Best Puerto Vallarta Destination Wedding Resorts 2026 — Private Cove, Pacific Sunsets & Geography Guide
Puerto Vallarta's all-inclusive wedding portfolio is smaller than Cancún's — four properties in the VFL portfolio versus fourteen — but every one of those four offers something genuinely unavailable anywhere on Mexico's Caribbean coast. A private Pacific cove where John Huston filmed The Night of the Iguana. Pacific sunsets that set directly over the water, turning Banderas Bay gold and orange while ceremony photos are being taken. The only casino of any all-inclusive in Puerto Vallarta. Whale watching from December through April. The first decision couples need to make isn't which resort — it's which geography: Puerto Vallarta proper (Jalisco) or Nuevo Vallarta (Nayarit). They're 20 minutes apart and in different Mexican states, with different resort characters, civil registry jurisdictions, and airport distances. This page covers all four properties, the geography decision, every venue with confirmed capacities, and a framework for choosing between them.
Updated August 2026 · Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta · Mexico · CST #2002477-40
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PV vs Nuevo Vallarta·
Why PV·
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Hyatt Ziva PV·
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Puerto Vallarta vs Nuevo Vallarta — The Geography Decision Every Couple Needs to Make First
"Puerto Vallarta" is used loosely to describe a wider resort corridor that actually spans two Mexican states. The city of Puerto Vallarta sits in the state of Jalisco. Nuevo Vallarta — where RIU Palace Pacifico is located — is in the state of Nayarit, approximately 20 minutes north across the state line. This distinction matters for three reasons: resort character, airport distance, and legal wedding jurisdiction.
Puerto Vallarta Proper (Jalisco)
- Resorts: Hyatt Ziva PV · Secrets Vallarta Bay · Dreams Vallarta Bay
- State: Jalisco · blood test required for legal ceremony
- Character: City-adjacent · walkable to Malecón + Old Town
- PVR airport: 6–20 min depending on property
- Hyatt Ziva: 20 min · private cove 8 km south of city
- Secrets + Dreams: 15 min · 5 min from Malecón
- Setting: Banderas Bay + Sierra Madre framing
- Pacific sunsets: Full western exposure over the bay
Nuevo Vallarta (Nayarit)
- Resorts: RIU Palace Pacifico (+ Riu Vallarta · Riu Jalisco)
- State: Nayarit · confirm blood test with coordinator
- Character: Purpose-built resort zone · quieter · beachier
- PVR airport: ~10 mi / 20–25 min
- Setting: Flamingos Beach · Banderas Bay + Sierra Madre
- Golf nearby: Flamingo Golf Club 2.2 mi
- City access: Puerto Vallarta 25 min by taxi
- Atmosphere: More resort-focused · less urban energy
Which geography is right for your group? If your guests want to
walk to Puerto Vallarta's cobblestone streets, the Malecón boardwalk, and local
restaurants — Puerto Vallarta proper (Secrets/Dreams, 5 min; Hyatt Ziva, 30 min).
If your group wants a quieter, beach-focused all-inclusive zone with RIU's multi-property
nightlife access — Nuevo Vallarta (RIU Palace Pacifico). For the most dramatic natural
setting — the private cove at Hyatt Ziva, 20 minutes south of the city in the opposite
direction from Nuevo Vallarta.
What Puerto Vallarta Offers That No Caribbean Destination Can Match
Pacific Sunsets
Sun sets directly over Banderas Bay · no Caribbean resort offers this · ceremony photography advantage
Private Cove
Hyatt Ziva on Mismaloya Beach — protected natural cove · John Huston filming location · 5 infinity pools
Whale Watching
Humpback whales in Banderas Bay Dec–Apr · from the resort · unique to this portfolio
Old Town 5 min
Cobblestone streets · El Malecón · local restaurants · the most walkable all-inclusive destination in Mexico
Mountains + Bay
Sierra Madre frames Banderas Bay horizon · the combination doesn't exist anywhere on the Caribbean coast
Free Golf
Complimentary Marina Vallarta + Vista Vallarta (Nicklaus + Weiskopf designs) for Secrets guests
Pacific vs Caribbean — the fundamental difference: Every
Caribbean-coast resort in Mexico and Jamaica faces east — sun rises over the water,
sets behind the resort. Puerto Vallarta faces west — the sun sets directly over
Banderas Bay, turning the water gold and orange during ceremony. This changes the
optimal ceremony time, the direction the couple faces, and the entire photographic
story of the day. It's not just a preference — it's a structurally different experience.
Planning Around Puerto Vallarta's Pacific Sunsets — The Most Important PV Ceremony Decision
Sunset Timing by Season — Plan Ceremony Start Time Accordingly
Pacific sunsets at Puerto Vallarta are the defining photography advantage of this destination and require advance planning. Unlike Caribbean properties where the sunset is behind the resort, here it sets directly over the water in front of every west-facing venue. Plan your ceremony start time so the ceremony ends just as the sun reaches the horizon — this is when golden-hour light and Pacific colour are most intense.
