Renting a Wedding Boat in Puerto Vallarta: 28 Key Questions Answered!
It’s becoming increasingly popular to host your closest family and friends on a private wedding boat in Puerto Vallarta. This unique and unforgettable experience allows you to celebrate while fully immersing yourself in the stunning beauty of Puerto Vallarta. Imagine this: your wedding day has finally arrived. You wake up to the gentle sound of waves crashing on the shore, with the warm sun rising to greet you on the day you’ve been dreaming of your entire life. Your closest family, friends, and loved ones are all gathered, ready to celebrate this unforgettable moment with you. But this isn’t just any wedding—this is an extraordinary celebration aboard a stunning yacht, surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of Puerto Vallarta. It’s a day where love, luxury, and the breathtaking scenery of the ocean come together to create memories you’ll cherish forever. Hosting your wedding on a large boat offers a unique and memorable experience, whether you choose to hold the ceremony on deck or reserve the boat exclusively for the reception. This trend is gaining popularity as couples seek distinctive venues that provide a different vibe and atmosphere. When you opt for a boat wedding, you not only enjoy the incredible backdrop of Puerto Vallarta’s picturesque mountains but also create an unforgettable setting for your photos and videos. The natural beauty of the surroundings enhances the overall experience, resulting in stunning visuals that you’ll cherish forever. A boat wedding provides a spacious venue, typically featuring two decks, allowing guests to explore and enjoy different areas throughout the event. The sound of music fills the air, reaching every corner of the boat, so whether you’re on the upper deck or the main deck, everyone can join in the celebration. The water adds an extra fun element, offering opportunities for unique activities such as swimming, kayaking, or even sunset cruises. Planning for Peace of Mind However, planning a wedding, especially one on a boat, requires careful consideration and organization. It’s essential to have peace of mind knowing that all details are taken care of well in advance. A comprehensive plan allows the bride, groom, and their families to relax and fully immerse themselves in the experience, knowing that everything will run smoothly. On such a significant day, no one wants to feel overwhelmed by last-minute details or uncertainties. Emotions are already running high, and the last thing you want is to add stress to the occasion. With that in mind, we’re here to answer the most common questions we receive about hosting a wedding on a boat in Puerto Vallarta. Let’s dive into the details! 1. How far in advance should we book the boat to ensure the date is available? To secure your preferred date, we recommend booking with a deposit at least 8 months in advance. While it’s still possible to book closer to your event, especially during high season (November to May), early planning ensures availability. For all wedding boat selection, browse our wedding boats. 2. What is the boat capacity and layout? Where do we all meet up to get on the boat? Our most popular wedding vessel is 100 feet long and 40 feet wide, accommodating up to 250 guests. For maximum comfort, we recommend capping the guest list at 200, as some guests may need to stand while dining. The meeting place for pick up will be at either Marina Vallarta or Puerto Magico. 3. What packages do you offer, and what do they include? We offer several packages, including options for a beach club experience or boat-only rentals. Please reach out for detailed pricing and package information. 4. Are there additional fees with renting the boat for a wedding specific purpose (e.g., cleaning, setup, or overtime)? No additional fees apply; everything is included in the final price provided. 5. Is a deposit required, and when is the final payment due? A 50% deposit is required no less than 6 months before your event. The final payment is due at least 1 month prior to your wedding date. We accept payment via PayPal, Stripe (credit card), cash and Transferwise. 6. Are there changing areas for the bride, groom, and/or wedding party onboard? Yes, there are large, separate bathrooms for men and women. While you can get ready on the boat, many prefer to prepare on land due to the boat’s rocking motion. 7. Can we do a rehearsal on the boat before the wedding day? Rehearsals are usually not feasible due to high demand. However, we recommend booking an extra hour or two for rehearsal time before guests arrive. 8. When can we set up for our event? Setup will occur on the day of the event, handled by our dedicated team, ensuring everything is ready in time. 9. How many hours are included in the boat rental fee? The minimum rental is 4 hours, but we recommend 6 hours to allow ample time for your ceremony and reception. 10. Will we have exclusive use of the boat during our party? Absolutely! The boat will be yours for the duration of your rental. 11. Can my event last longer than the scheduled cruise time? Yes, but this requires an additional cost per extra hour, which can be discussed with our team. 12. Does the boat follow a particular cruise route, or does it stay docked? The boat typically moves to scenic locations around Banderas Bay, including Los Arcos, and can anchor at requested spots for your event. 13. What happens if there’s inclement weather? From November to June, the weather is generally calm and sunny. During the rainy season (July-October), if conditions are safe, the boat will operate as normal, with covered areas available for shelter. If you’re curious what the weather is like in Puerto Vallarta throughout the year, have a quick read of our article that talks about the rainy season in Puerto Vallarta and what the weather is like during each month specifically. 14. Can we bring our own décor? Are there any restrictions?
