*The bride & groom at Hotel Nena before the wedding. Photo by Eugenia Tinajero Cázares.*

When most ready-to-be-wed couples set their sights south of the U.S. border for their nuptials, the sandy beaches and sprawling coastlines of Quintana Roo, Baja’s burgeoning wine country, the famed gastronomy and smoky mezcals of Oaxaca, and the electric pulse synonymous with bustling metropolises like Mexico City and Guadalajara often top their wish lists. Everywhere in Mexico from Tulum to Riviera Nayarit has seen a post-pandemic travel boom; more recently, a large influx of visitors have also been keen to explore the Yucatán and Chiapas regions.

Without taking into consideration the multi-billion dollar cruise industry, this boot-shaped nation—the 14th largest country in the world—is ripe with limitless wonders, which instantly surprise and delight the senses. But one Mexican destination stands out in 2024 as an overlooked hub for both spiritual seekers and wellness wonks: San Miguel de Allende.

San Miguel de allende also happens to be one of the most romantic spots in the world to get hitched.

The bride & groom at Hotel Nena and Dos Búhos (bottom R). Photos by Eugenia Tinajero Cázares.

Three-time Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award winner for “Best Small City in the World” and this year’s No. 1 “World’s Best City” according to T+L readers, San Miguel de Allende is best known for its vibrant art scene, cultural festivals, and baroque architecture. Yet so many travel guides and wedding features fail to reveal what truly makes this UNESCO World Heritage Site more than the sum of its bougainvillea-lined Spanish colonial buildings, callejoneadas with giant papier-mâché puppets and mariachi bands, and daily fireworks displays.

A curious cocktail of magic and fate lures visitors here—including brides and grooms to be, and the guests who joyfully accept their invitations—despite the closest airport being roughly an hour away. So, what makes this charming little town in the heart of Mexico the ideal place for happy couples and their out-of-town guests to say “I do”?

Many believe the bedrock of San Miguel de Allende is rich in rose quartz and feldspar, imbuing both its historic architecture and its vibrational field with a nurturing, soothing energy. With each step down the winding cobblestone alleyways, one can feel its higher frequency gently unfurling the petals of the heart. Perhaps that’s one reason so many foreigners find themselves under San Miguel’s mysterious spell, eventually giving up the people, things, and identities they once felt tied to elsewhere, and aspiring to permanently anchor their lives here without so much as a glance backward in the rearview mirror.

A myriad of mystical possibilities is always just around the next cactus-lined corner in San Miguel de Allende

As a three-year resident of San Miguel de Allende, my own journey to making a home (and planning my own wedding) here was altogether different. Without ever intending to make this my family’s permanent residence, I have been awed time and again by the city’s abundant healing potential. For anyone seeking to enjoy the perks of being in a small pueblo that quietly transforms you, to immerse in a mindful tourism hub, and to retreat but not go fully off-grid, San Miguel is the ideal mix of luxury, biodiversity, and plentiful opportunities for mind-body-spirit tune-ups.

L: A Polaroid camera and album captured candid memories. R: Luisito y su grupo Kaimán setting up to play. Photos by Eugenia Tinajero Cázares.

PLANNING A Destination Wedding in San Miguel de allende

As a parent of toddler twins whose work extends beyond my at-home duties, I didn’t have time to dwell on my failed attempts at hiring a local wedding planner. While I may have been too eager for help, and unlucky with the first planner I said yes to, I definitely think it’s possible for low-key brides and grooms like us to replicate a lot of our wedding plans on their own.

After swapping stories with several other local women who also planned their own weddings, a few common, relatable themes emerged:

Figure out what’s most important to you.

For us, it was the music and the food. We’re huge fans of a local salsa band—Luisito y su grupo Kaimán—whose infectious Cuban rhythms my husband and I danced to all around the city while I was pregnant, after I delivered my twins and they were still small enough to twirl around in the double baby kangaroo carrier, and on the rare date night we had as new parents. So, it was an easy choice to make our first cut by saving money on not having a DJ (we made a personalized playlist for the moments without live music) so that we could have Luis sing “Eso y Más” as I entered the ceremony holding my children’s hands. That song is unmistakably, eternally ours, and the first few notes get us both choked up no matter how many times we hear it.

As the daughter of a James Beard Award nominated chef, I was also adamant that the food at our wedding be incredible, but it didn’t have to be presented in a fancy way. We opted for a curated buffet-style meal whose main dish—Zacahuil Potosino, the world’s largest tamal—paid homage to the region where my husband grew up, and the dessert—Tiramisu de Capomo—incorporated the ancient Mexican superfood his budding business aims to (re)introduce to San Miguel de Allende.

