Sarah & Connor’s Timeless Destination Wedding at Don Pedro’s Palapa
Sayulita, Mexico. The name alone presents images of sun-kissed beaches, colorful streets, and a laid-back vibe that wraps you up the moment you arrive. When you imagine a Sayulita Mexico wedding, you probably think of vibrant sunsets, an ocean breeze, and the perfect blend of relaxation and celebration. Sayulita is a destination like no other, with its radiant culture and incredible natural beauty.
For Sarah and Connor, this destination wasn’t just a place on the map—it was a place that felt like home. Sayulita was the perfect place to gather their closest friends and family to celebrate their love. From the palm-lined beaches to the open-air vibe of Don Pedro’s Palapa, everything about their wedding day reflected the love they share for adventure, their family, and, of course, each other.
If you’ve been dreaming about a Sayulita Mexico wedding, this blog post will give you a glimpse into Sarah and Connor’s unforgettable day and why Don Pedro’s Palapa is a standout wedding venue. I’ll also share some personal tips to help guide your own destination wedding planning. (And if you’re looking for other Mexico wedding venues, check out my Mexico Wedding Venue guide!)
Why Sarah & Connor Chose Don Pedro’s Palapa for their Sayulita Mexico Wedding
For Sarah and Connor, Sayulita was much more than a wedding destination—it was a place that reflected their shared love of nature and adventure. The couple, both from Alaska, have a deep connection to the outdoors. They spend their time skiing, surfing, fishing, mountain biking, and camping, and they wanted their wedding to capture that same spirit of freedom and adventure.
Sayulita embodies a relaxed yet vibrant energy. It offers the perfect blend of the natural beauty of the beach and the jungle, making it an ideal choice for their destination wedding. Sarah and Connor both love the town’s lively yet relaxed vibe and wanted to share it with their closest friends and family. After spending time together in Sayulita, they knew it was the perfect location to host their destination wedding.
Don Pedro’s Palapa was their venue of choice because it offers everything they were looking for: privacy, incredible views, and the kind of energy that matches their adventurous personalities. They loved the idea of exchanging vows surrounded by lush tropical landscapes and the peaceful yet vibrant energy of the town. And Don Pedro’s, perched high above Sayulita Beach, gave them the ideal backdrop. The venue also gave them the ability to host the entire wedding—from the ceremony to cocktail hour and reception—all in one stunning space.
Sayulita Mexico Wedding Day: A Perfect Blend of Elegance and Fun
A Relaxed Morning with Loved Ones
The day began with Sarah relaxing and getting ready with her sisters and closest friends. They enjoyed breakfast from a local favorite, Paninos, with cinnamon rolls that are as iconic as Sayulita itself. (IYKYK. As someone who lived in Sayulita, this is one of my favorite treats as well!). It was the perfect start to the day.
Hair and makeup was done by Marjie and Jenn from Funky Diva Collective, one of Sayulita’s top local vendors. Marjie brought out Sarah’s natural beauty with a look that was both fresh and timeless, perfectly fitting the wedding’s vibe. Sarah was a true vision, her bridal look felt both elegant and effortless.
Sarah’s dress, a Jenny Yoo gown, was the epitome of timeless elegance. The soft fabric and delicate details reflected both the simple yet tropical vibe of Sarah and Connor’s wedding celebration. Once Sarah was ready, she shared a quiet moment with her mom, who helped her put on the finishing touches. This intimate moment was followed by a dress reveal with her closest friends. Then, Sarah and her sisters headed to AzulPitaya Hotel for the highly anticipated first look with Connor.
First Look: A Private Moment Before the Big Celebration
The moment Sarah and Connor saw each other for the first time was magic. Set in the lush gardens of AzulPitaya Hotel, their first look was intimate, playful, and full of joy. It was a beautiful opportunity to share a quiet moment before the excitement of their wedding day continued. Afterward, Sarah and Connor spent some time with their wedding party and parents. They relaxed at the hotel, enjoyed a few Mexican lagers (and tequila shots), soaking in the excitement before heading to Don Pedro’s Palapa for the ceremony.
Ceremony at Don Pedro’s Palapa: A Picture-Perfect Sayulita Mexico Wedding Venue
Don Pedro’s Palapa has a reputation as one of the most iconic Mexico destination wedding venues in the state of Nayarit, and for good reason. Perched above Sayulita beach, this venue offers spectacular views of the ocean and cliffs. The ceremony took place in an open-air grassy area next to the palapa, offering a view of the coastline. It’s the perfect spot to exchange vows, surrounded by the beauty of the landscape and the calming sound of the waves crashing below. Golden hour light and ocean breeze rolled in just as the ceremony began, adding to the magic of the moment.
As guests took their seats, a whale sighting off the coast made the moment even more magical. It was a sign that nature itself was blessing their union. Sarah’s longtime best friend, Allie, officiated the ceremony, making it even more personal and meaningful. Laughter filled the air as Allie shared stories about Sarah and Connor. Allie’s words captured the essence of Sarah and Connor’s relationship—full of adventure and laughter. The couple exchanged vows with words that matched their personalities, reflecting their playfulness, joy, and commitment to each other.
Cocktail Hour & Reception Space: A Celebration of Love and Fun
After the ceremony, the celebration continued during cocktail hour. Guests enjoyed cocktails, snacks, and mingled. Sarah and Connor were able to join their guests until the lighting was *just right* to sneak away for some sunset portraits. The evening light over the neighboring cliffs provided the perfect backdrop for capturing these sweet moments.
