Getting Married at Villa Amor Sayulita: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Dreaming of a wedding where romantic, bohemian charm meets the vibrant soul of a Mexican “Pueblo Mágico”? Welcome to Villa Amor Sayulita—a stunning collection of cliffside oceanfront villas that offer a truly unique and intimate setting for your special day. With its winding cobblestone paths, colorful architecture, and breathtaking views of the Sayulita bay, Villa Amor provides an unforgettable backdrop for your celebration. Whether you envision a heartfelt ceremony in the famous “Kissing Garden” or a lively reception in an open-air villa, this enchanting venue promises a wedding experience as authentic and spirited as Sayulita itself.

Renowned for its eclectic elegance and personalized atmosphere, Villa Amor seamlessly blends rustic Mexican artistry with barefoot luxury. Its stunning venues—from intimate garden nooks to grand ocean-view plazas—are designed to capture the essence of your love story while showcasing the captivating beauty of Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Let the unique character and romantic allure of this cliffside haven set the stage for your dream wedding.

Planning your perfect wedding in Sayulita? Explore some of the best wedding photos in Sayulita in this stunning destination, showcasing breathtaking moments captured in paradise. 

Index

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

 

Villa Amor Sayulita is the embodiment of bohemian-chic romance on the Riviera Nayarit. Its unique setting, a collection of individually designed villas cascading down a jungle-covered hill to the sea, offers an atmosphere that is both dramatic and deeply personal. This venue is perfect for couples who value artistry, authenticity, and a connection to local culture. If you’re drawn to the vibrant energy of Sayulita but want a private, stunning oasis for your celebration, Villa Amor strikes the perfect balance.

Recent wedding trends show a strong desire for **experiences that feel personal and non-traditional**. Couples want their wedding to be a true reflection of their personality. With its eclectic architecture, intimate event spaces, and location in the heart of a beloved surf town, Villa Amor offers a one-of-a-kind wedding that feels less like a formal event and more like a magical, multi-day celebration with your closest friends and family.

 

How Does a Wedding at Villa Amor Sayulita Work?

 

Planning your wedding at Villa Amor Sayulita is a personalized and creative journey. Their dedicated on-site wedding coordinators are experts in crafting unique events that capture the spirit of Sayulita. They guide you through selecting the perfect combination of venues within the property, from the iconic “Kissing Garden” to the grand “La Gran Villa.” The process is collaborative, with customizable packages covering everything from fresh, local catering from their on-site restaurant to curated vendor recommendations and decor that complements the venue’s natural beauty.

This hands-on, boutique approach means you can infuse your personality into every detail, creating a celebration that is authentically yours in a setting that feels both spectacular and wonderfully intimate.

 

Best Months to Get Married

 

Sayulita is blessed with a fantastic climate, but the best months for a wedding are from November to May. During this dry season, you’ll enjoy sun-drenched days, comfortable temperatures, and very low chances of rain, which is ideal for Villa Amor’s stunning outdoor ceremony and reception spaces. The natural light during these months is consistently beautiful for photography, capturing the vibrant colors of the venue and the deep blue of the Pacific.

While the summer months (June-October) can be lush and green, they also bring higher humidity and afternoon rain showers, requiring a solid backup plan. Choosing the dry season ensures the best possible weather for a relaxed, open-air celebration.

 

The Basics of Wedding Packages

 

Villa Amor Sayulita offers flexible and customizable wedding packages tailored to your vision. A typical package foundation includes:

  • Ceremony Setup: Use of a breathtaking location like the “Kissing Garden” or an oceanfront terrace, including ceremony structure, stylish seating, and basic setup.
  • Reception Venues: Exclusive access to one of their unique spaces, such as the open-air “La Gran Villa” or the central “Plaza del Beso,” complete with tables, chairs, and standard linens.
  • Catering: Delicious menus provided by their renowned on-site restaurant, featuring fresh, coastal Mexican cuisine. Options range from buffet-style to plated dinners and fun taco bars.
  • Decor and Floral Arrangements: Collaboration with their team to create a bohemian-chic aesthetic using local flowers and decor elements that enhance the venue’s inherent charm.
  • Entertainment: Assistance in booking local musicians, from a classic mariachi band to a groovy DJ or a live salsa band, to set the perfect festive mood.

These packages are designed as a starting point, allowing for complete personalization to create a wedding that is a true reflection of your style.

