Guide to Weddings & Honeymoons in Riviera Maya, Mexico
From tropical gardens and sandy beaches touching the Caribbean Sea to gazebos surrounded by acres of blue pools, the Riviera Maya offers an unforgettable wedding and honeymoon site that is the perfect backdrop to a memorable occasion.
Wedding Guide
Wedding packages in the Riviera Maya usually include personalized assistance from a wedding coordinator, municipal judge, music, wedding cake, flowers, sparkling wine, set-up and decoration. However, every property offers some special and/or, unique features, which make it possible for each couple to have their own ceremony according to their preferences and budget.
Here are some of the unique choices offered in the Riviera Maya:
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Shangri-La Caribe Beach Resort |
Deluxe:
Shangri-la Caribe Beach Resort – Shangri-la is a family-owned resort, located in Playa del Carmen. It is a place where guests spend days relaxing and unwinding amidst palm gardens and on the white sand beaches. The wedding ceremony site is set on a beautiful beach with the turquoise waters as a background. A podium of native woods is surrounded by coconut and palm greenery, and tiki torches help provide lighting and ambiance for sunset ceremonies. Cocktails are served around the Aventura pool, and the festivities then move to the main dining restaurant “La Loma”. The basic wedding package starts at $3,999.00.
Contact:
Shangri-la Caribe Beach Village Resort
PO Box 253 Playa del Carmen
Quintana Roo, Mexico 77710
Phone: 1-888-896-0690; +52 984 87 30591
info@shangrilacaribe.net
Boutique:
Zulum Beach Club and Cabanas – Zulum Beach Club and Cabanas is a boutique property located in Tulum. The hotel has its version of traditional Mayan weddings. The Mayan wedding here is performed only in the king beach-front rooms, and it is a Mayan ritual with a Shaman. A 3-night package includes breakfast in bed, one hour of romantic live music on the terrace during the first night, one hour of live mariachi music on the beach front deck during the last night, dinner on the beach deck, champagne tour to a private island, butterfly liberation ceremony and 5-hour tour through the most beautiful parts of the region.
Contact:
Zulum Beach Clun and Cabanas
Phone: +52 998 15 21832
info@tulumboutiquehotels.com
Middle-range:
The Reef Playacar Resort & Spa – This all-inclusive resort is located in Playacar within walking distance from Playa del Carmen. It offers an option to have a traditional Mayan wedding, which includes a wedding site at a cenote or on the beach, and it is a ceremony performed by a Shaman. Fruits of the season are available for Mayan offerings, live musicians play typical Mayan music and the bride and groom are given floral crowns.
Contact:
The Reef Playacar Resort & Spa
(866) 878-7477
BlueBay Hotels & Resorts – This resort is located 10 minutes away from Playa del Carmen and offers many details that make a wedding ceremony special. There is a choice of specialty restaurants for a la carte dinner – French, Italian and Mexican, relaxation massage for the bride and groom, welcome fruit basket and special breakfast in bed. The ceremony itself is performed on a white sand beach, decorated with an arch and chairs covered with white linen slip covers. The Silver Wedding package at this hotel costs $1,700.00. Vow Renewal packages start at $1,000.00.
Contact:
BlueBay Hotels & Resorts
Phone: 01 888 342 9555
Iberostar Paraiso Lindo & Iberostar Paraiso Maya – These two side-by-side hotels are located in the magnificent Playa Paraiso, halfway between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen. They both offer spectacular settings for a wedding ceremony. Couples can choose to tie the knot in the wedding chapel, on the beach or in the garden gazebo. The hotels offer unforgettable décor for celebration that continues in their dining and entertainment areas: in the Paraiso Lindo's lobby, bars and dining areas are built over reflecting pools, so it feels like an elegant water park. The Paraiso Maya features Mexican sculptures, mosaics and other artwork. Packages start at $1,900.00 or a religious or civil ceremony.
Contact:
Iberostar Paraiso Lindo & Iberostar Paraiso Maya
Phone: (888) 774-0040 or 305-774-0040
vacstore@bellsouth.net
Hotel Akumal Caribe – Akumal is located on the coast, between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Akumal in Mayan means "Place of the Turtle," and it is a great spot for snorkeling in its six crystal-clear bays. The hotel offers a spot for a wedding ceremony that is perfect for late afternoon weddings. It has a wide area facing the bay and the open ocean, ideal for viewing the sunset. It is a short walk to Lolha restaurant, where the reception takes place. Dinner starts with a cocktail reception and mariachi band is suggested.
