Beach Weddings in Puerto Peñasco
(Rocky Point), Mexico

Rocky Point Beach Ceremonies Performed by
Larry James, Minister

This article "Get Married in a Tropical Paradise!" by Larry James was featured in the January/February 2008 issue of The Wedding Chronicle. Larry James was a contributing author to The Wedding Chronicle. Watch for a new article in each issue.

Who said your wedding couldn't be a day at the beach?

If the lure of a tropical paradise with an exotic "resort" feeling sounds good to you; if you desire a romantic, intimate ceremony on the beach with the sounds of the ocean, consider having your wedding ceremony in Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point). Rocky Point is located on the Sea of Cortez in the State of Sonora, Mexico.

A wedding ceremony on the beach especially at sunset can be extremely romantic. The blue sky and the sea is the backdrop of your wedding and the sounds of the waves becomes the song to celebrate your special day.

Rocky Point is famous for its clean beaches. Playa Bonita sweeps in a great golden arc from downtown to Oholla Bay and is the main beachfront for the town's resorts and condos. Its far end, Sandy Beach, has the best stretch of sand and sea.

Los Conchas has many beachfront condos that can be rented (with all the comforts of home) for your wedding and reception. This gated beach community of beautiful, pristine beaches is a peaceful and relaxing seaside destination. Away from the downtown noise and traffic, but a short 5 minute drive to fine restaurants and shopping.

Arizona's beachfront is just a 4 1/2 to 5 hour drive (about 260 miles) from Phoenix. Beginning January 1, 2008, a valid passport will be required to cross the border into and to return from Mexico by land. Puerto Peñasco Airport, about 3 miles from town, is a small local airport catering to light aircraft. A new commercial airport will be opening the first trimester of 2008.

Rocky Point experiences only 2 inches of rain a year so a dry wedding ceremony with plenty of sunshine is pretty much guaranteed. During the winter months the days are warm although the nights can get a bit chilly. The sun shines almost year round. For most of the year the days are warm and sunny. The water temperature is often above 80 degrees and there is almost always an ocean breeze to produce pleasant romantic evenings.

It is strongly recommended that you obtain temporary Mexico auto insurance. It is not a requirement, however normal U.S. auto insurance is not valid in Mexico.

There is no need for honeymooners to worry about exchanging their money into pesos; American money is widely accepted throughout Rocky Point. Some businesses accept credit cards and checks, be sure to ask first!

There are many legalities, such as paperwork, blood tests no more than 14 days before wedding date, etc., plus birth certificates apostilized by the Mexican consulate in your home country must be sent preferably 3 months before the wedding. In Mexico, church weddings do not change your marital status. You will need to get married by a Justice of the Peace before your church wedding.

That all seems so complex - and it is . . . and expensive. So, I will let you in on the secret to my success in performing Rocky Point beach weddings.

A wedding ceremony performed by a United States Minister/Officiant in Mexico is not a legal ceremony. Because of the legalities of Mexico law, to simplify the process of getting married there, a brief legal ceremony with witnesses can be arranged anywhere in the Greater Phoenix area (or Arizona) prior to a ceremony in Mexico. That way your wedding will cost you less, be legal in the U.S., less time consuming and stress-free!

Make your beach wedding as formal or as casual as you wish. Shorts and sandals anyone?

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