Mexico is a very popular location for destination weddings, especially the Cancun and Riviera Maya areas, but there are some important things you should consider when finding the perfect resort for your special day.
We’ve made it easy to compare destination wedding resorts in both Cancun and Riviera Maya to make the right decision for you!
Many couples start looking at Cancun and end up choosing Riviera Maya instead for a variety of reasons.
They aren’t very far apart – both are in the Yucatan peninsula – yet are quite different and each offers unique experiences.
While Cancun is nearest to the airport for extra-convenient travel, it is also the more urban of the 2 locations, with high-rise resorts and a party-like atmosphere with dozens of nightclubs and attractions.
Riviera Maya, on the other hand, is in a more natural setting, with expansive beaches and lush jungles, featuring low-rise, luxury resorts and a low-key, laid-back atmosphere.
The expert destination wedding travel agents at Sunset Travel & Cruise in Chicago have compiled this comparison to help you plan the day that dreams are made of!
And of course, we can coordinate and book travel for your entire guest list to make everything extra easy. Contact us with questions and let us help make your special day easy and care-free!
We even have Spanish-speaking agents to help make any language barrier non-existent.
“Sunset Travel & Cruise helped us plan our destination wedding along with several trips throughout the years! We could not be happier with all the trips they have planned for us and how they helped make our wedding day special!” – Anne M.
Cancun, Mexico hosts thousands of destination weddings each year for excellent reasons – it’s easy to access, with a variety of all-inclusive resorts in an area surrounded by busy beaches, fun activities and a party-like atmosphere.
Cancun is very close to the area’s airport and is easy to get to any time of the year. The drive from the airport to your resort will be quick, which makes travel simpler for all of your guests. And after a long flight, that’s great reason to book your destination wedding in Cancun. You’ll have enough on your plate, and may not want to deal with extra travel time.
The all-inclusive resorts in the Cancun area that specialize in destination weddings offer an assortment of adults-only and family-friendly options, typically in a lower-to-mid price range. Whether you want to invite the whole family, or make it a more intimate affair, Cancun has something for everyone. Spend time playing in the pool or on the beach, join in some activities or guided tours – the resorts in Cancun deliver the fun!
And speaking of entertainment, Cancun likes to party! The thriving nightlife puts 24/7 entertainment close by, no matter where you stay. Dance the night away at a nightclub, go on a pub crawl with your pals or just play on the beach all day.
Tourists flock to Cancun for all the fun to be had! There will typically be larger crowds any time of the year, with all kinds of people looking to make the most of their time in an urban paradise.
When considering resorts in Cancun, there are a few that stand out to our seasoned travel agents. These resorts offer great amenities, amazing staff, and the best options for creating the destination wedding of your dreams!
We have insider specials on wedding packages that will give you everything you want without breaking the bank. Contact us for details.
Keep in mind that these are popular resorts and you’ll likely be competing with other couples of the best ceremony locations, reception halls and more. Be sure to understand your options and book early to get the prime spots.
Dreams Vista, Cancun
Wedding Packages Range from Free to $11,999
Entry-level wedding package becomes complimentary when booking at least 7 nights in the Dreams Vista Deluxe Ocean View or when a combination of 5 rooms is booked for 3 nights each several tiers of packages. 2022 Pricing Information
Wedding Resources
Dreams Vista offers an option to book as a Family Connecting suite in 185 rooms. They offer an onsite wedding coordinator, gift registry, and free checklist to be sure you have everything covered for your big day.
Venues
Choose from 7 different venues inside the resort: Ocean deck palapa, Grand Vista ocean view terrace, Ocean View terrace, Beach, Preferred Club deck, Rooftop infinity pool or Grand Vista ballroom.
Perks
Dreams Vista offers a huge variety of perks to destination wedding couples and guests, including Symbolic ceremony, wedding coordinator, bouquet and boutonniere, wedding cake and sparkling wine for up to 10 guests, special turn-down service for couple, discount on spa treatments, fresh fruit and bottle of sparkling wine in room on arrival, breakfast in bed for the couple, as well as late checkout for couple (based on availability).
Resort Type
Dreams Vista is a new, medium-size, mid-range, all-inclusive, family-friendly resort in an exclusive gated community in Cancun. It has a contemporary style and a spa on the grounds.
Dining
It features 17 options for food and drinks on site, including The World Café, Blue Water Grill, La Plaza, La Terraza, Mi Lucrecia, Portofino, Himitsu, Coco Café, The Chef’s Table, The Wine Cellar, Barracuda, Rendezvous, Desires, Sugar Reef, Veranda, Bar 360 and the Preferred Club Bar.
