Marry in Mexico: Gay Weddings Are Welcome South of the Border

Romantic Puerto Vallarta has lured lovers from near and far for decades, but its origins as a gay hotspot may be the result of the racy love affair that between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton during the filming of The Night of the Iguana in 1963 — in part at the gorgeous Casa Kimberly (casakimberly.com). Puerto Vallarta has since evolved into a popular tourist destination for the LGBTQ community, offering an energetic pride season and the ultimate spot for a destination wedding or epic honeymoon. Same-sex marriage is legal in Puerto Vallarta, and many resorts welcome gay weddings with open arms.

Costa Sur Hotel and Spa (costasurpuertovallarta.com), overlooking one of the most stunning beaches on Banderas Bay, can host intimate weddings of 30 guests or more large-scale events with up to 150 guests. The property has proudly hosted over 2,000 same-sex weddings and offers services that include music, flowers, decor and photographers, right down to the cake. Their top tier package requires booking a minimum of 10 rooms for at least two nights, but also provides a wedding planner, four hours of open bar and a banquet set with white Tiffany chairs and linens.

Casa Velas (hotelcasavelas.com) is another luxurious all-inclusive boutique hotel with a beautiful pool and garden area and a private Ocean Club. Wedding packages include a wedding designer and planning team, recorded musical accompaniment, sparkling wine and chef’s hors d’oeuvres, a bouquet and/or boutonnières, gazebo, linens, tables and chairs, glassware and select spa treatments for the grooms (or brides). You can also add musicians, a fire dancer, party favors, welcome bags, an officiant, photography and videography.

Casa Cupula Gay Hotel Boutique Guesthouse (casacupula.com), on the edge of a stunning cliff on the Southside/Amapas area, is celebrating their “Quinceanera” and offers a sophisticated and indulgent location for a quiet ceremony, 18 rooms of accommodations and an extremely friendly staff.

If you’re looking for something a little outside of town, The CasaMagna Marriott (marriott.com) is nestled between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay. Wedding packages include function space for the events, a certified wedding coordinator, a taste panel, table linens, silverware, glassware, banquet attendant service, a complimentary room upgrade to a special Honeymoon Ocean View for the couple, spa discounts, and more.

In Riviera Nayarit (rivieranayarit.com), Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta (hrhvallarta.com) will set the scene for a wedding meant to make you feel like a rock star. The fun, all-inclusive resort is located just 20 minutes from PV and features two massive swimming pools, two outdoor hot tubs and a double-hydro spa tub in every guestroom. Couples can get married on the beach or in the oceanfront wedding gazebo overlooking the stunning Bay of Banderas. Hard Rock Hotel properties welcome the LGBTQ community with wedding collections designed by celebrity event designer Colin Cowie.

For a little off-resort fun, head to Sapphire Ocean Club (sapphire.mx) or Mantamar Beach Club (mantamarvallarta.com), both along Los Muertos Beach (considered the best in the area). Sapphire is more low key, with a comfortable pool, delicious menu and posh company. Mantamar offers a trendy, local crowd. Looking for a non-resort wedding setting? Mantamar can transform into a formal location or offer a casual feet-in-the-sand soiree and assist with coordinating on everything from catering to an after-party (naturally).

If you’re looking to see the area, Diana’s Tour (dianastours.com) offers a popular gay and lesbian cruise including a full day at sea, open bar snorkeling and swimming on a secluded beach, continental breakfast, snacks and a sit down lunch on shore. Land lovers might opt for the Gay Vallarta Bar-Hopping Tour (Mantamar Beach Club (mantamarvallarta.com) which features cocktails at six different venues (like Blondies, Los Amigos, and Paco’s Ranch).

You could surprise your beau (or your intimate wedding party) with a lavish dinner at The Iguana Restaurant & Tequila Bar, Casa Kimberly’s open air restaurant. Dine on contemporary Mexican cuisine in the elegant yet informal surroundings where Burton and Taylor once danced and dined. Be sure to enjoy some tequila while enjoying the soft sea breeze in one of the most renowned love nests in history.

Before heading home, take time to wander through the shops and take in the sites of Sayulita (sayulita.com), the small fishing village and “crown jewel” of the Riviera Nayarit. A day in Sayulita could also involve whale watching, surfing, take a boat to snorkel around the Marietas Islands or simply taking in another gorgeous view with the love of your life.