Destination: Mexico

Affordable, luxurious, and action-packed

Special because …
5-star resorts with private beaches
Cliff divers and mysterious ruins
Spas, golf, water sports

You’re invited to declare your undying love … barefoot on a sandy beach … in lush tropical gardens … scuba diving beneath the waves … or at a hacienda just before sunset. Choose from a range of affordable 5-star resorts, renowned for their friendly service and award-winning spas. Easy flights from North America mean more of your favorite people will be able to be there to witness your happy day. With daily temperatures in the 70s and 80s (ºF) everyone on your guest list will shed tears of joy the minute they step off the airplane into the warm, Mexican sunshine.

Gourmet Dining
Get together for an unforgettable rehearsal dinner complete with margarita-fueled toasts from the best man and maid of honor. Sneak away for a romantic dinner beside the sea. Sail off on sunset dinner cruises. And awaken each day to luscious tropical breakfasts and lazy, late-morning brunches.

Upscale resorts offer a range of cuisines from American-style favorites to authentic Mexican dishes. Beyond the usual tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, you might want to try: Carne Asada (barbecue), tender Arrachera steaks, corn-based specialties like Menudo and Pozole (pure heaven after a night of bubbly), Caribbean-influenced spicy chicken dishes, and amazingly fresh seafood.

For Culture Lovers
See the paintings of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Purchase bright textiles, carved masks, and quirky “Dia de los Muertos” art. And explore ancient Mayan and Aztec ruins in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Day trips from most resorts can take you to: Tajin, Guanajuato, Monte Alban, Palenque, Teotihuacan, Tulum, and Uxmal. Modern cultural activities include tours of tequila distilleries as well as remote coffee and cacao plantations.

At the reception, dance to a play-list that includes Banda, Mariachi, Norteño, and Mexican Ska styles. A few classic Mexican songs worthy of a first dance: "Besame Mucho" ("Kiss Me a Lot"), "Solamente Una Vez" ("You Belong to My Heart"), "Cielito Lindo" ("Beautiful Sweetheart"), and "Somos Novios" ("We Are Lovers").

Activities Galore
You can whisper sweet nothings in the comfort of a private beach cabana. Plan your future together as you meander through stunning tropical scenery. Get over pre-wedding jitters with a relaxing couples massage. And play all day and all night on land, air, and sea. Go sunbathing, explore the jungles, or take advantage of the amazing array of water sports, including: scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, rafting, whale watching, jet skiing, fishing, surfing, swimming, and dolphin encounters. Or, head inland for 4-wheeling, volcano visits, zip-lining, and helicopter rides.

For the epitome of romance, go horseback riding on the beach. Nature lovers can go birding, visit butterfly sanctuaries, and see an abundance of wildlife including flamingos, pelicans, and crocodiles. Almost every resort is conveniently located on or near a spectacular golf course or two. Of course, specialty shopping and world-famous nightlife are must-dos as well.

Favorites Places
Riviera Maya – Situated along the Caribbean coast and the Yucatan Peninsula, this area includes mega-popular resorts in playful Playa del Carmen, historic Tulum, and action-packed Cancun. Features include rainforests and Mayan architecture.

Mexican Riviera – If you like to watch the sun set over the Pacific, head for the west coast and destinations made famous by celebrities, including: Baja California, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa, Acapulco, and Salina Cruz.

Colonial Cities – Walk hand-in-hand along winding cobblestoned streets past stunning cathedrals, open-air markets, shady plazas, and charming outdoor cafés. Top colonial cities include: Guadalajara, Guanajuato City, Mérida, Morelia Oaxaca City, Puebla City, Querétaro City, San Cristóbal de las Casas, San Miguel de Allende, and Zacatecas City.

Who Got Married There?
Heidi Klum & Seal, Heidi Montag & Spencer Pratt, CSI: Miami’s Eva LaRue & Joe Cappuccio, New York Giants’ quarterback Eli Manning & Abby McGrew, Freddie Prinze, Jr. & Sarah Michelle Gellar