Key Takeaways

• Destination weddings are no longer just about the travel destination – upscale resorts now provide stiff competition for visual appeal and add service, convenience, and in these cases, even more unique details and special benefits that bring the wow to a wedding.
• Certain resort brands offer stunning venue and décor options that never fail to impress; ALG Vacations^® recognizes Hoteles Xcaret, El Dorado Resorts, and Garza Blanca Reserve.
• Specific properties ALGV recommends include Secrets^® Cap Cana Resort & Spa, Dreams^® Puerto Morelos Resort & Spa (both a part of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection), and the joined properties Paradisus Playa del Carmen and Paradisus La Perla by Meliá Hotels International.

Destination weddings are expected to wow. Traditionally, they do it by virtue of … well, destination. A tropical backdrop, the sound of the ocean waves, sandy beaches, lush gardens, pretty architecture, and a change of scene. All of that is a given.

But as destination weddings have become increasingly popular and resorts increasingly luxurious, a destination wedding has become more than the sum of its parts when you choose the right property. Say your vows on a glass stage floating over an infinity-edge pool. Have dinner in natural caves that sparkle with twinkling lights. Dance in a secret garden, barefoot on the beach with a bonfire, or in a palatial ballroom decorated to the nines to a live band or DJ. Celebrate authentically, whether that means following cultural traditions, marrying your same-sex partner, or renewing vows in a way worthy of the years.

Here are the resorts that can make it happen, creating an event that’s no less than spectacular.

Why Hoteles Xcaret Resorts Make Our List

Backdrops galore make it nearly impossible for couples to choose a ceremony site at the original Hotel Xcaret, a truly spectacular family-friendly resort in the Riviera Maya. The design of the grounds – featuring unique vistas like a grand 360-degree ocean view hilltop chapel and white stone grottos surrounding tranquil lagoons – was revolutionary when it was introduced, and it remains one of the most diverse selections for unique wedding landscapes guaranteed to blow guests away.In addition to the aforementioned, there are beaches, inlets, terrazas, and hacienda settings to choose from. Ceremony options range from legal to symbolic, pre-Hispanic to Catholic to South Asian, and are proudly available to LGBTQ+ couples. And even before the knot is tied, special proposal packages, romantic room amenities, and perfectly bookended by luxurious spa treatments and beachfront private dinners.

Then there are included and exciting bachelor/ette party ideas, too. Since the resort’s All Fun Inclusive offer provides access to all of the parks, groups can party (Xoxomilco) or adventure (Xavage) right up to the big day, which will be expertly led by an on-site personal wedding coordinator.

WOW FACTORS:

• Included transportation for all guests to and from the airport and all of Xcaret Hotel Group’s parks.
• Wedding settings that are literally breathtaking and genuinely unique.
• Adults-only, mega-luxe stay upgrades at nearby, associated Hotel Xcaret Arte and La Casa de la Playa.

ALGVPro Tip: Check out the latest updates from the brand with this recent Know. Grow. GO! on-demand webinar.

Why El Dorado Resorts by Lomas Hospitality Makes Our List

This adults-only Riviera Maya resort brand offers more than 30 venues to say “I do,” but within this collection, El Dorado Royale stands out as one of their most iconic properties, set along the white sands of the Caribbean Sea and framed by ancient cenotes that create unforgettable settings for weddings. Nearby, El Dorado Casitas Royale complements this vision with a more intimate take on romance, with refined villa accommodations designed for privacy and connection. But at both resorts, romance is included from the very beginning. Couples are welcomed with a candlelit dinner and a special breakfast in bed, while optional touches such as Sky Massage experiences add an extra layer of magic.But the basis, of course, are those aforementioned wedding packages, expertly designed and curated to offer both monetary and sentimental value. Choices begin with a complimentary Everlasting Love package (when 30 room nights are booked), and continue on to a Private Enclave package for up to 34 guests for intimate, highly personalized celebrations of up to 34 guests, and culturally specific ones such as the South Asian Wedding Experiences for 50 attendees or more. Same-sex weddings and vow renewals are approached with the same level of care and intention. And for greater exclusivity, semi-buyout options allow for fully immersive celebrations, with flexible access to sister resorts such as family-friendly Generations Riviera Maya. Plus, a rare added bonus: children are welcome on the adult side for private events, including ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions!

