How Much Does a Destination Wedding in Mexico Cost?
- Songbird
- Mar 21
- 9 min read
Dreaming of a beautiful destination wedding in Mexico? It’s not only breathtaking but often much more budget-friendly than a traditional U.S. wedding. While the average U.S. wedding costs over $40,000 for around 75-100 guests, destination wedding packages in Mexico typically range from $10,000 to $20,000 for a similar guest count, depending on the location and resort.
To help you find the perfect spot, we’re breaking down five top locations: Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta. You'll get an easy-to-follow comparison of costs for an average of 75-100 guests, covering more budget friendly options like all-inclusive resorts and more luxury prices, like custom beach venues. We’ll also share recommended venues, the best times to book, key differences between legal and symbolic ceremonies, and what to consider when traveling from the U.S. Let’s find the perfect setting for your big day!
Mexico Destination Wedding Cost Breakdown
Here’s a quick comparison of wedding costs across six stunning destinations in Mexico. Whether you’re dreaming of an all-inclusive resort or a custom beach wedding, here’s what to expect for 75–100 guests:
Tulum
All-Inclusive Resort: ~$10,000 for 100 guests at a 4.5 star resort. Packages typically include the ceremony, dinner, and open bar.
Custom Beach Wedding: ~$20,000+ for a fully customized experience with an independent venue and vendors—higher cost, but more personalized.
Cancun
All-Inclusive Resort: ~$10,000–$12,000 for 100 guests at upscale resorts. Example: Dreams Riviera Cancun’s “Beyond Memorable” package ($11,999 for 80–100 guests, covering ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception).
Custom Beach Wedding: ~$15,000+ for a non-resort beach wedding, including permits, rentals, and catering. Most couples choose resorts for ease and guest perks.
Playa del Carmen
All-Inclusive Resort: ~$10,000 for 100 guests at resorts in Playacar or Mayakoba, with packages that cover ceremony and reception.
Custom Beach Wedding: ~$15,000–$25,000 for private venues like beach clubs and villas. Costs depend on location and vendors, often exceeding resort packages.
Cabo San Lucas
All-Inclusive Resort: ~$12,000–$15,000 for 100 guests at top resorts. Example: Dreams Los Cabos “Beyond Memorable” package ($14,859 for 100 guests, with extras ~$160/guest).
Custom Beach Wedding: $20,000+ for oceanfront venues or luxury resorts without all-inclusive guest packages. High-end weddings for 100+ guests can reach $50,000+.
Puerto Vallarta
All-Inclusive Resort: ~$10,000–$15,000 for 100 guests. Example: Fiesta Americana “Corazón” package ($15,355, including ceremony, dinner, and open bar).
Custom Beach Wedding: $20,000–$30,000 for private venues or upscale hotels. A unique option: Las Caletas—a secluded private beach accessible by boat ($12,000–$14,000 for 100 guests on weekdays).
Each destination has its charm, and the right choice depends on your vision and budget. Whether you want the convenience of a resort or a fully customized beach wedding, Mexico has a perfect spot for your special day! 💍✨
Venue Recommendations & Pros and Cons
Tulum:
Tulum is perfect for couples looking for a romantic, laid-back vibe with stunning beaches, jungle backdrops, and an eco-chic atmosphere.
All-Inclusive Resort Weddings
Average Cost: ~$10,000 for 100 guests at a high-quality resort. ✨ Venues:
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa – Offers all-inclusive packages covering the ceremony, officiant, flowers, private dinner, and open bar.
Kore Tulum Retreat – A boutique resort known for its intimate setting and customizable wedding packages.
Beachfront & Custom Weddings
Average Cost: Starts at ~$20,000+ for private venues like beach clubs, villas, or boutique hotels. Prices can exceed $50,000 depending on venue and vendors. ✨ Venues:
Mia Tulum – A trendy beachfront club with a modern, stylish ambiance.
Papaya Playa Project – A boutique eco-hotel offering bohemian-chic weddings with a private beach setting.
Pros:
💛 Tulum’s intimate and trendy atmosphere makes it feel like an exclusive getaway. 💛 Stunning backdrops like Mayan ruins, cenotes, and jungle settings create breathtaking wedding photos. 💛 Smaller boutique resorts can offer a private, full-property buyout for an intimate experience.
Cons:
⚠️ No direct airport—guests must fly into Cancun and travel ~1.5 hours.
⚠️ Many hotels aren’t all-inclusive, making day-to-day costs higher than in Cancun.
⚠️ Tulum’s popularity means premium pricing, sometimes higher than less touristy areas.
