Find love at first stay at these destination wedding resorts.
More than any other element, where you set the scene sets the whole tone for your big day. What’s so nice about Mexico and the Caribbean is that anywhere you go, you’ll have a guaranteed gorgeous backdrop for your wedding. Plus, if you choose an all-inclusive, the logistics couldn’t be simpler. There’s no worrying about transportation or going over budget; it’s all in one place, for one price.
So which beachfront resorts never fail to stun? Here are our top picks.
PALLADIUM HOTEL GROUP
Adults-only options │ Eco-friendly │ LGBTQ-friendly │ South Asian weddings available
Just one wedding a day at Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts and TRS Hotels means you and your spouse-to-be are the stars of the show. But the VIP treatment starts well before you ever arrive. Count on your personal wedding coordinator to be there from day one to help plan every element according to your vision, thanks to the Karen Bussen Wedding Collections. From barefoot simplicity to tropical glam, make your wedding “fun, simple, and personal” with six mix-and-match as you please themes for colors, bouquets, chairs, fabrics, and extra accessories.
It’s The One if: Customization is your keyword. Personalize every detail of your wedding until you achieve a look-and-feel entirely your own.
Say “I do” in: Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit, or Costa Mujeres, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; or Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Tie the knot for free: Book at least 12 rooms for 4 nights or more. (Karen Bussen packages excluded.)
DREAMS RIVIERA CANCUN RESORT & SPA
Eco-friendly │ LGBTQ-friendly │ South Asian weddings available
With gorgeous settings that look like they belong on an Instagram feed, this Inclusive Collection, part of Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, property knows a thing or two about capturing the perfect moment. A rustic-chic single table in the Chef’s Garden, a decked-out boardwalk by the water … any set-up you choose is going to make a striking impression. Their most unique, though, is the Mayan-inspired wedding gazebo facing the ocean. A one-of-a-kind take on a wedding arbor, it’s a way to honor the destination in a familiar—but unexpected—way. No matter which location you go with, however, our insider tip stays the same: plan a surprise beach bonfire the night before the wedding. The kids will love the s’mores station!
It’s The One if: You’re “Dream”-ing of romance that doesn’t exclude the kiddos. Dedicated kids and teens clubs let them do their own thing during downtime so adults can catch up or just relax.
Say “I do” in: Locations on the beach, terrace, gazebo, garden, restaurant, ballroom, or the lobby’s grand staircase (for ceremonies).
Tie the knot for free: Book 7 nights or more in a qualifying room category OR five rooms in any category for at least 3 nights.
KARISMA HOTELS & RESORTS
Adults-only options │ Eco-friendly │ South Asian weddings available
Eat your heart out at any of these Gourmet Inclusive® properties. Encompassing romantic, adults-only El Dorado Spa Resorts; all-ages, sophisticated Azul and Generations resorts; casual luxury at Margaritaville Island Resorts and the coming-soon, upscale St. Somewhere Resorts, both in partnership with Jimmy Buffett; and Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts for kids at heart, trust there’s a wedding style for everyone. While each brand brings something new, rely on incredible food, strict attention to detail, and a “tasteful” atmosphere (couldn’t resist!).
It’s The One if: You like variety with consistency. Distinct brand personalities give a ton of options; Karisma’s carry-through Gourmet Inclusive® service means the same high standards for all.
Say “I do” in: Riviera Maya, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; or Negril, Jamaica.
Tie the knot for free: Requirements vary, but their Always & Forever package is a great complimentary option. Simple and sweet, it includes all the musts for up to 24.
VALENTIN IMPERIAL, RIVIERA MAYA
Adults-only │ Eco-friendly │ LGBTQ-friendly
Spell out your love for everyone to see—literally, with sculptures that remind your guests what brought them to Mexico’s spectacular Riviera Maya. Four themes, Ever After, Eternal Love, The One and Only, and Heavenly Moments keep things as simple or grand as you like, with room for tailor-made touches off your Pinterest board. If elopement is more your speed, the Mayan wedding package, inspired by the region’s rich heritage, lets couples partake in a private traditional ritual. Though blessings are in Mayan, translations are given in your choice of English or Spanish.
It’s The One if: The finer things in life are, in your book, what make it worth living. Glamor and sophistication with just the right amount of restraint are the cornerstones of weddings here.
Say “I do” in: Your choice of 18 venues for ceremony, cocktails, and reception, including the beach, gazebo, overwater bridges, and on-site San Valentin Catholic Chapel (for Catholic, not legally recognized ceremonies only).
Tie the knot for free: Fill six rooms for 3 nights to receive the complimentary Valentin package, featuring ceremony décor and select sites, a sparkling wine toast, flowers for the couple, and more.
RIU HOTELS & RESORTS
Adults-only options │ Eco-friendly options │ LGBTQ-friendly
Every day’s a nice day for a white(-sand) wedding at this resort brand synonymous with choice. With a tagline of “As you like it,” it shouldn’t come as any surprise that this mantra of personalization carries over to their events. The newly relaunched Wedding Collections by RIU are all about options, with fresh takes on color stories, flowers, music, and the small elements that add up to one perfect big picture. And their wedding staff will coordinate it all to suit the size, location, and ceremony type you select, freeing you up to focus on planning your honeymoon … or just leave that to them, too.
It’s The One if: You want your wedding to be as easy to plan as possible. A wide range of choices at affordable price points and experienced coordinators to guide you bans stress from the guest list.
Say “I do” in: Aruba, the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, Costa Rica, or Panama.
Tie the knot for free: Book ANY room category to get the Free Wedding Collection’s ceremony and semi-private reception, complete with cake and sparkling wine toast, for the couple and eight guests.
UNICO 20°87° RIVERA MAYA
Adults-only │ LGBTQ-friendly │ South Asian weddings available
Dedicated to the local, the artisanal, and the personal, this AAA Five Diamond Award-winning property checks all the boxes for a wedding fit for a celebrity—but without the fuss. That’s thanks in part to a partnership with Marylen Exposito, wedding planner to Miami’s elite. Her three packages, the Riviera Maya Experience, One-of-a-Kind Experience, and 20°87° Experience, are studies in understated luxury, allowing the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya—and, of course, the couple—shine. Dedicated wedding specialists work with you to customize any package to your liking, while the local hosts on staff can give great suggestions for pre- or post-event activities for the wedding crew.
It’s The One if: Your philosophy is you’re getting married in Mexico, so you want it to feel like you’re getting married in Mexico. UNICO allows you to embrace local culture and still stay true to your vision.
Say “I do” in: The wedding gazebo, a ballroom, on one of the terraces, or on the sand.
Tie the knot for free: Offering less frills but no less satisfaction than the Experiential Wedding Packages, UNICO’s complimentary option for qualifying bookings accommodates up to 32 guests.
Restrictions and minimum requirements apply for complimentary wedding packages. The ALG Vacations® groups team can supply all the details you need to make the big decision.
