Planning a Destination Wedding; A conversation with Citlalli González

Destination Weddings — Part One

Before couples choose a venue, a date, or even a destination, they usually arrive with a feeling. A vision. A desire to do something meaningful, intimate, and different from what they have seen before. Destination weddings are powerful for that reason. They turn a wedding into a shared experience rather than a single event. But they also come with layers of complexity that are not always obvious at the beginning.

At Petit Joys, we work closely with wedding planners, couples, and hospitality partners to help craft celebrations that feel thoughtful, personal, and memorable. Because so many early decisions carry long-term consequences, we wanted to create a resource that brings clarity before pressure sets in. For that reason, we chose to begin this series by interviewing Citlalli Peña González.

Citlalli has spent over a decade and a half working at the intersection of destination weddings, hospitality, and sustainable romance tourism. Beyond planning weddings, she has advised hotels, collaborated with tourism authorities, and helped define regional standards within the romance industry. This conversation is the first in a five-part interview series designed to give couples a realistic mental model of destination weddings before they begin planning.

The Emotional Starting Point

When couples say they want a destination wedding, what are they responding to emotionally?

Citlalli: When couples express the desire for a destination wedding, they are often responding to an emotional need. A destination wedding represents the wish to create a more intimate, intentional, and meaningful celebration. Instead of hosting a traditional one-day event, couples choose to turn their wedding into a shared experience that allows for deeper connection and a more relaxed environment. For many, it is about spending real time with the people who matter most rather than rushing through a schedule. There is also a desire to step away from expectations and traditions that no longer feel aligned. That emotional clarity is a beautiful starting point. The challenge is supporting it with the right planning structure.

What practical realities tend to surprise couples later?

Citlalli: Several realities tend to come up repeatedly. First, a destination wedding is not always less expensive than a local wedding. While guest counts may be smaller, costs often shift into logistics, rentals, vendor travel, or extended event timelines. Hotels and venues may charge additional fees for outside vendors, planners, or specialty services. Some resorts enforce strict rules that limit customization more than couples expect. Weather, travel logistics, and local timelines also require a more detailed schedule than many couples anticipate. These are not obstacles — they are simply part of the process. Understanding them early allows couples to make informed decisions and enjoy a smoother planning experience.

Who tends to thrive with destination weddings, and who struggles the most?

Citlalli: Couples who thrive are usually those who value the overall experience over strict traditions or rigid protocols. They focus on how the wedding feels rather than trying to control every detail. They are also comfortable delegating and trusting their planner’s expertise. Couples who struggle tend to be those who feel anxious when things are not fully within their control or who feel pressure to accommodate every guest’s expectation. Destination weddings invite a mindset shift — from trying to accommodate every individual preference to creating a shared experience that feels intentional and well considered.

Planner First or Venue First?

Should couples choose a wedding planner first or a venue first?

Citlalli: Ideally, couples should choose their wedding planner first. A planner with experience in Puerto Vallarta understands which venues truly align with a couple’s vision, which ones allow outside vendors without penalties, and which contracts include restrictions that may affect design, sound, or timelines. When couples begin with a planner, they often achieve stronger design cohesion, experience less stress, and have a clearer understanding of costs from the start.

What risks arise when couples lock in a venue before consulting a planner?

Citlalli: The most common risks include signing contracts with unexpected or unclear fees, choosing a beautiful venue that comes with restrictions on schedules, sound levels, or approved vendors, and realizing too late that the desired design or layout is not feasible within the space. Many couples later share the same sentiment: “We wish we had worked with you before signing the contract.” Early guidance helps protect both the vision and the investment.

When does it make sense to choose the venue first?

Citlalli: There are exceptions. Choosing the venue first can make sense when the location holds strong emotional value, such as a hotel or place where the couple became engaged, or when the couple has previously attended a wedding at the same venue and fully understands the fees, limitations, and operational details.

Understanding Venue Types

What are the real differences between the main venue types couples consider?

Citlalli: All-inclusive resorts offer closed wedding packages that typically include the ceremony, reception, and basic furniture. They are affordable primarily when most guests stay on property, but final costs often increase due to vendor fees, mandatory upgrades, and restrictions. Some resorts also host multiple weddings on the same day, which can affect privacy.

Hotels with non all-inclusive event spaces offer greater transparency. Couples pay a venue rental and hire vendors separately, allowing for better cost control and flexibility ranging from medium to high.

Private venues such as estates or gardens require higher logistical planning but offer full creative control. Private villas are best suited for intimate celebrations — flexibility is high, but strict rules around noise, timing, and capacity apply, and costs can escalate quickly if logistics are not carefully managed.

Weather & Timing

How should couples think about weather in Puerto Vallarta?

Citlalli: Puerto Vallarta enjoys warm weather year-round, and the rainy season typically runs from June through October, with showers often occurring in short bursts rather than all day. January, February, March, May, and November are generally more predictable and comfortable for outdoor weddings, while June through October tend to work better for indoor celebrations. April requires particular caution — due to Holy Week and school vacations, beaches, roads, and hotels tend to be significantly more crowded. December’s first half can still be very active for weddings, but as the holidays approach, schedules become more complex for both guests and vendors.

What should couples realistically expect during the rainy season?

Citlalli: If dates are flexible, rainy season is not usually recommended due to humidity and guest comfort. If a date cannot be changed, couples should select a venue capable of executing a strong indoor Plan B without compromising logistics or experience.

What does a real Plan B look like, beyond “we’ll move inside”?

Citlalli: A true contingency plan includes a pre-approved alternate space, a full layout for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, and a clear decision-making timeline. Sound, lighting, guest flow, and vendor alignment must all be considered. A Plan B is not improvisation. It is a complete secondary plan, ready to be activated.

Closing Thoughts

What usually creates the most peace for couples when decided early?

Citlalli: Clarity around the venue creates the most peace. Once the venue is secured, couples receive accurate quotes rather than estimates and can make informed decisions about décor, rentals, and production. Early clarity allows adjustments to be made thoughtfully rather than reactively.

What should couples internalize before they move forward?

“Destination weddings can be extraordinary. They work best when couples move from romance into intention and from intention into informed decisions. Sometimes the most romantic thing you can do is plan with clarity.”

This conversation is part of an ongoing exploration of intentional celebrations, destination weddings, meaningful places, and the details that shape lasting memories. If you’d like to follow along, find us on Instagram and Facebook, or join our newsletter at the bottom of this page.

Our 2nd interview: The Planner, the Venue, and Peace of Mind; our 2nd conversation with Citlalli González

Petit Joys Weddings (favors and gifts); Our Catalog can be downloaded here. Feel free to reach out to info@petitjoys.com

About Citlalli Peña González

Citlalli Peña González is the founder and creative director of The Green Planner Events and an internationally certified wedding and meeting planner. She is a Destination Wedding Specialist certified by Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism, a Sustainable Events Meeting Planner, a Green Wedding Professional, and an Equality Weddings Specialist. She is also recognized as a Certified Company in Sustainable Romance Tourism. In addition to planning weddings, Citlalli serves as an advisor to hotels in Riviera Nayarit and is President of the Romance Industry Association of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit.

Written by Khaled Bakleh