Nov–Feb
Sunset 5:30–6:15 PM
Start ceremony 4:30–5:00 PM
Peak season · clearest skies
Start ceremony 4:30–5:00 PM
Peak season · clearest skies
Mar–May
Sunset 6:15–7:00 PM
Start ceremony 5:15–5:45 PM
Dry season · reliable skies
Start ceremony 5:15–5:45 PM
Dry season · reliable skies
Jun–Aug
Sunset 7:30–8:00 PM
Start ceremony 6:30–7:00 PM
Brief afternoon showers · usually clear evenings
Start ceremony 6:30–7:00 PM
Brief afternoon showers · usually clear evenings
Sep–Oct
Sunset 6:30–7:15 PM
Start ceremony 5:30–6:15 PM
Rainy season · plan indoor contingency
Start ceremony 5:30–6:15 PM
Rainy season · plan indoor contingency
Best venues for sunset ceremonies: Secrets Terraza La Vista (elevated, panoramic, covered) · Secrets Beach (water level, full bay width) · Hyatt Ziva Mismaloya Beach (private cove, jungle mountain backdrop). VFL checks exact sunset time for your wedding date when structuring the ceremony timeline.
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta — Private Pacific Cove · Sky Penthouse Terrace · Whale Watching
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
Family-Friendly · All Ages
Mismaloya Private Cove
Sky Penthouse Terrace · 100 Guests · Panoramic
Beach 500 Guests · Pacific Sunsets
SA-Certified · Whale Watching Dec–Apr
20 Min PVR
The defining advantage — private Pacific cove unlike any all-inclusive in Mexico
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta sits in a protected natural cove on Mismaloya Beach — the same storied stretch of coastline where John Huston filmed The Night of the Iguana in 1963 and where Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor honeymooned. The cove's calm Pacific waters, the surrounding jungle-covered Sierra Madre mountains, and five infinity pools cascading toward the sea create an atmosphere categorically different from any hotel-zone all-inclusive in Cancún, the Riviera Maya, or Nuevo Vallarta. This is not a standard beachfront resort on a public stretch of coastline — it is a private cove with no other resort visible from the beach.
- Mismaloya Beach private cove — protected Pacific cove, no other properties visible; the most intimate all-inclusive setting in the VFL Mexico portfolio
- Sky Penthouse Terrace (100 guests, newly renovated) — panoramic 360° Pacific and jungle mountain views; the most dramatic elevated wedding venue of any Hyatt Ziva property; ideal for intimate receptions and rehearsal dinners
- Mismaloya Beach (500 guests) — the property's primary large ceremony venue facing the Pacific sunset; jungle mountains frame the horizon on both sides
- Rios Ballroom (400 banquet, 3 divisible rooms) — largest indoor venue with unique Mexican décor; divisible for smaller events; full AV; weather contingency
- Palmas Terrace (100 guests) — dedicated garden terrace with pool and ocean views; cocktail hours and smaller dinner receptions
- Oceanfront Gazebo — the most photographed ceremony structure at the property; Pacific as backdrop; intimate to mid-size
- 5 Arboledas Breakout Rooms (Foyer) — flexible spaces connected by a landscaped foyer; Mehndi, Sangeet, rehearsal dinners, morning-after brunches
- SA-certified South Asian coordinators — one of the Pacific coast's only SA-certified all-inclusives; mandap setup, South Asian cuisine, full multi-event programming
- Whale watching Dec–Apr — humpback and gray whales migrate through Banderas Bay directly in view; tours from or near the resort; unavailable at any Caribbean property
- 335 suites — every suite with full Pacific Ocean views; no upgrades needed for views
- 5 infinity pools cascading to the Pacific; adults-only swim-up pool with private plunge pool suites
- Packages from Just for Two $999 (or complimentary 7 nights, min Junior Suite, Mon–Wed only) to Ultimate Elegance $8,999 (DJ + fireworks + dance floor + 50 guests)
- 20 minutes from PVR airport · 30 minutes from El Malecón and Old Town
Considerations
- 20 min from PVR (Secrets/Dreams are 6 min) — furthest from airport in the portfolio
- 30 min drive to El Malecón / Old Town (Secrets is 5 min walk)
- No complimentary golf (Secrets guests get Marina Vallarta + Vista Vallarta free)
- Complimentary Just for Two: Mon–Wed only, 9AM–1PM, min Junior Suite, 7 nights — tighter conditions than Secrets WiP
- Ultimate Elegance ($8,999) caps at 50 guests included; $30/person beyond
Hyatt Ziva is best for: Couples who want the most dramatically intimate Pacific setting in the portfolio · Sky Penthouse Terrace rehearsal dinner (100, panoramic) · large beach ceremonies to 500 guests · South Asian multi-event programs · whale watching in winter · a boutique cove feel without any hotel-zone adjacency. The furthest from the city — choose it for the setting, not the location.