Finally, honeymoon and anniversary packages complete the journey, featuring sparkling wine, hydrotherapy access, romantic turndown, all personalized to each couple – much like all of the above packages.

WOW FACTORS:

• More Inclusive™ enhances the wedding journey by including roundtrip airport transportation and curated destination experiences, allowing couples and guests to enjoy a seamless celebration beyond the ceremony
• The brand’s Dream Maker philosophy means customized, individualized touches that make every wedding unique no matter the package chosen.
• Despite being adults-only, children are welcome to attend private events, and the family-friendly sister resort, Generations Riviera Maya, next door offers convenience and an experience all ages can enjoy.

Why Garza Blanca Reserve by Tafer Hotels & Resorts Makes Our List

While three all-ages properties across the brand and Mexico itself vie for top pick for picture-perfect weddings, signature features all locations hold in common make them each a tie. Obviously, beautiful beaches are a must – these are, after all, coastal resorts, set on the shores of Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos. To take advantage of those ocean views, all have adults-only rooftop experiences, too.

But best of all, each of these resorts provide ample options able to accommodate hundreds of guests for the grandest of celebrations. No need to worry about cutting down that guest list – the new beachfront deck of Garza Blanca Puerto Vallarta holds up to 250 diners and 300 people for cocktail events; Tierra Luna and the ballroom at Garza Blanca Cancun in Costa Mujeres hosts up to 300 for cocktail hours; and in Los Cabos, the terrace offers the most space for up to 160 for a reception with a full dance floor or 220 for cocktails. Can’t decide between two venues at the same property? Choose both for a one-time set-up fee of $2,000. And if you can, book The Orange Tree, a brand hallmark, for one of your events.

Another feature that connect them are accommodations for unlimited togetherness, via multi-unit bedrooms ideal for families and groups. This can even go hand in hand with the Come Together program for small social groups, which provides upgrades like a complimentary suite for a seven-room booking, exclusive group activities for five rooms for three nights, spa discounts, and more – great for a bachelor/ette party! Plus, ALG Vacations^® customers are exclusively able to score a complimentary cocktail hour, taco bar, or tequila tasting for groups of 10 or more rooms staying three or more nights, and the nuptial couple will receive a three-night room-only return stay within a year of the wedding.

WOW FACTORS:

• All-inclusive packages are optional, allowing wedding guests to decide for themselves what best suits their travel style or budget.
• A wide range of venues and views for parties of 60-360 guests can easily host groups that not all resorts may be able to accommodate.
• Wedding couples are able to make their event a two-location celebration for a flat set-up fee while ceremony packages start at $1,766 with discounted per person rates for all-inclusive guests.

Why by Paradisus Playa del Carmen & Paradisus La Perla by Meliá Hotels International Makes Our List

Set along the vibrant shores of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, these Paradisus by Meliá resorts deliver an elevated all-inclusive experience through two distinct yet seamlessly connected concepts. Paradisus Playa del Carmen caters to families and multi-generational travelers, while the neighboring Paradisus La Perla offers an adults-only retreat, together forming a single destination that allows every guest to personalize their stay without feeling removed from shared moments. This integrated layout is particularly appealing for groups traveling together. Families enjoy the ease of staying connected, while adults can retreat to quieter spaces designed exclusively for relaxation.

Personal touches like this are only the start, as the Romance by Paradisus curated wedding collections are fully customizable, from décor to menus to surrounding experiences. In fact, the resort is so committed to impeccable wedding memories that they have a dedicated suite near the venues specifically so that couples can prepare with family and friends in a private, elegant setting – perfect for South Asian multi-day extravaganzas where a home base can provide an anchor in the hubbub.

