Is Riviera Maya the Same as Cancun?
Although they may seem like they are somewhat close together and the same, these regions are extremely different. Cancun is on the northeast tip of the Yucatan Peninsula and is actually the largest city in the Yucatan Peninsula. It has a downtown area and is very commercialized. It is great for parties, but not quiet and serene.
Riviera Maya is an entire region known for its grand resorts. In the Riviera Maya are the towns of Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Morelos, and Puerto Aventuras. Playa del Carmen is the largest of all the towns, with a population of 250,000. Compared to Cancun this is small, and the vibe is completely different. It is good to note that Riviera Maya is 45 miles from the airport in Cancun. It will take at least an hour to reach the Riviera Maya region of Mexico. Alternatively, the Cancun Hotel Zone is located about 15 miles from the airport which will only take about 25 minutes.
Tulum
Located in the Riviera Maya area, Tulum offers archeological ruins, parties, top restaurants, and beautiful white sand. If you want to provide your guests with a slightly different experience you can recommend they visit Tulum Pueblo (also known as El Centro). There you can find local stores, restaurants, and traditional Mexican shops. If you want something a bit more bachelor party-like, head to the day or nightclubs along the beach in the Tulum hotel zone.
Best Time of Year To Have a Riviera Maya Wedding
Mexico’s weather is usually great, but it is important to avoid certain months in Riviera Maya. The dry season runs between December and April, which makes it the best season to have a wedding in Riviera Maya. July through September have better pricing, but the rain falls a lot during this time. With hurricanes in October and November, you definitely want to avoid these months.
Can Everyone Get Married in Riviera Maya?
If you are of a different national background you can get married in Mexico, but you should have a civil ceremony in the United States to make it legal. This means you will need to sign your wedding certificate in the United States, and then hold your ceremony in Mexico. For a long time, LGBT (same-sex) couples were not allowed to get married in Mexico. Times have changed, and Mexico now allows for gay and lesbian couples to get married anywhere in Mexico, including Yucatan.
Your Destination Wedding in Riviera Maya
The best part about this region is the diversity and natural beauty. Whether you want beautiful beaches or nightlife, Riviera Maya is home to it all. It is a perfect location for a destination wedding.
Riviera Maya Wedding Venues
Knowing this large region consists of Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Morelos, and Puerto Aventuras, you will have a wide variety of wedding venues to choose from.
UNICO 20°87° is located on the stunning beach of the Riviera Maya. This adult-only resort immerses its guests in the local culture. Experiencing this through the locally inspired cuisine & cocktails, spa treatments & locally curated adventures. Unico 20°87° has three wedding packages with The 20˚87˚ Experience, adding an extra level of luxury. The resort has seven wedding venues to choose from. You can choose the Wedding Gazebo Venue for your intimate ceremony and have the Caribbean sea as your backdrop or for a larger group, the Terraza Verde Wedding Venue. This secluded location surrounded by the sounds of nature will make for one memorable event. Others include the Beach Shoreside Wedding Venue, El Patio Wedding Venue, Nayade Terrace Wedding Venue, Costera Terrace Wedding Venue, and the Ballroom Wedding Venue.
The Infinity Pool venue at Dreams Natura is very romantic. Oceanfront as you float over the pool on top of a crystal platform. Other stunning wedding locations include a Wedding Gazebo constructed with bamboo and palapa, Suite Peony Terrace, Beach, Garden Art, Blue Water Rooftop, Pool Terrace, Deck Location, Blue Water Shallow Pool, Fishpond Terrace, and Ballroom. With a variety of unique locations for your special day, this family-friendly resort is surrounded by mangroves and infused with natural décor. It is perfectly situated between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
The spectacular rooftop Sky-wedding Gazebo at Secrets Moxché Playa Del Carmen overlooks the beautiful Caribbean Sea. A stunning backdrop for your ceremony or reception. Along with the rooftop, this resort offers 5 additional wedding venue options including the Beach, Ballroom, Pool Terrace, Seaside Terrace, and Suites with expansive terraces. This resort is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Contemporary design with an ambiance unique to the Yucatan peninsula. This adult-only resort is a 10-minute drive from Playa del Carmen’s famed Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) and is within minutes of two famous golf courses.
The Azul Beach Riviera Maya offers a luxurious family-friendly Gourmet Inclusive experience. Just 15 minutes from the Cancun airport and you will be on one of the most captivating beaches in the world. The Karisma resorts are known for their Gourmet Inclusive® Experience. They accomplish this with a focus on world-class dining, top-shelf drinks, elevated service, and extraordinary resort activities for everyone in the family. Two wedding venues here are Zavaz Gazebo, which is the beach location, and the stunning Sky Deck. Their private dinner venue locations include Plaza Zavaz, Palapa Yoga, the Pool Deck, the Ballroom, and the Beach Building #3.
Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya is an ultra-luxurious boutique resort. It is within close proximity to Cancun International Airport. The resort is family-friendly, but it offers a completely new kind of vacation experience focused on wellness, serenity, and romance. Venue options here include The Pier, Beach, Impressions Rooftop, Garden, Kaax Terrace, Palmer Terrace, Jaguar Table, Bird Lounge, and El Salon.
At the Iberostar Grand Paraiso, you can experience the ultimate in luxury at this adults-only playground. Venues here include Stone Gazebo, Grand Beach, Poolside Venue, Grand Indoor Garden, “La Brisa” Restaurant, and the “L’atelier” Restaurant.
Honestly, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Considering the areas that are included in the “Riviera Maya” region, your Riviera Maya wedding venue options are endless. I don’t say that to overwhelm you. I am telling you this because you have options. It really comes down to your destination wedding wants & needs.
A couple of things to ask yourself:
- Adults only or family-friendly. Do you want or need a mix of both?
- What area of the Riviera Maya do you want to be in? Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Morelos, or Puerto Aventuras?
- What kind of budget do you want to be in? When you think about this, break it down into sections. Your (bride & groom’s) stay. Budget for wedding package. Budget for your guests’ stay.
There are more things to consider that are better explained through conversation. As your travel agent, I can help you navigate the process. My goal is to make planning your destination wedding easier for you so you have time to focus on what is important, your wedding. Call me today.
Read More: Destination Weddings in Tulum