Full Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta Guide →
LocationMismaloya Beach · private cove · PV proper (Jalisco)
Suites335 · all Pacific views
Age PolicyFamily-friendly · all ages
Largest VenueBeach 500 guests
Sky Penthouse100 guests · panoramic · newly renovated
Ballroom400 banquet · 3 rooms
Top PackageUltimate Elegance $8,999 · DJ + fireworks
Free PackageJust for Two — 7 nights min Jr Suite Mon–Wed
SA-CertifiedYes — Pacific coast rarity
Whale WatchingDec–Apr from resort
Complimentary GolfNo
PVR Transfer~20 min
Malecón~30 min drive
Secrets Vallarta Bay — Adults-Only · Pacific Sunsets · Only Casino in PV · Malecón 5 min
Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta
Adults-Only 18+
271 Suites · All Ocean Views
Beach 350 Guests · Pacific Sunsets
Terraza La Vista · Panoramic · $700 Fee
Only Casino in PV
Free-Flow Dreams Vallarta Bay
Free Golf · 2 Courses
5 min Malecón
The defining advantage — only Secrets on the Pacific + best city access of any PV all-inclusive
Secrets Vallarta Bay is the only Secrets resort on Mexico's Pacific coast — and the only all-inclusive hotel in Puerto Vallarta with an on-site casino. All 271 suites face Banderas Bay with ocean views, the legendary Pacific sunsets set directly over the water from every west-facing venue, and the resort is a 5-minute drive from El Malecón boardwalk and Old Town Puerto Vallarta. Free-flow access to the adjacent Dreams Vallarta Bay adds 7 more restaurants and 5 more bars to the combined complex — 13+ restaurants total, the most dining variety of any property in the PV portfolio.
- Beach (350 guests) — Banderas Bay beachfront facing the Pacific sunset; the widest ceremony venue at the property; 10:30 PM curfew applies
- Terraza La Vista (~150 guests, $700 venue fee) — the resort's signature elevated terrace; covered, open-air, panoramic Banderas Bay views; the best sunset photography position of any venue in the PV portfolio; sun sets directly behind the couple during ceremony
- Convention Center / Ballroom (up to 724 reception) — the highest-capacity indoor venue of any Secrets property on the Pacific; full AV, staging, dance floor; no beach curfew restriction
- Wedding Gazebo — dedicated beachfront structure; defined architectural focal point with Pacific backdrop
- Pool Area (250 guests) — infinity pool terrace; cocktail receptions and evening receptions with pool reflections as backdrop
- Lobby 3rd Floor (~75 guests) — elevated, architectural, panoramic bay views; an unusual intimate ceremony space
- Only casino in Puerto Vallarta — on-site casino is the only one at any all-inclusive in PV; a genuine evening activity without leaving the property
- 14,000 sq ft eco-spa — built from reclaimed wood; hydrotherapy circuit; serenity cabins; the most ecologically designed resort spa in the PV portfolio
- Complimentary golf — Marina Vallarta + Vista Vallarta — two of the most scenic courses in Mexico (Vista Vallarta has Nicklaus + Weiskopf designs); green fees included for Secrets guests
- Chef's Table + wine cellar — private premium dining for the couple or VIP guests during the stay
- Free-flow to Dreams Vallarta Bay — 13+ combined restaurants · 10+ bars · family-friendly overflow for mixed-age groups
- WiP complimentary: 7 qualifying nights or 5 rooms × 3 nights; Preferred Club includes butler service + private lounge
- 15 min from PVR · 5 min from El Malecón — the most city-accessible all-inclusive in the PV portfolio
Considerations
- Adults-only 18+ throughout — family guests with children must book at adjacent Dreams Vallarta Bay (free-flow solves this)
- Beach venue has 10:30 PM curfew — plan late-night dancing in ballroom
- Terraza La Vista carries $700 venue fee (confirm current rate)
- No private cove (Hyatt Ziva's defining advantage)
- No whale watching from the resort (whale tour excursions available from city)
- No SA-certified coordinators on staff (Hyatt Ziva PV has this)
Secrets is best for: All-adult groups wanting the city right outside the door (5 min Malecón) · the most dramatic sunset photography position in the PV portfolio (Terraza La Vista) · golf-loving wedding groups (2 complimentary courses) · couples wanting the casino as an evening activity · mixed-age groups who want Secrets AO atmosphere while family guests access Dreams via free-flow.
