Guide Cancun Hero HIC DRESC WED Beach 2 CB

The Ultimate Guide to Destination Weddings in Cancun, Mexico

On the most eastern coast of Mexico sits the city of Cancun - a popular resort paradise known for its soft coral sands, near-perfect beach weather, and vibrant nightlife all along the waterfront strip. Cancun was ranked among the world's best vacation spots (coming in at #4!), according to the Travel Channel, as well as the second most popular wedding destination abroad in 2022.

Couples travel from near and far to get married in Cancun, Mexico. Its clear Caribbean waters, tropical climate year-round, and top-notch wedding resorts are just part of the appeal for fun-loving newlyweds. If you are considering a destination wedding in Cancun, Mexico, read on. Here, we outline all you need to know about tying the knot in Cancun.

Average Cost of a Destination Wedding in Cancun, Mexico

Ultimate Guide to Destination Weddings in Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is teeming with luxurious, beachside wedding resorts and all-inclusive wedding packages that can be customized for couples needs. Surprisingly, however, the cost of a Cancun wedding is less than one-fourth the cost of a traditional, domestic wedding in the United States. Let's break this down.

The average cost of a wedding close-to-home, in the U.S. is almost $20,000 today.
The average cost of an international destination wedding is about $6,465 for Destination Weddings' couples. This includes roundtrip airfare, several nights of accommodations, the entire wedding package, and romantic touches throughout the wedding and honeymoon stay.

Guests attending a destination wedding in Mexico can expect to spend about $1,080 per person on accommodations, though costs can be even less. For example, they can find round-trip flights to Cancun for under $500. And depending on the number of guests, you can also score group rates to help mitigate guests' travel costs. A Destination Wedding Specialist can help you discover any applicable deals, such as free group excursions, complimentary wedding packages, and upgraded hotel suites.

Keep in mind that Cancun is the resort destination of Mexico, and is widely known for its range of all-inclusive wedding resorts. These all-inclusive offerings can help to keep costs low, by rolling things like your hotel stay, wedding venue and décor, and food/drinks into one, bundled price.

Check out our exclusive savings

Choosing Where to Get Married in Cancun

Cancun's Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) is a 17-mile stretch of beach, dotted with waterfront resorts. According to the Cancun Tourism Institute, there are over 32,000 hotel rooms in this area alone. For newlyweds, this means a couple different things - One, there are a plethora of wedding resorts to choose from, all with romantic ocean views. Two, deciding on a single resort can get overwhelming fast.

As a couple, it's important to envision your entire destination wedding experience - from the minute you arrive, to the final day of your honeymoon. Do you picture yourselves staying at a romantic, adults-only wedding resort? Or, do you see yourself surrounded by loved ones and their little ones, at a family-friendly resort? When it comes to the big day, where do you wish to say "I do" - in a beautiful, seaside gazebo, a grand rooftop terrace, or on an untouched beach away from the public eye? Pro tip: If you are looking for a very private and quiet wedding oasis, you may consider venturing 30 miles south of Cancun to Maroma Beach, a romantic resort hideaway consisting of 500 acres of beach and tropical rainforest.

After considering your wishes and your taste, it's time to consider your wedding budget. Cancun wedding resorts range from Le Blanc Spa Resort - one of the most luxurious hotels in the world - to more wallet-friendly options like the Riu Caribe. Of course, prices will vary depending on the time of year you travel, your chosen wedding package, and the size of your guest list.

A Destination Wedding Specialist - an expert who knows the ins and outs of weddings in Cancun - can help you narrow down your search for the perfect wedding resort. (You can speak with ours for free!) This person is there to help you choose a wedding venue and resort, customize a wedding package based on your style and budget, as well as arrange accommodations for both you and your guests.

Why Have a Cancun Destination Wedding

Cancun was ranked among the top wedding destinations of 2022, and it's easy to see why. In addition to a bustling nightlife, this coastal escape offers an array of wonders to surround your wedding day. Think subaquatic caves (called cenotes), an underwater museum, the second largest reef in the world, and the world's most visited Mayan ruins, Chichen Itza. Not to mention, Cancun offers romantic miles of white-sand beaches for couples to relax- rated third by US News for the best beaches in Mexico.

What's Included in an All-Inclusive Wedding Package?

What's Included in a Cancun All-Inclusive Wedding Package?

What's included in your all inclusive wedding package will vary a little from one resort to the next, but generally, your package will include some specific details and amenities. Most resorts will offer multiple different packages to choose from, with upgraded packages offering premium extras, like flowers, decorations, musicians, cakes, photography, champagne for toasts, and more.

Wedding packages make planning your destination wedding in Cancun simple. No worrying about choosing different vendors, coordinating delivery to your resort, or making sure that everything is set ahead of your ceremony—instead, everything is handled for you. They also make it easy for you to budget your wedding in Cancun cost, because all of the costs associated with your wedding ceremony and reception are included under one set fee.

Let's take a look at some common components of a basic package for a Cancun destination wedding.

