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Spring is that glorious time of year when nature reminds us of the circle of life. From the budding of the trees and flowers to the birth of new life among many species. Humans too are greatly affected this time of year, especially in the matters of love. More marriage proposals are made in the springtime than any other time of year.
 With marriage on the mind next comes the planning of the wedding. As dollar signs begin to click away in the new couples mind about the cost of traditional weddings many have begun to search out alternative options. One such trend emerging is the "Destination Wedding".
The destination wedding serves as a wedding/honeymoon combination and can often times be less expensive than your traditional wedding. It also bridges the gap between the elaborate traditional church wedding and the quick trip to Las Vegas. The event becomes a more unique and memorable experience for the wedding couple as well as the wedding party and guests, many times making it a much smaller and more intimate affair.
Needless to say, one of the most romantic spots in the world for such destination weddings is Mexico, already ranked the third favorite spot in the world for honeymooners. The options are numerous such as underwater ceremonies or elaborate hacienda style weddings, perhaps the couple would prefer a barefoot beach shaman wedding, regardless of the type ceremony there is a perfect destination wedding package available with the right price tag for everyone.
However, it is recommended you consult a professional wedding coordinator who specializes in Mexican destination weddings or check with the resorts wedding planners. The legal requirements in Mexico vary, not just from city to city but from judge to judge, and there is no public information available in English. A planner or a hotel with a wedding coordinator is essential for making sure you are tying the knot legally.
Some couples may prefer to just have their religious ceremony in Mexico and legalize it by having a civil ceremony in the United States.
Destination Wedding Options
Luxury Resort Weddings
If the sky is the limit this is the option for you. The beauty of this type of wedding is the all inclusive detailed packages that exist on the market. From the pristine beaches along the Baja Coast to the beautiful dark blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and of course there is the romantic hot spot of the Carribean mecca of Cancun, there are plenty of resorts that offer full packages for destination weddings. Here are just a few....
Not for the budget traveler this resort has been host to many a celebrity wedding and honeymoon. Located on the tip of the beautiful Baja California Peninsula it features 172 casually elegant accommodations, all with ocean views; a full-service spa with 13 private treatment villas. Each suite has their own butler and twice a day maid service. One of it's most charming features is an on site historic chapel which rents for $2000 and couples can be delivered to the chapel by a horse-drawn carriage . The simplest and least expensive wedding offering at this resort is a sunset beach wedding for approx. $1,800. But the most popular package is not for the beer pocket book, a simple wedding featuring a chapel ceremony, dinner and a four-night stay for 15 people will cost a minimum of US$10,000. Lowella (310-302-1822), a wedding coordinator for Palmilla located in Los Angeles, is the first step to organizing that perfect destination wedding.
Located along the coast of the beautiful Yucatan peninsula of Mexico, this is the most popular destination for romantic getaways. With nearby Mayan ruins to trek through and some to the most beautiful beaches in the world to play on it is a great choice for a destination wedding.
The Ritz Carlton Cancun offers wedding packages for two starting at US$2,100 and includes minister services, ceremony site, bridal bouquet, four-course romantic dinner, photos and champagne. A signature butler-drawn margarita bath is also a popular service. Couples can choose to hold the ceremony on the beach, in the courtyard or poolside. Hotel accommodations are separate and start at US$269 per night.
This resort offers luxury on a smaller more intimate scale with just 48 exquisite rooms, suites and casitas to choose from that surround a uniquely designed free form swimming pool, overlooking a tranquil private cove and beach. Located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, the waters here are a beautiful deep dark blue with dark sand beaches. There is even a quaint historical chapel, the San Mateos Church, just 15 minutes from the resort if couples choose a church wedding over a resort wedding. Pampering of the bride and groom begins upon arrival when they are picked up with a special champagne limo service at the Manzanillo International Airport, they also receive fresh flowers and deluxe massages upon arriving at the resort. The newlyweds will find plenty of outdoor adventures to participate in from watersports to horseback riding on the beach. Three-day junior oceanfront suite packages at US$3,148. For information on weddings packages and pricing, contact Mourad Essafi at [email protected].
Hacienda Nuptials
Okay, who hasn't drooled over the beautiful hacienda wedding in Zorro, simple and elegant. These old mexican haciendas just drip with romance and renting out historical haciendas has grown in popularity as a wedding destination option.
The story of this magnificent hacienda dates back to the year 1529 when Hernán Cortés ordered its construction using the Spanish technique of vaulted arches and semi-circular walls, an architectural style that gives the hacienda it's romantic air. Ceremonies for up to 1000 guests are held in a small chapel on the grounds, and the evenings end with fireworks. However, only 30 guests can stay over night at the Hacienda to give the newlywed couple a more intimate atmosphere.
This is the smallest boutique hotel in all of Mexico but it does not run small on charm. Casa cid de Leon was converted from a small hacienda into a boutique hotel offering first class service and amenities. Located in the historical center of Oaxaca, Mexico, where any newlywed couple will enjoy the colorful sights and sounds of it's indigenious people. Oaxaca is know world wide for its' five star cuisine and the finest arts and crafts in all of Mexico.
The hacienda only has 4 suites but each suite is well appointed offering such amenities as whirl pool tubs, fresh flowers, hand-embroidered linens and quaint balconies that over look the city. Breakfast is served on the roof top patio where you may view all the city's landmarks.
 A visit to Mitla, the famous Zapotec pyramid is a must and you will want to visit the quaint village of Teotitlan del Valle, famous for it's fine weavers. Visit Accents West, an american distributor of these fine weavings to get an idea of their artistry. Spend a few days in Oaxaca and then fly to Huatulco to enjoy the South Pacific beaches.
