Cancun Destination Wedding Cost

Cancun, Mexico, is a famous wedding destination that offers picturesque views without draining your bank account.

In 2023, an all-inclusive Cancun destination wedding hosting 30-100 guests typically falls within the budget of $5,000 to around $12,000.

It can be a cost-effective choice for numerous couples, considering the great quality service and experience the place has to offer.

Key Takeaways

• Cancun is an affordable destination for a wedding, with an average cost of $5,000 to around $12,000 for an all-inclusive wedding with 30-100 guests.
• Cancun is a popular destination for weddings due to its beautiful beaches and all-inclusive resorts.
• Cancun offers a wide variety of wedding packages to fit every budget and taste.

Why Choose Cancun for Your Destination Wedding

From the white sand beaches to the stunning ocean views, Cancun truly has everything you could want for a beach wedding.

One of the biggest draws of Cancun is its location in the Caribbean.

The crystal-clear waters and warm weather make it a dream destination for lovers who want a memorable wedding.

Plus, with direct flights from many major cities in the US, it’s an easy journey for you and your guests.

But Cancun isn’t just a beautiful destination, it’s also incredibly affordable.

Compared to other popular wedding destinations, such as Hawaii or the Bahamas, Cancun offers a much more budget-friendly option without sacrificing any of the beauty or luxury.

Another perk of choosing Cancun for your destination wedding is the abundance of all-inclusive resorts.

And let’s not forget about the food!

Cancun is known for its delicious cuisine, from fresh seafood to authentic Mexican dishes.

Your guests will love trying all the local flavors and you can even incorporate them into your wedding menu.

Best Time to Plan a Wedding in Cancun

When planning a destination wedding in Cancun, choosing the right time of year is crucial.

Cancun has a generally warm and sunny weather but some months are more favorable for a wedding ceremony.

The best time to plan a wedding in Cancun is during the earlier months of April and May; and on the latter part of the year as well, on September, October, and November.

The weather is warm and sunny in these months, making it perfect for outdoor weddings.

These months fall outside of the peak tourist season, which means that airfare and hotel rates are generally lower.

It’s important to note that Cancun does have a rainy season, which runs from May through October.

However, the rain is usually brief and doesn’t last all day.

So if you’re planning a wedding during the rainy season, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan in case of rain.

If you’re looking for the best weather and the lowest chance of rain, April and May are the ideal months to plan your wedding.

The average temperature during these months is around 80°F (27°C), with low humidity and plenty of sunshine.

September, October, and November are also great months to plan a wedding in Cancun.

Understanding the Cost of a Cancun Destination Wedding

The cost of a wedding in Cancun can vary widely depending on a number of factors, I’ll do my best to break down the main expenses to help you get a better idea of what to expect.

Average Cost of a Cancun Wedding

The average cost of a Cancun destination wedding ranges from $5,000 to $7,000 USD for an all-inclusive wedding with 30-60 guests.

Of course, you can pay much less if you choose to elope or have a smaller wedding, or you can pay much more if you opt for a more extravagant celebration.

Airfare and Accommodation

One of the biggest expenses associated with a Cancun destination wedding is airfare and accommodation for you and your guests.

Depending on where you’re flying from and the time of year, airfare can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars per person.

Similarly, the cost of resort accommodation can vary widely depending on the level of luxury you’re looking for.

However, many resorts offer group rates and wedding packages that can help you save money.

Food and Drink

Another major expense associated with a Cancun destination wedding is food and drink.

Most resorts offer all-inclusive packages that include food and drink for you and your guests, but the cost can still add up quickly if you opt for premium liquor or add-ons like a cocktail hour or late-night snacks.

Be sure to carefully review the details of your wedding package to ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money.

Other Expenses

There are a number of other costs to consider when planning a Cancun destination wedding.

These might include things like wedding attire, photography and videography, music and entertainment, flowers and decor, and transportation.

Be sure to budget for these expenses as well to ensure that you’re not caught off guard by any unexpected costs.

All-Inclusive Wedding Packages in Cancun

If you’re looking for a stress-free and budget-friendly wedding, all-inclusive wedding packages in Cancun are a great option.

These packages include everything you need for your big day, from the ceremony to the reception and even the honeymoon.

Many resorts in Cancun offer all-inclusive wedding packages that are tailored to your needs and preferences.

