Explore the pros (+) and challenges (-) of private villa wedding venues in Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita and Saylita to help you determine if a villa wedding may be the right fit for you.
Privacy +
Having a wedding space entirely to yourselves is one of the most valued advantages of utilizing a villa for your venue. From the moment guests arrive on site until the moment they depart your event, the service and celebration is for your group only. This creates a feeling of luxurious exclusivity.
Exception: All beaches, even those in front of private villas, are public. If you decide to say I Do on the sand, then be prepared for passers-by to witness the celebration.
Wow Factor +
The WOW factor simply refers to an element that surprises and enchants guests. Its that special something that will have them talking about your celebration for years to come!
What I love about a private villa venue is that the venue itself becomes a WOW factor!
When guests arrive to a private villa venue just before the event begins, they are welcomed into a new and exciting wedding wonderland. Everything about the property and ambiance is a WOW.
Food Quality and Options +
Food quality/options is another primary reason to select a private villa for your wedding venue. Due to the multiple catering options in Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding areas, selecting a company that offers an enticing menu and the level of quality that aligns with your taste and standards is simple. From classic surf and turf to traditional Mexican, upscale gourmet to laid-back family style, your dining options for an event at a private villa venue are endless!
Freedom to select Vendors +
Similar to choosing your wedding caterer, when getting married at a private villa venue, you have complete freedom in selecting each of your wedding vendors – ceremony officiate, live musicians, florist, DJ, wedding planner! This freedom allows you to bring an authenticity to your wedding as you select services that reflect your vibe.
Noise Regulations + / –
Noise regulations and mandatory end-time of the event varies with each villa. In certain areas of the Bay where villas are in close proximity, the government strictly enforces curfew as noise levels can be a nuisance to nearby properties.
Throughout the area, the noise restriction of 11pm is most common. There are a few more isolated villas and private venues that allow parties later into the night.
When searching for a private villa venue, make sure to ask about end time restrictions!
Convenience + / –
To keep logistics as convenient as possible for guests, provide transportation to and from the wedding. Choose one departure and drop-off point and communicate all transport info to guests. After dinner and a bit of dancing, offer an early-departure option for any guests who need or would like to depart before the end of the event.
If budget doesn’t allow for contracted transportation, provide your guests with small cards with the address of the villa and a phone number to reach. These cards can then simply be handed to a taxi driver!
Talk to your wedding planner or the villa concierge about end-of-the-night transportation options to ensure that guests aren’t stranded at the villa.
Lodging Requirements / Event Fees –
Most private villas will require a minimum number of nights lodging in order to host an event on site. Depending on the time of year and individual villa policies, a minimum of 3-7 nights may be required
In addition, all private villas will charge an event fee on top of the nightly lodging fee. Although the fees vary, the most common event fee is the equivalent of one night stay at the villa. For example, if the villa rental fee is $1500 USD/night, you will be charged an additional $1500 USD as the event fee.
These fees cover wear and tear on the house and a minimal staff on site. This staff does not usually provide service during your wedding. Their primary responsibility is to care for the actual property and be on site in the event of a villa-related emergency (plugged toilet, lightbulb out, etc).
When considering villa venues, inquire about lodging requirements and event fee as well as what is included.
Questions?
What other questions do you have about private villa wedding venues?
