Cancun’s best-kept secret to an affordable destination wedding
Cancun has a new all-inclusive resort that was built in 2023 in Riviera Maya. It boasts 3-ocean oceanfront pools, a world-class spa, five restaurants, cocktail bars, and even a brewery! But the best part? You can get married there for under $1,000! And if they hadn’t invited us there to see it for ourselves, we would have never guessed that Margaritaville was Cancun’s best-kept secret to an attractive (and SUPER affordable) destination wedding! Here’s everything you need to know about getting married at Margaritaville Island Reserve® Riviera Maya, as well as behind-the-scenes pics from our stay there.
Now, before you run to the comments, we know what you’re thinking. Margaritaville–for a wedding? We thought the same thing! But the truth is, the only Margaritaville that we had been to before was the restaurant spin-off and what we saw at Margaritaville Island Reserve® Riviera Maya blew our expectations right out of the water.
the rooms
With 355 guest rooms and suites, Margaritaville Island Reserve® Riviera Maya is likely big enough to host all of your wedding guests who would want to stay on-site for the big day. But, it’s also intimate enough that you don’t feel like you’re walking miles just to get from one end to the other. Whether it was the all-inclusive idea or the super walkable layout, staying at the resort reminded us of being on a cruise–everything right at your fingertips and some seriously epic views.
We stayed in one of their Oceanfront Infinity Pool Suites and we were WOWed by the views, to say the least. From our terrace, we could take a dip in the infinity pool (just outside our window) while we took in the incredible oceanfront views.
The decor was contemporary and island-themed without being too on the nose. And the bathroom…You know we love a bath moment so when we saw that lovely soaking tub and rain shower, we were all 😍.
the amenities
Cancun has a rep as a party-spot and while there was plenty of fun to be had, the vibe at the resort was pretty chill overall. And clean! The pools were spotless and had more than enough lounge chairs and areas for everyone to relax and take in the sun and the ocean breeze.
You know we had to check out the St. Somewhere Spa! They had an extensive menu of services with names inspired by local flavors and tropical drinks, but the experience was what you would expect from any upscale spa. We decided on the “Mezcalito mi Amor Massage” which was a combo of Lomi Lomi, Swedish, and firm techniques using agave body oil designed to revitalize the skin and soothe muscles. Yep…it worked! But, before we unwound with the massage, we were treated to the spa’s “Water Journey Ritual”. It was a 50-minute hydrotherapy session that had us alternating between hot and cold and various pools, and saunas, culminating in a sound bath that was unexpected and completely relaxing. Imagine getting out all of those pre-wedding nerves by working them out together in a hydrotherapy sesh before a couple’s massage. PERFECTION!
Plus, the spa even has a special wedding suite that couples can use to get ready. Not only does it have a vanity where you can get your glam on, but there is a private massage table in the room too, and a shower! They even have a dress form where you can display your dress for photo ops and keep it wrinkle-free as you prep for the day ahead. The spa also offers beauty services like hair, makeup, nails, etc. So no need to run around to a million places the day before, this place is a one-stop-shop. Plus they’ll give all of your guests 15% off of their spa services!
the food & drinks
The best part about being at an all-inclusive resort is that everything is right there. Seriously, once we got to the resort, we didn’t leave until we were on our way back to the airport! You can literally walk from your wedding rehearsal to your rehearsal dinner and not even have to switch out of your heels. As far as the selections go, there are two fine-dining restaurants and either would be an awesome experience for you and your guests. We checked out “JWB Steakhouse” and were treated to a little surprise before we sat down to eat. The restaurant’s Meat Sommelier came out to meet us and invited us back into the glass cooler where he explained the different cuts. After we made our selections we sat down for a beautiful meal in the warmly lit brick dining area.
For breakfast and lunch, you and your guests can grab lunch whenever works best with the schedule, at any of the casual dining options, or you can do what we did and order FREE ROOM SERVICE! There’s seriously nothing like sipping a latte in a plush robe while you look out at the ocean.
You can host your wedding dinner at the restaurants on-site or if you want a more private celebration, they have beautiful ballroom spaces and a sky terrace. All of their packages include a custom-printed menu, and if you do opt for one of the private spaces, their chefs will work with you to craft a custom menu just for the occasion. They can even make your wedding cake!
the wedding packages
Whether you’re eloping or want a big ballroom wedding, Margaritaville Island Reserve® Riviera Maya can accommodate events with up to 200 guests. And their packages start at just $990! Yes…you read that right, you can throw an incredible destination wedding in Cancun for under $1,000! Like the resort, each package is all-inclusive. The idea is that you can just pack your bags, show up, and still have the wedding of your dreams, that’s why every wedding package includes:
- A designated Wedding Designer who will help you with everything, from the wedding design to walking you through the regulations of destination weddings to make sure all your paperwork is correct and legal (a major plus!). You can be as involved or checked out as you’d like.
- Personalized wedding website and registry
- Romantic ceremony location (couples can choose from four beautiful options)
- Non-denominational minister and wedding certificate
- Wedding Cake
And all of their wedding packages include a complimentary Honeymoon Experience to make sure you get to start your Happily Ever After right then and there.
The packages range in price from $990-$5,200 for up to 32 guests and couples can customize each package from there to include more add-ons and decor or accommodate a larger guest list. In our opinion, the best part about booking your wedding at Margaritaville Island Reserve® Riviera Maya is that you are able to bring in outside vendors (aka, you aren’t required to use a specific list of vendors). Creatively speaking, this opens up so many options, and budget-wise, it means you can choose who to spend money on and how much you want to spend. INCREDIBLE! It is almost unheard of for a resort wedding package to accept outside vendors!
So…there you have it! Who would have thought?! What are you waiting for, book your INSANELY affordable wedding then spend the rest of the $$$ you’ve been saving up for a wedding on a down payment for a house!
Follow them @margaritavillerivieramaya to see how real couples are taking advantage of this INSANE destination wedding deal!
We partnered with Margaritaville Island Reserve® Riviera Maya to bring you this hot tip on an affordable destination wedding. As always, thanks for supporting our sponsors!