There’s no doubt that the phrase “destination wedding” conjures the coupling of “sparkling sands” and “turquoise waters.” And Riviera Maya, the seemingly endless stretch of Mexican Caribbean coastline just south of Cancun, glitters with those desired natural attributes, as well an endless selection of fabulous resorts that are perfect for hosting a sunny celebration.
No matter your preference you can have a happily-ever-after experience in this region of Mexico. Here, some of our fiesta favorites.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Photo courtesy of Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Situated in the secluded, mangrove-laced Mayakoba luxury resort development, this luxe hotel seamlessly blends haute Asian hospitality and design with a local Mexican flair. The rambling tropical property features 107 sleek villas, each with private pools and handcrafted indigenous furnishings. You can choose from legal, symbolic and Mayan ceremony options, the latter of which is conducted by a shaman, and a host of on-site ceremony and reception spots as well. Favorites include the resort’s private white-sand strand, which can accommodate up to 200 people, and the mystical Maya Pan Garden, a romantic enclave tucked away in a corner of the picturesque property. Follow with a reception in the softly illuminated, beachfront Sands Restaurant, where you can dine under the stars while listening to the sound of gently lapping waves (the Sanctuary of Love wedding package starts at $285 per person and includes a non-denominational ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner and a wedding cake; banyantree.com).
Photo courtesy of Banyan Tree Mayakoba
The Royal Suites Yucatan by Palladium
Check into the exclusive adults-only Royal Suites Yucatan by Palladium, one of five resorts in the meandering Palladium complex in Riviera Maya, and you’ll have a choice of five different, and customizable, Simply Chic nuptials packages created by celebrity wedding stylist Karen Bussen. We love the Pure Paradise option, which features elegant flowers and whimsical paper lanterns. Another favorite is the tropical Promise package with sunset-inspired ceremony decor. All include a dedicated wedding coordinator, a specialty toast cocktail and your choice of venue. Highlights include a beachside gazebo, a picturesque, open-air Catholic chapel, a natural saltwater pool area and, of course, the brilliant white sand Caribbean beach (Karen Bussen Simply Stunning wedding packages start at $1,700 for a party of up to eight people, and include ceremony decor, bouquet and boutonniere, a sparkling toast and wedding cake; palladiumhotelgroup.com).
Photo courtesy of Palladium Hotel Group
Esencia Estate
The former vacation home of an Italian duchess, this property houses just 29 elegant rooms, suites and guest cottages scattered across 50 acres set on stunning Xpu-ha Beach. And with a beach this beautiful, you can’t pass up on toes-in-the-sand nuptials. Afterward bring the party up to the sophisticated, palapa-topped Sal y Fuego (meaning salt and fire) inside the restaurant, which overlooks the gardens of the main house and an illuminated cenote (natural limestone sinkhole) grotto.
Photo courtesy of Esencia Estate
Here your guests can savor the culinary stylings of Chef Noe Bernardo, who uses the freshest of seafood and local ingredients in his innovative Meso-American menu. Menu favorites include ancho and coffee-rubbed beef tenderloin with wild mushroom sauce and red snapper wrapped in hoja santa (a savory herb) with rustic tomato salsa. Since the estate is small, go for a full buyout to ensure an ultra-private affair — and don’t be afraid to invite the kids as the property offers multilingual nannies on request (weddings packages start at $2,380 and include officiant, bouquet and boutonniere, romantic dinner with champagne and a couple’s massage; hotelesencia.com).
Photo courtesy of Esencia Estate
Legally Wedded: Most resorts can assist with paperwork to marry in Mexico and inform you of the rules in specific areas, since marriage requirements vary by city. All couples must be 18 or older and not currently married. You’ll also need to present a valid passport, tourist card (typically issued upon arrival at the airport), birth certificate, blood test results (done in Mexico), completed marriage application forms from a local registry and four witnesses. All foreign documents, with the exception of your passport, will need to be translated, apostilized and notarized. The bride and groom, plus their witnesses, will also need to arrive in Mexico four business days before the wedding day to complete legal formalities.
