Newbie...Pls help me narrow down location for wedding in Mexico (Cabo vs. Puerto Vallarta vs. Rivera Maya)

Before I even get to the daunting task of narrowing down resorts, I still need to decide on location.  I've been to Cabo and really liked it but I also like trying new places and if one of the other locations is more scenic and/or more reasonably priced than Cabo, I'd like to hear about it.

More specifics:

• expecting about 50 people
• hoping to do fall 2012 or early 2013 (late January)
• would like something on the beach or a gazebo or terrace overlooking the water
• cost effective (in terms of travel, packaging and lodging. Most of my guests would be traveling from the eastern portion of the US).

Thanks for any and all advice!

Hi, Nikki and welcome to BDW.  Have you consulted a travel agent?  If you want to get some ideas of pricing, you might want to try one of the BDW Travel Agents.  They Specialize in Destination weddings and can answer a lot of your questions and help get you going.  You can contact them HERE!

I've vacationed in Puerto Vallarta since 1997, LOVE IT!!! 

There's an awesome place that looks over the pacific ocean called Le Kliffe.  Great food too.

http://lekliff.com/eng/weddings.php

Can't beat the view at sunset.  They can handle from start to finish.  I know they have a place for the bride to get ready, so you don't have to cram the dress in the car and make the journey, showing up wrinkled. 

Not sure if you are looking to all stay in one location, but looking around Mexico, PVR villas are very reasonable. 

We have friends that own a little restaurant called No Way Jose.  It's small, but the food is to die for.  The BEST tableside caesar salad in all of PVR.  Julie is one of the owners, has awesome hook ups for the bakery too.  http://nowayjosemx.com/

Another fab place to eat is Cafe Des Artists.  Gourmet 5 star dining.  Beautiful location.  The tasting menu was to die for.  This isn't what you think of when you think dining in Mexico...this is truly gourmet 5 star dining with excellent service. 

http://www.cafedesartistes.com/

And of course, if you are looking for way casual tasty pizza?  I can't forget Senor Fox at Cafe Roma pizza. 

http://www.romamexico.com/

For a wedding planner there?  I'd contact Julie from No Way Jose and ask her opinion.  She's from the midwest, but now lives in pvr full time.  (lucky woman!)

GOOD LUCK!!

Hola NikkiJ - Congrats + welcome aboard the forum! lots of great ideas here to help with all your plans......all the best

Originally Posted by NikkiJ 

 

Before I even get to the daunting task of narrowing down resorts, I still need to decide on location.  I've been to Cabo and really liked it but I also like trying new places and if one of the other locations is more scenic and/or more reasonably priced than Cabo, I'd like to hear about it.

 

More specifics:

• expecting about 50 people
• hoping to do fall 2012 or early 2013 (late January)
• would like something on the beach or a gazebo or terrace overlooking the water
• cost effective (in terms of travel, packaging and lodging. Most of my guests would be traveling from the eastern portion of the US).

 

Thanks for any and all advice!

I know you posted this quite awhile ago..but thought I would offer my input. I have been to Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, and Cancun and from my experience the Cancun/Caribbean side has prettier beaches. So if this is something important to you then you might want to consider Riviera Maya. We ended up choosing Riviera Maya because it is near Cancun that we loved but away from the party scene and more appropriate for a wedding. We are having our wedding/staying at Barcelo Maya Palace. They have a gorgeous gazebo but we are having our ceremony on the beach:). 

I agree that a travel agent is a must. It is very overwhelming to choose a resort on your own and good to have input from someone who knows the locations and resorts. You have to factor in the resort it self, the wedding packages/locations, and what your guests want and need. We went for a larger resort that had different price options. Good luck!