Since becoming an increasingly popular tourist spot, destination weddings in San Miguel de Allende have been on the rise! And It is no wonder why. This beautiful Mexican city offers a unique blend of rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. It is a charming colonial town known for its cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and breathtaking churches, making the destination a picture-perfect backdrop for your wedding day. While the town exudes old-world charm, you’ll also find plenty of modern amenities and venues giving you a variety of options to create a custom celebration.

I have had the honor of visiting this stunning destination, and I quickly fell in love! Since, I have dreamed of planing a destination wedding in this special city. There are some key things to keep in mind about destination weddings in San Miguel de Allende. Before you get started, check out the important things you should know below.

About San Miguel de Allende

Firstly, let’s chat about San Miguel de Allende’s founding and history. It is as a colonial gem rooted in deep history, dating all the way back to the 16th century. The town showcases stunning architecture with colorful facades, ornate churches, and cobblestone streets that highlight its Spanish heritage. Beyond its historic charm, San Miguel de Allende is a vibrant cultural hub, known for its lively festivals, thriving arts scene, and warm, welcoming atmosphere. San Miguel has a warm, small-town feel; consequently, it’s a place that I long to return to over and over again!

San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Set your wedding in a place that’s not only beautiful but also deeply rooted in history! Just be sure to plan ahead, as the town’s popularity as a wedding destination means venues can book up quickly.

Cultural Elements to Include in Your San Miguel de Allende Wedding

Callejoneada

There are a multitude of rich customs in San Miguel de Allende. And, perhaps, one of the most iconic cultural traditions is the callejoneada. This is often done in San Miguel de Allende, and is a lively Mexican tradition where a wedding group parades through the narrow cobblestone streets. The wedding couple and their guests are led by a mariachi band, mojigangas, and celebration along the way. Additionally, any couples use this as the “transportation” from a ceremony to the reception site. It’s a festive celebration in and of itself. DuJour has done a fantastic job of outlining this fun tradition here. Callejoneadas are filled with music, laughter, and a true sense of community. Therefore, they make a joyful addition to wedding celebrations in Mexico!

Mojigangas

Mojiganga (pronounced: mo-he-gang-ga) is a giant papier-mâché puppet often used in parades and celebrations. These satirical puppets originated in Spain, and brought to Mexico in the 1600s. Mojigangas are now a fun custom in San Miguel de Allende, often found at the beginning of the callejoneada. Here is a fun video of me at a mojiganga making class in San Miguel de Allende. The studio creates custom mojigangas, and offers classes for groups. This would be such a wedding group or bachelorette party experience!

Otomi Art & Talavera Pottery

Iconic expressions of Mexico’s rich artistic heritage are Otomi art and Talavera pottery. Otomi art, known for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns, often depict animals and nature. The indigenous culture of the Otomi people created this art form. Otomi print is a form of embroidery often found on table cloths, pillowcases, and clothes.

Talavera pottery features a distinctive blue and white design, and is a traditional craft from Puebla that combines Spanish and Mexican influences. The pottery is hand-painted, and found on tiles, plates, vases, and more. Otomi embroidery and Talavera pottery are staples across San Miguel de Allende, making them perfect elements to honor the local culture. Not sure about bright colors? Opt for a monochromatic look like shown below.

Classic Paloma Cocktails

Contrary to popular belief that the margarita is the National Drink of Mexico, classic Palmoa cocktails actually hold this title! Incorporating Palomas into your destination wedding in Mexico is a fun and authentic way to celebrate the country’s vibrant culture. Made with tequila, fresh lime juice, and grapefruit soda, this refreshing cocktail is perfect for toasting your big day under the sun. Serve them as your signature drink, and let your guests enjoy a true taste of Mexico as they raise a glass to your new beginning!

Resort Wedding Venues in San Miguel de Allende

Live Aqua Urban Resort San Miguel de Allende

First up on our list of resort wedding venues in this beautiful destination is Live Aqua Urban Resort in San Miguel de Allende. It is a luxurious retreat that seamlessly blends contemporary design with the town’s historic charm. Nestled in the heart of the city, this sophisticated resort offers guests a tranquil escape with stunning desert views, modern accommodations, and experiences such as Tequila Casa Dragones tastings. Live Aqua’s modern aesthetic is beautifully complemented by the rich cultural heritage of San Miguel, making it a perfect location for both luxury and authenticity. Not to mention, this is a great location for hosting a destination wedding!

For couples dreaming of a wedding in San Miguel de Allende, this resort offers a fantastic setting with chic, modern spaces that can be tailored to your vision. Bonus, it truly marries modern with the traditional richness of the destination!

Rosewood San Miguel de Allende

The Rosewood San Miguel de Allende is an exquisite luxury hotel that embodies the charm and elegance of this historic town. Surrounded by lush gardens and offering stunning views of the city, the hotel seamlessly blends colonial architecture with modern sophistication.

For couples looking to tie the knot, Rosewood San Miguel de Allende offers a magical setting with a variety of stunning venues, from intimate courtyards to grand terraces overlooking the city. The hotel’s attention to detail and bespoke wedding services ensure that your special day will be nothing short of spectacular, creating memories to last a lifetime.

Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel

Looking for something a bit more extra for your celebration? Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel, is a luxurious boutique property in San Miguel de Allende, known for its charming colonial architecture and timeless elegance. Comprised of a collection of beautifully restored historic mansions, the hotel offers an intimate and authentic experience, complete with lush courtyards, tranquil gardens, and individually decorated rooms that reflect the town’s rich heritage.

Casa de Sierra Nevada offers a variety of elegant and romantic indoor and outdoor venues for couples dreaming of a wedding in San Miguel. Choose between a dreamy courtyard or a stunning rooftop terrace with beautiful panoramic views. This iconic property provides the ideal backdrop for a sophisticated and intimate celebration in one of Mexico’s most beloved towns.

Things to Know about Getting Married in Mexico

When planning a destination wedding in San Miguel de Allende, American couples should be aware of a few key legalities. To be legally married in Mexico, couples are required to:

• Present Documentation
  Firstly, you’ll need to gather specific documents, including valid passports, tourist cards, birth certificates, and divorce or death certificates if applicable. All documents need to be translated into Spanish by a certified translator.
• Have Witnesses
  You’ll need four witnesses for your civil ceremony, and they must also provide their valid identification. Witnesses must be present at the civil ceremony and be at least 18 years old.
• Take Blood Tests
  Along with the above, some states in Mexico require blood tests for marriage. However, this requirement can vary. It’s best to check with your local planner or the civil registry office ahead of time.
• Go Through a Waiting Period
  Finally, there may be a waiting period between submitting your paperwork and when you can legally marry. This can range from a few days to a couple of weeks. Meaning you’ll need to plan the length of your stay accordingly.

Now, you are probably thinking “What the hell!?” 🤣 Don’t worry—there’s a simple solution! My destination wedding couples get legally married in the U.S., opting for a symbolic ceremony in Mexico. Read more about legal versus symbolic weddings here.

Wedding & Travel Planner for Destination Weddings in San Miguel de Allende

In conclusion, these thoughts should give you some ideas for getting married in San Miguel de Allende. However, are you overwhelmed thinking about planning? Or not sure how to manage guests’ travel arrangements? Don’t go at this alone! Schedule a complimentary call with DWD Travel! We can discuss these top destination wedding venues in San Miguel de Allende and more. Besides, with us, you’ll have a pro by your side every step of the way!