Weddings away sept oct 2016

weddings away

Riviera Nayarit

In every issue, we scout special locations perfect for tying the knot away from home. by Jimmy Im

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he 200-mile stretch of paradise known as Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit is bracketed by the Sierra Madre mountain range and the Pacifc Ocean. The coastline is an unbelievable setting for a destination wedding, with some of the best resorts in the country that will accommodate festivities of any size, from intimate ceremonies to lavish receptions. With lush jungle landscapes, crowd-free beaches and amazing amenities, this is the perfect place to celebrate your union with the ones you love.

Reception ready at Imanta Resort Punta de Mita.

Imanta Resort Punta de Mita Imanta has perfected jungle chic. The 13-room boutique property is nestled in 250 private acres that border the Sierra de Vallejo, a federal nature preserve, and it makes the most of its verdant surroundings and secluded beaches. The freestanding jungle casas (bungalows) blend harmoniously with nature, and the oceanfront casas have private infnity pools and spectacular views of the beach. At the serene spa you’ll hear birds singing and the surf rolling in during your massage. The Pacifc views from the cliffside Tukipa restaurant are second to none, and the Punta Monterrey magical beach—which is lit with lanterns after sunset—is a faBeach Resort Hotel’s jungle bungalows. vorite spot for ceremonies and receptions. Thanks to the inhouse designers and wedding planners, the unique settings for photo opps and special moments are sublime. Imanta can accommodate up to 36 guests at the property, and they can host weddings of up to 500 guests.

Wedding package rates start at $402 per person; imantaresorts.com.

A Punta Monterrey guest room.

Now Amber Puerto Vallarta The 324 all-suite resort is set on a sprawling beach on Banderas Bay with seven restaurants and cafés and a range of options for couples looking to get married here. Couples can choose from various wedding packages, ceremony locations and myriad amenities that will keep all their wedding guests engaged and busy. Everyone, including the kids, will love the wide range of activities from beach volleyball and aqua-aerobics to horseback riding and watersports, while couples or singles will enjoy some downtime at the ➺

Banderas Bay views.

>> bridalguide.com Explore more of the best destination wedding spots around the world at bridalguide.com/weddinghotspots

PhOTOgRAPhy: (fROM TOP) NOW RESORTS & SPAS; COuRTESy Of IMANTA RESORT; PuNTA MONTERREy BEACh RESORT hOTEL(2); NOW RESORTS & SPAS

Now Amber Puerto Vallarta’s open-air lobby.

WEDDINGS AWAY Punta Monterrey Beach Resort Hotel

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Sunset at Now Amber’s pool bar.

Magic is in the air at this hillside eco-resort north of Sayulita set on 300 acres of an ecological reserve with a private white-sand beach. There are just 12 unique thatched-roof, stand-alone bungalows (many positioned for amazing sunsets), and guests dine on fruit and veggies from a nearby garden, plus the daily catch.

The hotel is soulful, with open-air yoga classes, hiking and kayaking available—it’s a hidden gem among the wealth of highpriced resorts in the area. Custom wedding planning services accommodate any choice of decor, flowers and music and more, which is why it has hosted dozens of breezy, beachfront ceremonies and elegant receptions since opening in 2015. The resort accommodates up to 35 people, and weddings of up to 300 guests. Wedding package rates start at $150 per person; monterreybeach.com. ᣝ

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LEGALLY WEDDED Most Mexican resorts can assist with paperwork and tell you the rules, since marriage requirements vary by city. All couples must be 18 or older and not currently married, and the bride and groom, plus their four witnesses, need to arrive in Mexico four business days before the wedding day.

You’ll need to present a valid passport, tourist card (typically issued upon arrival at the airport), birth certificate, blood test results (done in Mexico) and completed marriage application forms from the local registry. If the bride or groom have been divorced or had a name change, these documents will need to be translated, and the couple needs to include an Apostille, a separate document that certifies the authenticity of the other papers.

PHOTOGRAPHY: NOW RESORTS & SPAS

adults-only Pevonia spa. Ceremonies for up to 150 guests are held on the wooden deck under the wedding gazebo, so you can get married beachside without getting sand in your shoes. La Vista Terrace has tropical landscaping above the main pools, and the bride and groom can choose special extras like releasing floating lanterns or live doves during their ceremony. Couples staying seven nights or longer in a junior swim-out, club or higher level suite receive a complimentary “Your Moments” wedding package. Wedding package rates start at $999 for up to 10 guests; additional guests are $15 per person; nowresorts.com.