Planning a Dream Destination Wedding in Puerto Vallarta – Your 10 Step Guide
Let us guide you through the essential steps to plan a successful wedding in Puerto Vallarta, ensuring you have peace of mind to fully enjoy your special day. Hosting a wedding abroad can be an exciting and yet detailed process. This article is aimed at providing you with the exact step-by-step process needed so you don’t miss anything, allowing you to relax and sincerely enjoy your wedding in the incredible destination of PV. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you organize every aspect: 1. Initial Expense Planning (12-18 months before the wedding): Define Your Budget: Establish a clear total budget for your wedding. This should include venue, travel, accommodation, food, entertainment, attire, decorations, and any additional expenses. Consider setting aside a contingency fund for unexpected costs. Breakdown: Break down your budget into categories such as venue costs, catering, photography, decor, transportation, and entertainment. This will help you allocate funds efficiently and keep track of expenses. Create a Timeline: Establish a timeline for booking vendors, sending invitations, and finalizing details. 2. Venue Selection (12-18 months before the wedding): Research Venues: Look for wedding venues in Puerto Vallarta. Consider beachfront locations, hotels, or private villas. Visit or Virtual Tour: If possible, visit the venue or arrange a virtual tour. Book the Venue: Confirm the date and book the venue. Ask about wedding packages and included services Set a Date: Choose your wedding date and check availability with your preferred venue Hire a Planner: If you choose to work with a wedding planner, book them early. They can assist with the logistics and planning process. The reason to book a planner so early is that if they are in demand, their schedules will be booked far in advance. 3. Legal Requirements (12 months before the wedding) Understand Local Laws: Research the legal requirements for getting married in Mexico. Obtain necessary documents such as passports, birth certificates, and any translations if needed. Marriage License: Ensure you understand the process for obtaining a marriage license in Puerto Vallarta. 4. Guest Accommodations and Travel (9-12 months before): Book Major Vendors: Secure photographer, caterer, and entertainment. Make deposits and sign contracts. A wedding planner will help you generally with these vendors/contractors – since they deal with many companies or independent contractors for weddings year round. Create a Guest List: Finalize your guest list and gather contact information. Send Save-the-Dates: Inform your guests about the wedding date and location to help them make travel arrangements by first sending out invitation cards. Book Accommodation: Reserve a block of rooms at a nearby hotel or resort. Consider arranging transportation from the hotel to the wedding venue. It’s much easier to have a bus or a few shuttles so everyone from the wedding party can get home safely hassle free at the end of the night. 5. Wedding Planning (6-9 months before): Choose a Theme and Decor: Decide on a wedding theme and color scheme. Discuss decor options with your planner. Book Vendors: Confirm essential vendors such as a photographer, florist, caterer, and entertainment (band or DJ). Plan the Ceremony and Reception: Work with the venue and planner to plan the ceremony and reception details, including seating arrangements, menu, and timeline. 6. Pre-Wedding Events (1-3 months before): Rehearsal Dinner: Organize a rehearsal dinner for close family and friends. Welcome Party: Plan a welcome party or gathering for guests upon their arrival. Confirm Details: Double-check all arrangements with vendors and finalize the wedding itinerary. Prepare for Travel: Make sure all travel documents and arrangements are in order for yourself, your partner, and your guests. 7. Potential Fun Activities for Guests (1-2 months before): Yacht Rental: Arrange an all-inclusive yacht rental for a day of sailing and relaxation. Giving guests a day out on the water to see Puerto Vallarta from the best vantage point. You can see our selection of wedding boats here. Excursions and Tours: Plan group activities such as zip-lining, a tequila tour, beach club. Spa Day: Arrange a group spa day for relaxation and pampering. Beach Day: Organize a day a relaxing at the beach (check out this article with info/pinned Google Maps location of the best beaches around Banderas Bay). 8. Communication (optional) Create a Wedding Website: Develop a website with information about the venue, local attractions, and travel tips. We recommend downloading our incredible resource Top 100 Things To-Do: Puerto Vallarta (it’s FREE). There’s no better ebook about Vallarta and the surrounding Banderas Bay than this. It will give you and your guests a deeper dive into Vallarta, and all the possibilities there are here. Provide Itineraries: Send guests detailed itineraries for the wedding events and activities. Stand Out Organization: With a landing page and guest itineraries so everyone is aware of the plan for the trip – this is a sure way to level up your guests excitement for the wedding getaway. 9. Final Preparations (1-2 weeks before): Confirm Arrangements: Confirm all bookings and arrangements with vendors and venues. Prepare a Packing List: Create a packing list for yourself, your partner, and your guests, including any essentials for the wedding day. 10. The Week Of: (1-7 days before Wedding Day): Delegate Tasks: Assign tasks to trusted friends or family members to ensure everything runs smoothly. Final Rehearsal: If you can rehearse everything one more time. Make sure everything and everyone is ready for the event and understands the schedule of your Wedding Day. Hangover Kits: Weddings often bring out a celebratory spirit in everyone, even those who might not usually indulge in alcohol. To ensure that your guests continue to have a fantastic time without any discomfort, consider adding a thoughtful touch to your venue: a freshen-up kit in the bathrooms and hangover kits for guests to take home. These small but considerate details can greatly enhance the overall experience. Guests will appreciate having a way to freshen up and recover, making their celebration more enjoyable and memorable. From our experience, these touches go a long way in adding to the comfort and enjoyment