Not every couple wants a 200-guest wedding. More and more couples are choosing an intimate wedding in Puerto Vallarta: a small ceremony with the people who matter most, a beautiful setting and a dinner everyone will remember. This guide covers how intimate ceremonies work in Puerto Vallarta, what they cost, where to have one and how to plan it without stress.
Why choose an intimate ceremony?
- Time with every guest: with a small group, you actually get to talk, laugh and celebrate with each person.
- A better experience for less: fewer guests means you can invest in what matters: the setting, the food, the flowers and the photos.
- Easier travel: it’s simpler for a small group to fly to Puerto Vallarta and turn the wedding into a vacation together.
- Less stress: fewer decisions, fewer vendors and a much simpler plan.
Where to have an intimate wedding in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta has beaches, villas, hotels and restaurants with gardens. For small weddings, a few things matter more than size:
- Privacy: a public beach or a busy hotel can feel crowded. Look for a space that feels like yours.
- No room blocks: many hotels ask that a percentage of your guests stay with them. With a small group that’s hard to meet, and it limits where your guests can stay.
- A plan B: November to May is practically rain-free, but it’s always good to have a covered space ready.
- Location: a central venue makes it easy for guests to arrive and to enjoy the town before and after.
Comparing options? Read our guide to wedding venues in Puerto Vallarta.
Petit Celebration at Oscar’s: intimate weddings by the river
At Oscar’s, on Isla Río Cuale in the heart of Puerto Vallarta, our Petit Celebration was created for intimate weddings and celebrations of up to 25 guests. Ceremony in our tropical garden, dinner under the palapa or by the river, and the ocean at sunset, all in one place.
- The ceremony (starting at MXN 16,800): garden setting, 20 wooden Avant-Garde chairs, an arch with seasonal flowers and greenery, bridal bouquet and boutonnière, microphone and speaker, setup, teardown and coordination.
- Cocktail hour and canapés to toast right after saying “I do”.
- A three-course dinner with open bar, plus dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus and a kids menu.
- Our in-house wedding planner coordinates everything with you, even if you only arrive in Vallarta a few days before.
- No room-block requirements and no rush to end the party: your guests stay wherever they like.
- Free food tasting once your deposit is made, and installments to pay your wedding little by little.
How much does an intimate wedding in Puerto Vallarta cost?
It depends on the venue, the menu and the extras, but an intimate wedding in Puerto Vallarta is usually far more affordable than a similar wedding in the US or Canada. At Oscar’s the ceremony starts at MXN 16,800, and our prices are the same all year. For a full breakdown, read how much a wedding in Puerto Vallarta costs.
Ideas to make a small wedding feel big
- One long table: seat everyone together for a family-style dinner by the river.
- Time it with the sunset: a late-afternoon ceremony gives you golden light for photos.
- Personal touches: handwritten vows, a toast from every guest or a playlist made by your friends.
- A tequila tasting: treat your guests to a tequila tasting at our distillery the day before.
- Make it a weekend: add a welcome party or a recovery brunch for the whole group.
How to plan your intimate wedding, step by step
- Pick your date: November to May for dry weather; book early for the best dates.
- Define your guest list and get a quote.
- Book with a deposit and set up your installments.
- Choose your menu at the food tasting.
- Finalize details with your wedding planner: flowers, music, photos and the timeline.
FAQ
How many guests is an intimate wedding?
Usually up to 25 to 30 guests. At Oscar’s, our Petit Celebration is designed for up to 25 guests.
Can we book just the ceremony?
The ceremony is booked together with at least cocktail hour or canapés, which gives you the space for your celebration. From there you can add dinner, open bar and more.
What happens if it rains?
From November to May there’s practically no rain. If it does rain, our main palapa is the plan B.
Do our guests have to stay at a specific hotel?
No. At Oscar’s there are no room-block requirements, so your guests can stay wherever they like.
Is there a wedding planner?
Yes, our in-house wedding planner coordinates your wedding with you from the first message to the last dance.