Contact:
Hotel Akumal Caribe
P.O. Box 13326
El Paso, TX 79913
Phone: 1-915-584-3552 or 1-800-351-1622
reservations@hotelakumalcaribe.com
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H10 Punta Turquesa |
Affordable:
H10 Punta Turquesa & H10 Hacienda Maya – Two new hotels by the hotel chain H10 Hotels are situated next to the beach in Puerto Morelos, which has the second largest coral reef in the world. These two hotels stand out by offering especially affordable basic wedding packages, as well as a wide choice of packages for every budget, such as silver, golden and platinum wedding packages. The most extravagant one, the platinum package, treats the newly married couple with special attention and offers strawberries with chocolate, flowers and sparkling wine in the newlyweds’ room, as well as a special breakfast and late checkout. The platinum package costs $1,800.00, while the basic one is $525.00 at Punta Turquesa and $450.00 at Hacienda Maya.
Contact:
H10 Punta Turquesa & H10 Hacienda Maya
Phone: (888) 774-0040 or 305-774-0040
vacstore@bellsouth.net
Catalonia Playa Maroma & Catalonia Royal Tulum – Catalonia Playa Maroma is located on the beach of Punta Maroma surrounded by Yucatán jungle mangroves. Catalonia Royal Tulum is located by the beach in Xpu-Ha and surrounded by native jungle trees, mangroves and cenotes. The wedding ceremonies at both resorts are on the beach next to the lagoon and include a tent decorated with white tulle, table for the judge with white table cloth, chairs for the wedding party with white chair covers and bows, carpet, decorated walkway, 2-tier wedding cake, dinner reservation for the wedding party in one of the restaurants, surprise gift, free upgrade to an Oceanfront room with a king size bed, special towel decoration, morning after continental breakfast in the room, strawberries with chocolate & a bottle of sparkling champagne for the wedding night plus late check out on the departure day.
Contact:
Catalonia Playa Maroma & Catalonia Royal Tulum
Phone: (888) 774-0040 or 305-774-0040
vacstore@bellsouth.net
Nature Parks:
Xel-Ha – Xel-Ha is a water theme park in the Riviera Maya “created by Mayan gods” and its weddings packages offer some of the most romantic scenes in the Caribbean. The Mayan Ceremony includes a natural setting by the azure Caribbean sea, cocktails, dinner and couple’s massage.
Contact:
Xel-Ha
KM 240 CARR. CHETUMAL – PUERTO JUÁREZ
LOCALES 1 Y 2 MOD. B XEL-HA,
Q. ROO CP 77780
Phone: +52 (998) 883-3293
Xcaret – Nestled among the rainforests and upon the turquoise sea, Xcaret is a Mayan eco-park that offers non-traditional wedding ceremonies. Couples can get married in a St. Francis of Assisi Chapel; by natural, rocky ponds and a stone altar; in the middle of the jungle and other unusual locations. After-wedding reception can include performers, singers, actors and dancers, dinner at restaurants with a magnificent views offering traditional Mexican and other cuisines and after-dinner party with a DJ.
Contact:
Xcaret
Phone: (984) 871 5200, ext. 385
Spa:
Every couple deserves the best pampering to get ready for the most special day in their life. Here is one suggestion:
Renova Spa – This spa, located in various resorts throughout the Riviera Maya, such as Riu and Grand Paladium, offers packages for couples. The Wedding Ritual package includes Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, facial and bridal hairstyling test; the Big Day package offers make-up, manicure and pedicure and bridal hairstyling. Total Wedding Ritual & Big Day package costs $290.00.
Contact:
Renova Spa
Avenida Xaman-Ha, Mza. 25,
Fracc. 19, Plaza Playacar,
Playa del Carmen, Q. Roo, México
Phone: (984) 877-2150
info.mexico@renovaspa.com
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Celebracion event setup |
Wedding Planners and Coordinators:
Celebracion – Experts in coordinating a variety of events, ranging from corporate to social, wedding planners and coordinators at Celebracion are known for their attention to details whether the ceremony is simple or complex.
Contact:
Celebracion
Av. Acanceh Mz. 3, Lt. 3,
S.M. 15-A Plaza San Angel Inn,
Of. 21 Cancún, Q. Roo. C.P. 77500
Phone: (998) 898 16 27
larmengual@celebracioncancun.net
Micas de Mirals – This company focuses on wedding planning, and offer various packages, ranging from the basic Ixchel Package and including a Sky Diving Wedding package, designed for the brave couples who want to say “I do” after a breathtaking sky dive and landing directly where they are getting married.
Contact:
Micas de Mirals
Phone: +52 (044) 984 1193913
micasdemiralls@gmail.com
SunMex Weddings – SunMex weddings can plan, coordinate and organize a wedding at almost any beach or resort in the Riviera Maya that range from very affordable to ultra-luxurious.
Contact:
SunMex Weddings
611 S. Catalina St
Suite 222
Los Angeles CA 90005
Phone: (213) 984 4025
Caribbean Cancun Weddings – This all-American company is dedicated to organizing every detail of a Riviera Maya wedding.