These packages typically include the following:

• A wedding planner to help you plan every detail of your wedding
• A ceremony location, such as a beach, garden, or chapel
• A wedding officiant to perform the ceremony
• A bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere
• A wedding cake
• Music for the ceremony and reception
• A reception location, such as a ballroom or outdoor terrace
• Food and drinks for the reception
• Photography and videography services
• A honeymoon suite for the newlyweds

All-inclusive wedding packages in Cancun can range from simple and affordable to luxurious and extravagant.

Some resorts even offer customizable packages that allow you to add or remove services based on your preferences and budget.

Choosing the Perfect Wedding Venue in Cancun

The wedding venue is one of the most important decisions to make.

Consider Your Style and Budget

The first step in choosing the perfect wedding venue is to determine your style and budget.

Are you looking for a garden reception or an outdoor ceremony on the beach?

Do you want an all-inclusive package or a la carte options?

Whenever you have decided on the specific themes and details of your wedding, you can then proceed to researching venues that fit your criteria.

Research Wedding Venues in Cancun

When researching wedding venues in Cancun, consider the following options:

• Sandos Cancun: This beachfront resort offers a variety of wedding packages, including a beach ceremony and a rooftop reception with stunning ocean views.
• Planet Hollywood: This Hollywood-themed resort offers a range of wedding packages, including a red carpet ceremony and a movie-inspired reception.
• Wyndham Alltra: This all-inclusive resort offers a range of wedding packages, including a beach ceremony and a poolside reception with tropical cocktails.
• Hyatt Ziva Cancun: This family-friendly resort offers a range of wedding packages, including a beach ceremony and a ballroom reception with gourmet cuisine.

Schedule Site Visits

Once you have a list of potential wedding venues, schedule site visits to see them in person.

This will give you a better idea of the venue’s ambiance, amenities, and overall vibe.

During the site visit, ask questions about the venue’s policies, packages, and availability.

Also, try to negotiate the price and the inclusions or ask for additional perks.

Book Early

Finally, once you have found the perfect wedding venue, book it as early as possible to secure your date.

By booking early, you can ensure that you get the venue you want at the price you want.

Legal Requirements for a Cancun Wedding

Planning a destination wedding in Cancun is exciting, but it’s important to know the legal requirements before you start.

As a US citizen, you can have a legal wedding in Mexico, but you will need to provide some paperwork and meet certain requirements.

Civil Ceremony vs Symbolic Ceremony

In Mexico, you have the option of having a civil ceremony or a symbolic ceremony.

A civil ceremony is a legal wedding, recognized by the government, while a symbolic ceremony is a non-legal ceremony that can be performed by a minister or wedding officiant.

Required Documents

To have a legal wedding in Cancun, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Valid passports
• Tourist cards (provided upon arrival in Mexico)
• Original birth certificates
• Blood test results (done in Mexico)
• Divorce decree (if applicable)

All documents must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator. It’s important to note that blood tests are required for civil ceremonies, but not for symbolic ceremonies.

Paperwork and Timing

To start the legal process for a civil ceremony, you will need to arrive in Mexico at least three business days before the wedding.

During this time, you will need to provide the necessary documents and complete the required paperwork.

The paperwork includes a marriage application, which will be completed with the help of a wedding coordinator or a lawyer.

Legal Fees

The legal fees for a civil ceremony in Cancun can vary, but they typically range from $200 to $500 USD.

This includes the cost of the blood tests, translation services, and paperwork processing.

In addition to the legal fees, you will also need to pay for the services of a wedding coordinator or lawyer to help you with the process.

What to Expect from Your Cancun Wedding Package

Choosing a wedding package can be overwhelming. There are so different options and add-ons to consider.

Here’s what you can expect from a typical Cancun wedding package:

Wedding Coordinator

Your wedding coordinator will be your go-to person for everything related to your wedding.

They’ll help you choose a package, select a venue, and coordinate with vendors.

They’ll also make sure everything runs smoothly on the big day.

Ceremony Setup

Your ceremony setup will typically include a decorated arch or gazebo, chairs for your guests, and a sound system.

You can choose from a variety of other decor options, like flowers, ceremony backdrop, lanterns, aisle runner, and candles.

Bouquet and Boutonniere

Most wedding packages include a bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere.

You’ll typically have several options to choose from, ranging from simple to elaborate.

Wedding Cake

Your wedding package will likely include a wedding cake.

Choose the flavor, size, and designs you want, including traditional tiered cakes and more modern options.

Cocktail Hour

Many wedding packages include a cocktail hour after the ceremony.

You can choose from a variety of drink and appetizer options.