💍If you love the idea of a stylish, intimate wedding with a mix of beach and jungle charm, Tulum is a magical choice. However, couples on a budget may find better value in nearby Playa del Carmen unless opting for a resort wedding to maximize cost savings.
Cancun:
Cancun is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world, known for its easy access, beautiful beaches, and wide selection of all-inclusive resorts.
All-Inclusive Resort Weddings
Average Cost: ~$10,000–$15,000 for 100 guests, with smaller packages (~30–60 guests) starting around $6,500–$8,500. ✨ Venues:
Dreams Riviera Cancun’s “Beyond Memorable” package – including a private ceremony, cocktail hour, reception with buffet and open bar, wedding cake, rehearsal dinner, and group perks.
Sandos Cancun “Sweet Romance” package – covering the ceremony, cocktail hour, 3-hour reception, open bar, cake, and décor.
Beach & Off-Resort Weddings
Average Cost: ~$15,000–$25,000 for a fully customized wedding with a private venue, vendors, and rentals. ✨ Considerations:
Cancun’s coastline is mostly lined with resorts, so there are fewer independent beach venues.
You can rent a beachfront villa or use a public beach (with a permit), then host the reception at a local restaurant or beach club. This option requires more planning, permits, rentals, catering, and logistics, so hiring a destination wedding planner is highly recommended.
Pros:
💛 Cancun’s airport has direct flights from all over the U.S., making it easy for guests to attend. 💛 Gorgeous beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife make it a fun experience for couples and guests. 💛 Great value—Resorts offer incredible value since they bundle wedding costs with guest accommodations, keeping overall expenses lower than a comparable U.S. wedding.
Cons:
⚠️ Less privacy – Resorts host multiple weddings, and you’ll be sharing the space with other guests. ⚠️ Touristy vibe – If you want a quiet, bohemian feel, Cancun’s high-rise resorts may not be the right fit. ⚠️ Weather risk – Hurricane season (summer/fall) can be unpredictable, so wedding insurance is worth considering for off-peak dates.
💍If you’re looking for a seamless, all-inclusive experience with top-tier service and affordability, Cancun is an excellent choice. Just be mindful of timing and venue privacy when planning your big day!
Playa del Carmen:
Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen offers the best of both worlds—resort luxury with easy access to a lively, walkable downtown full of restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
All-Inclusive Resort Weddings
Average Cost: ~$10,000 for 100 guests, with smaller packages starting around $5,000–$7,000. ✨ Venues:
Paradisus Playa del Carmen – Offers beachfront ceremonies with ballroom or terrace receptions, ideal for large weddings.
Xcaret Hotel – Features tiered wedding packages, often starting with ~20 guests included, with a per-person fee for additional guests.
Independent Venues
Average Cost: Varies based on location and vendors. ✨ Venues:
Blue Venado – A stunning private beachfront venue.
Wicky’s – A stylish beach club offering a more intimate oceanfront setting.
Specialty Options: Playa also offers chapel weddings for Catholic ceremonies and even cenote (jungle sinkhole) weddings for a truly unique experience.
Pros
💛 Flexibility – Guests can stay at a resort or boutique hotel and still gather easily for events. 💛 Walkable town – Unlike remote resorts, Playa gives guests access to restaurants, shopping, and nightlife within minutes. and plenty of nearby attractions (ferries to Cozumel, cenotes, eco-parks like Xcaret) 💛 Easy access – Just a 45-minute shuttle from Cancun Airport, in a safe and tourist-friendly area.
Cons
⚠️ Beach size & crowds – Downtown beaches are narrower and can be busy. For a more secluded setting, consider resorts just outside town. ⚠️ Destination pricing – Off-resort vendors like photographers or stylists may charge premium rates. ⚠️ Lively atmosphere – If your guests prefer a quiet retreat, a nearby Riviera Maya resort may be a better fit.
💍Playa del Carmen is perfect for couples who want a vibrant, cultural destination with plenty to explore beyond the wedding while still having access to beautiful beachfront venues.
What about Riviera Maya?
If you’ve come across the term Riviera Maya while planning, it can be a little confusing. Riviera Maya isn’t a city, it is a beautiful region just south of Cancun. It includes popular wedding spots like Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Akumal. So if you’re searching for a wedding in the Riviera Maya, you’re really looking at several stunning destinations along the white sand and aqua beach coastline. Now that we've covered some beautiful destinations on the east coast, let's explore what the west coast has to offer!
Cabo San Lucas:
Cabo San Lucas is famous for its dramatic seaside landscapes, golden desert sands, rugged cliffs, and the iconic Arch at Land’s End.
