My fiancé and I have decided on a destination wedding in San Miguel de Allende for a number of reasons: We and many family/friends live in Southern CA, Texas and many are very excited by the excuse to finally see SMA. Also, we wanted to get away from the US Wedding idea -- once you take it out of the country people don't mind traditional elements being left out or changed, since you are already in the mode of incorporating new cultures & customs. Also, we can give people a vacation for not a whole lot of money and have what we want -- a relaxed joining of family & friends who bump into each other on the street (where they can get around without too much language difficulty) and meet for dinners/breakfasts and share their stories. We plan to get married in the Parroquia cuz, uh, it beautiful, quite frankly (and i'm catholic).
But planning a wedding gives me hives because everyone hears the words WEDDING and AMERICAN and jacks up the prices. We already had one woman (wedding planner-type) tell us she would want a $25/hr consultation fee and then 35% of one of the vendors' fees. i'm hoping you guys can help me get started - you probably all have better ideas from your own experiences. looking for glorious b&bs or even great big house rentals to put families in, where to put a reception -- it doesn't have to feel traditional, just interesting, colorful, maybe incorporating some of the town's/country's high points (maybe wedding in the AM, then siesta, then evening party - type thing). so please, help me not get clobbered by the wedding word and let me know any and all of your ideas and resources. the season will be end of may.

thx,
nancy

also, has anyone been married in the parroquia and can add any useful information to that process?
thx,
nancy

You may want to talk to the people at Hotel Casa Linda (www.hotelcasalinda.com). It is a very nice smaller hotel very close to the church and I know they do weddings and other special events. The owner and some of the staff are American and will understand what you are looking to do. Keep in mind that weddings in Mexico tend to be large, elaborate, expensive affairs, even by US standards - a fancy dinner, open bar, one band to play during the meal, another for the party at night, etc. so you'll have to be very specific if you want something more low key. Good luck!

Just to offer an alternate view, I'm getting married in Pto Vallarta and I'm so grateful for our planner. She's handling all the little details regarding the documents needed to make this legal, has had great suggestions for event locations and vendors (we would have had to start from scratch like you're doing), and does all the coordination w vendors before and on the wedding day. She's well worth her fee in my eyes- I see your point but you might think about all the hassle a good one could save you.

Your location sounds fabulous! Good luck!

My daughter married in San Miguel de Allende in Oct 2009. It was a dream come true thanks to wedding planner Alicia Vilar of San Miguel Weddings (www.sanmiguelweddings.com). She planned and executed a fairytale wedding at Casa Carino, plus 2 other days of elaborate parties, for 83 guests from the U.S. Alicia is amazing at how she can orchestra so many details, from food, to entertainment, to floral (exquisite!), to in-town shuttle for guests to and from parties. The food and drinks were gourmet; the entertainment so fun and unusual; the party venues....well, unbelieveable! My suggestion to anyone considering a wedding in San Miguel is don't be fooled by "free" wedding planning services advertised on some websites. My daughter and I actually traveled to San Miguel and interviewed planners, in person. There was no comparison as to quality and prices, even when you consider the "free" services. I would totally trust Alicia to plan a wedding, associated parties, or any event, and just show up. [As a matter of fact, prior to our wedding festivities I communicated with a woman in the U.S. who had done just that, and their family was thrilled.] I believe Alicia could make any event just perfect....whether casual or over-the-top! My only regret was not having her handle the shuttle service from the Leon (BJX) airport...she would have done so much better.