One Venue, Three Ways: Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

Ceremonies at the Gazebo

While Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers a variety of spots to exchange vows, perhaps the most striking is this modern gazebo structure. Overlooking the bay, the location’s sprawling views will bring guests together in an intimate,  yet stunning setting. Saarah and Sunil added contrast with a full-circle arch and wooden chairs, while other couples opted for symmetrical bouquets and acrylic chairs to lead everyone’s eyes to the guests of honor.

The 1,826-square-foot area, which accommodates up to 50 people, is just one venue for couples who have chosen this Puerta Vallarta wedding venue, while a toes-in-the-sand beach ceremony is another popular choice.

Staircase Portraits

Of all the “first look” spots at Puerto Vallarta wedding venues out there, it’s tough to beat the staircase at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. Before or after the ceremony, it’s the perfect place for the big reveal, or to take solo portraits of brides and grooms alike. These iconic white steps create architectural dimension while making the couple the focal point of the shot. It’s an opportunity for them to spend some private time with their photographer⁠—without rogue beachgoers wandering in and out of the shot!

Custom Aisle Decor

Many of our favorite Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit weddings have featured white floral arrangements that complement the white architectural structure of the gazebo—but there are so many ways to make that happen. From tightly-packed round bouquets of white roses to more whimsical additions (think sprigs of eucalyptus and baby’s breath), there are near-countless options to make a Puerto Vallarta wedding totally unique.

Whether you decide to match the florals to the wow-worthy white structures or throw in pops of color, you can’t go wrong with this stunning setup.

Grand Exits

What could be more exciting than the high of saying I-Do? A memorable recessional through your guests as newlyweds! For a burst of color (and sweet surprise for friends and family), Charina and Brian were showered with confetti as they headed back up the aisle together. But the gazebo is so grand that a pretty epic departure is inevitable. That’s why many couples also choose to simply walk away, hand-in-hand, with massive smiles on their faces.

Receptions on the Lawn

And just like that, it’s time to  toast to the happy couple. After a sun-kissed afternoon or evening reception in the Gazebo Garden, just a few steps from the ceremony location, we love the idea of watching the sun go down while dancing the night away under twinkling string lights, or making a statement with hanging floral decor in vibrant reds and pinks.

While the lawn can accommodate up to 40 guests, the Ocean Garden has a similar look that holds up to 360 people. Whichever space couples choose, there is no limit when it comes to layout options:  Long rectangular or intimate circular tables are all possible, and they can go in front of or around the dance floor. We love how Stephani and Aidan’s sweetheart table gave them the best seats in the house: directly facing the waves.

Tablescape Inspo

Tablescapes reflect and complement the overall wedding style, and can connect to the feel of the ceremony. For Saarah and Sunil, extra-tall, crown-like pampas grass centerpieces were placed along their long reception tables—a nod to the bride’s bouquet—and the on-trend style added warmth and drama to the reception.

While we always love the look of classic string lights, having guests dance and dine by candlelight certainly ups the romantic ante. With long-stemmed candles and hanging floral arrangements, it’s easy to elevate the space (literally!) and make it feel like something you’ve never seen before.

Outdoor Dance Floors

There are so many options when it comes to couples twirling and grooving into the late hours of the evening on all kinds of dance floors. A custom monogrammed option, like Thannia and Joseph’s that included their first initials, is always a good idea, while the garlands of three-dimensional, star-shaped lights over Katie and Jeff’s dance floor created an original and romantic accent.

And when the lights went down and music cranked up, some couples gave their guests even more reasons to hit the dance floor. As these couples showed us, there are so many options with a light-up dance floor: One pair went for an all-white look, another matched it to their decor, and a third duo went all out with every color of the rainbow.