Rich in unique architecture and cultural beauty, nestled in the heart of Mexico you will find one of our latest wedding destination discoveries... San Miguel de Allende. A sophisticated colonial Mexican city steeped in romance, poetic history and sensory wonder, found outside of the tourist trap, yet only a stones throw to iconic Mexican attractions. A perfect destination for discerning couples looking for an inspiring high-end multi-day wedding celebration with a touch of adventure and traditional artistry between it all. Here, trusted local, and ultra talented photographer, Anna Sauza, takes us on a journey through San Miguel de Allende, curating a jam-packed itinerary for a memorable wedding weekend.
The Welcome Fiesta
A perfect destination wedding is not just about the wedding day! Your guests will be traveling from all over and you will want to enjoy your time with them to the fullest, so hosting a pre-wedding event, such as a welcome party, is the best idea.
Many of your guests will most likely want to spend several days in town and fully live the wedding experience you can offer them. A welcome party is the perfect chance to introduce everyone to the rich culture of San Miguel. It might be a little fiesta with authentic Mexican food such as a buffet with traditional dishes, a taco party or even a cocktail night at an iconic mixology place, so you all can enjoy more of the city's cosmopolitan experience.
The Traditional Callejoneada
Most weddings in San Miguel with multiple events last from 2 to 4 days or even longer. So, besides the welcome party, something I recommend is to experience the traditional Callejoneada, a must for weddings in town. During this event, the bride and groom invite their guests for a walk that usually takes place inside one of the most beautiful parks in downtown, accompanied by a traditional Mexican band or a Mariachi. The parade typically lasts for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, and can happen before the welcome party or on a separate day. Callejoneada not only holds cultural importance but is also an incredible ice breaker for your guests to get to know each other, have fun and dance. Part of the tradition is that a little donkey accompanies the couple on the parade. You can also consider having a small Callejoneada parade inside the venue if allowed.
Another touch of tradition is having Mojigangas, a type of monumental puppets. Made of strong paper, "cartonería", they are crafted to resemble the couple as accurately as possible. All these traditional elements together create a colorful, Mexican atmosphere that is hard to forget.
The Pre-Wedding Session
You will love having a pre-wedding photo session in San Miguel, as it is the perfect opportunity to wear that extra outfit and relax in front of the camera before your wedding. It's an amazing experience that allows you to enjoy the city in a different and more romantic way. For me, San Miguel is the perfect place to get lost in its architecture walks and magic while photographing these unique, emotional moments before your big day. At the end, you will feel like a couple of supermodels, ready for the wedding!
The Rehearsal Dinner
San Miguel has many different venues with beautiful views of the city, some located right downtown but also in the surrounding areas. Pre-wedding gatherings, such as rehearsal dinners, most commonly take place on popular terraces, offering guests the chance to watch the sunset over the city while sipping on signature cocktails — an incomparable experience for all. A good idea is to give guests who want to make a speech the opportunity to do so during this event, so you can prioritize microphone time for you and your closest family members on the wedding day.
The Wedding
Whether it's for an intimate wedding, a large celebration, or a cool elopement, San Miguel offers endless possibilities. From beautifully designed and luxurious hotels, magnificent antique villages with extravagant gardens and old haciendas, there is a wide variety of venue options. Besides, there are so many extraordinary and unique locations that will make your wedding photos stand out, and will take your guests' breath away.
Choosing San Miguel ensures a truly memorable experience for both you and your guests. With its vibrant cultural flair and one-of-a-kind charm, you can infuse your wedding day with authentic and unique details. This for sure would be an excellent addition to your wedding experience! Moreover, San Miguel offers some of the most authentic Mexican cuisine you'll ever taste.
The After-Wedding Experience
In this Mexican city with European charm, the celebration keeps going strong even after the wedding day! After saying "I do," lots of couples love the idea of continuing the celebration with a more laid-back vibe, and for that, San Miguel is simply unmatched. The nature surrounding the city offers incredible landscapes to go horseback riding in the mountains. The newlyweds can also explore vineyards for wine tastings or visit the hot springs and relax in a spa.
Honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Miguel has been drawing visitors from across the globe year after year. It's truly one of the most romantic places in the world where dream weddings come true!
