Tying the knot in a sun-soaked, seaside destination always sounds dreamy, with the waves gently lapping at the shore while you stand barefoot in the sand. Mexico’s Mayan Riviera – south of Cancun in the state of Quintana Roo and home to some of the world’s best beaches – can easily make this dream a reality for Canadian couples looking to say “I do.”
Today’s Bride visited one of this region’s most beautiful locations, Playa del Carmen, to check out the five-star Grand Velas Riviera Maya resort. It has three levels of all-inclusive accommodation, each housed in its own unique building.
For stargazers
One of the biggest trends this year is travelling to see the stars. Grand Velas Riviera Maya resort has launched its Celestial Wedding Experience, where you can treat your wedding guests to guided expert astronomy sessions. Spot the constellations through high-powered telescopes and commemorate your big day by buying your own star. The resort will assist with the official registration and provide an official certificate. The twinkling decor (including a custom dance floor with a projection of the constellations that appeared in the sky on the day couples met), the cocktails (Golden Shimmer Mimosa, anyone?) and a menu created by Grand Velas’ Michelin-starred chefs all combine to deliver an out-of-this-world destination wedding experience.
It’s all about you
Speaking of the menu, there are five restaurants to choose from, including the Michelin-starred Cocina de Autor. The SE Spa, located in the Zen Grand Jungle Resort, features an exclusive bridal suite.
Need to unwind and release some tension? Massage therapists can do their magic here on your big day. Hair and makeup, facials and more can be booked in the privacy of the suite for you and your bridal party. You can also request the resort’s Social Media Concierge to create bespoke wedding content.
Romancing the culture
One of the most romantic experiences available at Mexico’s Grand Velas Riviera Maya are private candlelit dinners on the beach under a Mayan-inspired canopy, either for the happy couple or a larger group. Live music (we were treated to a local, all-female Mariachi band that can also be booked for weddings) and ‘Mojigangas’ (papier-mâché dolls or puppets made in the likeness of the person creating it or, in this case, the bride and the groom) add plenty of cultural immersion to any celebration.
For weddings, the puppets, which are said to attract good fortune, are life-sized and, with the help of the person wielding the puppet, lead the wedding procession. A beachside deck was also in the process of being constructed during our visit, with enough seating for 100 guests and facing the Caribbean. Later the next evening, fireworks lit up the sky in celebration of a couple who had tied the knot earlier in the week.
Where the travel experts are booking
Shiel Mcclure
Wedding planner, consultant & coordinator, Wedding Planners Institute of Canada
Cabo San Lucas/San José Del Cabo
“Riu Palace Cabo is great for families or suggest Riu Palace Baja California for adults only. Cabo is a short flight from western Canada, with convenient transfers to the properties. RIU’s wedding department is great to work with and offers packages suitable for most wedding groups.”
Puerto Vallarta
“Iberostar Playa Mita is just a short, direct flight away, with beautiful scenery and a great wedding department.”
Hawaii
“I would recommend Kauai, Oahu and Maui for my more unique clients who want something different than everyone else. These destinations work very well for small ceremonies and are extremely popular for renewals and second-time-around couples who want something more intimate and less commercial.”
smcclure@todaysdestinationweddingsandhoneymoons.com 1-888-683-7083 Ext. 3528
Pattie Kisilewich
Travel, wedding and event planner, certified wedding and event planner in Mexico
“I love Mexico. It’s easy to get to, plus there’s a fantastic variety of travel options to fit every budget and style. Mexico also has easy marriage requirements.”
Hawaii
“There are great flights, especially from the West. With the different islands, it’d be more suited to the independent traveller – but it’s easy to customize.”
Cruising
“Although cruising isn’t for everyone, the weddings that I have planned on cruises have all gone smoothly and met all my clients’ wants.”
Jamaica And Punta Cana
“It’s a tie between these two destinations. There are good flights, great variety for clients and easy marriage requirements with both.”
pattiek@todaysdestinationweddingsandhoneymoons.com 1-888-683-7083 Ext. 2808
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