Truthfully, our caterers weren’t caterers at all; they’re two local farmers dedicated to elevating the biodiversity of the region through inventive, wood-fired and meticulously fermented dishes using produce from their own garden. Naakary’s partners in love and business, farm-to-table visionaries, and extraordinary chefs Alexis Torres and Roxana Prieto took on the heroic task of building a hospitality team for our wedding from scratch, digging deep into their networks for affordable a la carte vendors for our minimalist décor and beverage needs, and brainstorming creative ways for us to save costs (like having our friends and family bond while setting up the tables and chairs the day before) without compromising quality.

*The bride & groom. Photo by Eugenia Tinajero Cázares.*

Forget the idea of “traditional” must-haves.

One thing many of our guests told us they loved most was the total lack of assigned seating (minus one designated table for the bride and groom). Things like place cards, gift bags, and excessively expensive floral arrangements just weren’t in our budget, or our desires. By choosing a picturesque setting and deciding from the beginning of the planning process we wouldn’t rely on stale customs to define our unconventional festivities, we were able to uplift the “centerpieces” of our own union rather than creating more waste this planet simply does not need. Our celebratory confetti was zero-waste, biodegradable handfuls of fragrant lavender, which my dear friend wild harvested locally, dried, and lovingly picked off the stems blossom by blossom at her home during the weeks leading up to the wedding.

Manage guest expectations about what’s on your tab and what’s on theirs.

In the days leading up to our vow renewal, we gathered in small and large groups to toast, feast, and build new memories together. We knew this wouldn’t be possible if we tried to cover everyone’s checks, so we made clear to our guests that all pre- and post-wedding events would be “pay-your-own-bill” get-togethers. The best part of these informal celebrations was that guests didn’t feel pressured to arrive at a certain time, and we left space in between each one for independent exploration and dining between happy hours/after-hours, which was especially helpful for families to get their kids to bed, meet the sitter, then come back out to play.

L: Sunglasses from a Mexico City flea market, gifted family heirloom rings from Bride’s grandmother and uncle, and budget-friendly designer imitation golden slingback pumps from Lulu’s. R: Custom outfits for Bride & Groom by local San Miguel de Allende designer Raúl Del Castillo mixed and matched with more affordable and borrowed items. Photos by Eugenia Tinajero Cázares.

Mix and match low-cost and high-end pieces with borrowed and custom-made items to complete your outfits.

Early on, I was fortunate enough to be connected to a San Miguel-based Filipino-Mexican designer, Raúl Del Castillo, who immediately understood our vision to turn conventionality on its head by transforming one large gilded sari gifted to us by a friend into our two outfits, using the two-toned pattern to create distinct yet complementary looks. Out of the tablecloth-sized fabric, Raúl tailored a corset-style top for me (trimmed with Burmese cloth from the Shan state, which my mom bought on her last trip to her homeland), and a Mandarin collar top and Shan-inspired pants for my husband. We found my husband’s pastel pink suit jacket on Amazon ($25), and his huarache-esque loafers were sourced inexpensively and locally (Guanajuato state is famous for its leather craftsmanship), while my wide-leg pants were the color of Burmese monks’ robes (a lucky find at a flea market in Mexico City; $40), and my metallic gold stilettos ($30) were the result of a long search to rival the elegant $500+ Dolce & Gabbana slingback pumps that were far beyond my financial reach.

L: Bride & Groom embracing under the arches at Dos Búhos (wedding venue). R: Guests throw lavender confetti. Photos by Eugenia Tinajero Cázares.

THE San Miguel de Allende WEDDING VENUE

Another way we drastically reduced our costs was by choosing a venue that allowed our guests to BYOB, as all the other venues we initially scouted threatened to consume most of our modest budget with tiered alcohol menus (Silver, Gold, and Platinum packages) we didn’t want or need.

Beyond this bonus point, Bodega Dos Búhos offered us the total customization we were seeking, which we failed to encounter at the dozens of other places we looked at before becoming wholly enchanted by this organic winery on the nearby outskirts of San Miguel de Allende.

The collective dream of three generations of the vineyard’s family, and the result of 60 years of lovingly working their land, Dos Búhos combines a homey feel with over 70 acres of mesquite trees, wine-producing grapevines, spritely chickens and mischievous cats roaming freely, spectacular ivory chapels, and softly bubbling fountains, all nestled at the base of Los Picachos mountain range, which provides a particularly breathtaking backdrop.

