morning light through the chapel’s stained glass is divine. The ancient archways create natural frames. This place makes everyone look like nobility.
Hacienda San Gabriel de las Palmas
1529. Let that sink in. Tropical gardens that feel like Jurassic Park (in a good way). Stone aqueducts still work. The trees are older than your family tree. This is Indiana Jones meets luxury wedding.
The ancient trees create natural light cathedrals. Misty morning portraits in the gardens are ethereal. The mix of tropical and colonial is uniquely Mexican.
Hacienda Tekik de Regil
Former henequen plantation turned intimate venue. Yellow walls, white details, that Yucatecan light that makes everything glow. Close to Mérida but feels like you’re in your own world.
Yucatecan light is special—bright but soft. The yellow walls at sunset literally glow. Pool reflection shots here are money. Simple but stunning.
Real Questions, Honest Answers
Let’s cut through the marketing speak
Okay, but how much is this really going to cost?
Real numbers: Valle de Guadalupe starts at $15K for intimate, $80K+ for Veya luxury. Los Cabos rarely goes below $25K. Riviera Maya all-inclusives can work at $20K. But here’s the thing—you get way more for your money here than in the States. That $30K wedding in Mexico would be $50K in California, easy. Check out my detailed cost comparison for the full breakdown.
Do I really need a planner?
Look, I’m a photographer, not a planner, but after 450+ weddings, I can tell you this: the best weddings always have great planners. They know which vendors actually show up, which venues have backup generators, and how to handle Aunt Karen. Worth every peso. See my planning guide for more.
What’s the weather actually like?
November-April is safe everywhere. Valle is perfect April-October when beaches are too humid. Hurricane season (June-October) is real for coasts but usually just means afternoon rain. I’ve shot in every condition—good vendors know how to adapt. Here’s my seasonal breakdown.
Will my older guests be okay?
Mexico’s wedding destinations have solid medical facilities. Los Cabos and Playa del Carmen have US-standard hospitals. Choose venues with ground-floor rooms, arrange shuttles, maybe do a Thursday wedding so retirees get better flight deals. Also, livestreaming is totally normal now.
Legal wedding or symbolic?
90% of my couples do paperwork at home, symbolic ceremony here. Saves massive headaches with translations, blood tests, waiting periods. The ceremony still feels real—because it is. The paperwork is just paperwork. More details in my Mexico wedding guide.
Your Cheat Sheet
Screenshot this for later
| Where | Vibe | Season | Budget | Flight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valle de Guadalupe | Wine & dine | Apr-Oct | $15-80K | San Diego + 2hr |
| Los Cabos | Luxury beach | All year | $25-60K | Direct flights |
| Riviera Maya | Turquoise paradise | Nov-Apr | $20-45K | Cancun direct |
| San Miguel | Colonial charm | All year | $15-35K | Mexico City + 3hr |
| Oaxaca | Authentic culture | Oct-Apr | $12-30K | Mexico City + 1hr |
Ready to Create Something Extraordinary?
Currently booking 2026-2027 (yes, people book that far ahead)