Location, Location, Location
Located one hour away from Playa del Carmen and 25 minutes from Akumal, you should also expect to spend about 60-90 minutes driving from the airport in Cancun. There are a few different parts of Tulum:
1. The archeological ruins: Located on the main highway going south, these are an easy cab ride away from the town.
2. The town: Only a few minutes away from the ruins, there is a small local town there.
3. The beach: This strip of beach is home to a huge amount of clubs, restaurants, and more. There is a lot to do there, but it is also beautiful. Most people choose to have their destination weddings on the beach, with good reason.
However, you may want to plan other activities for your wedding party, or yourself, in the other areas of Tulum.
Who Can Get Married In Tulum?
Anyone can get married in Tulum, whether you are in a heterosexual relationship or a homosexual relationship. However, for a civil or legal wedding ceremony, you need to have a few documents. These are extremely important to take note of:
1. Passports
2. Tourist visa (if applicable)
3. Four (4) legally qualified witnesses, meaning they are over 18 years old. They must bring their passports and tourist visa (if applicable)
4. Document that states you wish to marry
5. Medical certificate and blood test results taken in Mexico (not more than 15 days before the wedding)
6. Divorce documentation (if applicable). You must have been divorced for at least one year before you can remarry.
If this seems like a lot, alternatively, you can get legally married in the United States and then have the ceremony in Mexico.
Consider An All-Inclusive Package
It depends on the size of your wedding party, but if you are planning to invite and welcome more than 10-12 people, having an all-inclusive wedding can be easier to organize. For a destination wedding, you should expect guests to stay for at least three nights, and when you do this you may get extra perks (specifically as a wedding group). This can include room upgrades, discounts on the spa, late check-out times, and even a group discount. It never hurts to ask, and is definitely something to consider.
Choosing Tulum For Your Destination Wedding
Tulum is a paradise. There is an eco-friendly and bohemian vibe here that cannot be replaced. It is not incredibly crowded, compared to Cancun, and it is somewhere you will remember forever. Ready to book your destination wedding in Tulum?
Tulum Wedding Venues
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa is located just minutes from the ancient Mayan ruins and the trendy bohemian town of Tulum. The colonial architecture and hacienda-style décor will just add to the ambiance. This family-friendly resort sits on two miles of powdery white sand with activities for the whole family. Two venues here stand out. I bet you are thinking I am going to say beach and although the beach here is a picture-perfect location, the quaint little chapel and the secret garden are the ones that stand out to me. For those seeking a more traditional “chapel” feeling or a traditional Catholic ceremony, this is a perfect location. This quaint little chapel has a maximum capacity of 120 guests with an indoor & outdoor extension. The Secret Garden Gazebo is in an area of the resort that is completely private. Walled with tropical lush greenery, it offers the perfect backdrop for a romantic ceremony or reception. This is such a unique venue that Dreams Resorts & Spa built a wedding package around it– Dreams Tulum Secret Garden Package. Other options at this resort include Seaside Beach, Preferred Beach, Terrace of the Convention Center, Relaxation Pool Terrace, Dolphins Pool Terrace, Dreams Garden, Mexican Plaza, Ballroom, Sunset Rooftop, and Tulum Beach Palapa.
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya By AMR Collection is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Close to nearby, centuries-old, Mayan sites of Tulum and Coba. Akumal, meaning “place of turtles” in Mayan, is home to one of the largest green sea turtle populations in Mexico. The Coco Café Deck is a unique venue here. If that venue is not quite what you are looking for, other choices include Plaza Akumal, Pool Side, Sea Side Garden, Secret Garden, Desires Terrace, Yalku Garden, and the Ballroom.
Bahia Principe Grand Tulum is surrounded by amazing natural landscapes, crystal clear waters, and white-sand beaches. Its exclusive services and amenities make it the perfect hotel for both adults & kids. They have 2 beach locations, and the white Gazebo by the Gran Tortuga.
As I mentioned above, Tulum is a bit of a trek from the Cancun airport. Personally, I think the drive is worth it. Over the years, Tulum has changed from a sleepy little fishing town to a popular vacation destination. This is largely in part to its natural beauty. You will be in awe of the spectacular beaches and the lush jungles. Don’t forget about the Mayan ruins and the cenotes (caves or sinkholes filled with crystal-clear waters).
This sleepy little town will not disappoint when it comes to cuisine or nightlife. I really would consider Tulum a foodie paradise. Enjoy the trendy but casual bars and if you are hungry, which I hope you are if you’re visiting here, you can indulge in anything from local mom-and-pop shops to high-end restaurants. Tulum is drawing in some of the top chefs from around the world.
Pairing this location with your destination wedding plans will be a perfect mix. Resorts located along these stunning beaches with be the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos.
Read More: Destination Weddings in Cancun
