Destination Wedding Mexico: What You NEED To Know Before You Book
Planning a wedding is a monumental task, but planning a destination wedding in Mexico? A whole new level. Surrounded by your favorite people in a tropical paradise. Sounds like a dream, but for us - a flashback.
Megan & Scott’s REAL Cabo destination wedding experience first…
or scroll to the bottom for the
REAL tips we learned from this destination couple for planning your wedding!
↓
We recently had the incredible opportunity to capture Megan and Scott's journey, which took us from engagement photos in Edmonton, Alberta, to a civil ceremony in Spruce Grove, and finally, a wild destination wedding week in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. We literally felt like a full-time paparazzi photo + video team the year leading up to their destination wedding in Mexico with how often we saw these two. 🤭
First up: Engagement Photos in Edmonton, AB
Then: Their Civil Ceremony at Sparrow Lane Events in Spruce Grove, AB
Last, but definitelyyyyy not least:
Destination Wedding Cabo Mexico.
We reallllyyyyyyy got to know Megan and Scott during the week we spent with them in Cabo, Mexico. From traveling with their family and friends, to navigating activities within the resort and spending almost every evening together… they became friends, FAST. We photographed and filmed hanging by the pool, the ceremony rehearsal, the rehearsal dinner, the ENTIRE wedding day (of course), and a group catamaran excursion to Lover’s Beach and the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. PHEW - it was a lot. But, we wouldn’t have it any other way… honestly.
Usually we edit ourselves out of the highlight film,
but… there were a few clips that had to stay in the blooper reel...(Fast forward to 6:35 for a laugh). ↓
Obviously, as a wedding photographer & videographer I’m biased…
but, if you’re planning a destination wedding - do yourself a favour & watch the video.
Words from our Mexico Destination Wedding Bride: MEGAN 🫶
“Our wedding felt like years in the making and was nothing short of perfection…
Scott & I met in high school and it felt like forever that I waited for him to propose. We got engaged at the end of 2020 and planned for our wedding to be on February 4th, 2022… but COVID happened and it left us questioning whether or not our destination wedding in Mexico was the right thing to do during a pandemic. We made the decision to post pone the wedding by a year, leaving us both heart broken and still impatiently waiting.
The year in between our previous date and our new date was filled with lots of ups and downs. Most specifically the passing of Scott’s incredible dad, Ron.
This left us regretting our decision to post pone our original wedding date and added to our defeat. After waiting more than 2 years to finally get married the day finally came and Scott & I and 60 of our closest family and friends flew down to Los Cabos Mexico to make it official.
The whole week in Mexico was more then we could have ever asked for - being able to share so many memories with friends and family from all over Canada together for the week meant everything to us. Deciding to have a destination wedding was something we felt so strongly about as we loved the idea of both our families coming together for a week in a beautiful place to celebrate us and the joining of our families. It allowed all our family and friends from all over Canada to form relationships and memories that we will all have forever.
Our wedding day came and it couldn’t have ran more smoothly.
That night we were blessed with the most beautiful sunset I had ever seen in Mexico and we truly believed it was Ron looking down on us giving us this beautiful sky to know he was there with us. The whole evening we danced under the stars and all sang our hearts out, and it felt like time had stood still.
After everything we waited for and all we had been through leading up to this day, we felt overwhelmed with love for each other, and we knew that Ron was with us every step of the way.”
Destination Wedding Mexico Tips ↓ ↓ ↓
Best Destination Wedding Mexico
Choosing the right resort to make everyone happy can feel like a lot of pressure. But, keep in mind your friends/family aren’t coming to spend the week at their favourite tropical destination (otherwise, they’d be picking)! They’re coming to spend the week celebrating YOU, your partner & your wedding… the resort features are just a bonus.
Mexico offers a such a great variety of stunning locations, each with its unique charm. Whether you prefer a lively atmosphere like Cancun or tranquil beauty that Tulum offers, you'll find the perfect setting for your wedding.
Popular Destinations:
Cancun: Known for its vibrant nightlife and all-inclusive resorts.
Playa del Carmen: Offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, with beautiful beaches and eco-parks.
Tulum: Famous for its Mayan ruins and very unique bohemian vibes.
Riviera Maya: A stretch of coastline with diverse resorts and natural attractions.
Some images we took while exploring the colourful city of Los Cabos. ↓ ↓ ↓
-
According to this blog on the average cost of an all-inclusive wedding: A Mexico destination wedding costs on average between $5,000 and $20,000. Varying factors include: location, number of guests, and the package inclusions.
The average cost for the couple falls around $8,000 US, which is significantly more affordable compared to a typical wedding cost at home. -
Megan & Scott celebrated their wedding with their friends & family at the Hotel RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. This resort offers 3 types of ceremonies: Symbolic, Renewal of Vows and Civil. No paperwork is required for symbolic & renewal of vow ceremonies, but the couple does receive a symbolic certificate from their ceremony.