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

 

For a destination wedding at Villa Amor Sayulita, the financial responsibilities are typically shared as follows:

  • The couple covers the primary wedding costs, including the venue rental fee, catering and bar package, and all vendor services (photography, music, flowers, etc.).
  • Guests are generally responsible for their own travel and accommodation. Villa Amor offers a variety of on-site villas at different price points, making it convenient for guests to book their stay. Offering a room block can help streamline this.
  • The couple often hosts additional events to welcome their guests, such as a casual welcome party with margaritas and tacos, a rehearsal dinner, or a farewell brunch.
  • Extra expenses for personalized decor, special entertainment (like fire dancers), or pre-wedding activities (like a group surf lesson) are the couple’s responsibility.
  • Gift registries are common, though many couples opt for honeymoon funds or simply state that the guests’ presence is their most cherished gift.

This approach allows the couple to design their dream event while guests manage their personal travel plans.

 

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

 

Villa Amor Sayulita features a variety of unique spaces perfect for weddings of different sizes, from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations:

  • La Gran Villa: The largest venue, ideal for receptions, accommodating up to 100-120 guests with a spacious terrace, private pool, and stunning ocean views.
  • The Kissing Garden: A magical, intimate space perfect for ceremonies of up to 80 guests, offering a lush, romantic setting overlooking the bay.
  • Plaza del Beso: A charming central plaza that’s great for cocktail hours or smaller receptions, suitable for around 60-80 guests.
  • Private Villas: Many of the larger 2-3 bedroom villas can host intimate elopements, rehearsal dinners, or micro-weddings for 10-30 guests on their private terraces.

Guest accommodations are a key feature, with over 42 unique one- to three-bedroom villas on the property. This allows your entire wedding party and many of your guests to stay on-site, creating a wonderful, communal atmosphere for the entire wedding weekend.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

Villa Amor’s wedding team excels at creating a seamless and magical flow for your wedding day, taking full advantage of the property’s unique layout. A typical event sequence could be:

Ceremony in the Kissing Garden: Exchange your vows in a lush, tropical garden setting with the iconic backdrop of the Sayulita bay and the sounds of the ocean below.

Cocktail Hour at Plaza del Beso: Guests can mingle in the charming central plaza, enjoying handcrafted cocktails and delicious appetizers from the on-site restaurant, often accompanied by a live mariachi band.

Reception at La Gran Villa: Move to the stunning open-air La Gran Villa for an unforgettable reception. Enjoy dinner on the expansive terrace, followed by toasts under the stars and dancing with an incredible ocean view.

Pro tip: Embrace the journey. The walk between venues along Villa Amor’s winding, bougainvillea-lined paths is part of the experience. Consider a “callejoneada” (a walking parade, often with music) to lead guests from the ceremony to the reception for a truly memorable transition.

What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?

While packages are customized, the venue rental fee or wedding package at Villa Amor Sayulita typically provides the essential framework for your day:

  • Exclusive Access to Chosen Venue Spaces: Private use of your selected ceremony and reception locations for your event’s duration.
  • Standard Setup & Furniture: Includes stylish chairs for the ceremony, and dining tables, chairs, and standard linens for the reception.
  • Dedicated Staffing: A professional team of waiters, bartenders, and on-site staff to ensure smooth service during your event.
  • Basic Audio-Visual: A sound system suitable for the ceremony and background music during your reception.

Keep in mind that highly customized decor, elaborate floral installations, specialty lighting, and live bands are typically additional costs that allow you to personalize the space and enhance the atmosphere.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

While Sayulita’s weather is mostly reliable during the high season, it’s wise to have a backup plan. Villa Amor offers excellent covered and indoor options. In case of rain, your ceremony or reception can be moved to a covered terrace or into one of the larger villas, like La Gran Villa, which has significant covered areas. The on-site restaurant also provides a beautiful, protected space.

Pro tip: Discuss the backup plan in detail with your coordinator. Ensure you love the “Plan B” space as much as your “Plan A.” The beauty of Villa Amor is that even its covered spaces retain their charm and stunning ocean views, so you won’t feel like you’re compromising.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking your wedding at Villa Amor Sayulita follows a standard payment schedule for destination venues:

Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit, typically in the range of $3,000–$8,000 USD, is required to secure your wedding date and chosen venues.

Scheduled Payments: Additional payments will be scheduled at key milestones leading up to the wedding (e.g., 9, 6, and 3 months prior), based on your estimated total cost.