Hyatt Ziva Turquoise, Cancun
Wedding Packages Range from Free to $10,426
The base package is $1,289 and includes 10 guests but is complimentary if your party books 25 room nights in qualifying room categories. They have the expertise to handle Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Islamic, Asian, non-denominational and LGBT ceremonies, and specialize in all-inclusive experiences that put a premium on value and convenience.
Wedding Resources
On-site wedding specialists to help you with every aspect of your stay.
Venues
Choose from 9 wedding venues inside the Hyatt Ziva, including a cliffside gazebo, lighthouse gazebo, Sahara beach, sky terrace, spa lawn, Punta vista terrace, elements ballroom, French restaurant or bridal suite.
Perks
Couples and their guests get all kinds of perks! Start with a “Big Day Preview”, which includes a two-night stay for only $600 for two guests, plus a $600 credit when you book your wedding there.
Couples get a complimentary wedding night with a minimum 7-night stay in qualifying categories (Club or Turquoize Tower), all-inclusive luxury, expert wedding specialists and custom options. All packages include Symbolic ceremony, beachfront couples massage, romantic beachfront dinner for the couple, a bouquet and boutonniere, suite decoration with flower petals, complimentary wine and late checkout. They also offer an online bridal registry, sparkling wine toast, signature wedding cake, decorated ceremony venue, aisle runner, ceremony table, white chairs and a sound system for the ceremony.
Resort Type
Hyatt Ziva Turquoise is an adult-only section of the large Hyatt Ziva Resort with contemporary Caribbean décor. It is a luxury resort that features an on-site spa.
Dining
They have 17 dining options inside the resort, including La Bastille, El Mercado, The Moongate, Tradewinds, Lorenzo’s, Habaneros, Chevy’s, Pasteles, Casa del Café, Saasil Bar, Juana Margarita, Tres CerveZa’s, Punta Vista, Dips & Sips, Bar del Mar, Chef’s Table and even Premium Private Dining.
Hyatt Zilara, Cancun
Wedding Packages Range from Free to $10,426
Whether you’re eloping or have up to 150 guests, the base price for a wedding at the Hyatt Zilara in Cancun is $1,289, but free when booking a minimum of 25 room nights in qualifying categories.
Wedding Resources
On-site wedding specialists to help you with every aspect of your stay and a Big Day Preview for 2 guests for a 2 night stay for only $500.
Venues
Choose from 5 wedding venues inside the Hyatt Zilara, including the Zilara Ballroom, Laguna Ballroom, Laguna Terrace, Beach or Gazebo Terrace.
Perks
All inclusive, customizable packages are offered, and most include a sparkling wine toast, a bouquet and boutonniere, wedding cake, decorated venue , décor for the ceremony, including an aisle runner, table and chairs, plus a sound system for ceremony and a beachfront massage for the couple.
Resort Type
Hyatt Zilara is a medium-size, luxury resort that caters to adults-only. It is decorated in a hacienda-style and offers colonial-style rooms with whirlpool tubs and large balconies.
Dining
12 dining options inside the resort, including custom wedding catering, Asiana, Puna Vista Restaurant & Bar, Maria Marie, Chef’s Plate, Cantina La Adelita, Spice, Casa del Café, Tequileria Beach Bar, Time Out, Lobby Bar and Premium Private Dining.
Now Sapphire, Cancun
Wedding Packages Range from Free to $11,999
Whether you’re having a Symbolic ceremony or need an official judge or minister for the ceremony, Now Sapphire provides various packages to accommodate any wedding, even if you’re eloping!
Wedding Resources
On-site wedding specialists to help you with every aspect of your stay.
Venues
Choose from 9 wedding venues at Now Sapphire, including the Beach, Beach Terrace, Wedding Gazebo, Pool Gazebo, Catholic Chapel, Tequila Terrace, Ballroom, Poolside, Vista del Mar Pergola
Perks
Now Sapphire offers complimentary wedding packages, discounts, and room comps based on meeting minimum room/guest requirements. Most wedding packages even include ironing and preparation of the couple’s wedding day attire and a complimentary bouquet and boutonniere.
Resort Type
Now Sapphire is an upper mid-level, medium-size resort that is family friendly. It has fresh, modern décor and an on-site spa.
Dining
7 dining options inside the resort, including Mediterranean, Snack bar, Mexican, International buffet, French, Asian and a Bar & Grill.
