Destinations

Destination wedding in Mexico: a guide for your guests

Mexico is the easiest international destination wedding for North American guests: direct flights, beach resorts and settings from the desert coast of Cabo to the cenotes around Tulum.

3 destinations covered · 36 activities · 36 restaurants

Where to get married in Mexico, from your guests' point of view

Cabo

Cabo San Lucas & San José del Cabo · best November to May

Desert meets sea at the tip of Baja: El Arco, whale season, farm-to-table dinners and a 30 km resort corridor between two towns.

  • Getting there: Los Cabos International (SJD) is 15 minutes from San José del Cabo and 40 minutes from Cabo San Lucas.
  • Car needed: Not usually
  • Activity prices: Mid-range
  • Group favorites: glass-bottom boat to El Arco and Lover's Beach; sunset dinner cruise; whale watching tour

Things to do · Weekend itinerary · Where to stay · Welcome dinner

Tulum

Tulum & the Riviera Maya · best November to April

Mayan ruins on a cliff above the Caribbean, jungle cenotes and beach clubs. The town and the beach road are 10 minutes apart.

  • Getting there: Tulum airport (TQO) is 30 minutes away. Cancún (CUN) is about 1h45 by car.
  • Car needed: Mostly yes, or book drivers
  • Activity prices: Mid-range
  • Group favorites: tulum ruins guided tour at opening time; cenote hopping: Dos Ojos and Gran Cenote; cobá ruins by bike with a cenote swim

Things to do · Weekend itinerary · Where to stay · Welcome dinner

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit · best November to April

Jungle mountains dropping into Banderas Bay, a lively old town and beach villages reachable only by boat.

  • Getting there: Puerto Vallarta airport (PVR) is 15 minutes from the old town.
  • Car needed: Not usually
  • Activity prices: Mid-range
  • Group favorites: marietas Islands snorkel tour; whale watching tour; yelapa and Majahuitas boat trip

Things to do · Weekend itinerary · Where to stay · Welcome dinner

At a glance

CaboTulumPuerto Vallarta
Best seasonNovember to MayNovember to AprilNovember to April
Car needed?Not usuallyMostly yesNot usually
Activity pricesMid-rangeMid-rangeMid-range
Relaxed activities555
Foodie activities333
Adventure activities654
Full-day trips142

Good to know for guests in Mexico

  • Currency: Mexican peso (MXN). US dollars are often accepted in resort areas at a worse rate.
  • Tipping: Expected: 10 to 15% in restaurants, plus tips for guides, drivers and boat crews.
  • Dinner time: Dinner from about 7 to 10 pm.
  • Group dinners: Many restaurants offer private dining or buyouts. Confirm the service charge, which is sometimes added automatically.
  • Power plugs: Type A and B plugs (same as the US), 127 V.
  • Entry rules: Passport and visa rules depend on nationality. Ask guests to check their own government's travel advice early.

Questions couples ask

Where is the best place for a destination wedding in Mexico?

It depends on your guests. Best for relaxed guests: Cabo (5 relaxed activities on our list). Best for foodie guests: Cabo (3 foodie activities on our list). Best for adventure guests: Cabo (6 adventure activities on our list). Easiest on guest budgets: Tulum (activities skew cheaper than elsewhere in the country). Easiest without a car: Cabo (guests can get around on foot, by boat or by taxi). Best for guests staying longer: Tulum (4 full-day trips nearby).

When is the best time for a wedding in Mexico?

Cabo: November to May. Tulum: November to April. Puerto Vallarta: November to April.

Do wedding guests need to tip in Mexico?

Expected: 10 to 15% in restaurants, plus tips for guides, drivers and boat crews.

What time is dinner in Mexico?

Dinner from about 7 to 10 pm.

What currency and plugs do guests need in Mexico?

Mexican peso (MXN). US dollars are often accepted in resort areas at a worse rate. Type A and B plugs (same as the US), 127 V.

What should guests budget for a wedding in Mexico?

Flights and accommodation are usually the biggest costs, followed by meals and activities. Our free destination wedding guest budget calculator adds it all up per person and per day.

Plan the costs: guest budget calculator · how to set up a room block · guest etiquette

Getting married in Mexico?

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