Reception Setup

Your reception setup will typically include tables, chairs, linens, and centerpieces.

You can choose from a variety of decor options, including flowers, candles, and lanterns.

Dinner Reception

Your wedding package will likely include a dinner reception.

You can choose from a variety of menu options, ranging from buffet-style to plated dinners.

DJ and Sound System

Most wedding packages include a DJ and sound system for your reception.

You can choose from a variety of music options, and your DJ will keep the party going all night long.

Activities

Many resorts offer activities for you and your guests to enjoy during your stay.

These can include everything from snorkeling and scuba diving to spa treatments and golf.

Romantic Dinner and Couples Massage

Some wedding packages include a romantic dinner and couples massage.

This is an ideal way to relax after all the busyness of the wedding activities.

Sparkling Wine Toast

Your wedding package will likely include a sparkling wine toast after the ceremony.

This is a great way to celebrate with your guests.

Late Checkout and Turndown Service

Many resorts offer late checkout and turndown service for wedding guests.

This is a great way to make sure everyone is comfortable and relaxed during their stay.

Accommodation Options for Wedding Guests

As the host of a destination wedding in Cancun, it’s important to ensure that your guests have comfortable and convenient accommodation options.

Luckily, Cancun is home to a variety of resorts that cater to different preferences and budgets.

One popular option is to choose an all-inclusive resort, which can simplify the planning process for guests.

These resorts typically offer suites with plenty of amenities, including swimming pools, dining options, and sometimes even spa treatments.

One such resort is the Wyndham Alltra, which is family-friendly and located on the beautiful beaches of Cancun.

For guests who prefer an adults-only atmosphere, the TRS Coral Hotel is a great option.

This resort offers luxurious suites and access to a private beach club, as well as a variety of dining options and swimming pools.

Another option for guests is to stay at a non-all-inclusive resort or hotel.

These options can provide more flexibility in terms of dining and activities, and can be more budget-friendly for guests who don’t plan to spend much time at the resort.

The Atelier Playa Mujeres is a great example of a non-all-inclusive resort that offers spacious suites and a variety of amenities.

It’s important to consider the needs and preferences of your guests in choosing their accomodation.

Providing a range of options can help ensure that everyone feels comfortable and has a great time celebrating your special day.

Additional Services and Extras

When planning a destination wedding in Cancun, there are many additional services and extras that you may want to consider to make your special day even more memorable.

• Spa Treatments: Many resorts in Cancun offer luxurious spa treatments for the bride and groom to help them relax before the big day. Some resorts even offer discounts on spa services for wedding groups.
• Private Wedding Reception: If you want a more intimate reception, consider booking a private space for your wedding group. Many resorts offer private dining areas or even entire ballrooms for your reception.
• Rose Petals: For a romantic touch, consider adding rose petals to your ceremony or reception. Many resorts offer this as an extra service.
• Water Park: If you have guests with children attending your wedding, consider booking a resort with a water park. This can be a fun activity for families to enjoy together.
• Extras: Some resorts offer additional extras such as fireworks displays, live music, or even a private yacht rental for your wedding day. These can add an extra touch of luxury to your special day.

When considering these additional services and extras, keep in mind the number of guests attending your wedding and your overall budget.

It’s important to prioritize the services that are most important to you and your partner to ensure that you have the wedding of your dreams.

Exploring Cancun Beyond the Wedding

Cancun has so much to offer, from its beautiful beaches to its lively nightlife.

Here are some of the activities you can enjoy during your stay:

Travel

Cancun is a popular tourist destination because it has a lot to offer.

Its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches are breathtaking.

I highly recommend taking a day trip to Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancun.

You can take a ferry from the Hotel Zone and spend the day snorkeling, swimming, and exploring the island.

Bars and Nightlife

Cancun has a vibrant and lively nightlife that everyone can enjoy.

There are plenty of bars and nightclubs in the Hotel Zone, but I recommend checking out some of the local spots in downtown Cancun.

One of my favorites was La Vaquita, a lively nightclub with a fun atmosphere and great music.

Golfing

If you’re a golfer, you’re in luck. Cancun has some of the best golf courses in Mexico.

I played a round at the Riviera Cancun Golf Club, which boasts stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.

The course is challenging but enjoyable, and the staff is friendly and accommodating.

Sailing

Cancun is also a great destination for sailing enthusiasts.

I once went on a sunset sail with my husband and it was one of the highlights of our trip.

The views were spectacular and the crew was knowledgeable and friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions