Tulum Wedding planning guide
The best wedding venues and how to plan your destination wedding in Tulum, Mexico!
Choosing Tulum, Mexico as your destination wedding location is an absolute no-brainer. Imagine exchanging your vows on a world-renowned beach as you sink your toes into soft, white sand and bask in the sparkling, translucent waters. If you're looking for something a bit more adventurous, explore the lush, pristine jungles and cenotes, and embrace the rich, romantic history that Tulum has to offer.
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🏝 About
Weddings and honeymoons
Once you've said "I do," there's no need to travel for your honeymoon. Immerse yourself in the picturesque ruins, experience the vibrant nightlife, or simply relax on the beach and soak in the natural beauty surrounding you. Your wedding in Tulum promises to be a truly unforgettable experience.
Where is Tulum?
Tulum can be divided into three parts. The ruins, the beach, and the town of Tulum. All parts have their own unique look and feel. Tulum is an ideal spot for those who want a destination wedding away from the noise and party in Cancun. It is conveniently located about an hour south of Cancun airport.
About
Hi there! My name is Kári (pronounced cow-rih or kah-rih but I am not super picky about it — anything but Carrie, lol) I am an Icelandic wedding and elopement photographer. In addtition to the hundreds of weddings I’ve shot, I’ve also been lucky enough to have worked with magazines and brands such as Vanity Fair, InStyle, and Dazed. I am currently based in New York and Iceland, and totally available for destination weddings in Mexico.
The best wedding venues in tulum
DREAMS TULUM
Address: Carretera Chetumal-Puerto Juarez Km. 236, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Phone: +52 984 871 3333
Style: All-inclusive, Luxury, Oceanfront
Dreams is definitely a known entity in the destination wedding world. Dreams Resorts have proven themselves over and over again to be the perfect match for couples that want an all-inclusive experience. Their Tulum location is no different!
SANAH
Address: Carr. Federal 307, La Veleta, Tulum, Q.R. Mexico
Phone: +52 984 807 6231
Style: Boho, Villa, Mediterranean
Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the jungle, far from the hustle and bustle of Tulum, lies a unique haven. Embodying the enchanting essence of the Mediterranean and exuding breathtaking boho style, Sanah unveils a revolutionary concept in Tulum - private Villas.
KIMA JUNGLE ESTATE
Address: 77762 Quintana Roo, Mexico
Style: Jungle, Modern
Tucked into the heart of the lush jungle, just a short drive south of Tulum town lies the stunning Kima finca. With the pristine Cenote Escondido nearby and the beach only 20 minutes away, Kima offers a picturesque setting to turn your dream event into a reality.
Akiin Beach Club Tulum
Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila km 7.5, Tulum Beach, Zona Hotelera, 77780 Q.R., Mexico
Style: Oceanfront, Beach, Boho
Akiin is a venue that perfectly captured the Tulum vibe. Relaxed atmosphere and on-site experience planning and designing anything from small vow-renewal ceremonies to weddings with over 100 guests.
NEST
Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila Km 9.5, Tulum Beach, Zona Hotelera, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Style: Authentic, Tranquil, Jungle
A private villa awaits you amidst the enchanted and authentic ambiance of Nest, accentuated by original architecture and a serene beach location. Minimalist, tranquil, and surrounded by jungle, escaping here to say “I do” will be a magical and luxurious decision. Nest has a detailed accommodation brochure on their website that explains exactly how to get married there, which rooms are best for your needs, and a location/ attraction map!
UNICO 20°87°
Address: México 307 KM 260, SOLIDARIDAD, 77710 Q.R., Mexico
Phone: +52 984 875 7700
Style: Modern, Oceanfront, Ballroom
UNICO is another all-inclusive wedding venue resort on the Riviera Maya. Not only do they offer a ceremony and a reception venue, but they have 7 spaces dedicated to weddings. From intimate beach elopements to full-size ballroom weddings.
