Destination Weddings in Cancun

One of the most popular resort areas in Mexico is Cancun. Located on the coast of Mexico against the Caribbean, Cancun is known for its resorts and great beaches, and come for their weddings and honeymoons. There are also nearby Mayan ruins, and other excursions that you and your wedding guests can take part in, making this a great destination for those who plan to include a larger group in their wedding. Many different resorts here offer wedding packages, specifically the all-inclusive locations such as, and other hotels also offer wedding packages.

Destination Weddings and Honeymoons in Mexico

If you choose to get married in one of Mexico's resort towns, you also have the advantage of getting married in Cancun that all offer waterfront views and water related activities, as well as the prerequisite sun bathing. If you want a bit more in the way of pampering, try one of the Mexican spas there. Herbalists and healers have worked for centuries in Mexico, and spas here are often less expensive than those in the US.

Finding a Mexican Wedding Planner

Deciding to have your wedding in Mexico is the easy part - planning the wedding is different little trickier. You will need to travel to Mexico several times before the wedding to make arrangements, or your best bet is to hire a wedding planner. First or all, you need to ask anyone you know who had a destination wedding in Mexico for referrals. If you don't know anyone personally, you can research wedding planners in Mexico on-line. Also ask for references and see a portfolio of a previously planned wedding.

Cancun Wedding Flowers

Flowers are an integral part of any wedding and the lush, tropical flowers of the Caribbean are a beautiful addition to any beach wedding. Below are just a few of the Caribbean's finest blossoms:

Bougainvillea. Grows on vines that hug trellises and fences all over the Caribbean. The thorny vines are covered in small, delicate flowers of white, pink, rose, and purple.

Oleander. This evergreen bush, native to the Mediterranean, flowers with white, pink, and yellow blossoms.

Birds of Paradise. This dramatic stems have an orange or yellow flower with a distinctive top that resembles a bird or a crane. These flowers, native to South Africa.

Cannas. Sometimes called “Canna lilies”, these tall stalks are topped with festive red, orange, pink, or yellow flower colors.

Gardenias. A favorite for Caribbean beach weddings, this cream colored flower are nice in a bouquet or as a single one behind the bride's ear.

Entry Requirements

Passport is required by all citizens except for US and Canadian citizens who can provide a birth certificate or a certificate of citizenship with a photo ID. A return or onward ticket is required by all visitors. Some countries require a visa.

Tourism Offices

The Tourism Offices can often help provide information about Cancun. Cancun Convention and Visitor Bureau, Avenida Coba s/n Esq. Avenida Nader Sm. 5, Cancun, Quintana Roo, 77500 Mexico Tel: (52) (998) 884 6531

Planning your destination wedding

Here are some planning tips.

Do you love the beach, but your fiancé would prefer to stay in the U.S.? It’s your special day; where do you want to spend it together?

•  What kind of things do you like to do?

Do you love the beach, you may consider getting married in the beach or in a church setting, for a more traditional service.

•  What are the travel plans of you and your guests?

You may be spending a week or more, but many of your guests may be staying for a shorter length of time. Keep the time for your guests.

•  What is your budget — and the budget of your guests?

You don’t have to have your budget finalized, just keep in mind the travel costs for you and your party.

•  What are the entry requirements?

Government legislation now requires all people traveling to and from the U.S. or Canada to have a passport.

•  What are the marriage requirements?

Some destinations may have residency requirements, meaning that you have to be in the destination for a set number of days before you can get married. Other requirements include blood tests, legal documentation, etc.

Select your resort

Now that you know where you are going, choose where you want to stay.

•  What kind of wedding do you want?

Some resorts are lavishly elegant and some are totally laid-back. Some are intimate and some larger and self-contained. Some are sleek and modern, while others are more traditional. In addition, most resorts offer civil ceremonies, and some resorts can arrange a religious ceremony

•  All-inclusive or not?

At an all-inclusive resort, meals and beverages are included in the price of your stay. So if your guests are also staying at the same resort, this can help cut the costs of the wedding.

•  Consider your guest list.

Some resorts are for adults only, some are for couples only, and some allow children of all or varying ages. Know who you will be inviting to your wedding before you decide where it will be.

•  Know the requirements.

If planning on taking advantage of the complimentary weddings that many resorts offer, know that some resorts may ask you to stay a certain number of nights or reserve a certain number of rooms. Also, check to see if there are any additional fees.

•  Mix it up!

Want to get married at a romantic couples-only resort but invite children. Most resorts have sister resorts that allow children, so they can also join the wedding.

Things to consider

Be flexible and plan ahead

Have several options for the date and time of your wedding. This way, you’ll be much more likely to be able to have your wedding at the resort of your choosing. And make sure the date is at least six months away.

Who pays?

Make the details clear. It is customary that the bride and groom pay for the accommodations for their attendants, and some wedding couples may pay for travel costs, as well. Decide what you are able to do and make these details clear to your attendants when you ask them to be part of your wedding.

Send out "save the date" cards

With traditional weddings, invites are usually sent out 4-6 weeks in advance, but for a destination wedding, that isn’t enough time for people to make their travel arrangements. It is recommended to send out the save-the-date cards six to twelve months in advance.

Carry your dress on

Many brides take their wedding dress on the plane as carry-on luggage. It is advised to make arrangements with the airline in advance. Some airlines allow the large "coat closets" in the first-class cabin area to be used for bridal gown storage.

Send the rest

Packing for a wedding and a honeymoon can add up, have some of your bridal party bring some items with them or ship items to the resort . If you are shipping anything, make sure you leave extra time.

Bring copies of everything

Bring in the required paperwork completed for your arrival. And bring also extra copies of your paperwork, just in case.