For all the amazing fun Cancun offers for destination weddings, many people reconsider the location when they learn about Riviera Maya.
In complete contrast to Cancun’s bustling life, Riviera Maya offers something different – a more laid-back, luxurious, natural setting that many couples find more attractive.
The destination wedding resorts in the Riviera Maya region include a variety of family-friendly and adults-only options that tend to offer a more luxurious, upscale feel. The resorts are low-rise, with only a few floors and expansive grounds with gardens, pools, and activities on site. Here, you’ll find more swim-up suites, high-end spas, pool-side amenities and so much more to make you feel like a king and queen.
And speaking of gardens, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a tropical paradise in Riviera Maya! Most resorts are set in lush, jungle-like areas with huge, pristine beaches that aren’t typically full of tourists. You’ll be much closer to nature and can take advantage of dozens of excursions to explore this unique paradise, including nearby ancient ruins. There’s so much to see, it’s also a great place to extend your stay and honeymoon there as well.
Destination weddings in Riviera Maya tend to be much more laid-back and relaxing, with an atmosphere that focuses on peace, harmony and truly getting away from it all.
Traveling to Riviera Maya takes a bit more time though, as it is further from the airport, requiring a drive ranging from 20 minutes to 2 hours to get to your resort. And although that may not be as convenient, the journey will include incredible scenery and time to relax and take it all in before you arrive to your room. If you’re willing to travel a bit further, you may find the more laid-back atmosphere and natural setting more appealing… especially when it comes to romance!
When comparing destination wedding resorts in the Riviera Maya, our travel agents recommend checking out these top locations. They each offer something special to create your perfect day! And since they aren’t typically as busy as Cancun resorts, you’ll have access to the best wedding options more easily.
Once you have a couple resorts in mind, contact Sunset Travel & Cruise to get your questions answered and let us help guide you along the way. We can make travel easy for your entire guest list and arrange everything you need to make planning your destination wedding simple!
Hyatt Ziva, Riviera Maya
Wedding Packages Range from Free to $5,055+
The base wedding package at Hyatt Ziva is $1,289 and includes 10 guests but is complimentary if your party books 25 room nights in qualifying room categories. They can handle weddings of up to 500 guests! Their pre-designed wedding packages are based around an all-inclusive experience and allow you to personalize the finer details.
Wedding Resources
The knowledgeable team of wedding professionals help you every detail, and they offer a free wedding planning tool. They have expertise to handle Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Islamic, Asian, non-denominational and LGBT ceremonies.
Venues
Choose from 12 different venues inside the resort: Granada Ballroom, Beach, Habaneros Area, Over-Water Gazebo, Granada Terrace, Toronja Terrace, Pool Area, Avocado Garden, Papaya Garden, Mango Garden, Guava Garden or Soursop Garden.
Perks
Hyatt Ziva offers wonderful perks as part of many of their packages! You’ll get a symbolic marriage ceremony and certificate, bouquet and boutonnière, signature wedding cake, rose petals decoration with champagne, late check-out for the couple, complimentary online bridal registry, a ceremony table with white linen and white folding wedding chairs, sound system for the ceremony, massage and romantic oceanfront dinner for the couple, plus discount on spa services.
Resort Type
Hyatt Ziva is a medium-size, all-inclusive, family-friendly luxury resort that is decorated with a modern flair. They have a spa on site as well.
Dining
They have 10 options for on site dining, including food and drinks on site, including Miyako, Rue De Rivoli, Vivace, Ki, Afthonia, Balik, La Parrilla, The Corner, Roots, Habaneros.
Dreams, Riviera Maya
Wedding Packages Range from Free to $11,999
The base wedding package is $999 but is complimentary when booking at least 7 nights in the required room categories, if 5 rooms in any category are booked for at least 3 nights.
Wedding Resources
Dreams Riviera offers wedding organization and personal touch of on-site wedding coordinator.
Venues
5 on site wedding venues are available, including the Grand Lobby Staircase, Gazebo, Oceana Terrace, Beach and Ceiba Tree.
Perks
All packages include: symbolic ceremony, preparation of couple’s wedding day attire, a bouquet and boutonnière, Dreams Riviera Cancun wedding cake, sparkling wine toast, discount on all spa treatments, newlywed package, free room night before wedding (upon availability), special turn-down service the night of the wedding, late checkout for bride and groom (upon request), and even free anniversary nights.
Resort Type
Dreams Riviera is a mid-range, medium-size resort that’s all inclusive and family friendly. It is decorated with an elegant, colonial style.