Full Secrets Vallarta Bay Guide →
LocationBanderas Bay · PV proper (Jalisco) · 5 min Malecón
Suites271 · all ocean views
Age PolicyAdults-only 18+
Beach Venue350 guests · 10:30 PM curfew
Terraza La Vista~150 · panoramic sunset · $700 fee
BallroomUp to 724 reception
CasinoOnly one in PV
Free GolfMarina Vallarta + Vista Vallarta
Free-FlowDreams Vallarta Bay · 13+ restaurants
Eco-Spa14,000 sq ft
PVR Transfer~15 min · closest to airport
Malecón~5 min drive
Dreams Vallarta Bay — Family-Friendly · Malecón 5 min · Free-Flow to Secrets
Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa
Family-Friendly · All Ages
327 Suites · Banderas Bay
Malecón 5 Min · 6 Min PVR
Free-Flow to Secrets Vallarta Bay
7 Restaurants · 5 Bars
The defining advantage — family-friendly with Secrets AO access · closest to airport and city
Dreams Vallarta Bay sits on the golden sand of Banderas Bay, 1.6 miles from El Malecón boardwalk and 6 minutes from PVR airport — the most centrally located all-inclusive in the PV portfolio. All 327 suites overlook Banderas Bay. As the family-friendly property adjacent to Secrets Vallarta Bay, Dreams is the natural home for wedding guests with children while the couple books at Secrets — the free-flow connection means all guests share the same restaurants, bars, pools, and beach throughout the stay. Dreams also functions as a standalone wedding venue for couples who want a family-inclusive setting with full Pacific sunset exposure and the closest airport transfer.
- Adjacent to Secrets Vallarta Bay — free-flow gives Dreams guests access to Secrets restaurants, bars, eco-spa, casino, and venues; Secrets guests access Dreams facilities equally
- Family-friendly throughout — kids club, teen programming, children's pools, family suites; the only family-friendly property of the AO-adjacent pair
- 327 suites on Banderas Bay — all with Pacific sunset exposure
- 7 restaurants + 5 bars on-site; 13+ combined with Secrets access
- Outdoor wedding area — beachfront Banderas Bay setting for ceremonies
- 6 minutes from PVR airport — the shortest airport transfer of any property in the portfolio; simplest logistics for large guest groups flying in
- 5 minutes from El Malecón — easiest Old Town and cultural access of any all-inclusive in the PV corridor
- Dreams wedding packages — Unlimited Luxury system; coordinator included; confirm current package pricing and venue capacities with VFL
- Pacific sunset beach ceremonies — west-facing beach directly on Banderas Bay
- Secrets Spa by Pevonia (19 treatment rooms, couples rooms) available via cross-property access
Considerations
- Smaller dedicated wedding venue infrastructure than Hyatt Ziva or Secrets (confirm current capacities and setup with VFL)
- No Sky Penthouse Terrace (Hyatt Ziva exclusive), no Terraza La Vista (Secrets exclusive)
- Not adults-only — those wanting AO atmosphere should book Secrets; Dreams is the family accommodation for mixed-age groups
- No SA-certified coordinators (Hyatt Ziva PV has this)
- No complimentary golf (Secrets guests get this)
Dreams is best for: Couples who want family-friendly accommodation for the whole group in the most central PV location · the mixed-age solution where couple and adults book Secrets, families book Dreams with free-flow throughout · groups for whom airport proximity (6 min) and city access (5 min Malecón) are the top logistical priorities.
Full Dreams Vallarta Bay Guide →
LocationBanderas Bay · PV proper (Jalisco) · 1.6 mi Malecón
Suites327 · Banderas Bay views
Age PolicyFamily-friendly · all ages
Free-FlowSecrets Vallarta Bay · 13+ restaurants
Restaurants7 on-site · 13+ combined
SpaSecrets Spa by Pevonia · 19 rooms
CasinoVia Secrets free-flow
GolfNo (via Secrets guests only)
PVR Transfer~6 min · closest in portfolio
Malecón~5 min · most walkable
RIU Palace Pacifico — Adults-Only · Nuevo Vallarta · Caprice $8,999 · 3-Resort Access
RIU Palace Pacifico
Adults-Only 18+ · Recently Refurbished
Flamingos Beach · Nuevo Vallarta (Nayarit)
Beach 100 · 2 Event Rooms 130
Free + Classic + Royal + Caprice Collections
Ru Vallarta + Riu Jalisco Access
10 Mi PVR · California Favorite
The defining advantage — the only Nuevo Vallarta AO in the portfolio + RIU multi-property access
RIU Palace Pacifico is the most luxurious RIU property in the Riviera Nayarit — a recently refurbished, adults-only beachfront resort on Flamingos Beach in Nuevo Vallarta (Nayarit), with Banderas Bay and Sierra Madre Mountain views. Its location in Nayarit rather than Jalisco (PV proper) gives it a quieter, more resort-focused character compared to the city-adjacent Secrets and Dreams properties. Free nightly access to the discotheques of Riu Vallarta and Riu Jalisco next door effectively triples the evening entertainment options. A longtime favorite for California wedding groups given the shorter flight distance from West Coast cities.