Final Payment: The final balance, adjusted for your final guest count and selections, is usually due 30-45 days before your wedding date.

Cancellation policies are firm, as your booking prevents the venue from being offered to other couples. It is highly recommended to purchase comprehensive wedding insurance to protect your investment from any unforeseen circumstances.

On-Site Wedding Coordination and Planning Services

Villa Amor Sayulita is known for its excellent and experienced on-site wedding coordination team. Their boutique, hands-on approach is a major asset for couples planning from afar. Their services typically include:

Dedicated Wedding Coordinator: Your main point of contact who will help you with every detail, from choosing your event spaces to designing your menu and timeline.

Vendor Curation: They provide a list of trusted, high-quality local vendors for everything from photography and florals to music and hair/makeup, all of whom are familiar with the venue.

Timeline Management: Crafting a detailed schedule for the wedding day and ensuring that everything runs smoothly and on time.

On-the-Day Execution: Overseeing all setup, coordinating with vendors, and managing the flow of the event so you can relax and be fully present on your wedding day.

Their deep knowledge of Sayulita and the venue itself is invaluable for creating a seamless and stress-free planning experience.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

The culinary team at Villa Amor’s on-site restaurant is adept at creating delicious menus that cater to a variety of tastes and dietary needs. They specialize in fresh, modern Mexican and coastal cuisine, using high-quality local ingredients. They can easily accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other allergy-specific requests with creative and flavorful dishes.

You’ll work with their coordinator to design a menu that suits your style, whether it’s an elegant plated dinner, a casual and festive buffet, or interactive food stations like a gourmet taco or fresh ceviche bar. This flexibility ensures all your guests can enjoy a fantastic meal.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

Villa Amor welcomes a wide array of entertainment to bring your celebration to life, including live bands, DJs, and traditional mariachis. As the venue consists of many individual guest villas and is part of the Sayulita community, there are noise regulations to be mindful of. Typically, amplified outdoor music has a curfew, usually around 10:00 or 11:00 p.m.

This ensures a peaceful environment for all guests and neighbors. For those who want the party to continue, your coordinator can suggest moving to an indoor space if available, or you can plan an “after-party” at one of Sayulita’s lively downtown bars, which are just a short walk or golf cart ride away.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Guests will fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), which is about a 45-60 minute drive from Sayulita. Here’s how to manage guest transportation:

Airport Transfers: The Villa Amor concierge can help arrange reliable private cars or group shuttles from PVR for your guests, ensuring a smooth arrival.

Getting Around Sayulita: Once at Villa Amor, the best way to get around is on foot or by renting a golf cart, which is a classic Sayulita experience. The town is small and easily explorable. Villa Amor is a short, scenic walk to the main town plaza and beach.

Parking: Parking at Villa Amor and in Sayulita, in general, is very limited. It’s best to advise guests against renting cars unless necessary. Encourage them to use airport transfers and then rely on golf carts and walking during their stay.

Providing clear instructions on transportation options and the golf-cart culture of Sayulita is key to a hassle-free guest experience.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Villa Amor Sayulita

For a beautiful wedding of about 50 guests at Villa Amor Sayulita, here is a rough budget estimate:

  • Wedding Package/Venue Fee: $8,000–$20,000 USD (This depends heavily on the day of the week, season, and specific venues chosen within the property).
  • Food and Beverage (per person): $150–$250+ USD per person. For 50 guests, this would be $7,500–$12,500+.
  • Entertainment: $2,000–$6,000 USD (for a quality DJ, live musicians for the ceremony/cocktail hour, or a fun local band).
  • Photography/Videography: $4,000–$10,000+ USD (depending on coverage hours and chosen professionals).
  • Florals and Enhanced Decor: $2,500–$8,000+ USD (to achieve a lush, personalized bohemian-chic look).
  • Taxes and Service Fees: Expect to add a 16% VAT and a 10-15% service charge to most venue-related costs. Budget at least 26% of your total for this.

A total estimated cost could range from $25,000 to $60,000+ USD for a 50-guest wedding. Your final cost will depend on your specific choices for decor, entertainment, and menu upgrades. Working closely with the Villa Amor team will help you create a detailed budget.

