Best Hotels for Destination Weddings in Puerto Vallarta

Secrets Vallarta Bay is a luxurious, adult-only, all-inclusive resort right on the beach in tourist-friendly Puerto Vallarta. With 271 suites, it's not the biggest resort around -- the smaller size means less of a wait and better service. This property does a lot of things right: luxe rooms with butler service, unlimited premium alcohol, and gorgeous pools -- however, the vibe can get rowdy (blame the combination of all-inclusive booze and a swim-up bar). Guests should also note that some of the restaurants and daily entertainment are next door at the family-friendly Now Amber Puerto Vallarta. Couples can say I do on the private beach, or under a wedding gazebo, with the help of an on-site wedding coordinator.

This luxury resort stands on a secluded stretch of beach on Bahia Banderas’ south shore, which offers stunning views of the ocean and jungle-covered hills that surround it. Built on the site of a former hotel that was the playground of Hollywood stars in the 1960s, the Garza Blanca features spacious guest rooms, an exquisite pool, private beach, and a gourmet restaurant with extensive wine cellar and tequila tasting room. The resort has a dedicated wedding coordinator to assist with all the details and wedding packages are available.

One of the most striking elements of the Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta (formerly the Palace Resort Vallarta) is its soaring lobby, with two huge installations made with LP covers and instruments. However, the rest of the resort is no less attractive, with two free-form pools, a spa featuring ocean views, and several restaurants offering a range of cuisines. The hopping bars, nightly entertainment and contemporary rooms with high-tech amenities, funky rock-inspired decor, and double-jetted tubs attract young couples and groups, while the lively pools (including a shallow one for kids), varied dining options, and pretty beach draw families. There’s free Wi-Fi, purified water on tap, and a wide array of amenities, but rooms are a tad smaller than those found in other resorts in the area. After the wedding, the hotel has three honeymoon packages available to complete the special occasion.

Much like the other sprawling resorts that line the beach in the swanky Marina Vallarta golf community, the CasaMagna Marriott features top-notch restaurants, pools, and meeting rooms, as well as lovely guest rooms and suites that feature modern amenities and contemporary furnishings. Housed in two towers, this upscale hotel is memorable primarily for its sumptuous Ohtli Spa and adjacent fitness center with indoor lap pool. Oceanfront, or in the private gardens, each wedding can be individually tailored.

The 259-room, all-inclusive Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort is priced at the higher end of resorts in the Hotel Zone of Puerto Vallarta, and it scores on some counts but fails on others. The rooms are modern and spacious with some gorgeous ocean views (plus coffeemakers and minibars). Restaurants are varied from an above-average buffet to fine French dining. The infinity edge adults-only pool and a luxe spa are havens from the family-centered kids' club. The hotel has both indoor and outdoor spaces available for the nuptials.

Curvaceous and bright, this upscale sister of the two older Pelican resorts nearby features fabulous views, as this 15-story hotel looms modern and colorful over the low-rise properties around it. Guest rooms and suites are contemporary, stylish, and comfortably spacious -- and all have balconies that overlook the beach below. The hot tub decks and poolside lounge areas also offer spectacular ocean views, with some guests preferring these serene spaces to the narrow beach that is often crowded with vendors. Various setups are available, including the Bamboo Collection, which consists of bamboo structure with hanging crystals and candles.

Featuring gorgeously groomed jungle grounds and blue-tiled pools with beautiful bay views, this all-inclusive resort towers above the secluded Mismaloya Beach, which was made famous as the location for the Ava Gardner movie, "Night of the Iguana." Packed with spacious suites and numerous amenities, the sheer massiveness of this upscale Barcelo property may make its beachside location feel a bit crowded. In addition to the beach, there are three spots at the hotel available for a wedding ceremony.