- Free Collection ($0) — complimentary ceremony with 5+ rooms × 3+ nights; the most accessible entry point in the PV portfolio
- Caprice Collection ($8,999, up to 60 guests) — the only confirmed PV package with professional photography (20 digital images), full bridal beauty service (hair + makeup + massage), live music ceremony and reception, and 30% spa discount; capped at 60 included guests
- Beach venue up to 100 guests · Gazebo up to 20 guests · 2 event rooms combined up to 130 guests
- Free entry + drinks at Riu Vallarta and Riu Jalisco discotheques every night — 3-resort nightlife access from one room rate
- Elite Club by RIU top-tier suites — super king bed, aromatherapy, premium drink dispenser, large terrace with sea views, preferential service
- 445 rooms · Renova Spa + beauty salon · fitness center with sauna + steam bath
- 2.2 miles from Flamingo Golf Club · on-site golf course with shared cart access
- 2026 Resort Discount Credits: $520 for 3–6 nights, $630 for 7+ nights — usable at spa, dive shop, wedding department, car rental, photography
- 10 miles from PVR airport · Nuevo Vallarta resort zone (Nayarit) — 20–25 min transfer
- California couples' favorite — shorter flights from LA, SF, Seattle, Phoenix than any Caribbean destination
Considerations
- Nuevo Vallarta (Nayarit) — 20+ min from El Malecón and Old Town; less city-accessible than Secrets/Dreams
- Smaller venue capacity than Hyatt Ziva (500 beach) or Secrets (350 beach · 724 ballroom)
- Recently transitioned to adults-only — confirm current age policy for mixed-age groups; family-friendly Riu Vallarta/Riu Jalisco are adjacent
- No private cove (Hyatt Ziva exclusive) · no Terraza La Vista (Secrets exclusive)
- No SA-certified coordinators · no whale watching from property
- No complimentary golf at named Secrets courses (own course on-site with cart access)
RIU Palace Pacifico is best for: Adults-only Nuevo Vallarta setting with the most confirmed package pricing in the portfolio · California-based groups for whom West Coast flight time is a decision factor · couples wanting the Free Collection $0 ceremony with qualifying room block · evening-entertainment-forward groups who want 3-resort nightlife access · Caprice ($8,999) couples wanting professional photography and full bridal beauty included.
Full RIU Palace Pacifico Guide →
LocationFlamingos Beach · Nuevo Vallarta (Nayarit)
Rooms445 · recently refurbished
Age PolicyAdults-only 18+
Beach Venue100 guests
Event Rooms130 guests combined
Free Collection$0 · 5+ rooms × 3+ nights
Top PackageCaprice $8,999 · 60 guests · pro photos
3-Resort AccessRiu Vallarta + Riu Jalisco nightly
GolfOn-site + Flamingo 2.2 mi
PVR Transfer~10 mi / 20–25 min
Malecón~25 min drive
All Puerto Vallarta Wedding Venues — Confirmed Capacities
| Venue | Property | Capacity | Fee | What Makes It Unique |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mismaloya Beach | Hyatt Ziva PV | 500 | Confirm | Private Pacific cove · jungle mountains frame horizon · Pacific sunset backdrop · largest outdoor venue in PV portfolio |
| Rios Ballroom (3 rooms) | Hyatt Ziva PV | 400 banquet | Confirm | Divisible into 3 separate function rooms · unique Mexican décor · full AV and staging · largest indoor in PV portfolio |
| Sky Penthouse Terrace | Hyatt Ziva PV | 100 | Confirm | Newly renovated · panoramic 360° Pacific and jungle mountain views · most dramatic elevated venue of any Hyatt Ziva globally |
| Palmas Terrace | Hyatt Ziva PV | 100 | Confirm | Dedicated garden terrace with pool and ocean views · cocktail hours and smaller receptions |
| Oceanfront Gazebo | Hyatt Ziva PV | Intimate | Confirm | Most photographed ceremony structure · Pacific as full backdrop · intimate to mid-size |
| Arboledas Breakout Rooms (×5) | Hyatt Ziva PV | Flexible | Confirm | 5 rooms connected by landscaped foyer · Mehndi · Sangeet · rehearsal dinners · morning-after brunches |
| Beach | Secrets Vallarta Bay | 350 | Confirm | Banderas Bay beachfront · full Pacific sunset exposure · largest outdoor Secrets PV venue · 10:30 PM curfew |
| Terraza La Vista | Secrets Vallarta Bay | ~150 | $700 | Covered elevated terrace · panoramic Banderas Bay views · best sunset photography position in PV portfolio · sun sets behind couple |
