An island wedding delivers an unconventional yet intimate experience on ultra-romantic sandy shores. Doug Wallace goes on location to discover how to create a tropical day to remember.
The scenario is a familiar one for many brides-to-be. You want your destination wedding to be small and intimate but there’s something missing – a special ingredient to take it beyond the ordinary. Then, the “aha” moment arrives.
“An island wedding offers an unmatched sense of intimacy and privacy,” says Patricia Rozos, event planner at Almare, a new Marriott Luxury Collection resort on Isla Mujeres, off the coast of Cancún. “It allows couples to truly get away from it all – the natural scenery provides stunning backdrops.”
It’s an excellent idea, but this plan requires a few extra steps. And while there will be trade-offs, the benefits are myriad and well worth the effort. You will be in your own little world, enjoying the exclusivity of a tranquil island vibe, your guests easily bonding and feeling part of something special.
Why Isla Mujeres is a hidden gem for intimate island weddings
Isla Mujeres is an excellent natural location, one anchored to unspoiled beaches and lush scenery. A mere 25-minute boat ride from Cancún, it’s smaller and more serene than mainland Mexico, yet still easy to reach. It’s small enough to feel informal, but big enough to have proper amenities.
You can have a low-key, budget-friendly Caribbean-style island wedding without the full isolation or complication of smaller islands farther afield. “Planning a wedding on Isla Mujeres begins with understanding the couple’s vision and setting a clear budget,” Rozos says. “We then discuss the different options for the ceremony, cocktail and reception, coordinate transportation through our service desk and assemble a team of trusted vendors. Given the island setting, we also prioritize logistics early on, such as ferry schedules, equipment rentals and any additional details.”
Rozos adds that costs and logistics for any off-island requirements need to be factored in. Vendors may need to travel farther to participate. Items such as fresh florals and large décor pieces may cost extra to import. Entertainment professionals need to be experienced with island events and understand the logistics involved. “Our process is very hands-on,” Rozos notes, “from the ceremony setup to the last guest’s departure.”
Almare is also currently pursuing certification as a Queer Destinations designation. This is an international credential that tourism businesses can earn to demonstrate their commitment to offering LGBTQ+ couples and wedding parties a safe and inclusive environment.
Surrender to simple island elegance
The coziness of an adults-only, all-inclusive like Almare is one of many reasons why weddings are starting to fill the function calendar. “The ideal size of an island wedding here is 50 or 60 guests,” Rozos says, “although the rooftop can accommodate 200 people.” With the hotel’s 109 rooms, 200 wedding guests can have the entire place to themselves. There are multiple areas of the property to make your own – on the roof or at the beach, which is mere steps from the large pool. “As you can expect, all our brides are very different,” Rozos adds. “We draw inspiration from their ideas to create something splendid within their guidelines. My favourite part of the job is to see their faces when they see what we’ve done.”
Island weddings understandably also require maritime transportation plans, which can be a concern for guests with mobility issues or those with children in tow. But Rozos feels the longer travel day pays off. “We coordinate timing carefully to ensure a smooth experience. We also provide guests with detailed travel guides and can arrange shuttles from the airport to the [Cancún] pier.”
As with any sunspot, the weather report is always a consideration. Islands can be more susceptible to storms, with fewer contingency plans. “Weather-related delays or transportation challenges can occur,” Rozos says, “but with proper planning and strong local partnerships, these potential issues are manageable. We always build in contingency time and have backup plans in place. We monitor weather forecasts leading up to the event and stay flexible to adjust timelines if needed. Our goal is to make sure the celebration goes ahead beautifully, rain or shine.”
Find the romantic rhythm of island life
It’s not all about the ceremony. Many islands like Isla Mujeres also offer ways for a couple to take a few moments for themselves while experiencing the local culture or being immersed in nature. An island wedding planner can help arrange these little “retreats” using their approved tourism partners. Take, for example, an early morning hike to Mirador Punta Sur, which makes for a kaleidoscopic romantic hour or two. This seaside point and observation park is renowned as the easternmost point in Mexico – the first part of the country to welcome the sunrise, they say. Beyond exploring the ample hiking trails, visitors can also sign up for local adventures, island tours, snorkelling and scuba diving, a whale shark tour or golfing. The island’s Underwater Museum of Art features more than 500 life-sized sculptures that focus your attention on the conservation of coral life.
Come sunset, guests can congregate to toast the day’s events or nuptials. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect place to celebrate your pinch-me moment in time. And as the moonlight begins to shimmer off the pool and the servers swirl about, you will no doubt start planning your anniversary.
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