Choosing to have a destination wedding is an act of romance and adventure. It’s a decision to step away from the traditional and embrace a setting that reflects the vibrancy of your relationship. For couples in the United States and Canada, few places offer the blend of accessibility, luxury, and raw natural beauty that Puerto Vallarta provides.
At Vallarta Photo, we believe that your wedding photographs are the first heirloom of your new family. They are the visual narrative of the day you promised forever. In this guide, we’ll explore why this coastal paradise is a photographer’s dream and how to ensure your memories are captured with the artistry they deserve.
The Allure of the Mexican Pacific
Puerto Vallarta is unique because it isn’t just a beach town; it is a place where the Sierra Madre mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. This “Jungle-meets-Sea” aesthetic provides a depth to photography that you simply don’t get in flatter Caribbean destinations.
As a destination wedding photographer in Puerto Vallarta, our team is constantly inspired by the textures of the region. You have the rough, organic feel of the mountain rocks, the soft movement of the ocean waves, and the architectural charm of the “Viejo Vallarta” (Old Town) with its red-tiled roofs and wrought-iron balconies.
Mastering the Light: The Golden Hour and Beyond
Light is the most critical element of photography. In Puerto Vallarta, the light behaves differently than it does in New York, Toronto, or Chicago. Because we are located on the West Coast of Mexico, we are treated to direct ocean sunsets every single day.
The Morning Glow
Many couples overlook morning sessions. The light between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM is crisp and clean, perfect for “Day After” sessions or “Trash the Dress” shoots in the ocean. The water appears more turquoise, and the jungle greens are incredibly vivid.
The Legendary Sunset
The “Golden Hour” here is our specialty. About 60 minutes before the sun dips below the horizon, the sky turns a palette of fire—orange, pink, and deep purple. This is when we capture those iconic, silhouetted shots and the warm, glowing portraits that define a tropical wedding. A professional team knows exactly how to balance this bright backlight with flash or reflectors to ensure your faces are clear while the sky remains dramatic.
Iconic Locations for Your Wedding Imagery
Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding Riviera Nayarit offer a diverse range of “vibes.” Depending on your personality, our team often recommends the following:
- Conchas Chinas: Known as the “Beverly Hills of Vallarta,” this area features turquoise coves and dramatic rock formations. It is ideal for high-end, editorial-style wedding portraits.
- The Romantic Zone (Olas Altas): For couples who love culture, the cobblestone streets and vibrant murals provide a “street style” feel to wedding photos.
- Sayulita and San Pancho: Just north of Vallarta, these surf towns offer a bohemian, “chic-hippie” aesthetic that is perfect for barefoot ceremonies.
- Private Villas: Many of our clients opt for luxury villas in Mismaloya or Punta Mita. These locations offer total privacy, allowing for intimate “getting ready” shots and sunset ceremonies without the crowds of a resort.
The Technical Edge: Why a Professional Team Matters
With modern smartphones, everyone feels like a photographer, but a destination wedding demands a much higher level of technical proficiency. The tropical environment presents unique challenges:
- Humidity Management: High humidity can fog lenses and affect equipment. We use professional-grade gear designed to withstand the tropical climate.
- High Contrast Sun: The midday sun in Mexico is incredibly strong. Without professional lighting knowledge, photos can end up with “raccoon eyes” (harsh shadows under the eyes). Our team at Vallarta Photo uses advanced off-camera lighting to fill in those shadows and create a soft, flattering look even in high noon.
- Action and Movement: From the “First Dance” under strings of Edison bulbs to the “Tequila Shot” on the dance floor, wedding photography is high-speed action. We utilize dual-slot memory card recording and high-shutter-speed lenses to ensure not a single millisecond of the emotion is missed.
Building Trust Across Borders
We recognize that for our Canadian and American clients, there is a level of anxiety involved in hiring vendors abroad. You are trusting someone with the only physical memories you will have of your wedding day.
Communication is the cornerstone of our service. Our team is fully bilingual and understands the aesthetic preferences of North American couples—the desire for a mix of “candid photojournalism” and “timeless portraiture.” We don’t just show up and click a button; we work with you months in advance to build a timeline that prioritizes the best light and ensures you actually get to enjoy your cocktail hour.
The Importance of Video: A Cinematic Legacy
While photography captures a moment in time, videography captures the soul of the movement. The sound of the waves during your vows, the tremor in your partner’s voice, and the laughter during the speeches—these are things that only film can preserve.
At Vallarta Photo, we believe in a cohesive visual style. When your photography and videography teams work together, they aren’t competing for the same “spot” to stand. They move like a choreographed unit, ensuring that both the still images and the cinematic film are flawless.
Logistics: Best Times of Year for Photography
When planning your date, consider how the weather impacts your photos:
- November to May: This is the “High Season.” The weather is perfection—sunny every day with cool breezes at night. Your photos will be bright and airy.
- June to October: The “Green Season.” While it is warmer and there is a chance of rain, the mountains turn a deep, lush emerald green that is stunning in photos. Rain usually happens in the evening, often leaving us with the most dramatic, cloud-filled sunsets of the year.
Final Thoughts: Investing in Your Memories
Your wedding is a whirlwind of emotions. As the years pass, your dress may be packed away and the cake will be a distant memory, but your photos will hang on your walls and be passed down to future generations.
Puerto Vallarta is more than just a destination; it is a sensory experience. Our mission at Vallarta Photo is to translate that experience into a visual legacy. We invite you to explore the hidden corners of this bay with us and let us tell your story through the lens of passion and professionalism.
About the Authors: Vallarta Photo
This guide was contributed by the team at Vallarta Photo, a premier collective of photographers and videographers based in the heart of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Specializing in destination weddings for couples traveling from across the United States and Canada, they are known for their blend of cinematic storytelling and timeless portraiture.
With a deep knowledge of the Banderas Bay’s unique light and hidden locations, the Vallarta Photo team focuses on capturing the authentic, unscripted moments that make each celebration unique. From luxury villas in Punta Mita to intimate beach ceremonies in Sayulita, they provide a seamless, bilingual experience that ensures every memory is preserved with professional precision.
To see more of their work or to inquire about your upcoming wedding, visit their dedicated page for destination wedding photography in Puerto Vallarta.
