Cancun is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world—and for good reason. With its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, luxury all-inclusive resorts, and direct flights from most major cities, Cancun makes destination weddings both breathtaking and practical.
Whether you’re dreaming of a simple beachfront ceremony, a chapel wedding overlooking the Caribbean Sea, or a luxury multi-day celebration, Cancun has options for every couple. This guide covers everything you need to know about planning a wedding in Cancun—including legal requirements, costs, the best time to marry, and a closer look at top resorts like Moon Palace Cancun, one of the most searched wedding venues in Mexico.
Why Choose Cancun for Your Destination Wedding?
- Easy access: Cancun International Airport offers nonstop flights from dozens of U.S. and Canadian cities.
- All-inclusive convenience: Resorts provide complete wedding packages that make planning simple.
- Variety of venues: From beachfront ceremonies to chapels, rooftops, and lush gardens.
- Guest-friendly: Room categories at different price points make it easy for friends and family to join.
Legal Requirements for a Cancun Wedding
If you want your marriage to be legally recognized in Mexico, here are the essentials:
- Valid passports & tourist cards are required for both partners.
- Marriage license is issued locally; some states require a blood test.
- Waiting period of a few business days may apply.
- Translation of documents into Spanish may be necessary.
- Symbolic ceremonies are a popular option, allowing couples to complete the legal paperwork at home.
Cancun Wedding Venues: Best Resorts for Every Couple
Moon Palace Cancun Weddings
Moon Palace Cancun is one of the most in-demand wedding venues in Mexico—and it’s easy to see why. With multiple sections (Sunrise, Nizuc, and The Grand), this massive resort offers:
- Venues: A beachfront chapel, gazebos, terraces, ballrooms, and seaside ceremony setups.
- Packages: Options range from simple ceremonies to elaborate multi-day events, often including flowers, cake, music, and dedicated wedding planners.
- Capacity: Perfect for both intimate elopements and large weddings with hundreds of guests.
- Customization: Couples can personalize décor, entertainment, menus, and even cultural traditions like Indian or South Asian weddings.
Many couples choose Moon Palace for its flexibility—it can host everything from a barefoot beach ceremony to a grand ballroom reception.
Hyatt Ziva Cancun
Surrounded by water on three sides, Hyatt Ziva offers incredible ocean views, a lighthouse venue, and family-friendly amenities.
Dreams Riviera Cancun
Located just south of Cancun’s hotel zone, Dreams Riviera Cancun is a luxury, family-friendly resort known for its romantic beachfront gazebo, lush gardens, and elegant ballrooms. Wedding packages include options for both intimate ceremonies and larger celebrations, with plenty of flexibility to customize décor, music, and menus. The resort’s proximity to Cancun makes it convenient for guests, while still offering a more private, tranquil atmosphere.
Beach Palace Cancun
A smaller, family-friendly resort with a rooftop terrace overlooking the Caribbean, ideal for sunset ceremonies with panoramic views.
Secrets The Vine Cancun
Adults-only, modern, and luxurious. Known for chic décor, infinity pools, and multiple elegant wedding venues.
How Much Does a Cancun Wedding Cost?
Wedding costs in Cancun vary depending on the resort, package, and guest count:
- Complimentary packages: Offered at some resorts with a minimum stay.
- Mid-range packages: Often a few thousand dollars and include the ceremony, flowers, cake, and semi-private reception.
- Luxury packages: Fully private, customizable events with décor, entertainment, and multi-day celebrations can cost significantly more.
Compared to U.S. weddings, Cancun offers excellent value, especially with all-inclusive pricing and bundled guest packages.
Best Time of Year to Get Married in Cancun
- December–April (Peak Season): Best weather, higher prices.
- May–August: Warm and sunny, with occasional rain.
- September–October (Hurricane Season): Budget-friendly, but weather is less predictable.
- November–early December: Great balance of good weather and lower costs.
Real Cancun Wedding Inspiration
Want to see what real couples’ weddings look like in Cancun? Explore our collection of featured weddings for inspiration, décor ideas, and vendor recommendations.
Cancun Wedding Planning Tips
- Hire a planner or coordinator: Resorts usually provide one, but you may want an independent planner for extra customization.
- Do a site visit (or virtual tour) before booking to compare venues.
- Think about your guests: Share travel tips, airport transfer info, and dress codes.
- Decide on symbolic vs. legal early—it impacts timelines and paperwork.
- Plan around sunset: Cancun sunsets are magical and make for the best ceremony photos.
Cancun Wedding FAQ
Is a Cancun wedding legally recognized in the U.S.?
Yes, as long as you meet Mexico’s marriage requirements. However, many couples opt for a symbolic ceremony in Cancun for convenience.
How many guests usually attend Cancun weddings?
Anywhere from 20–100 is common. Resorts can handle both small elopements and large celebrations.
What makes Moon Palace Cancun so popular for weddings?
Its variety of venues, flexible packages, and ability to handle large weddings make it a top choice.
Do I need a permit for a Cancun beach wedding?
If your ceremony is on a public beach, yes. Resorts typically handle this for you.
Final Thoughts
From intimate beach ceremonies to lavish multi-day celebrations, Cancun offers endless ways to create your dream wedding. Resorts like Moon Palace Cancun stand out for their variety of venues and customizable packages, but the city is filled with stunning options for every style and budget.
Cover Photo Credit: Morgan Lynn Photography
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