Contact:
Caribbean Cancun Weddings
sharon@caribbean-cancunwedding.com
or sharonatccw@gmail.com
Ajua Weddings – Ajua Weddings offers the services of wedding planners and coordinators who are experts in Riviera Maya weddings. They plan small and extravagant weddings and accommodate all tastes and budgets.
Contact:
Ajua Weddings
Calle 4 entre 5 y 10 Avenidas
Col. Centro
Playa del Carmen, Q. Roo
C.P. 77710 México
Phone: 52 (984) 803-1118 or (512) 351-4557
coordinator@ajuaweddings.com
Photography and Videography:
Mayan Riviera Weddings – This professional company has decades of photography/videography/cinematography experience, and an award-winning staff.
Contact:
Mayan Riviera Weddings
Catering:
Turtle Bay Café and Bakery – Located in Akumal, this restaurant can provide everything for a wedding reception and dinner: tables, chairs, tiki torches, plates, flowers, cake, music and more.
Contact:
Turtle Bay Café and Bakery
Phone: +52-984-875-9138 or (949) 226-8082
bartley_smith@msn.com
Music:
Live: Alfonso de Malaga – Alfonso is a master Spanish guitarist/vocalist. He can also arrange duos, trios, mariachi and flamenco shows for your event.
Contact:
Alfonso de Malaga
alfonsoguitarra@yahoo.com
DJ: DJ Bob – With 10 years experience in entertainment industry, DJ Bob can satisfy anyone’s taste, as his music collection ranges from the 1940's to current hits.
Contact:
DJ Bob
732-812-4521
DJBob@WeddingDJRivieraMaya.com
General legal requirements for weddings in Mexico are:
Valid passports, birth certificates, blood test (done in Mexico). The couple is required to pay USD $350.00 for a marriage license and judge’s services, test and four witnesses. Most details can be provided by professional wedding coordinators. The cost of legal requirements starts at USD $200.00. You can find more information by visiting Applying for a Marriage License in Mexico.
Honeymoon Guide
Honeymoon in the Riviera Maya are as popular as wedding ceremonies, and usually the same hotels and resorts that offer wedding and vow renewal packages accommodate honeymooners. Here are some of the highlights:
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Pool View at the Tides |
Ultra-luxurious:
The Tides – Located in Playa del Carmen, The Tides knows how to pamper couples and offers honeymooners five nights and six days in a Luxury Riviera Maya Villa with a private pool, airport transfers, daily breakfast and fresh flowers upon arrival. The Poetic Honeymoon package includes a massage for the couple in a spa suite, Good Wish Mayan Ceremony and private candle-lit dinner in the villa with a bottle of Moet et Chandon champagne.
Contact:
The Tides
Riviera Maya Playa Xcalacoco Frac 7,
Quintana Roo 77710 Mexico
Phone: 1-800-578-0281 or +52-984-877-3000
butlerservice@tidesrivieramaya.com
In Nature:
Boca Paila Fishing Lodge – Boca Paila is located to the south of Tulum, inside Sian Ka`an Biosphere Reserve, and is a perfect place for honeymooners seeking contact with the nature at its purest. Tranquility, unspoiled nature, abundant fishing and simply “getting away from it all” are Boca Paila’s promises to couples. The Honeymoon package includes fruit basket, bottle of sparkling wine and a romantic candle-lit dinner at the lagoon.
Contact:
Boca Paila Fishing Lodge
+52-998-892-1200
info@bocapaila.com
Affordable:
Holiday Inn Express – Located in Playacar, Holiday Inn Express offers various affordable packages to honeymooning couples. The Romantic Escape package offers 3 nights accommodation in a suite-type room, rose petal decoration and a bottle of wine in room, a romantic lobster dinner for two on 5th Avenue, 2 days at a spa, breakfast daily and transportation to a private beach.
Contact:
Holiday Inn Express
LT SMZ 29 FRACC Playacar
Playa Del Carmen 77713 Mexico
Phone: +52-984-20-63434 or 1-888-465-4329
Easily accessible from many cities throughout the U.S., the eighty-one mile stretch known as the Riviera Maya is situated in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Beginning eleven miles south of Cancun International Airport in Puerto Morelos, the Riviera Maya extends to Tulum, one of the most important archeological sites in the Mayan World. The region features the tranquility of uncrowded beaches, a vast network of underground rivers, over 100 cenotes, the action of eco-adventure sports including kayaking, mountain biking, scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, bird watching and deep sea fishing, proximity to many of Mexico’s most significant Mayan archeological sites, the varied activities of the eco-archeological parks, plus golf courses, spas, shopping, gourmet dining and a range of accommodations to suit every lifestyle and budget. The Riviera Maya has been named a Top Destination in Mexico for four consecutive years by Travel Weekly (2004 through 2007), one of the hottest beach destinations by Orbitz in 2008 and was featured in the January 2006 issue of Travel + Leisure as “The Next Riviera.”
For more information on visit the Riviera Maya.
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