Planning a Cancun Destination Wedding

It's easy to see why Cancun is one of the most traveled-to destinations in the world. And while planning a destination wedding can be near stress-free for couples, there are some unique factors that you should keep top-of-mind when traveling to Cancun. Getting married in a foreign country simply isn't the same as getting married at home. Before jetting off to say "I do" in Cancun, be sure to research the following with your Wedding Specialist:

Marriage Requirements in Cancun

Most destination couples legalize their marriage in their home state, and hold a symbolic ceremony with friends and family in the locale of their choosing. However, if you wish to have a civil wedding in Cancun, there are a number of requirements you must fulfill. Among other items, these include:

Read More Less

Types of Wedding Ceremonies Available

If you choose to get legally married in Cancun, you'll need to meet the above requirements, carry additional documentation with you, and plan ahead to make sure that you have plenty of time before your ceremony to get the details squared away. But a legal ceremony isn't your only option.

Another option that's popular with couples planning a Cancun destination wedding is a symbolic ceremony. As the name suggests, this isn't a legally binding ceremony, but is instead symbolic of one. You can have a religious, spiritual, or customized ceremony, complete with vows and other elements of a traditional ceremony. But in most cases, couples will actually get legally married at home before or after traveling to Cancun.

Whether you choose to have a legal or symbolic wedding ceremony, you can still choose to customize it by getting married on the beach, in a tropical garden, or a more traditional chapel. One unique option is to have a traditional Mayan ceremony that incorporates local cultural elements. When choosing a venue for your wedding, it's a good idea to consider the style of wedding ceremony you plan to have to make sure that the venue is a good fit.

Your Wedding Date

Cancun was chosen as the top resort destination of Mexico in the late 1960s, mainly because of its ideal weather year-round. However, this comes with a caveat. Like any of the world's best beach destinations, Cancun does have a rainy hurricane season, which takes place in the Fall (September to November). When choosing a wedding date, think about which time of year is best for you to visit Cancun. May is the most popular time of year to visit Mexico for Destination Weddings' couples.2 However, the lowest rates can be found during the off-season, if you're willing to weather a potential storm.

Safety Considerations

Cancun is bustling with friendly locals and tourists alike. Every year, millions of travelers visit this tropical destination. Still, however, you may be hesitant about safety - and it's an important concern. Rest assured that tourists are typically not fazed by, and do not see, the crime or drug violence that happens in Mexico, as it mostly occurs in hyperlocal areas (such as on city peripheries), away from tourist hubs. In Cancun, couples should stick to vacation areas such as the Hotel Zone or the famed El Centro's plaza and mercado, but avoid venturing to the outskirts of the city.

Cancun Wedding Inspiration

Countless couples have said "I do" in Cancun - some with their toes in the sand, some in traditional chapels, and some in a romantic sky terrace overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Get inspired by our real brides and grooms who have gotten married in Cancun, Mexico.

Nikita & David

Nisha & Leon

By Sarani Weddings
Cancun, Mexico

Shannon & Ryan

By Ever After Films
Cancun, Mexico

FAQs About Getting Married in Cancun

What’s the weather like during the wedding season in Cancun?
The most popular time of year to get married in Cancun is from November to April. This time of year, the weather is typically warm and dry, with daytime temperatures hovering at a comfortable 75 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity is low, and rainfall is rare this time of year.
How far in advance should I book my Cancun wedding?
The earlier the better when booking a Cancun destination wedding, as resorts and wedding dates may fill far in advance. Booking your destination wedding 12 to 18 months in advance will give you time to book flights, your resort stay, and your wedding package.
Are there any local wedding customs to consider?
Traditional Mexican and Mayan wedding ceremonies have some unique traditions and customs that couples should be aware of, in case they plan to incorporate them into their own wedding ceremonies. Mayan weddings are often very spiritual and nature-focused, and may incorporate symbolic elements from nature like fire, water, wind, and earth. Traditional Mexican wedding customs also include symbolic elements like the exchanging of gold coins, the use of a large rosary draped around the couple's shoulders in a figure-eight shape, and energetic dancing and music during the reception.
Do I need a wedding planner for a destination wedding in Cancun?
Having a wedding planner for a destination wedding in Cancun can help make the process stress-free. They'll help you understand what to expect, remind you of important deadlines, and make sure that you're ready if you're planning to have a legal ceremony.

An on-site wedding planner is often only there to help once you've booked your wedding package, and will coordinate the details of your ceremony and reception. But when it comes to planning your destination wedding, our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists are here to help. They're experts in planning Cancun weddings.
How do I get my marriage legally recognized in my home country?
When you return to your home country, you'll need to get your marriage certificate authenticated or apostilled, as well as translated into the language of your home country. You may also need to register it with your local government.

Featured Wedding Planning Guides & Blog Posts

How Much Does a Cancun Wedding Cost?

Cancun feels like everything you picture when you close your eyes and imagine your dream wedding. Powdery white sand stretching for miles, water in shades of blue you didn't know existed,…

Learn More

1/2

The Ultimate Guide to Destination Weddings in Cancun, Mexico

Average Cost of a Destination Wedding in Cancun, Mexico

Choosing Where to Get Married in Cancun

Why Have a Cancun Destination Wedding

What's Included in a Cancun All-Inclusive Wedding Package?

Planning a Cancun Destination Wedding

Cancun Wedding Inspiration

Real Couples, Real Weddings.

Chelsea & Scott

Ryan & Josiah

Heather & Tyler

Lun & Travis