Gay Couple Experiences Alleged Discrimination at Puerto Vallarta Wedding Venue

Jeremy Alexander and Ryan Sheepwash, a gay couple from Vernon, British Columbia, are feeling let down after trying—and struggling—to book their wedding at a famous hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This city has a reputation as a welcoming spot especially popular with LGBTQ travelers, making their experience all that more surprising.

In a TikTok video, Jeremy and Ryan shared their frustration with how they were treated by Sheraton Buganvilias Resort and Convention Center. They were eager and excited about celebrating their big day at this sought-after venue, but they hit some unexpected roadblocks during their booking process.

Hitting unexpected hurdles in wedding planning

In early January 2025, they reached out with high hopes. They contacted Gabriela Espinoza, a wedding planner at Sheraton. After waiting three long months, they finally received a quote. And it was a shocker: $970 per night per room, with 25 ocean view rooms adding up a jaw-dropping $72,750. To top it off, they needed a $36,000 deposit just as a starting point.

Jeremy didn't hold back in their TikTok video, saying, "It's not reasonable. No one can afford that." The bad news didn't stop there—they were told they couldn't have their wedding until March 2027. No wonder they were disappointed.

Looking deeper: was discrimination at play?

Curious (and a bit suspicious), Jeremy and Ryan decided on a little test. They asked a straight friend if they could request a similar quote. When their friend contacted another wedding planner, Ximena Esarza, on February 7, 2025, they got a very different response. Their friend got a quote that seemed much more reasonable: a "Deluxe Package" that would cost $8,500 total with just a $1,700 deposit, all available by February 2026.

Feeling every right, Ryan expressed their disappointment in another video, stating, "We just feel defeated. It's not fair because we love each other and really want our wedding day special and perfect." They turned their experience public on TikTok under @illuminaughtytriangle, using hashtags like #Sheraton and #puertovallarta in hopes their story would resonate.

Not their first rodeo with allegations

The Sheraton Buganvilias Resort isn't new when it comes under fire. Back in 2019, gay Canadian vlogger and TV host Josh Rimer had his own struggle when he attempted booking his wedding there. Known as Mr. Gay Canada 2019, his case also attracted significant attention, spotlighting similar issues.

The invoice Jeremy and Ryan received noted that Sheraton Buganvilias operates under a Marriott International, Inc. license. After Rimer's situation went public, Marriott issued an apology, stressing their welcoming policy towards all guests, particularly those from LGBTQ communities.

Marriott looks toward resolving issues

In light-hearted but concerned fashion, Marriott has reached out, hoping they can gather more information from Jeremy and Ryan directly. They expressed their commitment toward making sure everyone walks away satisfied and in good spirits.

Marriott emphasized how important a role they play in Puerto Vallarta's LGBTQ+ community. They host LGBTQ+ weddings and support Pride events there. "Marriott remains steadfast in our commitment towards ensuring all guests feel respected and understood," they reiterated.

Despite everything, Jeremy and Ryan are holding onto hope. They believe by sharing their story, they can inspire change and stop anything similar from happening again. They're hoping their story leads not only toward personal resolution but also broader understanding and acceptance.