| Convention Center / Ballroom | Secrets Vallarta Bay | 724 reception | Confirm | Highest-capacity indoor of any Secrets on Pacific · full AV · staging · no beach curfew restriction · full dance floor |
| Pool Area | Secrets Vallarta Bay | 250 | Confirm | Infinity pool terrace · Banderas Bay views · pool reflections as evening reception backdrop |
| Wedding Gazebo | Secrets Vallarta Bay | Confirm | Confirm | Beachfront structure · defined architectural focal point · Pacific backdrop · photographs well from all angles |
| Lobby (3rd Floor) | Secrets Vallarta Bay | ~75 | Confirm | Open-air elevated · bay and mountain views on two sides · naturally breezy · hosts live entertainment nightly |
| Beach (Dreams) | Dreams Vallarta Bay | Confirm | Confirm | Banderas Bay beachfront · Pacific sunset exposure · family-friendly · outdoor wedding area confirmed |
| Beach (RIU) | RIU Palace Pacifico | 100 | Confirm | Flamingos Beach · Banderas Bay and Sierra Madre backdrop · Nuevo Vallarta · primary outdoor ceremony venue |
| Gazebo (RIU) | RIU Palace Pacifico | 20 | Confirm | Intimate gazebo structure on resort grounds · elopements and very small ceremonies |
| Event Rooms ×2 (RIU) | RIU Palace Pacifico | 130 combined | Confirm | Two indoor climate-controlled rooms · receptions · rainy-season backup · larger dinners and dancing |
Color: Hyatt Ziva PV Secrets Vallarta Bay Dreams Vallarta Bay RIU Palace Pacifico
All Four Properties — Side-by-Side
| Feature | Hyatt Ziva PV | Secrets Vallarta Bay | Dreams Vallarta Bay | RIU Palace Pacifico |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | PV / Jalisco · cove south of city | PV / Jalisco · city-adjacent | PV / Jalisco · city-adjacent | Nuevo Vallarta / Nayarit |
| Age Policy | Family-friendly | Adults-only 18+ | Family-friendly | Adults-only 18+ |
| Suites / Rooms | 335 | 271 | 327 | 445 |
| Largest Outdoor | Beach 500 | Beach 350 | Confirm | Beach 100 |
| Largest Indoor | Ballroom 400 banquet | Ballroom 724 reception | Confirm | Event rooms 130 |
| Signature Venue | Sky Penthouse 100 · panoramic | Terraza La Vista 150 · $700 | Beachfront | Beach + gazebo |
| Top Package | Ultimate Elegance $8,999 · fireworks | Secrets Ultimate (confirm) | Confirm with VFL | Caprice $8,999 · pro photos |
| Free Package | Just for Two — 7 nights · Mon–Wed | WiP — 7 nights or 5 rooms × 3 | WiP threshold | Free Collection — 5 rooms × 3 |
| Private Cove | Yes — Mismaloya | No | No | No |
| Pacific Sunsets | Yes — cove west-facing | Yes — bay west-facing | Yes — bay west-facing | Yes — bay west-facing |
| Whale Watching | Dec–Apr from resort | Excursion only | Excursion only | Excursion only |
| SA-Certified | Yes | No | No | No |
| Free Golf | No | Marina Vallarta + Vista Vallarta | No | On-site + Flamingo 2.2 mi |
| Free-Flow | No | Dreams (13+ restaurants) | Secrets (13+ restaurants) | Riu Vallarta + Riu Jalisco (nightly discos) |
| Casino | No | Only one in PV | Via Secrets free-flow | No |
| PVR Airport | ~20 min | ~15 min | ~6 min · closest | ~10 mi / 20–25 min |
| Malecón | ~30 min | ~5 min | ~5 min | ~25 min |
| Budget Tier | Luxury | Luxury | Luxury | Luxury · best confirmed pricing |
Which Puerto Vallarta Resort for Your Wedding?
Most dramatic Pacific setting · private cove · large beach ceremony to 500 · Sky Penthouse 100
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta. The only all-inclusive in Mexico in a private Pacific cove. Five infinity pools cascade toward the sea, Mismaloya Beach holds 500 for ceremony, the newly renovated Sky Penthouse Terrace (100, panoramic, 360°) is the most dramatic elevated venue of any Hyatt Ziva globally. Add whale watching Dec–Apr and SA-certified coordinators. Choose it for the setting — accept the 30-min drive to Old Town as the trade-off.
Best Pacific sunset ceremony photography · city 5 min · casino · complimentary golf
Secrets Vallarta Bay. The Terraza La Vista is the best sunset photography venue in the entire PV portfolio — elevated, covered, panoramic, sun sets directly behind the couple. Adults-only with free-flow to Dreams for family guests. Only casino in PV. Complimentary golf at two courses. 5 minutes from El Malecón. The most complete all-inclusive offer in the portfolio for AO couples who also want city access.
