Churches Where You Can Get Married in Puebla: The Wedding of Your Dreams
Make the wedding of your dreams come true in front of golden altars, Talavera-tiled domes, and ornate baroque angels. Puebla and Cholula boast gorgeous, historic churches for an unforgettable ceremony.
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Puebla is one of Mexico’s most beautiful states, and its history, architecture, culture, and beautiful natural scenery make it the perfect location for a destination wedding. But you can’t have nuptials without a ceremony—nor a ceremony without a church—and the city of Puebla de Zaragoza knows this very well. Discover the many options for holding your wedding ceremony in Puebla, a true treasure trove of colonial churches.
Founded on April 16, 1531, by the monk Toribio Paredes from Benavente, Spain, it is also known as “Puebla de los Ángeles” (City of the Angels). And then, in 1987, UNESCO declared it a World Cultural Heritage Site.
▌Furthermore, Puebla is called the City of Churches because of the state’s many religious buildings. The Archdiocese of Puebla records 283 churches on its registry, but that does not include chapels, smaller churches, and oratories.
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Nor should we leave out Cholula, a Magical Town which sits about half an hour from Puebla’s capital city. Cholula is said to be home to 365 churches, although that is stretching the truth a bit. The legend began when the conquistador Hernán Cortés arrived in the town and was impressed by the number of teocallis (small temples dedicated to the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl). This led to the tale of “a church for every day of the year.”
Later, during the period of evangelization, the teocallis were replaced by Catholic churches. Official records from Mexico’s Tourism Department now list 37 churches in Cholula.
As you can see, there are plenty of options! All the churches are unique and beautiful, so choosing one is the hard part. The capital city’s historic center alone has 72 churches from different periods, with varying sizes and styles whose charm and character will take your breath away.
Churches for Saying
◆ Your Vows in Puebla ◆
Catholic religious ceremonies are among
the oldest and most respected wedding traditions.
Where will yours be in Puebla?
Here are four stunning options.
1. Puebla’s Cathedral ⎯◆
Located in Puebla’s historic center, the Cathedral entrance is off Calle 5 Oriente street. Perhaps the city’s most emblematic symbol, this breathtaking church was built between 1536 and 1649 and dedicated by Bishop Juan de Palafox y Mendoza. It is a blend of Renaissance, baroque, and neoclassical styles and is strikingly beautiful no matter your vantage point. Its towers alone took almost two centuries to build. They are the country’s tallest, rising over 230 feet high.
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Its gorgeous exterior is made of gray limestone, and once inside, visitors can appreciate the works of art held in its 14 side chapels. At the front is the altarpiece, designed by Manuel Tolsá and crafted between 1797 and 1818. The church also holds religious sculptures and paintings created by Pedro García Ferrer in the 17th century.
Imagine hearing the wedding march coming out of the church’s three organs—it is enough to give you chills—as the bride makes her grand entrance. Moreover, its grandeur and considerable size make the Cathedral an ideal venue for large, solemn ceremonies.
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2. La Capilla del Rosario,
Templo de Santo Domingo ⎯◆
Tucked inside the Templo de Santo Domingo (Church of Saint Dominic) in downtown Puebla is the Chapel of the Rosary, an exceptional example of Mexican baroque architecture in the 17th century. The Capilla del Rosario is also known as the “Relicario de América” (“Reliquary of the Americas”)—a name given by Pope John Paul II during his first visit to Mexico in 1979 for its many relics. This structure is truly awe-inspiring due to its golden stucco, gold leaf, onyx, and Talavera tile finishes.
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Moreover, from the chapel’s atrium you can see the magnificent baroque-style altarpieces, including the main one, a masterpiece by artist Pedro Maldonado. In the center is a marble sculpture of Saint Dominic. Meanwhile, the cupola windows fill the chapel with natural light. The cupola also portrays Grace accompanied by the gifts of the Holy Spirit and a group of 16 Dominican saints.
On the other side, the vaulted ceiling displays the three theological virtues—faith, hope, and charity. The paintings on the chapel’s walls show the life of Christ, as depicted by José Rodríguez Carnero. All these characteristics and more have earned it a World Heritage Site certification.
This church makes the perfect setting for lovebirds looking for a ceremony that is intimate and glorious at the same time, as its capacity is limited to 140 people.
Perfect for fancy, romantic weddings!
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3. San Francisco Acatepec ⎯◆
Considered a masterpiece of the Mexican baroque style and located in Cholula, Puebla, it is thought that the Church of San Francisco Acatepec was built over several different periods starting in 1560 under the direction of the Franciscans. According to the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), construction finished around 1730.
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You will be awestruck by the church’s spectacular exterior, including its two bell towers adorned with Puebla’s unique Talavera tilework. No matter what side you view it, you can see the small pieces of multicolored ceramic—from the traditional blue and white to shades of yellow and green—that beautifully complement the red brick.
▌In the words of art historian Manuel Toussaint, the Talavera facade makes it look like a “porcelain church.”
The interior lives up to this exquisite level of beauty and is equally magnificent. Stepping through the doors brings you into a warm, intimate nave, finely decorated. The stunning main altarpiece is an excellent example. The structure is carved out of golden wood that soars over the altar. Framed by columns, it features niches harboring figures of saints, while the pulpit is adorned with figures of the Doctors of the Church carved in high relief. You can also spot hundreds of angels’ faces.
If you are dreaming of getting married in a church that seems to be straight from a colonial-era story, this is the spot for you. Even more than its incredible artistic characteristics, the church preserves its small-town air, both serene and spiritual. This makes San Francisco Acatepec an ideal choice, well located and overflowing with all the charm necessary for a destination wedding.
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4. Santa María Tonanzintla ⎯◆
Some of Puebla’s churches that are great for weddings stand out because of their architecture, others for their history, and some are amazing for their soul. Also located in the municipality of San Andrés Cholula, the Church of Santa María Tonantzintla is considered a preeminent example of indigenous baroque style from the 18th century.
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This unique style can be seen in its interior decoration featuring angels with headdresses and wearing clothing typical of the eagle warriors, as well as depictions of tropical fruit, flowers, corncobs, and more, harmoniously intermingling pre-Hispanic and Christian symbols. This is truly a paradise with its own identity. In fact, the entire space on the ceiling has been filled with images of indigenous cherubim, depicting the creation of the world. Similarly, each corner of the church pays homage to the cultural and spiritual blending that continues to define Mexico up to this day.
Here, the Virgin Mary is venerated as Tonantzintla, which means “the place of our sweet mother” in the Nahuatl language—an outstanding example of the intermixing of indigenous beliefs and Catholic faith. Saying your vows in Santa María Tonantzintla is honoring history, the land, and the first peoples to inhabit this region.
This church is cozy, with capacity for 200 people, so it is perfect for smaller ceremonies. Immersed in what feels like a living work of art, every wedding here becomes an unforgettable memory. Here is a gem that is not only one of Mexico’s most fascinating churches, but also a meaningful place to say, “I do.”
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Why tie the knot in one
of Puebla’s churches?✦
▌Whether you dream of a striking wedding in Puebla’s Cathedral, an intimate ceremony surrounded by the magnificence of the Capilla del Rosario, or a wedding wrapped in symbolism in Tonantzintla, each of these churches tells a different story that can be woven into your new story.
In Puebla, art, faith, and heritage become witnesses to love. Getting married here means not just choosing a venue. It is starting off your life together in a setting that links you to centuries of beauty and tradition.