Dining
They feature 9 options for dining within the resort, including the Barefoot Grill, Bordeaux, Coco Café, El Patio, Himitsu, Oceana, Portofino, Seaside Grill and World Café.
Secrets Maroma, Riviera Maya
Wedding Packages Range from Free to $11,999
The Secrets Maroma Beach Wedding in Paradise Package welcomes 10 guests and qualifies as free with a minimum booking of 7 nights in the Preferred Club Junior Suite Pool View room category or higher, or if 5 rooms of any category are booked for at least 3 nights. They also offer off season discounts!
Wedding Resources
Couples will have access to an on-site wedding specialist.
Venues
Secrets Maroma offers beach and gazebo wedding locations within the resort.
Perks
All packages include Symbolic ceremony, sparkling wine for the wedding toast, late checkout, preparation of the couple’s outfits, special turndown service night of wedding, a bouquet and boutonniere, discounts on spa treatments, and a wedding cake.
Resort Type
Secrets Maroma is an adults-only, all-inclusive, medium size resort with a modern chic flair. They also have an on-site spa.
Dining
17 dining options are offered at the resort, including the Barefoot Grill, Barracuda, Bordeaux, Coco Café, Desires, El Patio, Himitsu, Manatees, Oceana, Palapa Beach Bar, Portofino, Preferred Beach Club, Rendezvous, Seaside Grill, Showtime, Sugar Reef and World Café.
Dreams Tulum, Riviera Maya
Wedding Packages Range from Free to $11,999
Whether you’re eloping or have up to 100 guests, Dreams Tulum can make your wedding affordable!
Wedding Resources
The on-site wedding team handles all the planning of your day so you can relax!
Venues
Choose from 7 wedding venues, including the beach, chapel, terrace of the convention center, secret garden gazebo, pool terrace, Mexican plaza or sunset rooftop.
Perks
In addition to an on-site wedding coordinator, Dreams Tulum offers complimentary wedding packages, free bouquets and boutonniere, wedding cake, turn down service, plus other discounts and free rooms based on meeting minimum room/guest requirements.
Resort Type
Dreams Tulum is a large, upper-mid-level resort that is family friendly, but also has an adults-only section with its own pool and restaurant. It features colonial architecture with trendy décor and has an on site spa.
Dining
You’ll find 9 dining options, including an International buffet, Mexican, Japanese, French, Italian, snack bar, Bar & Grill, Pan-Asian and Seafood restaurant.
RIU Palace, Riviera Maya
Wedding Packages Range from Free to $7,199
RIU Palace, Riviera Maya offers 5 different wedding packages for up to 100 guests and allow you to personalize the event and services you’d like to include. They can provide both Symbolic and Civil ceremonies.
Wedding Resources
An on-site wedding coordinator is ready to help with all of the details including restaurant reservations, cake, flowers, music, décor and more.
Venues
Choose from a wedding on the beach, in the garden or the gazebo.
Perks
In addition to an on-site wedding coordinator, RIU Palace offers complimentary wedding packages, plus other discounts and free rooms based on meeting minimum room/guest requirements. They also offer rose petals and table centerpieces, bouquets and boutonieres, sparkling wine and can even arrange for unique music for your ceremony.
Resort Type
RIU is a mega resort, with the Palace being one of 5 on the property, it is a mid-level, family-friendly resort with contemporary decor and a spa on site. There are some exchange privileges with other RIU resorts on the property.
Dining
RIU Palace features 7 dining options on site, including an International buffet, Fusion, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Steakhouse and even an ice cream parlor.
Secrets Akumal, Riviera Maya
Wedding Packages Range from Free to $11,199
Whether you have 1 or 100 guests, Secrets Akumal has packages that fit every budget. They offer all kinds of room deals with minimum stays and can help customize your stay and package based on your desires.
Wedding Resources
An on-site wedding coordinator assists with every detail of your wedding to tailor your vision and make your day extra special.
Venues
Choose to have your ceremony on the beach pergola, Ceiba Garden, Lagoon Arch or poolside.
Perks
Complimentary wedding packages, discounts, and room comps based on meeting minimum room/guest requirements.
Resort Type
Secrets Akumal is a luxury, upper-level, medium-size resort that is secluded and intimate, for adults-only, with an elegant, original style. It even has swim-up suites!
Dining
They have 8 dining options, including Seafood, Snack bar, Mexican, International buffet, French, Asian, Bar & Grill and Italian.