The Yucatán Peninsula

Few wedding destinations can dazzle you with ancient Maya ruins, bright blue waters, and colonial cities all in one fell swoop. Actually, there's only one – Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Whether you’re after history, culture, adrenaline-filled activities, beaches, or watersports, the Yucatán Peninsula has something for everyone. The only thing you have to decide is where to start your adventure.

Cancun

On the easternmost coast of Mexico sits the city of Cancun - a popular paradise best known for its soft coral sands, near-perfect beach weather, and vibrant nightlife along the waterfront strip. In the 90s, Cancun gained a reputation as a top-of-the-line spring break destination for college students; a sure-fire turn-off for older travelers seeking a more elevated experience. However, despite its notoriety, there is way more to Cancun than meets the eye; pay a visit outside of spring break's party season and you'll uncover a completely contrasting side to this resort mecca where a calmer, more diverse escape awaits sun worshippers, culture seekers, and food enthusiasts. 

Photo Credit: Kiyoshi 

Home to incredible ancient ruins, authentic cuisine, and top-notch wedding resorts, it's no surprise why couples travel from near and far to tie the knot in this Yucatán hot spot, the second most popular wedding destination abroad in 2021. Perfect for any happy-go-lucky lovebirds, Cancun supplies plenty of fun-filled cultural opportunities for you and your guests to enjoy while in town. The pre-Columbian roots of Cancun run deep; with traces of the ancient Mayan civilization that once called this beautiful region home still remaining today. Year after year Cancun attracts jet setters looking to trek through the archaeological ruins; so if you have any history-loving guests in attendance, make sure to plan excursions to sites like Chichen Itza, one of the largest Mayan cities dominated by a pyramid-shaped temple. 

Photo Credit: Tudor Adrian 

Accompanying its storied past, Cancun is home to otherworldy geographical features that can not be found anywhere else in the world, such as cenotes, or natural pits that expose fresh groundwater. Anciently, the cenotes were sacred to the Mayans, who considered them to be passageways to the underworld. Today, you and your guests can explore these ethereal cave formations and even swim, snorkel, or scuba dive in the refreshing water. For a truly unforgettable experience unique to the Yucatán Peninsula, consider booking a cenote wedding ceremony or even just a photoshoot for irreplaceable memories sure to add some personality to your wedding album. 

Photo Credit: Jared Rice

Venues & Accommodations in Cancun

Marriott Cancun Resort

Set in paradise, the Marriott Cancun Resort features views of sparkling waters and white talcum sand beaches. They offer couples impeccable service, elegance, and signature items that are customized to fit your exact wedding needs. Couples looking for a more traditional way to say “I do” can even do so in the venue’s on-site Catholic chapel! One of the more popular choices, the seaside altar is exclusive to this resort and offers a private setting to exchange your vows. Other outdoor options include the gazebo, pool bar, and seaside garden.

JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa

With striking turquoise waters and white, powdery sand beaches, this hotel is the perfect setting for your fairy-tale beach wedding. The JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa boasts a timeless luxury combined with upscale amenities to provide you and your guests with a relaxing, tropical getaway. 

The Ritz-Carlton Cancun

Be inspired as your walk down the aisle at the Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, with an unparalleled beachfront setting, combining the naturally romantic experience of Cancun’s breathtaking white sandy beaches accompanied by sumptuous culinary creations, impeccable service, and luxurious amenities. Couples can host every part of their unforgettable occasion at our resort with an entire selection of indoor and outdoor spaces, including an elegant Grand Ballroom, an enchanting hacienda fountain courtyard, or an oceanfront oasis in the Caribbean Sea. Comprehensive wedding services include a dedicated wedding planner, catering, custom cakes, floral design, music, and entertainment. 

Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina

Turn dreams into reality in the elegant new wedding and reception venues at the Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina! Personalize your wedding reception with custom catering options from the skilled culinary team and inspire your guests on the breathtaking terrace with striking views of the bay.

