Tulum has quickly become one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in the world—and for good reason. With its turquoise waters, soft sandy beaches, and laid-back boho vibe, it’s the perfect place to say “I do.” But as dreamy as Tulum is, navigating wedding packages offered by local hotels can be anything but simple. Every resort offers something different, and the fine print matters. Whether you’re eloping, planning a small gathering, or hosting a larger celebration, understanding what’s included (and what’s not) in your destination wedding package is essential to staying on budget and creating a celebration that feels authentically you.
What are the steps in reading a wedding package in Tulum:
1. Determine how many guests you anticipate having at your wedding
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- Packages are typically grouped into a few different categories:
- Vow Renewal (just the couple who are having a symbolic vow renewal). Elopement: A legal wedding with just the couple.
- Small Wedding Package: Weddings of typically 10 or less guests
- Medium Wedding Package: Can very, but usually includes about 30 guests
- Large Wedding Package: Can very, but usually includes about 79 guests
Insider Planning Tip: If you have just a few people over your package, it is usually more affordable to add on extra guests then to go up to the next package
Insider Planning Tip: You will have to book and pay for your package at the beginning of your planning process, so it is important to have a general idea of how many people you will have. Typically hotels will let you go up in package, but will not let you scale down.
2. Look through packages. When looking through packages offered by hotels, it is important to know that if you don’t see something listed, it is not included!
Things we look for when looking at packages:
- Is the arch included? Many hotels will just include a basic ceremony space and chairs, and will not include an arch. If an arch is included, it might be bare bones. Although many venues have beautiful settings, it is important to understand what will be included with a basic package.
- Ceremony chairs- This sounds obvious, but some packages don’t include chairs for the ceremony. If you want guests to be able to sit, this could be an add-on.
- Linen on tables- I also look over the reception, and see if table linen is included. Typically these are simple white linens, but can be dressed up or down based on the add-ons that you choose.
- Centerpieces- Most packages do not include centerpieces, and this is one section that can get out of hand quickly. Basic centerpieces range from $45-95 per table, and go up from there.
- Officiant- Even if you are just having a symbolic ceremony, it is important to know if an officiant is included, unless you have a friend or family member that will officiate the wedding
- Any music- Most packages do not include music, and a DJ package usually starts around $1500 USD for a basic package. We have seen some packages include a speaker for the ceremony or live music for a cocktail, but it is
External Vendor Fees- This could be a blog post on its own! Keep in mind that most hotels will charge a fee to use any vendor (DJ, florist, hair and makeup, etc) that is not on their vendor list. These fees are usually $750-1500, per vendor, per event, and can add up quickly!
3. How much are the ‘extras’ and what extras are important
Once you figure out what is and is not included in a package, it is important to know how much all of the ‘extras’ will cost, to have your perfect destination wedding. Extras can include things like a DJ, centerpieces, live entertainment, and upgraded flowers. Many hotels will have a brochure, or you can ask your planner at Signature Destination Weddings for advice.
What Makes a Good Wedding Package?
Not all wedding packages are created equal—but what does a good package look like? Here are a few things we look for in Tulum Wedding Packages:
- Transparent pricing and guest limits. Does the hotel give the price up front with what is included? Do they have guest limits on packages/
- Inclusion of basics like ceremony setup, officiant, and seating. We want to make sure that if you are paying for a package, it includes the basics!
- Some décor or flexibility in style. Every bride is different, that is why it is important for us to know there is flexibility in decor and style
- Access to a planner or wedding coordinator. Nobody knows a hotel better than the professional on-site planner, which is why we only book with hotels that have full time wedding teams.
- Clear terms for upgrades or substitutions. We don’t want any surprises, that is why it is important to know from the beginning how much the upgrades for your big day will cost .
Insider Planning Tip: A great wedding package should reduce stress, not create more. If it feels overwhelming or too rigid, that’s a red flag.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
Before you commit to a hotel wedding package, make sure you ask:
- Can I bring my own vendors? If so, what are the outside vendor fees?
- Is there a weather contingency plan (for example, a covered area or indoor backup)? Will this cost extra?
- What are the payment terms and cancellation policies?
- Can I customize the menu or décor?
- Will there be other weddings on the same day?
These questions help prevent surprises down the line and ensure that your vision aligns with what the venue offers.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Beyond external vendor fees, here are some other costs that may not be obvious in a Tulum Wedding Package:
- Service charges and taxes: Some hotels list prices before adding 15–25% in fees, it is important to ask the hotel what fees and taxes will be added to the package.
- Chair upgrades: Basic chairs are sometimes included, but nicer options (like Chiavari or bamboo) often cost extra. If this is important to know, make sure to know how much these upgrades cost, especially if you are having a larger wedding.
- Late-night service fees: Want to party past 10 PM? Some hotels will charge for extended service or require a special permit. In our experience, people are tired by 10, so don’t let this be a deterrent, but keep it in mind.
- Private event buyouts: If you want privacy, especially at a smaller resort, you might have to pay to “buy out” surrounding areas or room blocks.
Should You Customize or Upgrade?
Upgrades can make a wedding feel more personalized and luxurious—but they can also add up fast. Here’s a breakdown of common upgrades:
- Flowers: Tropical floral upgrades may range from $500 to $3,000+ depending on style
- Furniture and décor: Lounge furniture, canopy draping, and lighting installations can elevate your event but may require rentals. Typically rentals for a party of 50 can range from $3,500-10,000
- Entertainment: Fire dancers, live bands, or mariachi groups are popular in some destinations, but easily can add an extra $1200-3500 to your budget
- Food & Beverage: Plated meals or signature cocktails can replace buffet-style dining—but at a premium, many resorts start plated meals at $50+ per person in upgrade fees
Insider Planning Tip: Prioritize 2–3 “wow” elements and keep everything else simple. Focus your budget on what matters most to you.
The Role of a Destination Wedding Planner with your Tulum Wedding
A wedding planner—like our team at Signature Destination Weddings—can help you:
- Decode confusing packages
- Compare offerings across resorts
- Understand local vendor options
- Negotiate upgrades and extras
- Manage logistics for your guests
Having someone on your side who understands the local landscape (and has relationships with hotels and vendors) is invaluable.
How to Compare Packages Across Hotels
Create a comparison chart or spreadsheet with these columns:
- Hotel Name
- Guest Count Limit
- Package Price
- What’s Included (officiant, chairs, arch, music, reception setup, etc.)
- Upgrade Costs (music, décor, flowers)
- Vendor Fees
- Total Estimated Cost with Upgrades
This can help you compare apples to apples and avoid falling for a low base price that lacks essential components.
Final Thoughts
Hotel wedding packages can be a great starting point—but only if you understand what’s included and what’s not. By asking the right questions, budgeting for extras, and working with a knowledgeable planner, you’ll be set up for a beautiful, stress-free celebration that reflects your unique love story.
