Spotlight on Riviera Maya, Mexico Destination Weddings
A popular setting for destination weddings, Riviera Maya refers to the entire area south of Cancun on the Caribbean side of the Yucatan Peninsula. The large peninsula juts out northward and defines the Gulf of Mexico to the east and the Caribbean Sea to the west.
Riviera Maya offers an unparalleled selection of luxury beach resorts perfect for destination wedding ceremonies and receptions—too many to list here— along a hundred-mile strip of breathtaking Caribbean coastline. Many resorts have professional wedding planners on staff and offer a varied selection of pre-designed wedding packages. You are certain to find a stunning location, the ideal resort for your taste, and the perfect, romantic setting for your wedding ceremony and reception on Riviera Maya.
Top Riviera Maya Destinations for Weddings
Riviera Maya is a world-class tourist destination with many attractions and adventures awaiting you and your wedding guests. Take a closer look at these favorite locations for destination weddings.
1) Playa del Carmen
The coastal resort town of Playa del Carmen is one of the fastest growing places in Latin America. It’s known for its gorgeous, palm-lined wide beaches—perfect settings for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Just 45 minutes south of Cancun International Airport and one hour north of Tulum, Playa del Carmen is conveniently located for your out-of-town wedding guests. Wedding venues range from luxury beach resorts and hotels to private villas.
Several of Playa del Carmen’s beaches run parallel to La Quinta Avenida, the town’s main pedestrian thoroughfare full of shops, condos, bars, clubs, restaurants and street performers. The Avenida is fun for shopping during the day and for its nightlife of laid-back bars, Latin-style dance clubs, disco clubs, and open-air beachfront clubs.
You and your wedding guests can experience the area’s beautiful natural attractions. Snorkel and scuba dive in Playa del Carmen’s coral reefs or in the waters off of the nearby island of Cozumel. Swim, snorkel and scuba dive in the famous cenotes—natural fresh-water pools in caves and caverns, complete with limestone stalagmites and stalactites. Go ziplining, rafting, and spelunking at Xcaret, an outdoor playground nearby. Practice your swing at Playa del Carmen’s top-notch golf courses.
2) Tulum
About 80 miles from Cancun International Airport and about an hour south of Playa del Carmen, Tulum can be reached by van or car on a coastal road. Tulum has a variety of all-inclusive hotels and resorts that cater to destination weddings.
Tulum is most famous as the site of the extensive Mayan ruins of an 11th-century walled city. The ancient site sits on a bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. You and your wedding guests can stroll through the ruins and walk down a path to the beach below. You’ll also enjoy the area’s natural attractions like Playa Paraiso, a beautiful, wide beach with pristine waters for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Experience the area’s stunning beachside cenotes. They are freshwater pools in cliffside caves and underground caverns naturally created over millions of years. Another “must-see” is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a million-acre reserve of estuaries, reefs, cenotes and wetlands. Take a daytrip from Tulum to the beautiful island of Cozumel. When the sun goes down, get out and enjoy Tulum’s fun and eclectic nightlife under the stars or in its restaurants, dance clubs, and lounges.
3) Cozumel
Mexico’s largest island, Cozumel is a popular cruise ship port and destination wedding setting. Cozumel’s luxury beach resort hotels have professional destination wedding planners at your service to make your special day unforgettable. The island enjoys perfect weather and is known for its Mayan ruins, pristine reefs for scuba diving and snorkeling, sandy beaches and duty-free shopping.
You and your wedding guests will enjoy Cozumel’s attractions like Palancar Reef, a national park filled with colorful fish, eels and turtles. As you sunbathe and play on Cozumel’s beautiful beaches, remember that you are following the footsteps of ancient worshippers of the sun gods and infamous pirates and smugglers like Henry Morgan and Long John Silver. Only on Cozumel can you take a fascinating tour of the Caribbean’s only active pearl farm and buy hand-made pearl jewelry.
The colorful towns and attractions of Riviera Maya on the mainland are a 45-minute ferry ride away. The passenger ferry runs nearly every hour between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen.
Baldwin Travel & Your Riviera Maya Destination Wedding Planner
Award-winning travel agent, Cindy Baldwin of Baldwin Travel will introduce you to the certified wedding planners at your chosen wedding venue. She and her team will make all travel arrangements and hotel reservations for you and your guests, as well as arrangements for your honeymoon if you are having it in another location.
Your venue’s wedding planner will communicate with you every step of the way, simplifying the process, keeping you informed, answering your questions, and explaining the legal paperwork required for your destination wedding.
Love Is in the Air at Mexico’s Riviera Maya
“Wedding planning can be so stressful, but Cindy made our destination wedding in Mexico seamless. Her attention to detail and personal service helped make our experience amazing!”
— Alicia & Sam
Call (603) 305-7379 or email Cindy Baldwin at Baldwin Travel today, and watch your dream wedding in paradise take shape!
Cindy Baldwin, founder of Baldwin Travel (links to About Us page), is an award-winning travel agent in Naples, FL with satellite offices in Londonderry, NH. As a custom vacation planner, Cindy is often on the road exploring countries and cultures. Her first-hand experiences give her vital information about a destination’s best tourist attractions, personal and group tours, and special activities and unique experiences. Her meticulous research paves the way for unforgettable, personalized vacations, honeymoons, and destination weddings for clients.