Puerto Morelos

One of the best-kept secrets of the Yucatán, the peaceful village of Puerto Morelos is the antidote to many extravagant holiday destinations nearby. Just twenty minutes south of Cancun's airport and thirty minutes north of Playa del Carmen, this charming coastal retreat is ideal for couples who want their special day to feel intimate and off the grid, while still being within driving distance of a big city.

Venues & Accommodations in Puerto Morelos

The Fives Oceanfront Hotel

Inspired by a perfect romance and relaxing getaway, The Fives Oceanfront Hotel invites you to disconnect with captivating outdoor venues, including a white sand beach, a rooftop oceanfront deck, and breathtaking sunsets. Edging the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, The Fives Oceanfront is designed for romance and relaxation.

Tulum

There's Mexico - and then there's Tulum, a bohemian utopia abundant in hotels designed to the nines, serene spiritual sites, and a culinary scene that exquisitely executes both ambiance and flavor. Roughly a two-hour drive from the mega-resorts in Cancun, Tulum is a great choice if you'd like your wedding to be held somewhere less Americanized. A place where you can expect to spot tourists running into the ocean, zipping around on scooters, and swaying to the music at an open-air gathering, the former fishing village tends to lure a laid-back crowd of beach lovers, tree huggers, and sun seekers to its casita-dotted shores.

Photo Credit:  Rafael Cisneros Méndez

Characterized by a dreamy mix of historical ruins, authentic cultural experiences, and an all-around beachy vibe, destination weddings in Tulum are the perfect pick for couples who appreciate the finer things in life. This sentiment rings especially true for twosomes who want to make their wedding weekend a true vacation for their guests; the location of this coastline town on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula brings forth plenty of options in the surrounding area making it easy to fill up your wedding weekend with fun-filled excursions your guests will love. 

Photo Credit: Darren Lawrence

Buzzing blissfully in the background of busy beach clubs and camera-ready influencers, Tulum's spiritual scene is unrivaled. If you are someone who wants to incorporate spirituality into your ceremony Tulum is the place for you, offering yoga classes, meditation practices sacred native ceremonies, and many more mind-expanding happenings. If that's not your thing don't worry, surrounding the town you'll find a dense, cenote-filled jungle, and stunning nature reserves that bring ample opportunities for dolphin-spotting, cliff jumping, and ATVing. 

Photo Credit: The Free Birds

Venues & Accommodations in Tulum

With a wide selection of state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge amenities, the urban-inspired Aloft Tulum provides a trendy home base in Tulum that both you and your guests are sure to adore. Dream weddings don’t just happen, they’re planned which is why Aloft has a team of Marriott Certified Wedding Planners trained to coordinate weddings of all types. They can help you determine an overall vision for your wedding including setting an event budget, deciding on a menu, arranging table settings, and finding the perfect florists, photographers, and entertainment for the big day. 

Playa del Carmen

Often regarded as Cancun's little sister, the coastal town of Playa del Carmen is small in size but big in personality; beloved by tourists, expats, and locals alike. Dreaming of a destination wedding where the sun shines year-round? With miles of unspoiled beachfront boasting sky-high palm trees and lapped by crystal clear waters that glimmer under the Caribbean sun, Playa del Carmen is the perfect place to say I do.

Photo Credit: Sergio Sala

Found along the eastern shoreline of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Playa del Carmen is far less chaotic than nearby Cancun with many traveling there in the name of relaxation. You can book a massage, go snorkeling, or even plan a group yoga glass on the beach - whatever you plan for your wedding weekend, it's sure to be tranquilo.

The destinations that can deliver the same combination of cultural immersion, positive energy, and a vast array of wedding planning options as Playa del Carmen can are far and few between. Maybe you'd like an intimate, rustic-chic beach affair with minimal guests. Or perhaps your style leans more towards a glamorous gala decked out with chandeliers and champagne overlooking the ocean. For a one-of-a-kind experience, you could be wed in a traditional Mayan ceremony or walk down the aisle in a Colonial-style church or beside a cenote in the jungle. With so many options, you have full control over how modest or extravagant your special day will be - the sky's the limit!