Family-friendly · closest airport · city access · Secrets AO experience for couple
Dreams Vallarta Bay. Book the couple at Secrets, families at Dreams — free-flow means everyone shares meals, beach, and the casino throughout the stay. Dreams is the fastest PVR transfer (6 min), closest to Old Town (5 min), and gives the full Secrets AO atmosphere to adult guests via free-flow. The natural choice when mixed ages are involved and you want the best city-and-airport position.
AO · Nuevo Vallarta · confirmed pricing · pro photography in package · California group
RIU Palace Pacifico. The only property in the portfolio in Nayarit — quieter, resort-zone character, closest to Flamingo Golf, and the best confirmed published pricing of any PV property. Caprice ($8,999) includes professional photography (20 digital images), full bridal beauty service, and live music ceremony and reception — elements you'd pay extra for elsewhere. Free Collection at $0 with qualifying room block. The go-to for California couples for whom shorter West Coast flight times matter.
South Asian multi-event program · Mehndi · Sangeet · Baraat · mandap
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta. The only SA-certified property on the Pacific coast in the VFL portfolio. SA-certified coordinators are specifically trained in multi-event coordination. The Arboledas Breakout Rooms (5 rooms connected by a landscaped foyer) accommodate Mehndi and Sangeet events with different settings. Mandap setup and South Asian cuisine available. Venue variety (Beach 500 · Ballroom 400 · Sky Penthouse 100 · Palmas 100 · Gazebo) accommodates a 3–5 day program without repeating venues.
Winter wedding · whale watching · Dec–Apr travel dates
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta. Humpback and gray whales migrate through Banderas Bay December through April — visible from the resort, tours depart from or near the cove. For groups traveling in the dry season peak (Nov–April), this is an extraordinary guest experience available at no other all-inclusive in this portfolio or anywhere on the Caribbean coast. A private whale watching boat for the wedding party is among the most memorable wedding-week excursions available in Mexico.
More Puerto Vallarta Wedding Planning Guides
Hyatt Ziva vs Dreams PV
Private cove vs Malecón proximity — complete decision guide for the two most-considered PV all-inclusives.
Adults-Only PV Resorts
Secrets Vallarta Bay, RIU Palace Pacifico — all AO options compared. Terraza La Vista, Caprice $8,999.
PV Budget Guide
Cost ladder Free Collection $0 to Hyatt Ziva fireworks $8,999. Mon–Wed vs Thu–Sun pricing. Three cost examples.
Getting Married in PV
Jalisco blood test · 3-day residency · apostille · same-sex legal · Jalisco vs Nayarit jurisdiction.
← Puerto Vallarta Hub
Overview of all Puerto Vallarta destination wedding resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta for a destination wedding?
Puerto Vallarta proper and Nuevo Vallarta are 20 minutes apart and in different Mexican states — Puerto Vallarta is in Jalisco, Nuevo Vallarta is in Nayarit. Puerto Vallarta proper offers city access (El Malecón, Old Town cobblestone streets) 5–30 minutes from the resort depending on which property, a larger variety of all-inclusive options, and the unique Hyatt Ziva private cove setting. Nuevo Vallarta (where RIU Palace Pacifico is located) is a quieter, purpose-built resort zone with no cobblestone city to walk to, but closer to Flamingo Golf Club and with a three-resort RIU nightlife network. Both have Banderas Bay and Sierra Madre mountain views. The legal wedding jurisdiction is also different — Jalisco requires a blood test, Nayarit's requirements should be confirmed separately. VFL advises on both jurisdictions.
Why do Pacific sunsets matter for a Puerto Vallarta wedding?
Every Caribbean-coast resort in Mexico and Jamaica faces east — the sun rises over the water and sets behind the resort. Puerto Vallarta faces west across Banderas Bay — the sun sets directly over the water, turning the entire bay gold and orange during the ceremony. This affects ceremony timing (plan around sunset, not just availability), venue choice (west-facing venues capture the light; Secrets Terraza La Vista is elevated with full panoramic bay-sunset exposure), and the photographic story of the day. Couples who have been to Cancún or Riviera Maya all-inclusives and found the lighting flat or the direction awkward will find Puerto Vallarta's sunset orientation immediately familiar and more favourable for ceremony photography.
Can family guests with children attend a Secrets Vallarta Bay or RIU Palace Pacifico wedding?
Both Secrets Vallarta Bay and RIU Palace Pacifico are adults-only (18+), so children cannot stay at or access either property. The practical solution for Secrets Vallarta Bay is the adjacent Dreams Vallarta Bay — a family-friendly property next door with full free-flow access between the two properties, meaning all guests share restaurants, bars, beach, and activities across the week without anyone being excluded from the wedding events. For RIU Palace Pacifico, the neighboring Riu Vallarta and Riu Jalisco are family-friendly properties, though the free-flow access between them is disco/nightlife access rather than full-property shared access. VFL structures multi-property room blocks for mixed-age groups at all four PV properties.