*Please note: These are estimates for a premium experience. Always obtain a customized, detailed quote directly from Villa Amor’s wedding team.*

Splurge vs. Save

To save, consider a weekday wedding (Monday-Thursday), which often has lower venue fees. Keep the guest list intimate, and embrace the natural beauty of the venue to minimize the need for extensive floral decor. Opting for a delicious buffet or taco bar over a formal plated dinner can also reduce costs. To splurge, hire a well-known live band, arrange for a professional fire dancer show on the beach, host a welcome party on a private catamaran, or add elaborate, custom-designed floral installations.

Wedding Packages and What’s Included

Villa Amor offers bespoke wedding packages designed around your needs, rather than fixed tiers. However, a comprehensive package will typically include:

  • Exclusive Ceremony Site Fee: Use of a beautiful space like the Kissing Garden.
  • Ceremony Setup: Includes a wedding arch/structure, guest seating, and a signing table.
  • Minister/Officiant: Assistance with arranging symbolic or legal officiant services.
  • Cocktail Hour: Typically includes an open bar and a selection of delicious passed appetizers from their on-site kitchen.
  • Reception Dinner: A choice of buffet, food stations, or a plated meal featuring fresh, local ingredients.
  • Drinks Package: An open bar for a set number of hours, featuring national beers, spirits, and house wines.
  • Custom Wedding Cake: A beautiful wedding cake designed in collaboration with a local baker.
  • Dedicated Wedding Coordinator: The invaluable service of their on-site planner to manage all venue-related logistics and coordinate your day.

Pro tip: Ask about packages that include a block of villas for your guests. Bundling venue and accommodation can sometimes offer better value and create a wonderfully immersive experience for everyone.

Activities for Other Days

Make your wedding a multi-day experience by organizing fun activities that showcase the best of Sayulita:

  • Organize a group surf lesson at the main Sayulita beach.
  • Host a welcome party with a casual taco and margarita bar at one of the villas.
  • Arrange a boat trip to the nearby Marietas Islands for snorkeling and exploring the famous “hidden beach.”
  • Encourage guests to explore Sayulita’s vibrant town square, filled with artisan boutiques, art galleries, and charming cafes.
  • Set up a yoga session for your group overlooking the ocean.
  • Go whale watching during the winter months (December-March).
  • Plan a farewell brunch at Villa Amor’s restaurant to say goodbye to your guests.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Embrace the Climate & Comfort: Sayulita is warm and humid. Choose a lightweight wedding dress and consider a relaxed, humidity-proof hairstyle. Most importantly, wear comfortable (but beautiful!) sandals or wedges, as you’ll be walking on charming but uneven cobblestone paths.

2) Embrace the Town: Encourage your guests (and yourselves!) to explore beyond the villa. Rent golf carts, try the local restaurants, shop at the artisan markets, and soak in the vibrant, laid-back energy of Sayulita. It’s a huge part of the Villa Amor experience.

3) Explore Villa Amor’s Nooks & Crannies: This venue is a photographer’s dream. Wander the property with your photographer to discover hidden gems for your portraits—colorful tiled walls, dramatic staircases, lush jungle pathways, and private villa balconies with epic views.

Two Bride Reviews

“Our wedding at Villa Amor was pure magic. It was everything we dreamed of and more—romantic, intimate, and so uniquely us. The venue is breathtaking, with views that left our guests speechless. The staff felt like family and made sure every single detail was perfect. If you want a wedding that feels like a soulful, bohemian fairy tale, this is the place.” – Jessica L.

“Choosing Villa Amor for our wedding was the best decision we made. We wanted a venue with character and a relaxed, joyful vibe, and Villa Amor delivered completely. Our ceremony in the Kissing Garden was incredibly emotional, and dancing under the stars at La Gran Villa was unforgettable. Our guests loved staying in the unique villas and exploring Sayulita. It wasn’t just a wedding day; it was the most amazing weekend of our lives.” – Megan T.

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

As a wedding photographer who has captured stories in many stunning locations, Villa Amor Sayulita holds a special place. It is a venue with a soul. The photographic opportunities here are endless and incredibly unique. The vibrant colors of the villas, the rustic texture of the stone paths, and the dramatic interplay of light and shadow create a rich, cinematic canvas. It’s not a generic resort; it’s a character-filled labyrinth of beauty. From the epic, sweeping views of the bay from the clifftop to the intimate, candid moments in the lush gardens, every photo tells a story of romance and adventure. If you’re a couple looking for wedding photos that are vibrant, authentic, and bursting with the artistic spirit of Mexico, Villa Amor provides a backdrop that is simply unparalleled.

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