A massive covered structure kept our guests protected from any type of weather (summers in San Miguel can be very damp; it rained every day for a week before and after our wedding, but the sun miraculously shone bright on our special day!). Dos Búhos also lent us all of their eclectic furniture—a delightfully mismatched array of rustic wooden tables and chairs that made our guests feel relaxed, welcome, and joyfully unfussy.

Pamper Yourself at the Rosewood Hotel in San Miguel de Allende

*Agua, The Rosewood Hotel’s exclusive pool club (day passes available). Photo courtesy of The Rosewood San Miguel de Allende.*

While there are countless hidden treasures in San Miguel, The Rosewood Hotel offers a uniquely iconic stay that combines generous Mexican hospitality, exquisitely selected rotating artwork, and lushly verdant landscaping with modern sensibilities and immersive grandeur.

With the help of our online registry, my husband and I booked a couples’ day at Sense, A Rosewood Spa, the on-site healing sanctuary. By selecting a service with a name like “Absolute Transformation Hydrafacial”, I knew I was in for a special treat, especially considering that hydrafacials—one of the beauty world’s most sought after viral TikTok trends—have been on my skincare bucket list for a long time.

*A treatment room at Sense, A Rosewood Spa, the hotel’s on-site healing oasis. Photo courtesy of The Rosewood San Miguel de Allende.*

This non-invasive skin treatment combines exfoliation and extraction with moisturizing, pain-free technology. Due to the demands of being Mamá, Wedding Planner, and Bride, I opted for a 45-minute facial, and immediately wished I had carved out time for the full 90-minute experience. Still, my post-facial glow was undeniable, rivaling the spectacular golden hour of our wedding ceremony itself.

While my husband enjoyed a “transportative” (his words) Kresiente Deep Massage, I was led through a dry sauna and steam room circuit, a little cup of coffee exfoliating scrub in hand, as a team of friendly guest service members waited for me to emerge. The moment I moved from one room to the next, they appeared like magicians out of the mist to tend to my every need, offering cooling herb-infused spa water to make sure I remained hydrated throughout my pampering journey.

Before we slipped into our plush robes, my husband and I made a much-needed daycation out of our visit to The Rosewood, a place we’d visited many times before to treat out of town guests to the stunning panoramic views on a massive rooftop overlooking the entire city. As we settled into our private cabana at the pool club, we noshed on a lobster roll and soft shell crab tacos, which we both agreed were among the best seafood dishes we’ve had in town.

Admittedly, this was not the most budget-friendly choice, but it was generously gifted by our wedding guests, and was well worth treating ourselves to once in a lifetime. Ultimately, what every bride and groom deserves is a respite from the environmental and circumstantial stressors that take a toll on our holistic health, with compassionate guides and gentle hands to send us on our journey to exchanging promises in front of our chosen community in a serene state. Sense offered us a chance to hit the reset button on our well-being, nursing our overstimulated spiritual, emotional, and physical bodies back into a state of homeostasis. After our restorative visit to The Rosewood, we were able to step into the excitement of our nuptials with grace—renewed, well taken care of, and fully ready to tackle the next compromiso on our wedding agenda.

Experience San Miguel de Allende, one of the greatest cities for wellness that Mexico has to offer

If you’re a guest in San Miguel de Allende, here are five considerations for leaving the city better than you found it when making your trip itinerary:

1. Book a tour with a local guide.

La Biblioteca Pública (a free, 65 year-old public library led by a civil association) offers a variety of tours, including a visit to Tikkun Centro Ecológico, an ecological restoration and education project, with an organic buffet and an introduction to the permaculture, reforestation, and community transformation work that went into creating it. Or, try a historical walking tour led by local English speaking guides that benefits the city’s marginalized youth.

2. Buy from local artisans.

Here, your options are endless, but with a bit of planning it’s possible to cover many markets, refurbished factories, and galleries in little time—so much of this town is walkable, with one artistic enclave giving way to the next. Stroll through an artisan wonderland at Mercado de Artesanías, spend the afternoon at Fabrica La Aurora art and design center, or visit the by-appointment-only Mexican folk art exhibition space Galería Atotonilco.

3. Book a unique workshop or class with local chefs

Such as the Pura Vida Kitchen led by DeliQ owner and functional nutritionist Alicia Wilson Rivero; or try your hand at natural dyes, botanical pressing, or another creative experience offered at La Cabaña Azul. Renowned art school Instituto Allende also provides art workshops, art therapy, and classes for youth, adults, locals, and visitors. Spiritual seekers might enjoy a cacao ceremony or sound bath with local healers, or check out Casa Shala, which is part mindfulness center, part on-site organic, regenerative café and workspace, offering healing ceremonies, events, and workshops. The second floor is a treehouse-style studio, where you’re met with an impressive view of the city that is a well-kept secret and an unmissable experience.