LA VALISE
Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila Km 8.7, Tulum Beach, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Style: Luxury, Beach, Jungle
Can you say, “saltwater infinity pool looking over the Caribbean?” La Valise is an exclusive retreat consisting of 11 luxuriously decorated rooms situated amidst super lush foliage and the sparkling waters of the ocean. Boasting a distinctive arrangement of 3 villa formations, this unique oasis cannot be found anywhere else in Tulum. It's the perfect setting for a Tulum wedding villa designed specifically for you and your loved one.
ARCADIA Events
Address: 77797 Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Style: Ruins, Jungle, Boho
Arcadia is a recently established venue that has a jungle theme blended with Greek influences. Its name takes inspiration from Renaissance mythology, in which Arcadia symbolizes a picturesque space defined by natural serenity, abundance, and aesthetic appeal. The place mirrors this idealized vision perfectly, facilitated by the clever incorporation of arches that add a touch of Mediterranean architecture to the jungle atmosphere.
UNA VIDA
Address: AV LA SELVA ENTRE KOHUNLICH Xcaret Y, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Style: Dog friendly, Boutique Hotel, Intimate
This one is for dog lovers. Una Vida is a beautiful tropical getaway located conveniently close to town. Situated at Av. La Selva, between Xcaret and Kohunlich Tulum, this destination is perfect for pet owners who want to travel with their furry friends. With its dog-friendly accommodations, you can bring your extended family on your trip! This hotel is ideal for those who are looking to take over and have a wedding weekend with family and friends.
How much does a wedding in tulum cost?
This really depends on two factors.
Do you want an all-inclusive wedding?
Or do you want to customize your day?
An all-inclusive tulum wedding
All-inclusive luxury resorts in and around Tulum cost about $125 per guest. The cost per guest goes down the more people you invite. For example, a wedding at a luxury resort for 30 guests costs about $6,000 on average. That same resort will charge about $15,000 to $18,000 for 180-200 guests.
All-inclusive weddings typically include food, drinks, ceremony, a coordinator, and sometimes a photographer and DJ, although they are more often an add-on.
A custom tulum wedding
The sky is pretty much the limit here. Typically, custom weddings cost more than all-inclusive ones. This is because resorts can offer discounted prices when you order for 30 people or more in advance. Resorts sometimes also have fees when you want to bring in outside vendors unless they stay at the resort as well. Custom weddings in Tulum generally start at $15,000.
Tulum wedding packages
Get in touch to book!
My packages start at $3,800 and all include full-day photo coverage. I also offer film photography and multi-day coverage! Please fill out to form to learn more about my wedding packages. I’d love to know what you are planning and how I can help you have the best wedding ever!
How to get married in Tulum
Getting legally married in Tulum (and the rest of Mexico) is pretty straight forward. Here is what you need to do and prepare as a US citizen.
You’ll need a passport, tourist card, birth certificate, chest x-rays, and a blood test (performed in Mexico). Ensure that all documents are translated into Spanish, notarized by the nearest Mexican consulate, and apostilled in your current country of residence. The license fee is $30, and the waiting period varies depending on where you are eloping, so plan in advance! You will also require proof that both of you have attended a planned parenthood lecture given at the “Consejo Estatal de Población.” It will also be crucial to enlist an official from the civil registry corresponding to the local municipality to perform the wedding. You will also need 4 witnesses. If you’re just doing your symbolic ceremony in Mexico, then a close confidant can oversee the ceremonial rites, and you only need one. Heck, it can likely even be your photographer! Additionally, you'll need USCIS marriage certificate translation for any official purposes in the United States.
For a legal wedding ceremony, here is your checklist!
Passports, obviously!
Tourist visa cards
Four witnesses over 18 with a valid passport and tourist visa
An application establishing your wish to get married
Medical certificate and blood test results
Must be done within Mexico, 15 days or less before your wedding
A divorce decree if you have been married before
And a photographer who’s ready to capture your Tulum wedding.
What if we don’t need a legal ceremony?
Then you actually have way more flexibility and ease when planning your wedding. Most folks end up going this route to not have to worry about documents and paperwork. Just get married at the courthouse or wherever you like and then have your symbolic ceremony in Tulum!