Call ahead for wedding plans to the owner Leticia Cid de Leon and she'll help you arrange all the details.
Island Dream Weddings
Beaches and islands are among the most romantic places in the world and Mexico has these in spades, but some stand out among the others for celebrating marital bliss. The nice thing about a beach wedding is you can make it a simple affair or an extravagant event.
This destination is for the wedding party that loves the outdoors, nature, and a quiet night life. While there are fine restaurants to enjoy and wonderful evening walks to be enjoyed it is not a party location. It is what Cancun, Cozumel and Isla Mujures were like 20 years ago, unspoiled by tourism yet safe, comfortable and peaceful. Located just about two and a half hours from Cancun it's a wonderful intimate getaway. There are several fine resorts here that specialize in wedding destination packages both small but high quality in their offerings.
This is one of the very few places in the world that you can observe and actually swim with the extraordinary whale shark, described as a very large spotted shark actually considered to be the largest fish in the world. Their arrival commences out at sea off Cabo Catoche in May and the experience is practically guaranteed at Isla Holbox from mid-June through September. This particular shark is a filter feeder (plankton and small fish) as opposed to feeding on large prey. They are normally at the surface, so you can easily see them from the boat and snorkel with them. Why not a wedding with the whale sharks?
 XLACXaloc encompasses nine beach-front, palapa-thatched bungalows facing seaward on a spectacular virgin beach. Relax on the terrace in your hammock or slip into the beach-side pool. A game and reading room can also be found above the full-service restaurant. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, fishing, boat excursions, bird-watching or exploring the small village of Holbox. Package offerings here are a great value and include transportation round trip from Cancun.
CasaSandra
 This resort is the inspiration of it's owner Pablo Milanes´muse and co-author, Sandra Perez. A screenwriter, painter and full-time artist, Sandra has lined the walls with original works—hers and other Cuban artists—, personally designed the furnishings and named the rooms after inspirations: Ilusión (Illusion), Amanecer (Dawn), Sentido (Feeling)É. Each of the 12 rooms at CasaSandra (most especially the new master suites) is spacious and located in two separate beachfront buildings. Well-designed and full of creature comforts, they have an air of laid-back sophistication. The atmosphere is welcoming, giving guests the feel of having arrived at a good friend´s beach house.
 The small resort also has the islands' only spa and a fine restaurant.CasaSandra´s cuisine is a delightful mix of local specialties, Cuban favorites and even Asian-inspired dishes. Previous visitors to the resort rave on the quality of the food and many are suprised to find such simple elegance and such a remote island. During the day, bare feet are welcome; at night, it has a rustic elegance that calls for white linen skirts and guayaberas.
Enchanting might be the best single word to describe Isla Mujeres, a tiny jewel of an island just off the coast of Cancun, Mexico. Isolated from the flashing lights and fancy hotels on the nearby Quintana Roo mainland, this secluded destination offers the best of many worlds, from ancient and historical to modern and high-tech. It lies just six miles from the touristy city of Cancun where you can make day trips can take to go shopping or adventuring to nearby mayan ruins, Tulum is a must see. In fact alot of weddings are held at the ruins of Tulum. After a day of hectic activity it is nice to return to the quaint and quiet pace of Isla Mujeres. There are plenty of wonderful activities on the island as well, snorkeling at El Garrafón National Park bioreserve is one of the best snorkeling experiences in the world. While there are many budget places to stay on the island for something as special as a wedding check out Secreto. This nine room resort offers private verandas and quiet seclusion. The resort is situated in a private cove that overlooks Halfmoon bay and the Carribbean.Lush tropical gardens surround the hotel´s swimming pool.
UNUSUAL WEDDINGS
 Under water: At the Grand Cozumel Hotel (www.grandcozumel.com) on the island of Cozumel, off the coast of Playa del Carmen, couples can wed underwater for US$2,800, which includes the boat rental, diving equipment, wedding ceremony, flowers, a wedding cake and champagne. For those not wanting to take the plunge, the Grand Cozumel also offers free dry wedding services to parties that reserve at least four nights in the hotel.
On the water: For US$500, glamorous couples can have their wedding aboard a sleek yacht, while sailing around Cozumel. The yacht-rental fee is in addition to the basic wedding package of US$800, which includes legal documentation and wedding planner services. Contact [email protected]t. For a real over-the-top wedding adventure, charter a private yacht for eight of your closest friends for a fun-filled weeklong wedding cruise in the Caribbean or along the Sea of Cortez. Prices start at US$20,000. Visit www.boatznyachtz.com.
 Mayan weddings: For a reasonable fee, prehispanic cultural buffs can be wed at a barefoot Mayan Indian ceremony on the Yucatan Peninsula, performed by a shaman, and featuring traditional hand-made wedding garments, the exchanging of symbolic gifts such as corn and cacao seeds and traditional prehispanic music. Ceremonies can be performed on the beach, in a chapel or the many ancient ruins located in the area. See www.mayanweddings.com.
What you need to get married: In order to be legally married, couples must take part in a ten-minute civil ceremony and provide copies of passports, as well as blood tests taken within 15 days of the date of marriage and notarized by a doctor in Mexico. If divorced or widowed, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate (with a minimum lapse of one year) is required. Most resorts/wedding planners assist couples with all the necessary paperwork and require that the happy couple be in Mexico three working days prior to the wedding to ensure all legal requirements have been met. For a general guide to getting married in Mexico, visit www.mexperience.com.
Destination Mexico Wedding Planners
Colonial Cities: The quaint colonial city of San Miguel de Allende is a popular destination for weddings: www.weddingsanmiguel.com.
What ever wedding destination you choose Mexico, is the perfect place to begin your life together and celebrate it with friends and family.
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