4. Shop sustainable Mexican goods.

Gone are the days of cheap tourist trinkets, as more and more visitors to Mexico are becoming increasingly intentional about their purchases. At Mixta, hidden in plain sight in a lovely courtyard in the center of town, the jewelry, home goods, clothing, and sundries by designers from Mexico and beyond are thoughtfully handpicked. And with designs originating in New York City, the responsibly produced fair trade pieces at Recreo are handmade by skilled artisans in San Miguel de Allende, having evolved into a bigger collection over the years that remains rooted in a love for the iconic ancestral garment, the sarape.

*By-appointment-only artist studio and gallery, Chapel of Jimmy Ray.*

5. Support local farmers, makers, and markets.

Even those who plan on staying for a shorter time can enjoy fresh produce at the organic mini-markets Mercado Sano and La Sabina. The former also hosts an expansive farmer’s market featuring local craftspeople, live music, and pop-up food stalls on Saturdays. It also houses SolTribe, a beloved vegan eatery with daily events like Kids’ Brunch, TuesGays and Cumbia classes on the second floor. If you’re willing to dig through a mezcla of upcycled clothing, second hand gadgets, inexpensive beauty products and livestock to get to the produce and other prized offerings, a visit to “La Placita” (a.k.a. Tianguis de los Martes; open Sundays and Tuesdays) or the Mercado de San Juan de Dios will easily upgrade you to insider status—both are relative tourist-free zones with rare treasures like endemic healing herbs and foods.

For lovers of nontoxic botanical beauty and wellness products, Botica de Santa Teresita and La Victoriana are essential stops for everything from aromatherapy to ancient plant medicines that are handmade with love. The former has been around for 170 years, encompassing the knowledge of seven generations of holistic healers, specializing in artisanal herbal formulations. The latter is the vision incarnate of Alison Bastien, a 40-year veteran of midwifery, holistic, plant and women’s medicine, and the co-founder of M.A.N.A. (Midwives Alliance of North America) for the Mexico region. Opening its doors in 1990, La Victoriana, this chemical-free shop is filled with over 500 natural remedies that are crafted daily in their workshop.

Thinking about getting married in San Miguel de Allende?

Here’s a list of local creatives who elevated our experience. We enthusiastically recommend them to enhance festivities hosted by conscious couples, non-traditional partners, and anyone seeking to celebrate love with the help of this city’s best talent:

L: The bride getting ready with stylist Jésus Luna at Hotel Nena, courtesy of the author. R: The bride getting a henna tattoo by local artist Brenda Zamudio, photo by Eugenia Tinajero Cázares.

The San miguel de Allende WEDDING TEAM credits:

WEDDING VENUE Bodega Dos Búhos

PRE-WEDDING PAMPERING Sense, A Rosewood Spa

PRE-WEDDING TOAST VENUES Café Murmullo | XOLER

AFTERPARTY VENUE SOTTO

BRIDE + GROOM CUSTOM ATTIRE Raúl Del Castillo

BRIDE’S SHOES Lulu’s

BRIDE’S FRAGRANCE Anima Mundi’s Palo Santo Myst

PHOTOGRAPHER Eugenia Tinajero Cázares

LIVE SALSA BAND Luisito y su grupo Kaimán

CATERING Naakary

BRIDE’S MAKEUP Viris Villarreal

BRIDE’S HENNA Brenda Zamudio | Casa Kali Om

BRIDE’S NAIL DESIGN Yellow Nails

BRIDE + GROOM HAIR Jésus Luna
OFFICIAL WEDDING HOTEL Hotel Nena

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dubbed a “Cultural Connector” by Washington CityPaper and “the cultural connector D.C. needs right now” by Bon Appétit, Simone Jacobson is a multipotentialite mother of twins who has dedicated her career to serving marginalized groups by promoting youth development, Asian American advancement, women’s empowerment, and the arts. A former event producer, nonprofit leader, restaurant owner, performer, and teacher, Simone is now Content Director at Well Spirit Collective.

Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Toronto Star, Eater, Gawker, Fusion, and HERE Magazine. When the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered her family’s nationally acclaimed restaurant, Thamee, Simone began splitting her time between Mexico and the United States, eventually calling San Miguel de Allende home for the foreseeable future.

The Conscious Bride's Guide to Getting Married in San Miguel de Allende: Mexico's Most Underrated Wellness Destination