If you’re considering a destination wedding, you want it to be different, unique, fun, and above all, the adventure of your life surrounded by your closest friends and family. In search of the perfect fit, some brides can be quick to strike Mexico from the short list. Whether it’s looking for something unique and different, concerns over safety, or simply misconceived notions about Mexico, we’re here to advocate to all brides out there why they shouldn’t eliminate Mexico so quickly.
Been there, done that.
If you’ve already been to Mexico either at an all-inclusive resort, visiting family, or even for another destination wedding, there is so much variety in resort choices regarding geography, atmosphere, restaurants, wedding locations, group amenities, beach, family-friendly features, and price points, it would be near impossible to have the same experience twice.
Given the variety of options in just the Cancun region alone, consider areas you haven’t seen yet. Playa Mujeres and its unspoiled beaches, located just across from Isles Mujeres, the Cancun hotel zone offers any lover of big city vibes the chance to experience Cancun’s world renown nightlife. Prefer something away from the hustle of the Cancun hotel zone? In the 70 mile stretch of the Mayan Riviera, you’ll find family friendly ocean front complexes like Moon Palace and Iberostar Paraiso, as well as more intimate and secluded resorts such as Valentin and El Dorado Royale Maroma, located on one of the best beaches in the world. The coast is scattered with small authentic towns like Puerto Morales and Playa del Carmen, and is home to some of Mexico’s most famous Mayan ruins in Tulum, at the very southern tip.
Consider yourself a Mexico east coast expert? There's a whole other coast to explore! While you won’t find turquoise waters or white sand, you'll find yourself engulfed with breathtaking sunsets and magnificent beaches surrounded by mountains and cliff sides. Puerto Vallarta is hands down the best fit for anyone looking to combine the all-inclusive experience with off resort excursions to wander with the locals, shop, drink, explore and soak in the vibrant culture. Los Cabos is tucked between desert and the Pacific ocean, featuring the famous rock formation, Los Arcos, in San José del Cabo.
We're foodies at home, and on vacation!
There is simply no better choice for couples looking for the highest quality of food and service for a destination wedding. Because all-inclusive luxury resorts are Mexico’s bread and butter, it won't come as a surprise that you'll find the highest level of talent and creativity in the kitchens and bars. Resorts in Mexico are re-inventing the gourmet experience and challenging the status quo every day to stay on top of cuisine trends.
Jo Jo's Caribbean Seaside Grill at El Dorado Royale, a Spa Resort by Karisma
We're looking for something different.
The world is big, and crossing another beautiful destination off of your travel bucket list is important, but if having your closest friends and family is the most important factor, you might consider saving your new adventure for a honeymoon or anniversary trip. The additional amount of money and time your guests will pay to get to a small island, not to mention the fewer options you might have for all-inclusive resorts, will make it a lot more difficult for your nearest and dearest to attend, and twice as expensive for you to host your event. Your wedding day is adventure enough, and your guests will appreciate the ease of airport transfers, budget-friendly luxury and convenient flights!
Main Pool at Finest Playa Mujeres in Cancun, Mexico
We're concerned about safety.
Just like any country, different regions and cities have their own safety concerns. A misconceived notion about Mexico is that the drug cartels and violence that follows them, is rampant throughout the country. In actuality, the vast majority of the conflicts occur on the U.S. border in the provinces of Chihuahua and Nuevo Leon, and in the center southern region of Guerrero. Violence is lowest in provinces including the Yuctan Peninsula where Cancun and the Riviera Maya are located, or in the Baja California Sur, where you will find Los Cabos. Because resort regions depend so heavily on the tourism industry, local governments take serious measure to eliminate the threat of cartel violence in these areas. Also worth mentioning is the security systems within the resorts themselves, vehicles are not permitted in the gated resort grounds without a verified reservation, guest pass, or employee ID. Security guards are present on grounds at all times for further safety guarantee. In short, guests staying in these areas are often better protected than in domestic hotels.
One (daunting) word: Zika.
There’s no denying that Zika is a major global health issue, and there are confirmed cases that have originated in Mexico and throughout the Caribbean. Because there is no 100% guarantee that you will not be infected by the virus, everyone, especially families who plan to be pregnant or are trying to get pregnant while travelling, should make their own decisions about what’s best for them. That said, because these regions are so dependent on tourism, they have taken some of the most extreme precautions to keep the Zika virus to a minimum, including safely fumigating twice a day, and providing complimentary bug spray. The other reality of Zika is that it has been confirmed in places in the U.S. such as Florida and Texas, and it's safe to say that Zika is not just a Caribbean or Mexican problem.
Savanah Lotus Photography
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands don't require passports!
That’s true, but neither of these destinations have the same selection of all-inclusive resorts, and just getting to the U.S. Virgin Islands can be costly and inconvenient. Most resorts in these destinations are European Plan resorts, meaning you pay for some or all of your meals and drinks. This completely negates the savings you’d gain at an all-inclusive for a private event. Sure, the base price of the room rate is considerably less, but your guests are going to be paying more out of pocket to eat, drink, and relax. Your guests’ wallets are better off paying for a passport than worrying about drinks and meals all week long.
Concerned that getting a passport is too much of a hassle? Applying for a passport is easy and costs a little over $100 USD! Visit the US Government’s website to get started, and consider putting this information on your wedding website!
