Destination weddings can be some of the best wedding values around. It’s also one of the easiest processes you’ll find. From the convenience of bypassing individual vendors, skipping self-coordination detail-planning, and not having to deal with shoddy accommodation options for out of town guests, having a wedding at an all-inclusive resort just takes so much stress and aggravation out of wedding planning.

In fact, that’s the goal for resorts like the Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya, an adults-only luxury resort in the Riviera Maya of Mexico.

One-Stop Shopping

Their $1,299 base package, Eternal Love, already comes with a host of inclusions:

• On-site wedding coordinator
• Non-denominational officiant
• Ceremony set-up
• Sparkling wine toast and one-tier cake for up to 10
• Bridal bouquet(s) and/or boutonniere(s) from selected options, plus a centerpiece
• Small sound system and mic usage for the ceremony
• Dinner reservations for up to 10 in one of the specialty restaurants

Plus, a bunch of other things like spa service discounts, a romantic dinner and room set-up, and their like that usually aren’t part of any wedding package.

Upgrading the package takes care of even more details couples normally have to fuss with at home. Wedding at The Valentin Imperial means no fussing about:

• Pressing for the wedding attire
• Cocktail party
• Getting-ready snacks
• Breakfast the next morning
• Transportation or car/limo service
• Makeup and hair
• Rehearsal dinner options and costs

Even better, just as the property itself is all-inclusive, their packages are inclusive as well.

This property is delighted to offer several types of ceremonies, including LGBTQ+ that fit either symbolic or fully legal categories. Many resorts offer symbolic ceremonies only, so this is a great distinguishing point. Plus, Mayan and Catholic ceremonies are offered – both nods to this region of Mexico and its cultures. And vow renewals? Well, they’re as familiar to this team as they are to the couple!

Location Specifics

Not far from Cancun, right in the Yucatan Peninsula, its easy access and spectacular jungle and coastal setting are two of its top selling points. With many direct, nonstop options, including ALG Vacations® Exclusive Nonstop Vacation Flights, it can be a shorter, simpler jaunt from many national gateways as a domestic destination or U.S.-based wedding. Plus, there’s so much fun stuff to do for guests only biding their time until the main event!

… Not that there isn’t plenty to keep everyone relaxed and busy at the Valentin Imperial property. In addition to seven à la carte restaurants, 11 bars, a spa, and a full roster of organized activities and nightly entertainment, they also have one of the most breathtaking pools in the region and a half-mile of secluded white-sand beach.

The latter two are often popular venues for the ceremonies, cocktail hours, cocktail receptions, and dinners as well. In fact, the most popular wedding venues on the grounds are the beach (included with: The One and Only, Heavenly Moments, and Mayan Wedding themes; a $500 location fee applies for the Eternal Love package), followed closely by the gazebo, whose use is free with any wedding package.

The beachfront is enough to accommodate 200 guests, while the gazebo is appropriate for up to 80. This capacity is the same for the resort’s next-favorite ceremony venue, the Catholic Chapel San Valentin.

Available for Catholic weddings only, a location fee of $670 applies for usage of this space, as does a donation of $300 to be paid directly to the priest officiating the ceremony. This is in keeping with standard practices at any Catholic ceremony even in the United States. What couples surely won’t get in the States is the Mission/hacienda feel of the chapel, with glossy stone floors, sunlight filtering through the open-air space, and an easy walk to a memorable reception site.

The two other ceremony locations might book up less frequently than these three, but it’s surely not for lack of ambiance. Because The Bridge’s capacity is set for 12 and the Fuentes Arch seats only 30, these are suitable for small weddings only.

After-Party Options

For cocktail hours and receptions, options abound. The Gazebo is a great option for parties of 20 – 60, as is the restaurant Steak Pot. For groups in between, with 30 – 50 guests, La Hacienda Terrace is ideal. Intimate events of 20 – 25 are best set up on L’Olivo Terrace or Taman Sari Terrace. Larger ones will want to choose Las Fuentes for up to 200 celebrants.

To scale up, the beach offers seating for up to 200 and sets 20 as the minimum for ultimate flexibility. The Valentin Imperial does ask, however, that couples be equally flexible with them for timing if this is the dream reception area – turtles are tantamount during nesting season, so this location is protected at night from May to November, the better to safeguard these precious natives. Roping off the eggs are only one seasonal part of why a beach wedding reception is a lot of work and requires a $20 per person set-up fee. However, it’s well worth it for that magical dinner and dancing with sand between your toes!

For indoor options, L’Olivo, La Hacienda, and Taman Sari restaurants is available for parties of 60 – 120 for $6,800, 50 – 80 for $5,000, and 50 – 80 for $5,000, respectively. L’Alsace provides and elegant setting for 60 – 150 for $7,000, but Le Marché is the highest capacity venue of them all, matching the beach with seating for up to 200.

Extra Bennies

For the after after-party, e.g. the more private honeymoon portion of a wedding – ANY wedding, whether at the Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya or elsewhere – couples get to live extra-large. All they need is a copy of the marriage license, which must have been issued up to 90 days prior to check-in, and to have made the honeymoon amenity request at the time of booking.

For stays of three to six nights, newlyweds will get sparkling wine upon arrival to their specially decorated room, a congratulatory announcement in the Valentin Journal, distributed resort-wide, and honeymoon turndown service.

Those staying upwards of that, seven nights or longer, also get a fruit platter, a 10% discount at Valentin Imperial Aromance Spa, plus bonuses they can arrange with their concierge. On their first day, couples should talk to said concierge to arrange their in-room breakfast for the day after arrival and a special honeymoon dinner. Additional romantic dinners are available at additional cost.

Want other spectacular destination wedding suggestions? Read our roundup of Best Resorts for a Blissed-Out Big Day and Why Individual Resort Details Matter for Destination Weddings.