Your dream of getting married in paradise can become an affordable reality when you choose the Riviera Maya. Located along the Caribbean coastline of Mexico, the area spans from Puerto Morelos all the way down to Tulum.
Having a tropical destination wedding in a place like the Riviera Maya may seem unrealistic unless you’re rich, but it can be more affordable than you realize. With a breakdown of the costs in this guide, engaged couples can make an informed decision about customizing a dream wedding getaway.
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Average Cost of a Wedding in Riviera Maya
The average Riviera Maya wedding cost in 2023 was $10,150. That’s less than a third of the average cost of traditional weddings at home, which is $36,000. The final cost of your Riviera Maya destination wedding will depend on several variables, such as guest count, time of year, and where you’re flying in from.
Plus, with a destination wedding, you must consider the resort itself and the package you choose. Luckily, Rivera Maya is full of affordable all inclusive resorts that offer wedding packages for every budget.
What an All Inclusive Package in Riviera Maya Typically Includes
When planning for a destination wedding, your all inclusive package covers similar things you’d expect at a traditional wedding: the ceremony setup, sparkling wine for a toast, a cake, a bouquet, and decorations. More expensive packages may include cocktail hours, rehearsal dinners and receptions complete with DJs and catering.
Customization is key. You can always start with a smaller all inclusive package and add more embellishments to personalize your special day as much as possible. A DJ can create the right mood, make announcements, and keep the dance floor packed. A photographer or videographer ensures you have someone to capture all the candid moments from the couple getting ready before the ceremony to the final dance.
Marlys & Hunter’s destination wedding in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Photography by JJ Studio
Who Pays for What at a Riviera Maya Destination Wedding?
The costs of the wedding itself, accommodation and flights (for the wedding couple) are usually the responsibility of the couple (or your parents, if lucky). The final price of your Riviera Maya destination wedding depends on what package you choose and if you include add-ons like brunches or dessert bars.
A basic package with ceremony setup and flowers may average around $3,000. However, premium services like private receptions and upgraded accommodations can take the price tag to over $10,000.
Before you invest in a package to accommodate several guests, be realistic about who can actually come. Your guests will normally pay for flights, their rooms, and extra excursions in the area. Some may not be able to afford that or get enough time off from work or household responsibilities.
Consider where most people will be flying from and the time of year — two factors that affect travel costs. Most guests can expect to fly into the Cancun airport. Those flying in from closer cities like Dallas may be able to get a round-trip flight for less than $300. The average round-trip flight from New York can fall between $280 – $410.
All these prices depend on how far in advance you book and when you plan to travel. A good tip is to fly in the off-season or shoulder season, May and November, and on cheaper weekdays like Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The resort may be able to block off a set number of rooms for a discounted rate, which can help guests save by not paying the standard rate.
Guests may want to entertain themselves beyond the wedding. There’s a lot to do, but guests will have to pay out of pocket for it.
Ways to Save on Your Riviera Maya Destination Wedding
One of the easiest ways to save money on your romantic Riviera Maya destination wedding is to be mindful of your wedding date. In other words, try to schedule your wedding in the off-season, which is from May to mid-December. By scheduling a wedding during this season, you can enjoy lower rates at your resorts, which may include some free nights. It can also be easier to get cheaper rates for excursions. However, you should note that the off-season also comes with the risk of more rain, heat, and hurricanes.
With fewer crowds during the off-season, the wedding party and guests can explore local sites without being rushed. With fewer guests at these resorts, you may experience even more attention and personalized service.
Instead of going for the first resort you find, gather quotes and compare prices/amenities of at least three. Just like a regular hotel, there are cheaper resorts to accommodate various budgets and wedding styles. Some even have free wedding packages to consider.
Don’t be afraid to adjust your guest list to only close family and friends. After all, these resorts have different packages that can accommodate any couple’s social preferences. Save by using a package for small weddings of 10-20 people instead of larger ones averaging 50 or more.
However, if you want a big wedding with as many people as possible, providing enough time for your guests to book the flight ahead of time can give them a better chance at cheaper rates.
Start Planning the Riviera Maya Destination Wedding You’ve Always Dreamed Of
Wedding planning can be costly and time-consuming. Luckily, a dream tropical wedding in the Riviera Maya may be more feasible and cost-effective than you think. When you compare the average $36,000 cost of a traditional wedding to the average $10,150 expense of a Riviera Maya destination wedding, there’s little reason not to plan your vows in this coastal paradise.
Thanks to this guide, you and your future spouse now have tips on how to make your special day more affordable. Consider getting married in the off-season or shoulder season, trim your guest list, and plan early enough for flight deals. You can start with a cheaper package and consider only the necessary add-ons.
Still need help planning the Riviera Maya destination wedding of your dreams? Our team of Certified Destination Wedding Specialists is here to help. Just fill out our online wedding planning form to get started, and we’ll take it from there.
