Are you dreaming of a destination wedding on the Yucatán Peninsula? Believe it or not, you have more options than just Cancún! While it’s a great destination that is a perfect fit for some couples, it isn’t for everyone.
As a destination wedding travel specialist, many clients express interest in tying the knot in Mexico but not Cancún. However, there is so much more to the Yucatán Peninsula than the Cancún area. Today, I’m here to break down the three main areas of the Yucatán Peninsula and what kinds of travelers they’re best suited for. I hope you discover the perfect destination for your wedding in Quintana Roo, Mexico!
How to Get to the Yucatán Peninsula
First thing’s first: if you’re tying the knot on the Yucatán Peninsula, you need to know how to get there! There are three major airports serving the area. These include the Cancún International Airport (CUN), the Cozumel International Airport (CZL), and the newest option, the Tulum International Airport (TQO). However, keep in mind that the Tulum airport is still about a 90-minute drive from the actual destination of Tulum.
Now, let’s break down your three main options for a destination wedding on the Yucatán Peninsula: Cancún, Costa Mujeres, and Riviera Maya!
Cancún
Cancún covers a large area, but for our purposes, we’ll be discussing the Cancún hotel zone (a.k.a. the Yucatán Peninsula’s best-known destination!).
The Cancún hotel zone is close to the airport—only a ten or 20-minute drive, traffic depending. It’s full of high-rise hotels boasting gorgeous waterfront views of the unbelievable turquoise ocean! However, due to strong currents and large waves, the water isn’t always swimmable if taking an ocean dip is a top priority for your trip.
Because it’s a convenient destination, Cancún tends to be more busy and crowded than other locations on the Yucatán Peninsula. Tourists flock to the shops, restaurants, and nightlife in the heart of the hotel zone from near and far. While this is a draw for some couples, it’s a downside for others who envision an intimate destination wedding. It’s all dependent upon the kind of trip you want to have! As a travel specialist, I recommend Cancún for short-term getaways of three or four nights—you can always stay longer, but the crowds and noise may get tiresome.
Costa Mujeres
Costa Mujeres is north of Cancún, about a 40-minute drive from the airport. It features white sand beaches and a desert-like feel with cacti and palm trees. While some couples fall in love with the area’s natural beauty, others are disappointed that there aren’t any lush jungles (again, it all depends on your expectations for your destination wedding!).
Compared with Cancún, the resorts in this destination are bigger and more spread out, many within the gated community of Playa Mujeres. While you could stay put at any of them and have a relaxing, romantic getaway, active couples should note that there aren’t many activities in the area, except for taking the ferry to Isla Mujeres. However, the ocean is calm and swimmable.
This feature, combined with Costa Mujeres’ removal from the “adults-only” culture of Cancún, makes it the best destination on the Yucatán Peninsula for families with small children.
Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya region lies in the South of Cancún, about a 30-90 minute drive from the airport, contingent on traffic conditions. Full of jungles of beautiful mangrove trees, it’s perfect for couples who want their destination wedding to have that lush, tropical feel. It’s also a massive area, stretching 30 miles from Cancún to Tulum! Accordingly, resorts and amenities are more spread out.
The beaches are hit or miss in Riviera Maya, with the best being Maroma Beach. However, there are many more activities to fill your time, making Riviera Maya the top destination on the Yucatán Peninsula for extended stays! You can easily access a variety of towns, including the more mainstream destinations of Playa del Carmen and Tulum and small fishing villages off the beaten track like Puerto Morales and Akumal. Take the ferry to Cozumel, visit a themed park, or explore a natural sinkhole (a.k.a. cenote)—the options are endless!
Book Your Destination Wedding on the Yucatán Peninsula with Bridie Travel
Overall, the Yucatán Peninsula is a perfect destination for every kind of traveler and length of stay. If you’re a pool lover jetting to Mexico for a short getaway and want to see beautiful ocean water, head to Cancún. If you envision staying at a luxurious resort surrounded by calm and beautiful family-friendly beaches, head to Costa Mujeres. And, if you want an extended stay at a unique resort surrounded by the lush Mexican jungle, your best fit is Riviera Maya!
No matter where you go on the Yucatán Peninsula (or the destination of your choice!), Bridie Travel is here to facilitate the destination wedding of your dreams. We’ll help you find the perfect resort to tie the knot surrounded by your family and friends. Then, we’ll walk you through booking transportation and accommodations for everyone—so you can continue enjoying your engagement stress-free! Ready to get started? Contact us today to share your vision for the romantic getaway of a lifetime.
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