Across both resorts, the elevated all-inclusive concept is reflected in spacious all-suite accommodations, including swim-up categories, refined specialty restaurants and bars, and restorative moments at the YHI Spa. Adults seeking enhanced privacy can enjoy The Reserve, while Family Concierge can help those with children sync up their schedules, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully coordinated. The result is a layered luxury experience, deeply rooted in its Riviera Maya setting, where comfort, flexibility, and personalization come together. 

WOW FACTORS:

• Love at First Site program invites couples to come for a guided venue tour, menu tasting, and in-person planning and benefit from a special credit usable toward the total wedding cost.
• A dual-resort destination makes it easy for those traveling with their kids and those who prefer an adults-only experience to spend their free time how they like.
• A pet-friendly policy gives guests the option to include every member of their family in their special day.

Why Secrets^® Cap Cana Resort & Spa by Hyatt Inclusive Collection Makes Our List

Set in the exclusive gated community of Cap Cana near Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, this AAA Five Diamond Award-winning resort is guaranteed to impress guests from first glance. Just 15 minutes from the airport, this enclave offers luxury pursuits accessible within minutes: stables, an equestrian center with polo fields, world-class fishery, protected harbor marina, championship golf course, and a natural theme park are all among them. And of course, the resort itself was built to the same high-end standards as the development.

At Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, elegant accommodations include choices like bungalow suites in the Caribbean casita style, swim-out suites, and Preferred Club categories. A world-class spa with a hydrotherapy circuit overlooking tropical mangroves is ideal for relaxation, too.

For weddings, there are seven different venues to choose from, accommodating up to 350 guests on Juanillo Beach and the ballroom, and several packages that come with a bounty of inclusions, including a complimentary option for bookings for five rooms for three or more nights! Within that package, couples receive high values such as a free extra room night for the evening before, special turndown, breakfast in bed, free anniversary nights, and even taxes and gratuities.WOW FACTORS:

• Available complimentary wedding package with a long list of bonuses, including all taxes and gratuities, additional nights on the house, special romantic services, and a wedding coordinator.
• Various options to upgrade and personalize existing packages, from services and décor to events … or to scale it down to an elopement package with values (including free anniversary nights) specially selected for an intimate celebration.
• Exciting activities within the exclusive Cap Cana enclave for plenty of ways for guests to enjoy themselves outside of the main event, including those at neighboring family-friendly sister resort Dreams Cap Cana Resort & Spa.

Why Dreams^® Puerto Morelos Resort & Spa by Hyatt Inclusive Collection Makes Our List

With 12 different location options and capacity for up to 200 guests, there’s plenty of room for everyone at this AAA Four Diamond family-friendly resort! However, small weddings in the Riviera Maya are also welcome here, as an Elope in Luxury package for two makes the occasion a private moment, and the complimentary Weddings in Paradise package begins with a guest list of ten.

As with Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, all packages come with bonus inclusions that make them generous offers, like a complimentary night-before room, hair and makeup for one, spa treatment discounts, free anniversary nights, and a special welcome. Plus, in addition to package upgrades, available services include modern novelties like photo booths, live music, and more.Set atop the cerulean sea, you’d never guess this tropical haven is only 20 minutes from Cancun’s airport, making it a convenient transit from plane to paradise. The kids will barely have time to ask if they’re there yet, but they’ll certainly be asking how soon they can spend the day at the redesigned Explorer’s Club for those ages 4-12, now with even more amenities.

WOW FACTORS:

• A focus on fun for all ages, from available photo booths and 360-degree video booths for the wedding reception to family-friendly activities and the kids club and the Core Zone for teens the rest of the stay.
• An expandable complimentary wedding package with an à la carte pricing option that eliminates booking requirements.
• Amenities that make planning easy, like a wedding coordinator, tie-in with Honeymoon Wishes, and great ideas for added romance such as proposal and anniversary packages (and specials to match!).