December 20, 2024
There are many reasons why Cancun/Riviera Maya is a top destination wedding spot in the world. With natural beauty, stunning beachfront venues and numerous all-inclusive resorts, the Cancun area has everything you could need to make your wedding day unforgettable. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, the Cancun and Riviera Maya area can meet your needs. Let’s explore why Cancun is the ultimate destination for your wedding.
Cancun Gives the Best Value for Your Money
Also known as Caribbean Mexico, the area has been in the wedding and vacation game for quite a long time. Compared to many other Caribbean locations, you can get 5-star luxury and service at a 3-to-4-star price. The level of service in Cancun is unmatched! The area is known for warm and welcoming hospitality. We also find that across resorts, the wedding departments truly love what they do and are dedicated to ensuring your experience —from the moment you arrive to the day you say, “I do”— is seamless and memorable. They enjoy bringing your vision to life and making it unique to you.
Best Resorts to Get Married in Cancun
Cancun offers a wide selection of all-inclusive resorts, wedding venues, luxurious amenities and stunning scenery. These resorts provide you and your guests multiple dining options at the resort, endless activities and wedding packages to fit your needs. Whether you prefer a beachfront ceremony, a scenic view from a Sky Terrace or an elegant indoor celebration, there are various options to suit your preferences and budget. Here are a few top picks:
- Secrets Playa Blanca: A newer resort in the area, this adults-only all-inclusive resort has a lot to offer you and your guests. Just 12 miles north of the airport, it offers a laid-back luxury style with a boho vibe. Set on a pristine white-sand beach, it is perfect for a beach ceremony or reception. If you prefer off-sand, there are gorgeous terraces and a rooftop to hold your events. With exceptional service and an amazing Weddings team, it is a fantastic choice for a memorable wedding in Cancun. The resort offers a range of value-packed wedding packages that include everything from floral arrangements to gourmet dining. They offer plenty of ways to customize things to make your wedding personal to your style.
- AVA Cancun: Another new resort, AVA Cancun is less than 10 minutes from the Cancun airport. This modern all-ages all-inclusive resort offers all ocean-front view rooms including multi-bedroom configurations for families. With over 1,700 rooms and towers for families and adults-only, it can fit nearly every size wedding gropu. The resort is packed with dining options, multiple bars, non-stop entertainment and shopping options. Beyond the innovative wave design of the building, the resort is one of the most sustainable resorts in the area. It operates fully on solar power, sharing excess with the Cancun community, has a 2+ acre Crystal Lagoon and they incorporated eco-friendly materials in the design like carpet made from items recycled from the ocean. If that’s not enough, they offer compelling wedding packages with all food and drink included. That frees up your budget to add customizations like fireworks, digital dance floors and more. Part of the AIC Hotel Group, they are well-versed in hosting South Asian weddings. With options for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies, AVA Cancun provides a versatile setting for your wedding.
- Le Blanc Cancun: Known for being one of the true 5-star resorts in the area, this award-winning resort is an adults-only all-inclusive haven conveniently in the Hotel Zone area. Offering a refined atmosphere, impeccable service and luxurious suites, it creates a luxe backdrop for your wedding that your guest will surely remember. Le Blanc offers picturesque venues such their white-sand beach, various terraces or indoor ballrooms. Their dedicated Wedding Team provides personalized service and customizations tailored to your needs. With as little as 30 paid room nights in your wedding group, you can have a free wedding for up to 20 guests. You can also earn free private events based on your group size.
- Hotel Xcaret & Hotel Xcaret Arte: For couples seeking a unique and culturally-rich experience, Hotel Xcaret and Hotel Xcaret Arte offer stunning natural settings combined with authentic Mexican heritage. Firmly grounded in the local culture and cuisine, these two resorts pack a huge, and memorable, punch. Hotel Xcaret welcomes guests of all ages while Hotel Xcaret Arte welcomes adults-only. All guests of both resorts enjoy access to all 9 of the Xcaret parks which offers incredible value for you and your guests with activities and excursions built-in. The resorts produce very memorable weddings at stunning locations including breathtaking beachside ceremonies, lush garden venues and unqiue options at Xcaret Parks such as the cenote Chapel of Guadelupe (which is also recognized by the Catholic Church). Even more unique is the resort’s spiral chapel overlooking the sea. This resort team is also well-versed in hosting South Asian wedding groups. The wedding packages at Xcaret include a variety of options to suit different tastes and budgets, all while celebrating the beauty and culture of the region.
How Much is a Destination Wedding in Cancun?
The cost of a destination wedding in Cancun can vary widely based on the venue, package, and number of guests. While several resorts offer complimentary wedding packages, on average, you can expect to spend between $5,000 for an elopement-style wedding to $25,000 for a larger celebration with over 50 guests. All-inclusive wedding packages can help manage costs by bundling services like the ceremony, reception, and accommodations, often with additional perks such as spa treatments, private dinners, and honeymoon suites.
How to Get Married in Cancun
Couples can have a legal or symbolic wedding in Cancun. Having a legal wedding ceremony in Cancun involves a few more steps so make sure to allow yourselves plenty of time to complete the required documentation.
- Legal Requirements: You’ll need valid passports, birth certificates, and possibly a blood test. Some resorts offer assistance with legal paperwork to make the process smoother for couples.
- Symbolic vs. Legal Ceremony: Many couples opt for a symbolic ceremony and get legally married at home beforehand. This simplifies the process and allows couples to focus on the celebration in Cancun without dealing with legal formalities.
Best Time to Get Married in Cancun
With year-round great weather, the destination is flexible. Summer time can be hot and there may be seasonal showers similar to what we experience in the US. The dry season runs from November to mid-May offering pleasant weather, fewer chances of rain and comfortable temperatures—perfect for outdoor ceremonies. If you’re willing to take a slight risk with the weather to save on costs, the rainy season from June to November can also provide great value.
How Safe is Cancun?
Despite what you may hear in the media, Cancun remains one of the safest places in Mexico to vacation, especially when staying at resort properties or taking tours arranged by legitimate companies. The local economy is driven by tourism, and there is a strong focus on safety and protection for visitors. Just like in any major city, it’s important to be smart, take precautions, and stay in popular tourist areas to ensure a safe experience for you and your guests.
Conclusion
Cancun is more than just a wedding destination; it’s a place where your wedding dreams come true. With its stunning venues, all-inclusive packages, and exceptional service, Cancun offers everything you need for a perfect wedding. As you begin your new life together, let the memories of your Cancun wedding be a reminder of the love and happiness you share. Here’s to a lifetime of joy, starting with your dream wedding in Cancun.
While Cancun offers an excellent location for a destination wedding, there are still many elements and logistics involved in planning a destination wedding. If you would some help considering your options and planning your destination wedding, schedule a free 30-minute destination wedding planning session. I’d love to talk more about your special day!