All-Inclusive Resort Weddings
Average Cost: ~$12,000–$18,000 for 100 guests, with smaller packages starting around $4,000–$12,000 for 20–70 guests. ✨ Venues:
Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort – Beyond Memorable package including a ceremony, cocktail hour, three-hour reception with buffet and open bar, live music, a wedding cake, welcome party, and even free rooms for certain guest counts.
Breathless Cabo San Lucas - Packages start around $12,000 for 50 guests, with a per-person fee for larger groups (~$15,000–$17,000 for 100 guests).
Budget-Friendly Options: Resorts in nearby San José del Cabo tend to have slightly lower costs, with options like Pueblo Bonito offering packages
Private Venues & Non-All-Inclusive Weddings
Average Cost: ~$48,000–$90,000 for 50–100 guests, and $95,000+ for 100–200 guests at luxury venues. ✨ Venues:
Cliffside villas, beach clubs, and yachts offer ultra-luxurious settings
Public ceremony + resort reception: A cost-saving alternative is hosting the ceremony at a public church, sunrise beach, or scenic overlook and then celebrating at a resort.
Pros:
💛 Convenient for West Coast guests – Short flights and no jet lag for U.S. travelers in Pacific Time. 💛 World-class luxury resorts – Expect five-star service, spa experiences, and top-tier amenities. 💛 No seaweed issues – Unlike Cancun and Tulum, Cabo’s beaches are always clean and picturesque.
Cons
⚠️ Higher costs – Cabo tends to be pricier than other Mexican destinations, for both weddings and guest expenses. ⚠️ Limited swimmable beaches – Many beaches have strong currents, so pools are the main alternative. ⚠️ Hot desert climate – Midday ceremonies can be scorching—shade or evening weddings are ideal.
💍If you’re looking for a high-end destination with stunning coastal views, luxury resorts, and top-notch service, Cabo San Lucas is an unforgettable choice. Just plan ahead and budget accordingly for this ultra-chic wedding destination!
Puerto Vallarta:
Puerto Vallarta is a charming Pacific coast city known for its cobblestone streets, vibrant culture, and breathtaking views of Banderas Bay.
All-Inclusive Resort Weddings
Average Cost: ~$10,000–$16,000 for 100 guests, with smaller packages starting around $9,000–$10,000 for 50 guests. ✨ Venues:
Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta - The “Corazón” Package includes the ceremony, décor, bouquet/boutonniere, sound system, cake, sparkling toast, cocktail hour, private reception, live music, and even a romantic turndown for the couple.
Other resorts like Secrets Vallarta Bay (adults-only), offer similar packages with perks like spa treatments and complimentary rooms for the couple.
Unique Venues & Private Villas
Average Cost: $12,500–$20,000+ depending on location and vendors. ✨ Top Venue Options:
Las Caletas Beach Hideaway – A private beach accessible only by boat, offering a secluded, candle-lit wedding experience.
Luxury Villas in Conchas Chinas & Coastal Areas – Many high-end villas can host weddings, with costs ranging from plus catering and décor.
Beach Clubs & Restaurants – Venues like La Palapa and Martoca Beach Garden (in Bucerías) offer stunning oceanfront settings with flexible pricing, often based on a minimum spend rather than a set package.
Pros:
💛 Welcoming & safe – Puerto Vallarta is known as “The Friendliest City in the World.” 💛 Variety of accommodations – Guests can choose from budget-friendly inns to luxury resorts, making it accessible to different budgets. 💛 More affordable than Cabo – Also great for west coast travelers but more budget friendly. Vendor pricing for flowers, entertainment, and catering can be lower.
Cons:
⚠️ Smaller airport – Fewer direct flights compared to Cancun; East Coast guests may need to connect. ⚠️ Different beach aesthetics – The sand is darker, and the water isn’t the same turquoise blue as Cancun. ⚠️ Transportation logistics – Off-resort weddings require arranging group transport (e.g., a shuttle for a beach club or boats for Las Caletas).
💍If you’re looking for a warm, vibrant destination with cultural charm, oceanfront views, and flexible wedding options, Puerto Vallarta is an incredible choice. Just plan for travel logistics and seasonal weather when setting your date!
Choosing between Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas, or Puerto Vallarta ultimately comes down to your preferred setting and guest experience. Timing is key, aim for the season that provides the best mix of good weather and good rates for your chosen locale. Whether you prefer the ease of an all-inclusive resort or the customization of a private beach or villa, your wedding can be both breathtaking and budget-friendly compared to a traditional U.S. wedding.
If you need expert guidance to bring your vision to life, our destination wedding planning team is here to help. We specialize in Chinese-American & Destination Weddings! We will help you from choosing the perfect venue to coordinating every detail, we make the process seamless so you can enjoy the journey. Reach out to us to start planning your dream wedding today! 💍✨
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