Then it was time for the reception. The open-air palapa at Don Pedro’s transformed into an elegant yet tropical space. The color palette was simple yet stunning: beautiful neutrals, deep greens, and tropical tones. It was a timeless design that blended seamlessly with the natural beauty of the venue. The flowers were a mix of sleek white blooms and bold tropical leaves, bringing the beauty of the jungle and beach together. The floral artistry was thoughtfully curated by Miriam of Colectivo Floral.
As for dinner, Don Pedro’s Palapa is known for its exceptional local cuisine. Guests enjoyed fresh seafood, authentic tacos, and a wide variety of mouthwatering dishes. Each table featured a bottle of tequila, allowing everyone to toast Sarah and Connor’s love throughout the night. It was a celebration of Sarah and Connor’s love with an authentic Sayulita twist.
Sayulita Mexico Wedding Reception
The reception space at Don Pedro’s Palapa is one of the venue’s standout features. The large palapa offers a stunning, open-air space with panoramic views of the coastline. With plenty of room for seated dinners, a dance floor, and a full bar, it’s the perfect setting for a lively reception.
Sarah and Connor’s reception quickly turned into a full-on party. Sayulita Sound Solutions kept the jams flowing all night with the perfect mix of upbeat songs. The twinkle lights outside the palapa added a magical touch to the evening.
One of the unique touches at their reception was hand-rolled cigars—a fun, memorable detail that gave their wedding a personal flair. And of course, no wedding would be complete without a sweet treat. The couple had fresh churros, which were served late in the evening, adding a bit of delicious fun to the night. Whether they were dancing the night away or savoring a sweet treat, the night was filled with unforgettable moments.
The Vendor Team: Helping Sarah & Connor’s Sayulita Mexico Wedding Come to Life
A wedding is only as perfect as the team behind it, and Somer from Vida Bonita Events was the mastermind behind Sarah and Connor’s seamless celebration. Somer helped bring their dream wedding to life with her expert coordination. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, allowing Sarah and Connor to focus on what mattered most: each other and their loved ones.
Marjie and Jenn from Funky Diva Collective made Sarah feel beautiful and timeless with her classic bridal look. Sayulita Sound Solutions kept the dance floor packed with great tunes all night. From the ceremony to the reception, every detail was carefully crafted to reflect Sarah and Connor’s personalities and the vibrant energy of Sayulita.
Event Planning: Vida Bonita Events
Hair & Makeup: Funky Diva Collective
DJ: Sayulita Sound Solutions
Florals: Colectivo Floral
Photo: Kristi Littman Photo
Pro Tip: Prepare for the Evening Cooldown
One thing to keep in mind when planning your Sayulita Mexico wedding at Don Pedro’s Palapa is the temperature. Don Pedro’s Palapa offers stunning views, but being perched on a hill, it can get chilly in the evening, especially in the winter months. Be sure to plan for layers or cozy lighting to keep guests comfortable as the night progresses. The cool breeze and the stunning sunset are part of what makes this venue so special, but a little extra warmth never hurts.
FAQ for Sayulita Mexico Weddings
1. How far is Don Pedro’s Palapa from Sayulita’s town center?
Don Pedro’s Palapa is located just a short drive from Sayulita’s main square. It offers the convenience of being close to town while maintaining privacy and seclusion.
2. What is the guest capacity at Don Pedro’s Palapa?
The venue can accommodate up to 120 guests for a seated dinner and dancing, making it perfect for an intimate wedding with close family and friends.
3. Can I decorate the venue to fit my style?
Yes! Don Pedro’s Palapa offers a blank canvas that can be decorated to match any theme, whether elegant, boho, or beachy.
4. When is the best time of year to have a wedding in Sayulita?
Sayulita’s peak wedding season is from November to April, with the weather being warm and sunny. The winter months can get chilly in the evenings, so plan accordingly.
5. What unique experiences can I include in my Sayulita wedding?
Think mariachi bands, churro stations, whale watching (in winter), and a tequila tasting to bring a taste of Sayulita to your guests.
Why Work With Me For Your Sayulita Mexico Wedding?
If Sarah and Connor’s Sayulita Mexico wedding has inspired you, I’d love to help bring your dream wedding celebration to life. As someone who lived in Sayulita for years, and still spends significant time there photographing weddings, I am your resource. I’m here to make this fun, and to help you bring your dream wedding vision to life. From the first look to the last dance, I’ll be there to document every sweet in-between moment. If you’re planning a destination wedding in Sayulita, let’s connect and make your vision come true.
Let’s chat about your Sayulita Mexico wedding day, and I’ll help you create memories that will last a lifetime. Feel free to reach out here!
And if you’re still exploring, check out these helpful reads next:
– Top Wedding Venues for Weekend-Long Celebrations
– Real Wedding: Laura & Cliff at Teitiare Estate
– Eloping in the Jungle Near Sayulita: Libby & Clayton’s Story
– Real Wedding: Kaylee & Ashton at Martoca Beach Garden
I’m here to support you with expert insight, grounded energy, and beautiful photos that help you remember how it all felt.
Testimonial from Sarah & Connor:
“We couldn’t be happier with our choice to have Kristi photograph our wedding! The photos turned out stunning, capturing every beautiful moment of our day in such a natural and timeless way. We are so grateful for the memories she’s helped us preserve forever!”
Kristi Littman is a luxury wedding photographer based in Portland, Oregon and Sayulita, Mexico, and is currently booking 2025 & 2026 weddings and elopements, foreign and domestic.
Want to book Kristi for your luxury wedding, adventure elopement, or engagement session? Visit the contact page to inquire, or email Kristi directly at kristilittmanphoto@gmail.com. ✨
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