Megan & Scott had celebrated their civil ceremony at home already (photos above), so they chose to host a symbolic ceremony for friends and family in Mexico at the resort.
You can have a legally recognized wedding ceremony in Mexico. However, there are specific requirements that vary depending on the location and your nationality. It's essential to consult with your venue to ensure you meet all the legal requirements. -
Mexico has become a top destination for weddings, and for good reason. With its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and beautifully vibrant culture, it offers the perfect backdrop for a memorable celebration. As Megan and Scott discovered, a destination wedding in Mexico isn’t just a wedding… it’s an unforgettable experience for everyone invited.
-
The best time of year for a destination wedding in Mexico is generally during the dry season, which runs from November to April. However, the ideal time can vary depending on the specific location and your preferences.
-
All-inclusive wedding packages in Mexico can vary, but they often include the ceremony and reception venues, catering, decorations, flowers, wedding cake, and entertainment. Some packages may also include additional perks like spa treatments, private dinners, or excursions.
-
It's recommended to start planning your Mexico destination wedding at least 9-12 months in advance, especially if you're considering a popular destination or resort. This allows ample time to secure your preferred date, venue, and room block for your guests.
One of the highlights was the group Catamaran ride, snorkelling and swimming at Lover’s Beach.
The RIU resort was a short cab ride from the heart of downtown. Some guests were thrilled to sit by the pool every day, but for us (can’t sit still for long) there were just enough activities to keep us busy! When choosing your venue for your destination wedding Mexico, be sure to consider what someone opposite of you may want to do!
A destination wedding is not your average wedding day… it’s the only time in your adult life you’ll host a week long slumber party for your best friends. 🤘
Destination Wedding in Cabo
Cabo San Lucas, located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, is a prime example of Mexico's allure. Cabo offers breathtaking scenery, luxurious venues, and a vibrant atmosphere. Cabo makes for a perfect destination wedding Mexico location.
TOP REASONS TO CHOOSE CABO:
Stunning Scenery: From the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas to the pristine beaches, the natural beauty is unmatched.
Luxury Resorts: Cabo boasts world-class resorts with exceptional wedding services.
Perfect Weather: Enjoy sunny days and warm nights, ideal for outdoor celebrations.
Activities for Guests: From catamaran cruises to golfing, there's something for everyone.
Beach Wedding in Mexico
Megan & Scott chose to hold their ceremony in the gazebo directly above the beach, but this RIU resort also offers ceremonies directly on the beach! A beach wedding in Mexico can offer a romantic and relaxed atmosphere, but doesn’t provide any shelter from the wind or hot sun. The gazebo was the perfect choice, just steps away from the sand with the sound of the waves & sea breeze in the background.
TIPS FOR A PERFECT BEACH WEDDING:
Timing is Key: Consider the time of year and the time of day for your ceremony to avoid harsh sunlight and crowds. Your photographer should be helpful in this department… we know the best lighting & timing for the best photos & experience.
Footwear: The sand can get very hot during the day. If your ceremony is during the day, you might need to opt for a light pair of sandals rather than barefoot!
Decorations: Keep decorations simple and natural to complement the surroundings. Keep wind in mind when selecting your decor as well!
Permits: Ensure you have all necessary permits for a beach ceremony.
Beach Wedding Venues Mexico
TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR VENUE:
Think About Your Guest List: Always ask if the venue can accommodate your number of guests for your destination wedding Mexico.
Check Availability: Popular venues book up quickly, so plan well in advance.
Read Reviews: Look for REAL feedback from previous couples when booking any wedding vendors.
Visit in Person: If possible, visit the venue to get a feel for the space.
Destination Wedding Photographer Mexico
The #1 most common piece of feedback we heard from destination wedding couples was difficulty communicating with vendors during the planning process and on the wedding day.
Most resort venues will introduce you to your wedding planner early on, but don’t offer any information or access to other vendor relationships. This makes communicating your needs/wants to vendors like your photographer, videographer or hair stylist incredibly challenging.
At the end of the day, it’s one day. Hiring a professional photographer & videographer is crucial for preserving the memories of your wedding.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER:
Communication: Ensure your photographer is responsive and easy to communicate with.
Reviews: Read reviews and testimonials from previous couples.
Style: Choose a photographer whose style feels like you.
Experience: Look for photographers with experience in destination weddings.
Having a dedicated photography and videography team allows you to experience the entire week over and over again, from the pre-wedding excitement to the final dance under the stars without missing a moment.
↓ ↓ ↓
Hey, it’s us… Ben + Daria.
Planet earth’s MOST FUN photo + video duo. And… your destination wedding photographer + videographer.
We can’t wait to meet you guys. Honestly, we’d be cool with Mexico again but you can pick. 😉
Want even more destination wedding tips? Click to read this blog ↓
Bride Attended 100’s of Weddings Before Eloping in Italy, HER TOP 3:
© daria x ben creative co.
DXBCREATIVE.CO
