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| The all-suite Imanta Resorts is located on 250 acres of a private jungle reserve. |
Clear ocean water, warm beaches and colorful sunsets make Mexico a perfect vacation spot and a popular destination-wedding location. Here’s a roundup of selections for A-listers.
El Dorado Royale
We recommend this resort for the bride and groom looking for a grown-ups-only affair full of sophistication, as El Dorado Royale is an adults-only resort on the Riviera Maya.
Unsure of what kind of wedding you want? No problem. As part of Karisma Hotels and Resorts, Dorado provides six main wedding themes to choose from. Themes include Coastal Bliss on the beach; Vintage Elegance with whimsical, romantic touches; Pure Glamour for the couple who love that Hollywood sparkle; Sophisticated Soiree with a city-chic atmosphere; Majestic Flair that’s full of adventure and the exotic; and Colonial Charm for a wedding infused with local culture. The resort has also hosted Indian, Jewish and Mayan weddings, and size is not an issue. Dorado can serve weddings with up to 600 guests or as few as two. The resort has also been the location of celebrity weddings for people associated with Oprah and “The Sopranos.”
For a religious touch, couples can tie the knot in a chapel setting, but we think an over-water pier provides the perfect romantic setting for saying the “I dos.” For those visiting during their honeymoon, the Premium Swim Up Jacuzzi Junior Suite and Royal Suite both fit the occasion. The Royal Suite includes a welcome fruit basket with a bottle of champagne and house wine. During the stay, guests will also be treated to a candlelit dinner for two. The Premium Swim Up Jacuzzi Junior Suite has an indoor Jacuzzi and an in-room aromatherapy menu. Advisors should contact Faith Wishnie ([email protected]), director of wedding service.
The Resort at Pedregal
The Resort at Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas is up and running after last year’s Hurricane Odile, and the wedding program is fully operational. So now is the prime time to book a wedding experience.
The resort offers the Lobby Terrace, Pool Terrace and the beach for ceremonies with up to 150 guests. The reception dinner and cocktail hour can be held at La Palapa (for up to 25 people), Beach Club, Pool Terrace, El Farallon or Don Manuel’s. We like the idea of mixing the venues throughout the celebration.
We suggest hosting the rehearsal dinner, for up to 40 people, on the dramatic, cliff-side restaurant El Farallon. Then say the vows on the Pool Terrace, where you will get the ambiance and view of the beach but skip the sand. Lastly, party into the night with a reception at Don Manuel’s, where up to 120 guests can use the lounge, indoor and al fresco dining areas as a reception. Quick Note: To have a wedding at Pedregal, half of the guests must stay on the property for a three-night minimum. Once 10 rooms are booked, the party will receive special group rates.
The Resort at Pedregal also hosts customizable weddings and has held weddings in non-traditional locations like in the mountain-carved tunnel. The tunnel connects the hotel to the town of Cabo and offers a dramatic entrance into the resort. The entire staff helped to create a celebratory dinner for 130 guests inside the tunnel, which turned out to be a huge success.
Thinking of staying at the resort for a honeymoon or mini-moon? Book the One-Bedroom Beachfront Suite with a 35-foot private beach and beach cabana, a private swimming pool, complimentary access to the spa lounge and wet areas and more. For more details, advisors can reach out to Cecilia Vilanueva ([email protected]), weddings and social events manager.
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| The Resort at Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas can seat up to 150 guests for beach weddings. |
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
This resort in Nayarit resonates with couples who want to “wow” their guests. The resort will host weddings from a small, intimate gathering of 45 to larger affairs of 450. The Astor Ballroom, with its adjoining terrace, can host up to 100 guests for a reception, and popular wedding themes celebrated at The St. Regis Punta Mita include Crystal Sophistication, Romantic Mediterranean and Boho Chic.
To truly impress the guests, the bride and groom should take advantage of the personalized weddings offered. For example, recently a couple got married on the beachfront lawn with 4,000 crystal ornaments and wild orchid chandeliers as decorations. Another customized option is to exchange vows on the golf course’s 3B Hole. This hole is on a naturally formed island just 200 feet from shore, offering a one-of-a-kind view. St. Regis can also do more casual celebrations like the popular beach barbeque setup that will surround guests with a relaxing, Caribbean flair.
However, no celebration is complete without booking the Deluxe Beachfront Suite. This 1,140-square-foot suite (perfect for a romantic getaway) comes with St. Regis Signature Butler Service and amenities like a cocktail or ice tea upon arrival. Guests will also get complimentary access to the exercise room and the spa. Advisors should contact Juan Carlos Salmon ([email protected]), sales manager, for more information.
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| At the St. Regis Punta Mita, popular wedding themes include Crystal Sophistication, Romantic Mediterranean and Boho Chic. |
Imanta Resort Punta de Mita
Want a wedding in Mexico but not the beach? How about the jungle? Imanta is located on 250 acres of a private jungle reserve, making it an unforgettable location. The resort is an all-suite property with only 12 accommodations. A wedding party can reserve the whole property, but a three-night stay is required. Imanta may only have a few rooms, but the resort can host weddings for 30-450 people.
Here, the weddings are all about the Mexican landscape. Luxury Travel Advisor suggests starting the ceremony at the lobby overlooking the ocean, then moving to the jungle venue. Lastly, have the guests enjoy the beach setting for the reception or after-party.
The hidden gems of this property are not necessarily the wedding venues but the accommodations. Casona Los Templos is a 9,000-square-foot villa with two master bedrooms. While staying in this accommodation, take advantage of the Jacuzzi and private rooftop terrace complete with a king-sized daybed, and don’t forget to take a dip in the Casona’s swimming pool. There is a third bedroom in this villa with ocean views, making it possible to sleep six guests.
Another option is the Casona Jaguar, which has 10,000 square feet of space. The best part of this three-bedroom villa is the private beach and 65-foot infinity edge lap pool. If the bride and groom are traveling with children, this villa also comes with a kitchen and outside grilling area, making it easy to navigate mealtimes. Advisors should contact co-owners María and Alba Sahagún ([email protected]).
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| Violinists serenade guests at Imanta Resort Punta de Mita. |