Getting Married at Marriott Puerto Vallarta: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Dreaming of a wedding where classic Mexican elegance meets the stunning shores of Banderas Bay? Welcome to Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa—an iconic beachfront haven that offers a perfect blend of sophisticated charm, luxurious amenities, and vibrant local culture for your special day. With its pristine sandy beaches, breathtaking ocean views, and beautifully manicured gardens, the Marriott Puerto Vallarta provides an unparalleled backdrop for your celebration. Whether you envision an intimate ceremony by the sea or a grand ballroom reception overlooking the Pacific, this exquisite resort promises a wedding experience as unforgettable as its spectacular sunsets.

Renowned for its warm hospitality and comprehensive service, Marriott Puerto Vallarta seamlessly blends modern comfort with authentic Mexican design. Its versatile venues—from expansive beach areas to elegant ballrooms and picturesque terraces—are designed to reflect your unique love story, all while showcasing the captivating beauty of Puerto Vallarta. Let the natural splendor and welcoming charm of this resort set the stage for your dream wedding.

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

Index

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

 

Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa stands out for its prime beachfront location in the Marina Vallarta area, offering expansive views of Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre mountains. The resort’s classic Mexican hacienda architecture, lush gardens, and inviting pool areas create a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere perfect for destination weddings. Couples who appreciate a well-established resort with extensive amenities, dedicated service, and easy access to both the airport and downtown Puerto Vallarta will find the Marriott provides a picturesque and elegant setting.

Recent guest surveys indicate that **couples increasingly prioritize convenience, reliable service, and a comprehensive guest experience**. With its well-known brand reputation and stunning bay vistas, Marriott Puerto Vallarta offers a truly distinctive backdrop for your wedding photos and a comfortable stay for your guests.

 

How Does a Wedding at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Work?

 

Planning your wedding at Marriott Puerto Vallarta is designed to be a streamlined and joyful process. Their expert wedding team guides you through every step, ensuring your vision is brought to life with meticulous attention to detail. The resort offers a range of elegant venues and customizable packages that include everything from ceremony setup and gourmet catering to professional coordination and vendor management.

This dedicated support means you can relax and savor the moments while the resort handles the logistics, allowing you to focus on celebrating your love in a beautiful, stress-free environment.

 

Best Months to Get Married

 

Puerto Vallarta enjoys warm weather year-round, but the best months for a wedding are typically from November to May. This period offers pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. The drier season also provides consistent, beautiful natural light for photography.

Marrying during these months ensures optimal weather, while the summer/fall season (June-October) can be more humid and prone to afternoon showers, potentially offering cost savings but requiring stronger backup plans.

 

The Basics of Wedding Packages

 

Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa offers thoughtfully designed wedding packages tailored to various styles and sizes. Each package typically includes:

  • Ceremony Setup: Options for beach, garden, or terrace ceremonies with elegant seating, and romantic décor elements.
  • Reception Venues: Access to sophisticated spaces like oceanfront terraces, grand ballrooms, or intimate garden areas with stunning views.
  • Catering: Exquisite gourmet menus featuring local and international cuisine, offered in various formats from plated dinners to elaborate buffets.
  • Decor and Floral Arrangements: Standard decorative elements and floral basics, with opportunities for personalization and upgrades to match your theme.
  • Entertainment: Assistance with coordinating music (live bands, DJs) and other entertainment to create the perfect atmosphere.

These packages serve as a foundation and can be customized extensively to perfectly align with your dream wedding.

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

 

In destination weddings at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, typically:

  • The couple covers the primary wedding costs, such as the venue rental, catering package, and coordination services.
  • Guests are usually responsible for their own travel and accommodation, although the resort can often provide group rates or block bookings.
  • The couple might choose to host additional events, like a welcome reception or rehearsal dinner, covering those costs for their guests.
  • Extra expenses for personalized decor, enhanced entertainment, or pre/post-wedding activities are typically the couple’s responsibility.
  • Gift registries or contributions towards travel/experiences are common, allowing guests to contribute in meaningful ways.

This structure allows the couple to tailor the main event while guests manage their personal travel arrangements.

 

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

 

Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa features versatile spaces suitable for various wedding sizes:

  • Grand Ballroom & Terraces: Can accommodate larger groups, often up to 300-500 guests for receptions with ample dancing space, depending on setup.
  • Beachfront & Garden Areas: Ideal for ceremonies and cocktail hours, typically suitable for 50-200 guests depending on the specific location and layout.
  • Smaller Event Rooms & Private Patios: Offer options for more intimate gatherings or micro-weddings with beautiful views.

