mexicoMexico’s wedding scene is like its temperature: always hot. For a destination that has so much of the destination wedding business, it’s difficult to keep up with what’s new. Here is the latest on what’s going on in the bridal market south of the border.

Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts and Spas’ six properties in Los Cabos and Mazatlan are expanding their destination wedding offerings with new wedding packages and enhanced services, all with a certified wedding planner.

When planning a destination wedding, no word can be more enticing to your clients than the word “free,” which is why they’ll love Pueblo Bonito. The resorts are now offering complimentary ceremonies to couples who book a suite for a minimum of seven nights or who reserve five rooms for a minimum of three nights each. For shorter stays, Pueblo Bonito offers a number of paid packages for a variety of needs. Couples receive access to a certified wedding planner, a justice of the peace or non-denominational minister to perform the ceremony, sparkling wine for the toast, a bridal bouquet and boutonniere for the groom, as well as a romantic turndown service on the wedding night.

The planners provided at the resorts have all been certified through the Beverly Clark Certified Wedding Professional Program. This training guarantees that the team will assist couples to plan the day, advising them on location, cuisine, decorations, flowers and more.

Betrothed couples are treated as VIPs from the moment of arrival. Those that book a minimum of five nights receive the complimentary Honeymoon Package, which includes a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival, an upgrade to the next room category, romantic room décor and a king-sized bed, early check-in and late check-out, based upon availability. Newlyweds receive a free night’s certificate for use on their anniversary, valid with a minimum five-night stay. 

Casa Colina on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is an ideal spot for betrothed couples looking to tie the knot in VIP style. 

Casa Colina sits in the state of Jalisco, among landscaped gardens and mountains with views over the Pacific. For wedding guests, the five-star villa belongs exclusively to the group, and a staff is on hand to cater to the guests’ needs.

The villa is equipped with an infinity-edge pool, rooftop palapa, private chef and six guest rooms. It can host up to 10 sleepers, which makes this ideal for an intimate destination wedding. If your wedding party is larger, the villa can house the bridal party or family while additional guests camp out at the AAA four-diamond Isla Navidad Grand Bay Resort, which is nearby. 

Casa Colina can host a wedding of up to 80 guests. It offers a variety of settings for vow exchange, whether its by the ocean or next to the pool decorated with floating candles and flowers. In fact, the private staff can transform the villa’s “To of the World Palapa” into a romantic enclave with fresh flowers, candles and more. 

The villa also has several outdoor terraces, which are perfect for cocktail receptions. Other amenities include a Jacuzzi, gourmet BBQ, surround-sound home theater with a 65-inch television, fitness center and access to the amenities at the Isla Navidad Grand Bay Resort. The palapa is an indoor/outdoor dining area with a fully-stocked bar and 250-degree views of the mountains and ocean. 

Post nuptials, the couple can continue to honeymoon at Casa Colina. Nearby attractions include snorkeling or horseback riding on the beach; a trip to the five million-year-old Colima volcano; and tours of the surrounding areas, including the quaint and romantic beaches in Barra de Navidad and the famous Playa La Audiencia on Santiago Peninsula.

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is not a new name to travel agents searching for destinations for their clients’ weddings and honeymoons. That’s because the portfolio of resorts has the routine down pat. The collection of properties all sit on white-sand beaches in romantic locations and offer a variety of wedding settings, from beaches and gazebos to gardens or traditional Catholic chapels. 

As of December, Iberostar launhed a new program featuring three wedding packages available at all hotels and destinations in Mexico, along with Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. These wedding packages include either all or a combination of wedding services, minister and legal fees, venue set up and ceremony items (such as champagne toasts), flowers, music, cocktail hour, reception dinner, an Iberostar gift (such as 10 percent discount on spa services for wedding guests), upgrades and post wedding treats. 

Clients will receive exclusive attention during the day of their wedding, as Iberostar hotels only book one wedding per day, per hotel. Couples can also choose an a la carte wedding where they opt from a variety of items that are priced separately. The minimum for this is $750.