Photo Credit: Braden Collum

Venues & Accommodations in Playa del Carmen:

Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen

The sunkissed beachfront of Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen is ideal for a romantic ceremony. Whether you envision an intimate ceremony just for two or a lavish affair for all your loved ones, our professional wedding specialists are on-site to guide you from the day you book until the day you say “I do.” Pink sunsets and cool ocean breezes make this adults-only paradise the perfect destination for weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries, and vow renewals alike.

The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences

Celebrate love with breathtaking views, luxurious amenities, and impeccable services at The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences. This chic and modern venue sets the scene for your dream destination wedding, while the hotel’s expert planning services make your vision a reality. Whether it's an afternoon cocktail hour or a formal sit-down affair, The Fives Downtown can flawlessly plan all of your wedding and pre/post-wedding events to ensure perfection for your special day.

Hilton Playa Del Carmen 

There is nothing quite like a Hilton Playa Del Carmen Wedding, surrounded by sparkling ocean vistas and all-inclusive luxury exclusively for adults. With the help of professional wedding specialists, you can customize your celebration package and tailor every detail to your personal preferences to ensure an unforgettable experience for you, your family, and your closest friends.

Rosewood Mayakoba

Located on the crystalline waters of the Mexican Caribbean, Rosewood Mayakoba inspires romance and evokes joy. The resort features myriad settings for a one-of-a-kind romantic experience including wedding ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, bridal luncheons, and receptions of every size and style. With venues ranging from white-sand beaches and tropical gardens to elegant ballrooms and lagoon-view terraces, all of the spaces are designed to give life to your perfect wedding day.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Surrounded by amazing nature, majestic views, and the incomparable turquoise backdrop of the Mexican Caribbean, Banyan Tree Mayakoba is the perfect place to start a happily ever after. The well-balanced blend of nature and luxury creates a harmonious environment that promises to build breathtaking memories and of course a celebration to remember. 

The Residence Inn by Marriott Playa del Carmen

With spacious accommodations for out-of-town guests and venues ideal for smaller groups, the Residence Inn by Marriott Playa del Carmen is a great choice. Their 149 stylish fully furnished studios feature fully equipped kitchens along with flexible space to work and live comfortably. For the pair who wants to travel as they live - choose the Residence Inn.

Cozumel

Just off the coast of Playa del Carmen, you will find the small island of Cozumel. Home to the world's second-largest man-made coral reef, Cozumel offers pristine beaches, abundant coral reefs, and world-famous scuba and snorkeling spots at your fingertips; a haven for any water-loving members of your wedding party. While you may recognize this coastal town as a popular cruise ship port and a beloved spot of seasoned scuba divers, it’s also a romantic place to walk down the aisle. A destination wedding in Cozumel offers remarkable access to a wide range of experiences both in the water and on land, with the small size of the island granting duos and their guests the opportunity to explore the region before and after the “I do’s”. 

Photo Credit: Elesban Landero

More than just a port town, Downtown Cozumel offers an authentic Mexican feel with shops, restaurants, and the only pearl farm in the Caribbean. If you’re looking for more of an escape, Passion Island is a romantic and intimate white sand beach removed from the crowds. On top of that, because this region is less developed than the tourist hubs that make up nearby Riviera Maya, lovebirds on a budget are sure to appreciate the lower price tag with the same ocean views. 

Venues & Accommodations in Cozumel

Presidente Intercontinental Cozumel

Nestled along the glittering coast of Cozumel, Mexico, Presidente Intercontinental Cozumel is a luxurious wedding venue ideal for destination celebrations. This first-class resort is specially designed with exquisite details to provide a lavish environment for a momentous occasion. Up to 200 guests can join you on the sandy beach as you say "I do," where you can have a Mayan, underwater, or traditional ceremony. After, you can head to the palapas for your cocktail hour or a memorable evening reception under the stars.

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