The Riviera Maya has quietly become the world’s favorite canvas for destination weddings—sugar-white beaches, jungle-framed chapels, and boutique hotels that glow by candlelight. From polished resort enclaves in Playa del Carmen to the bohemian shoreline of Tulum, you’ll find venues for every style and budget.

Historically, this coast once connected Maya trading ports; today, it links travelers to coral reefs, cenotes (freshwater sinkholes), and a culinary scene that is equal parts coastal Mexican, contemporary, and inventive wood-fired cuisine. Wedding packages run the gamut—from complimentary symbolic ceremonies at some all-inclusives with room-night minimums, to bespoke buyouts on quiet stretches of sand.

This 7-day itinerary is designed for couples: efficient venue tours, smart “deal-hunting” tips, and time built in for the why-you’re-really-here moments—swimming in turquoise water, sunset cocktails under palms, and a site walk at NEST Tulum. Fly in and out of Cancún (CUN), base first in Playa del Carmen for resort options and then Tulum for boutique beachfront vibes.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is your easy, organized launchpad—close to Cancún airport, with polished resorts, group-friendly hotels, and a lively dining scene along Quinta Avenida. It’s ideal for comparing all-inclusive wedding packages and locking in room blocks that can keep guest budgets in check.

• Why couples start here: Top-tier resorts (Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Secrets Maroma, Banyan Tree/Rosewood Mayakoba, Hotel Xcaret México) offer dedicated wedding teams, ceremony spaces, and perks like credits, upgrades, or free events with group minimums.
• Where to stay: Browse beach resorts and condos near Playacar or Mayakoba for a quiet base with easy venue access.
• Dining highlights: From taco counters like El Fogón to the subterranean “wow” of Alux (a natural cave restaurant), cuisine here is a memorable part of the scouting trip.

Accommodation search (affiliate): VRBO Playa del Carmen | Hotels.com Playa del Carmen

Flights (affiliate): Compare fares to Cancún (CUN) on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com Flights. Typical roundtrip from major U.S. cities: ~$250–$650, 2–5 hours nonstop depending on origin.

Day 1: Arrive CUN → Playa del Carmen, Settle & Sunset Stroll

Afternoon: Land at CUN and transfer 50–60 minutes to Playa del Carmen. The ADO bus to downtown runs ~every 30–60 minutes (~$12), private shuttles are ~$60–$90 per vehicle, taxi ~1 hour. Check into your hotel or condo in Playacar or near the beach.

Evening: Ease in with dinner at La Cueva del Chango (leafy garden setting; house-made tortillas, pescado a la talla, and aguas frescas). Walk Quinta Avenida for a feel of the scene; grab a scoop at Amorino or a chocolate concha at Chez Céline. Nightcap at Trujillos Cantina de Selva—mezcal cocktails under hanging lanterns.

Day 2: Resort Wedding Tours (Mayakoba & Maroma) + Playa Eats

Morning: Coffee at Ah Cacao (Mexican cacao mochas) and breakfast at Choux Choux Café (eggs Benedict, green juices). Begin site visits: Banyan Tree Mayakoba (lagoons, Thai-inspired villas; ceremony at the chapel in “El Pueblito” Mayakoba), Rosewood Mayakoba (overwater decks, refined receptions), and Grand Velas Riviera Maya (gorgeous beachfront gazebo; strong reputation for food/service).

Afternoon: Break for tacos at El Fogón (al pastor carved off the trompo, arrachera, smoky salsas). Continue north toward Secrets Maroma Beach (adults-only; popular for value-forward packages and photo-friendly Maroma sand). Ask each venue about: room-block concessions, symbolic vs. legal ceremony fees, vendor policies, curfews, and rainy-day backup spaces.

Evening: Dinner at Alux, the subterranean cave restaurant—order the octopus and a Yucatán-forward cocktail. If you want something intimate, try Oh Lala! by George (tiny dining room, reservations essential). Late cocktail at Club de la Cerveza for craft beers steps from the beach.

Day 3: Hotel Xcaret, Cenote Stop, Menu Tasting & Rooftop Views

Morning: Light breakfast at Chez Céline (almond croissant, cappuccino). Head to Hotel Xcaret México for a robust venue walkthrough: dramatic chapels (including riverside settings), garden terraces, and included park access for guests. It’s a logistical dream for larger weddings and groups with kids.

Afternoon: Cool off at Cenote Azul or Jardín del Edén (~20–25 minutes south; entry ~$8–$12). This is a great time to imagine a next-day “trash-the-dress” swim or welcome party by a cenote garden. Late lunch at Los Aguachiles (tostadas de atún, aguachile negro, shrimp tacos).

Evening: Consider a menu tasting at your top-choice venue or dine oceanside at Mahekal Beach Resort’s Itzi (grilled catch, torch-lit tables). Sunset rooftop drinks at the Thompson Main House Rooftop—pools, skyline views, and a vacation soundtrack.

Tulum

Tulum is the whisper-quiet counterpart: palm-latticed beach hotels, design-forward restaurants, and a barefoot-elegant wedding aesthetic. If Playa wins for convenience, Tulum wins for mood and the kind of twilight that makes photos look editorial.

