Monte
Coxala
Getting married on the shore of Lake Chapala, in Jocotepec, an hour and a half from Guadalajara. What I know about this place after photographing close to twenty weddings here: the light, the sunsets and the logistics nobody tells you about.
A spa hotel on the shore of the lake
Monte Coxala sits in Jocotepec, on the shore of Lake Chapala, and it is one of the most sought-after and highest-status venues on the whole Chapala Riviera. Being next to the lake gives it one of the most comfortable climates in Jalisco, and that alone solves a good part of an outdoor wedding day.
Its architecture carries a strong Maya influence — stone stairways and carved stone — that looks like no other venue in the country. I have documented close to twenty weddings here. What follows is not brochure copy: it is what I have learned working the place, and what I would tell a couple deciding whether to marry here.
The sunsets, the light and where to put the ceremony
What is the best hour for portraits at Monte Coxala?
Sunset. The sunsets over Lake Chapala are what make this place, and it is the hour when everything falls into place on its own. As with any outdoor venue the exact moment shifts with the season, so it is worth adjusting once you have a date.
Is anything hard to photograph here?
Almost nothing. There are no photographic complications at Monte Coxala: you can work in nearly any corner and the light coming off the lake helps throughout the day.
What surprises couples about this place?
Two things. The sunsets and the weather, which is among the most comfortable in Jalisco precisely because the venue sits on the lake. And the architecture: that strong Maya influence in the design means the photographs do not look like those from any other venue in the country.
Where should the ceremony be held?
From what I have seen across these weddings, the best spot is the main garden, the one beside La Palapa, which is the most characteristic restaurant on the property. Many couples also bring a judge and hold the civil ceremony in one of the small plazas inside the grounds, without leaving Monte Coxala.
What do you recommend to a couple marrying here?
Two concrete things. Hire a wedding planner: at a property this size the difference shows. And if your ceremony is outdoors, choose the time slot carefully — that is the decision that most defines how your photographs will look.
Jocotepec, lodging and the weather
How far is Monte Coxala from Guadalajara?
About an hour and a half. It sits in the municipality of Jocotepec, on the shore of Lake Chapala, and it is one of the most sought-after and highest-status venues on the whole Chapala Riviera.
Where do the couple and guests stay?
At Monte Coxala itself: it is a spa hotel, so lodging does not have to be solved separately. Many couples arrive two or three days early and stay a couple of days after the wedding, between the spa and the lake. It is one of the things guests appreciate most.
Can you have a church ceremony nearby?
Yes. The church in Chapala is about 45 minutes away, and the one in Jocotepec is closer and also a good option. Many couples hold the religious ceremony in town and then travel to the venue for the celebration.
What happens if it rains?
If you marry during the rainy season there is always a risk of heavy rain. The answer is to plan for a marquee from the start, not on the day. With that covered, the lake view and good floral decoration carry the wedding whatever happens.
Let's talk about your wedding at Monte Coxala
Whether your date at Monte Coxala is set or you are still deciding, write to me and we will look at it.
See also: packages and prices · wedding FAQ · the Hacienda El Centenario guide.
Write on WhatsApp