The resort offers a wide range of luxurious rooms and suites, providing ample space for guests. Group rates and special blocks can often be arranged, making it convenient for your guests to stay on-site and fully enjoy the wedding festivities.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

Marriott Puerto Vallarta’s wedding team expertly manages the flow of your day from saying “I do” to your final dance. A typical sequence might look like this:

Ceremony with Ocean Views: Exchange vows on the beautiful beach or a beachfront terrace with Banderas Bay as your stunning backdrop.

Cocktail Hour amidst Lush Gardens: Guests enjoy drinks and appetizers in a serene garden setting or by the grand pool, soaking in the vibrant surroundings.

Reception in an Elegant Space: Move to a dedicated reception area, whether a magnificent ballroom, an outdoor terrace, or a curated beach setup, for dinner, toasts, and dancing.

Pro tip: Leverage the resort’s diverse spaces. Consider having distinct vibes for each part of your day, perhaps a romantic beach ceremony followed by a sophisticated ballroom reception, maximizing the visual and experiential variety Marriott Puerto Vallarta offers.

What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?

While specific inclusions vary by package, the core venue fee or package cost at Marriott Puerto Vallarta typically includes:

  • Access to Chosen Venue Spaces: Exclusive use of your selected ceremony and reception areas for the allocated time.
  • Basic Setup: Standard chairs, tables, linens, and some basic décor for the ceremony and reception.
  • Staffing: Professional waitstaff, bartenders, and essential resort personnel to service your event.
  • Basic Audio-Visual: A simple sound system for the ceremony and background music during cocktail hour/dinner.

Remember that premium furniture, extensive floral installations, specialized lighting, or upgraded sound/visual equipment are usually additional costs.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

Puerto Vallarta can experience tropical rain, especially during the wet season (June-October). Marriott Puerto Vallarta has established grand indoor ballrooms and covered outdoor options readily available as a backup. These spaces are designed to be equally elegant and functional, ensuring your celebration remains beautiful and uninterrupted regardless of unexpected weather.

Pro tip: Discuss the backup options during your site visit or initial consultation. Understand where the indoor alternative is located and ensure it aligns with your vision, even if it’s just a contingency plan.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking your wedding at Marriott Puerto Vallarta involves a standard payment structure:

Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit, often ranging from $1,000–$3,000 USD, is required to reserve your date and venues.

Scheduled Payments: Further payments are typically scheduled at intervals (e.g., 12, 6, and 3 months prior) to cover estimated costs based on your package and guest count.

Final Payment: The remaining balance is usually due approximately 30-45 days before the wedding date.

Cancellation policies are strict and vary depending on the timing of the cancellation relative to your wedding date. Review your contract carefully and consider wedding insurance to protect your investment against unforeseen circumstances.

On-Site Wedding Coordination and Planning Services

Marriott Puerto Vallarta boasts a professional on-site wedding planning team dedicated to making your journey seamless. Their services typically include:

Dedicated Wedding Planner: A main point of contact to guide you through every decision, from venue selection to menu tasting.

Vendor Liaison: Assistance with selecting and coordinating trusted local vendors for photography, music, flowers, and more.

Timeline Creation & Management: Developing a detailed schedule for the wedding day and ensuring everything runs on time.

Rehearsal Coordination: Guiding your wedding party through the ceremony rehearsal.

Their expertise in executing sophisticated events in the tropical setting is invaluable for a stress-free planning experience.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

Marriott Puerto Vallarta’s renowned culinary team is highly capable of accommodating a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. They offer customizable menus featuring diverse options, from fresh seafood and traditional Mexican fare to international favorites. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, halal, and allergy-specific meals can all be expertly prepared and served.

Consultations with the chef are usually included, allowing you to tailor the menu precisely. Interactive elements like gourmet food stations or tequila/mezcal tastings can add a unique local touch to your reception.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

Marriott Puerto Vallarta welcomes various entertainment options, from romantic mariachis and string quartets to lively DJs and live bands. The resort does have regulations regarding noise levels, particularly for outdoor venues.

Typically, outdoor music may have a curfew, often around 10:00 or 11:00 p.m. If your celebration is planned to extend late into the night, the wedding team can advise on suitable indoor spaces or alternative arrangements to continue the party while respecting resort policies and other guests.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Most guests will arrive via Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), which is conveniently located extremely close to Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa (approx. 5-10 minute drive depending on traffic). To facilitate guest transportation:

Airport Transfers: The resort can help arrange private or shared shuttle services from PVR, often with discounted rates for groups.

On-Site Transportation: The resort is easily walkable, but staff can assist with special needs.

Parking: On-site parking is available for guests who choose to rent cars; valet service may also be offered.

