There’s a wedding venue for everyone in Riviera Maya

When it comes to Riviera Maya wedding venues, the first thing most people think of is the beach. While the majority of the time the couples do get married on the beach, there are so many amazing venues not on the beach. This is common throughout Mexico & the Caribbean.

Honestly, I am finding that most of the couples I work with do not want to get married on the beach. There are so many amazing venues without sand with those ocean views. Here are a few, but of course, I included one on the beach because you may change your mind once you see it! 😉

Here is a line up of some of my favorite wedding venues I have personally seen throughout Riviera Maya…

chapel

Chapel @ Hotel Xcaret

If you or your family is traditional and would prefer a Catholic ceremony without sacrificing those ocean views, then this is the place for you! There are plenty of chapels on and off resort properties that perform Catholic ceremonies, but this is my all time favorite one I have seen so far. The chapel is located on the top of the pyramid at Hotel Xcaret. Just look at those views! Imagine your wedding photos from the top of the pyramid – to die for!!

There is an elevator in case you are wondering! Just below the chapel is an indoor reception venue with the same dramatic ocean views so you and your guests won’t have to go far.

Capacity: Up to 350 guests.

The CeibA garden

Garden Gala Set-up @ Secrets Akumal 

I’ve seen so many lush gardens filled with tropical flowers and gorgeous foliage making it an absolutely stunning area to have a ceremony or reception. Picture string lights, tables, music playing with your family and friends toasting you and your new spouse. These pristine gardens make the perfect setting for evening pictures. 

I especially loved the garden at Secrets Akumal. It’s in the center of the resort, which is semi-private away from the guest rooms.  Secrets Akumal is an adult only resort (guests must be 18+ years old) to stay or visit the property.  Akumal is as close as you’ll get  to Tulum for an all-inclusive resort, but it’s a short drive to the beach town and ruins!

Capacity: Up to 80 guests for ceremony, cocktail hour and reception.

beach

Beach @ Unico 20.87. 

Of course, the infamous beach ceremony, it never gets old. Toes in the sand while exchanging vows with the ocean waves crashing in the background. All of the beaches in Mexico are public, but Unico 20.87., like most resorts, have specific areas they use for ceremonies to avoid any disruptions and random people wandering aimlessly in front of your wedding.

This particular beach set up is included in the least expensive wedding package – the Riviera Maya Experience, which starts at $5,800.

Unico 20.87 includes a complimentary ceremony beach set-up too if you guarantee a certain amount of guests or stay a specific length of time, if you’re on a tighter budget.

Capacity: can comfortably seat up to 150 guests for a ceremony or dinner reception and 150 guests for a cocktail hour.

Starlight Terrace

Starlight  Terrace @ Hard Rock Riviera Maya

Hard Rock Riviera Maya is a massive resort with 20+ wedding locations. They offer a variety of wedding venues to choose from – a sky terrace, private suites, beach, palapas and so many terraces throughout the resort.

This is the Starlight Terrace on the Heaven side of the resort. Heaven is for adults only (18+ years old). It’s at the far end of the resort with the most privacy. There are rooms overlooking the terrace, but they are further away and know one will even notice if anyone is even watching!

There is a little bit of sand on this terrace, but it’s more concrete than anything else. The rock wall in the background creates some dramatic wave imagery for your wedding photos. It truly is such a beautiful location giving you more of a dramatic scene.

Right next to the ceremony location is the terrace for the cocktail hour and dinner reception. Making it easy for your guests to navigate. The views all night are so gorgeous. Definitely add this to your list to check out!

Capacity: Can accommodate 230 – 350 guests depending on the set up

Ocean View Gazebo

Ocean View Gazebo (aka Love Nest) @ Royalton Riviera Cancun

How about a modern gazebo for your destination wedding ceremony? This is the perfect spot for a more modern wedding. This resort screams modern from the moment you enter the lobby. It’s an open air lobby with railings, doors and windows everywhere. The rooms are all very modern with a luxury touch. 

You still have those ocean views and a bit more privacy in this gazebo since it’s more enclosed than most I have seen. Plus, it’s shaded to keep you and your guests cool.

Capacity: This gazebo seats 80 guests 

Like what you see?

There are so many more amazing venues throughout Riviera Maya at different price points to accommodate everyone. If you want to see more options feel free to contact me and I can help you find the right resort/wedding venues for you!

 Meet Megan

I am a destination wedding expert always on the hunt for the newest and hottest destination wedding locations all over Mexico & the Caribbean. Being able to visit these wedding venues in person helps me find the right venue for each of my wedding couples. 

I give each of my couples the best destination wedding planning experience as possible. After searching Google for hours on end, and you still aren’t sure where to get hitched, then look no further. 

Schedule a free 30 minute destination wedding design session with me now.