What is the Terraza La Vista venue fee at Secrets Vallarta Bay?
The Terraza La Vista venue fee is approximately $700, confirmed at time of booking and subject to change. The fee covers exclusive use of the elevated terrace for your ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception. The Terraza La Vista is the property's signature venue — a covered, open-air elevated terrace with panoramic Banderas Bay views — and is considered the best sunset photography position in the entire Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive portfolio. Sunset sets directly behind the couple during a west-facing ceremony on this terrace. Confirm the current fee and full inclusions with our VFL specialists when structuring your wedding week timeline.
Does the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta Sky Penthouse Terrace require a separate venue fee?
The Sky Penthouse Terrace is available as a wedding venue at Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta as part of the wedding package program — confirm whether a separate venue fee applies and what the current rate is with VFL specialists at time of inquiry. The terrace was recently renovated and holds up to 100 guests with panoramic Pacific and jungle mountain views in every direction. It is consistently cited as one of the most dramatic elevated wedding venues of any Hyatt Ziva property globally. For rehearsal dinners and intimate receptions where the view is the centerpiece, it has no equivalent at any other PV property.
Is whale watching really possible from the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta resort?
Yes — humpback and gray whales migrate through the Bay of Banderas December through April, and the migration route passes through visible distance of the Mismaloya Beach cove where Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta sits. Whales are often visible from the beach and pools. Private whale watching boat tours depart from the marina near the resort during peak season (January–March is the most reliable period). A private whale watching excursion for the wedding party — 2–3 hours on a small boat in Banderas Bay with humpback whales breaching visible from close range — is one of the most extraordinary wedding-week experiences available at any all-inclusive in Mexico. No Caribbean property in the VFL portfolio can offer this.
Which PV resort has the best package for professional photography included?
Among properties with confirmed current pricing, the RIU Palace Pacifico Caprice Collection ($8,999, up to 60 guests) is the only PV package with professional ceremony photography explicitly included in the confirmed package — 20 digital images with the Caprice tier. Most other properties either include a limited photo package in mid-tier packages or charge separately for professional photography. All properties allow outside photographers subject to a vendor access fee; outside photography typically provides higher quality than resort photographers but adds vendor fee cost. VFL advises on current photography options and outside vendor access at each property when structuring your package.
What Couples Say
What Our Couples Say About Their Destination Wedding
Real weddings planned with Vacations For Less
Amanda & Michael
Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort · Mexico
Teresa and the team at Vacations For Less made our destination wedding an absolute dream. With over 350 guests traveling, their organization and attention to detail made everything seamless. From the ceremony to the reception, every moment was flawless.
Lisa & Danny
Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort · Mexico
Coordinating travel for our beach wedding group was effortless thanks to Teresa from Vacations For Less. She handled all travel logistics, guest reservations, and details so everyone could relax and enjoy the celebration.
Kevin & Grace
Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres · Mexico
Teresa and Anna were incredible throughout our destination wedding planning process. They managed every reservation, transfer, and detail for our guests. Our wedding was absolutely perfect from start to finish.
Free PV Resort Matching
Match Me to a PV Resort 1-800-200-2423Mon–Fri 9AM–5:30PM PT · Free · 24-hr response
Quick Decision Guide
- Private cove · 500 guests · whale watching: Hyatt Ziva PV
- Best sunset photos · city access · golf: Secrets Vallarta Bay
- Family-friendly · closest airport: Dreams Vallarta Bay
- AO Nuevo Vallarta · pro photos in package: RIU Palace Pacifico
- South Asian program: Hyatt Ziva PV (SA-certified)
- California groups · short flight: Any PV property
Geography Quick Ref
- PV / Jalisco: Hyatt Ziva · Secrets · Dreams
- Nuevo Vallarta / Nayarit: RIU Palace Pacifico
- Closest PVR: Dreams 6 min · Secrets 15 min
- Closest Malecón: Secrets + Dreams 5 min
- Whale watching resort: Hyatt Ziva only
Confirmed Package Pricing
- Hyatt Ziva Just for Two: $999 or complimentary
- Hyatt Ziva Ultimate Elegance: $8,999 · DJ + fireworks
- RIU Free Collection: $0 · 5 rooms × 3 nights
- RIU Caprice: $8,999 · 60 guests · pro photos
- Secrets pricing: confirm with VFL
Free Puerto Vallarta Resort Matching — No Obligation
Tell us your guest count, whether adults-only or family matters, your target dates, and whether city proximity or natural setting is the priority. We'll match you to the right PV property with confirmed 2026 pricing — and flag whether whale watching season overlaps your date — within 24 hours.
No agency fees · No obligation · 24-hour response · CST #2002477-40
Prefer to call? 1-800-200-2423 · Mon–Fri, 9AM–5:30PM PT