Providing guests with clear instructions on airport arrival and recommended transportation options well in advance is highly recommended.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

For an average wedding of about 50 guests at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, a rough estimate for your budget might be:

  • Wedding Package/Venue Fee: $4,000–$10,000 USD (includes ceremony setup, basic reception, and some services).
  • Food and Beverage (per person): $70–$130+ USD per person (this can vary significantly based on menu and bar package chosen). For 50 guests, budget $3,500–$6,500+.
  • Entertainment: $1,200–$3,500 USD (live musician, DJ, or band).
  • Photography/Videography: $3,000–$6,500 USD (depends on hours, photographers, and deliverables).
  • Florals and Enhanced Decor: $1,000–$3,500 USD (basic to moderate customization).
  • Taxes and Service Fees: Typically adds 16% VAT plus a 10-15% service charge on top of services. Budget at least 26% of total costs for this.

Total estimated costs could range from $15,000 to $35,000+ USD for a 50-guest wedding, highly dependent on specific package choices, menu selections, and added luxuries. Prioritizing what matters most to you can help manage the budget effectively.

*Please note: These are estimates. Always obtain a customized quote directly from Marriott Puerto Vallarta’s wedding team.*

Splurge vs. Save

To save costs, consider a weekday wedding, choosing an all-inclusive package that bundles meals/drinks, or simplifying floral and décor elements. Opting for in-house catering and bar packages is usually more cost-effective than external vendors. To splurge, consider adding a fireworks display over the ocean, a private pre-wedding boat cruise around Banderas Bay, a custom lighting package in the ballroom, or an elaborate multi-course tasting menu with premium wine pairings. Upgrading to a premium bar and extending reception hours can also elevate the guest experience.

Wedding Packages and What’s Included

Marriott Puerto Vallarta offers a range of wedding packages, often with names reflecting the tropical setting. While details vary, common inclusions are:

  • Ceremony Site Fee: Use of a designated area (beach, terrace, garden).
  • Basic Ceremony Setup: White chairs, simple altar/arch.
  • Minister/Officiant: Arrangement of services (symbolic or legal, with legal requiring separate paperwork/fees).
  • Cocktail Hour: Standard open bar and tray-passed appetizers (number/selection varies by package).
  • Reception Dinner: Choice of plated, buffet, or station-style dinner from a set menu selection.
  • Drinks Package: Tiered open bar options (domestic vs. international brands, duration).
  • Wedding Cake: A basic tiered wedding cake in standard flavors and designs.
  • Wedding Coordinator: Services of an on-site planner to assist with resort arrangements.

Pro tip: Some packages offer minimum guest counts and include benefits like romantic dinners for the couple, spa credits, or complimentary anniversary stays, adding significant value.

Activities for Other Days

Keep your guests entertained throughout their stay in Puerto Vallarta:

  • Organize a group visit to downtown Puerto Vallarta, including the Malecón boardwalk and Old Town.
  • Book a private boat tour to explore Banderas Bay, snorkel at Los Arcos, or look for whales (in season).
  • Arrange a welcome fiesta or casual beach bonfire event at the resort.
  • Guests can enjoy resort amenities like the expansive pool, spa, and diverse gourmet restaurants.
  • Arrange adventurous excursions like zip-lining through the jungle, ATV rides, or hiking in the Sierra Madre foothills.
  • Explore local art galleries and shops in the Romantic Zone or Marina Vallarta.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Embrace the Humidity: Puerto Vallarta can be humid. Discuss humidity-friendly hairstyles and makeup with your stylist during your trial.

2) Plan for Sunset: The sunsets over Banderas Bay are spectacular. Time your ceremony or couple’s portraits to coincide with golden hour for breathtaking photos.

3) Hydrate Constantly: The heat and humidity, combined with celebratory drinks, mean staying hydrated is key for everyone’s comfort and well-being.

Two Bride Reviews

“Marriott Puerto Vallarta was the perfect choice for our destination wedding! The classic charm of the resort, combined with the incredible beachfront location, made for truly magical photos. The wedding team was exceptionally organized, handling every detail with professionalism and warmth. Our guests loved the convenient location near the airport and enjoyed all the resort had to offer. Highly recommend!” – Emily C.

“We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful and seamless wedding experience than at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta. From the initial planning stages to the day of the wedding, the staff went above and beyond. The food was outstanding, the venues were stunning, and the sunset backdrop for our ceremony was unforgettable. It felt like a dream come true for us and our families.” – Olivia R.

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

Having photographed weddings across Mexico, Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa holds a distinct appeal. Its iconic beachfront location in Marina Vallarta provides expansive, clean backdrops of the Pacific and beautiful sunsets, which are a dream to photograph. The resort’s blend of classic Mexican architecture and modern amenities offers incredible versatility for photo locations – from elegant ballroom shots to romantic beachfront portraits, or vibrant photos within its lush gardens and by the grand pool. If you’re looking for a well-established, reliable destination wedding venue that combines classic style, comprehensive service, and breathtaking natural scenery, Marriott Puerto Vallarta is an outstanding choice that photographs beautifully and ensures a smooth celebration.

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