• Why couples end here: Iconic boho venues and boutique buyouts; ceremony backdrops that are intimate, organic, and candlelit. Ideal for welcome dinners on the sand and unplugged ceremonies.
• Top venues to visit: NEST Tulum (understated, stylish, known for intimate weddings and strong service), Papaya Playa Project (festival-meets-elegant beach club energy), Habitas Tulum (dune-side wooden deck, excellent sound policy), Ahau Tulum (palapa frames, toes-in-sand ceremonies), Delek Tulum (earthy, sustainable design).
• Food & fun: Taquería Honorio breakfasts, wood-fired dinners at ARCA or Hartwood, and dips into electric-blue cenotes.

Accommodation search (affiliate): VRBO Tulum | Hotels.com Tulum

Day 4: Playa del Carmen → Tulum Transfer + NEST Tulum Site Visit

Morning: Depart Playa for Tulum (ADO bus ~1 hr 10 min, ~$6–$10; private transfer ~70–90 min, ~$60–$90). Check into your beachside boutique or a design-y villa in Aldea Zama if you prefer a quieter night scene.

Afternoon: Lunch at Burrito Amor (smoky grilled chicken burritos in banana leaves, great salsas). Head to your appointment at NEST Tulum: walk the dune path, view ceremony setups beneath palms, review guest capacity, sample bar menus, and ask about midweek or shoulder-season pricing (often the best “nest” of deals). Clarify quiet-hours policies, buyout options, and vendor lists.

Evening: Wood-fired dinner at ARCA (charred octopus, short rib with recado negro, sophisticated cocktails). Nightcap at Gitano Jungle (if open midweek; mezcal and twinkling lanterns) or a serene beach stroll under the stars.

Day 5: Cenotes + Tulum Ruins + Beachfront Dining

Morning: Early swim at Gran Cenote or Cenote Calavera (sparkling caverns; entry ~$10–$20). Breakfast at legendary Taquería Honorio—cochinita pibil or lechón tortas with pickled red onion and a café de olla.

Afternoon: Visit the Tulum Ruins (~20 minutes from town). The castle perched over the Caribbean is photo gold for day-after portraits. Light lunch at Raw Love (smoothie bowls, raw cacao treats) or Sabor de Mar (towering aguachiles, ceviches).

Evening: Sunset cocktails at Mezzanine (Thai menu and an ocean-facing terrace). Dinner at Kitchen Table (open-fire kitchen; rotating seasonal plates) or Moro at Habitas (Levantine-Mexican accents, beach soundtrack). Ask your top venue about rehearsal dinner spaces and minimum spends.

Day 6: Sian Ka’an Adventure + Wellness & Vendor Huddle

Morning: Boat into the Sian Ka’an Biosphere (UNESCO-listed). Spot dolphins and sea turtles, float down mangrove channels, and photograph those luminous shallows. Tours usually last 5–6 hours; bring reef-safe sunscreen and cash for the reserve fee.

Afternoon: Late-lunch tacos at Safari (vintage Airstream, grilled fish tacos) or wood-fired pizza at Posada Margherita on the beach. Build in a vendor huddle: officiant options, hair/makeup trials, or a mini cake tasting with a local baker.

Evening: Unwind with a sound bath or yoga at Holistika (tucked in the jungle). If you still have steam, sip a raicilla or sotol at La Hydra (cozy, spirits-forward bar), then rest—tomorrow you pack and float home engaged to a date and place.

Day 7: Final Beach Morning, Brunch & Departure

Morning: Free time for the beach or a couple’s massage. Brunch at DelCielo (chilaquiles rojos, fluffy pancakes, cold brew). Pop into your favorite venue for any last questions—confirm rain plans, décor rules, and “getting ready” rooms.

Afternoon: Depart Tulum for CUN (allow 2–2.5 hours including buffer). Check return options on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com Flights. Toast the week with a last agua de coco—you’ve just designed a wedding weekend everyone will want to attend.

Smart “Deal” Tactics for Riviera Maya Wedding Packages

• Midweek & shoulder season: Tuesday–Thursday events and months like May–early June or late August–October often come with lower minimums and added perks. Build a weather contingency.
• Room blocks & concessions: Ask for a group code plus concessions (1 comp night per X rooms, upgrades for the couple/parents, welcome cocktail hour credits, waived venue fees).
• All-inclusive math: With drink/meal costs fixed, all-inclusives can be budget winners for larger guest lists. Clarify outside vendor fees if you’re bringing a photographer/DJ.
• Buyouts for boutiques: For small hotels like NEST Tulum, a midweek buyout can control noise, privacy, and curfews while unlocking better rates.
• Symbolic vs. legal: Many couples do the legal paperwork at home; symbolic ceremonies in Mexico are simpler and often cheaper.

Where to stay (shortlist ideas): In Playa: Mayakoba (quiet luxury lagoon setting), Playacar Phase 1 (residential beach), central Playa (walkable). In Tulum: Beach Zone (direct sand access), Aldea Zama (new builds, quiet nights), Tulum Pueblo (budget eats, local vibe). Browse options on VRBO Playa del Carmen, Hotels.com Playa del Carmen, VRBO Tulum, and Hotels.com Tulum.

After a week on the Riviera Maya, you’ll know not only which venue fits your vision—from a polished resort terrace to a candlelit stretch of sand at NEST Tulum—but also how to structure room blocks, events, and budgets. Now set your date, send the save-the-dates, and let the sea be your something blue.