If you love Mexico but are still deciding where to have your destination wedding, have you considered Oaxaca? It’s a fantastic mix of beach, city, food, and culture, which makes it one of our favorite spots for getting hitched.

Not only is Oaxaca the food capital of Mexico, but it’s also on the coast, giving you the most beautiful beaches you can think of. Whether you’re after laid-back beach vibes or looking for a historic city to explore, Oaxaca has it all!

And if you’ve already decided that Oaxaca is the destination wedding location of your dreams, and are ready to get married there—then we’ve got you covered with what you need to get married there, and our favorite venues!

Why You Should Get Married in Oaxaca

Choosing Oaxaca for your destination wedding location is like signing up for a great adventure. There’s so much to do and explore, and the weather is always fantastic. Plus, the food? Absolutely to die for! We had a tough time narrowing it down to just a few reasons because there’s so much to love. Here are the top five reasons why Oaxaca is the perfect destination location for your wedding: 

Great Food, It’s the Food Capital of Mexico

Did you know that Oaxaca City is famous for having the best food in Mexico? It’s not just a rumor, they actually call it the Gastronomic Capital of Mexico, and for good reason! Oaxaca is world-renowned for its moles—those rich, complex sauces made from a blend of ingredients like chiles, nuts, seeds, spices and sometimes even chocolate. There are seven traditional types of mole in Oaxaca, each with its own unique flavor and color.

Thanks to its perfect geographical location, Oaxaca enjoys a varied climate and geography that lets it grow all kinds of amazing food. Think fresh chiles, corn, herbs like epazote and hoja santa, and native produce like jicama, squash, and avocado. You and your guests will be treated to the freshest ingredients grown in the ideal climate for your wedding feast. Fun fact: Oaxaca is actually the birthplace of corn and squash!

Great Drinks, It’s the World Capital of Mezcal

Yes, the food is amazing, but it doesn’t stop there. If you love a good drink and have a taste for mezcal, you’re in for a treat! Oaxaca is actually the heart of mezcal production. This unique spirit, made from the agave plant, is a huge part of Oaxacan culture and cuisine. You can incorporate mezcal into your drinks and even your food menu, giving your wedding that authentic Oaxacan flair. Mezcal isn’t just for sipping; it’s used in cooking and food pairings too, adding another layer of uniqueness to your special day!

Exclusive, Non-Touristy Feel

If you’re considering getting married in Mexico, think carefully about your options. The country is HUGE and offers a lot of amazing places, but many of them are packed with tourists. Oaxaca, though, is a hidden gem! Unlike popular spots like Cancun or Cabo, Oaxaca offers a less crowded and more authentic experience. This means you and your guests can enjoy a more intimate and exclusive setting for your wedding, without having to navigate through tourists.

Easy Access to Post-Wedding Adventures

Getting to Oaxaca is a breeze, with plenty of flights from most major US airports. Plus, its location makes it the perfect jumping-off point for even more travel adventures in Mexico and Latin America! You’ll have a blast exploring everything Oaxaca has to offer—like ancient ruins, hiking in the Sierra Norte mountains, or catching some waves at Puerto Escondido. And if you or your guests want to keep the adventure going, it’s super easy to hop on a flight to amazing nearby spots like Chiapas, Yucatán, or Mexico City. So, your wedding can turn into a fun extended vacation for everyone!

If Offers Eco-Friendly Options

Oaxaca is a fantastic choice for eco-conscious couples. Known for its commitment to sustainability and zero-impact tourism, the region is a leader in green practices. Many wedding venues here are dedicated to eco-friendly approaches, from using locally sourced, organic materials to implementing energy-saving technologies and waste reduction practices. It really is a beautiful thing saying ‘I Do’ in a setting that not only looks good, but also supports a healthier planet.

BONUS: One of the best perks of getting married in Oaxaca is how straightforward and hassle-free it is for US citizens! The legal process for getting married here is easy and recognized internationally, so you don’t have to worry about any complicated paperwork or procedures. This makes Oaxaca a perfect choice for US couples looking to tie the knot abroad without the extra stress. 

What Do You Need to Get Married in Oaxaca?

Getting married in Oaxaca is a breeze, and it’s totally legal for US citizens! Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to make your destination wedding dreams in Oaxaca come true. First up, both you and your partner will need a current, valid passport and a Mexican tourist visa. Don’t forget, any documents besides your passport will need to be translated into Spanish and properly notarized. 

Here’s a full list of requirements:

1. Valid Passports: Both individuals need a current, valid passport. 

2. Birth Certificates: You’ll need to provide your birth certificates, translated into Spanish and notarized. 

3. Tourist Visa Cards: These are issued when you enter Mexico, so keep them handy.

4. Witnesses: You’ll need four witnesses who also have valid passports and tourist visa cards. 

5. Divorce Certificate: If applicable, bring along any divorce certificates. 

6. Medical Certificate and Blood Test Results: These must be performed in Mexico and will be required for your marriage application.

For more detailed info, check out this link to the US Embassy in Mexico. Getting all your paperwork in order might seem like a lot, but once you’ve got everything sorted, you can focus on enjoying your big day in beautiful Oaxaca! 

Is Same Sex Marriage Legal in Oaxaca?

Yes, same-sex marriage is fully legal in Oaxaca, making it a welcoming destination for all couples. Whether you’re planning a big ceremony or an intimate one, you can have a legally recognized same-sex marriage here without any hassle. Oaxaca is known for its rich cultural diversity, which includes a significant indigenous population and a thriving LGBTQ+ community. 

In major cities like Oaxaca City, you’ll find a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene with a pride parade, cultural events, and a supportive atmosphere that truly embraces all kinds of diversity. It’s a place where everyone can feel comfortable and celebrated. So, if you’re looking for a beautiful, inclusive, and culturally rich destination for your wedding, Oaxaca is it! 

What Are Oaxaca’s Best Wedding Venues?

Casa Oaxaca Hotel

Hacienda los Laureles Hotel

Loma Noble

Cardenal Oaxaca

Proyecto Murgula

La Fábrica Patio

Casa2Lagos

Flavia Hotel

Hotel Escondido

Let’s Get Married in Oaxaca!

Ready to enjoy the wedding of your dreams in Oaxaca, Mexico? With all the information we’ve covered, you’re set to plan an unforgettable destination wedding. Make sure you’ve got all your documents ready, pick your venue wisely, then get ready to bask in the amazing weather, enjoy good food, stunning architecture, and relax on beautiful beaches with your bae and loved ones. 

Or, you can leave it to experts like us, to help with all of it! We’ve got you covered with the best food spots, venues, excursions, and all the tedious planning. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or dancing the night away with your loved ones, give us a shout, and let’s start planning the celebration of a lifetime. Your Oaxaca wedding adventure is just around the corner—let’s make it legendary! 🎉

Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.