Planning your dream destination wedding can feel like a huge step, but with the right planning and professional help, it becomes an exciting experience for you and your guests. Picture clear turquoise waters as your backdrop, your loved ones gathered around in a stunning space, and every detail of your dream wedding falling into place; it feels just right.
Here are our insider tips for finding the perfect venue and resort in Tulum, Mexico.
Step 1: Decide on Your Dream Setting
Before choosing your resort, think about the style of wedding you want or prefer.
- Hilton Tulum –Excellent for couples dreaming of family-friendly amenities with luxury. Hilton Tulum is an all-inclusive escape with clear, crystal waters. From the moment you arrive, the view will take your breath away, creating a picture-perfect setting for your “I do’s.”
- Secrets Tulum – Secrets Tulum is a truly hidden gem. Imagine stepping into the warm Caribbean breeze and the feeling feels ‘right’. At Secrets Tulum, this feeling is everywhere. From gorgeous rooftop views to lush jungle backgrounds, this hotel has it all.
- Dreams Tulum – This amazing Tulum resort can make all your wishes come true, perfect for families and couples, with its sandy beaches, lush gardens, and elegant venues. We are sure it will make your grand day memorable. Guests can enjoy world-class dining/bars, multiple swimming pools, a full-service spa, and a modern fitness center. Every detail will be tailored for you and your guests throughout your stay.
Rachael’s Insider tip: Make sure to define your wedding style—this will help us guide you to the resort that fits the look and feel you want
Step 2: Pick the Perfect Resort for Your Guests
Each resort creates a different experience for both couples and guests.
- Hilton Tulum – Here, all your guests will find something to love as there are eight dazzling pools, thirteen world-class restaurants and bars, and a luxury spa for the best pre- or post-wedding pampering, which is a must-have. Many guests love this property because they are familiar with the name, and they love the new and modern feel of the property.
- Secrets Tulum – This adult-only resort is in the heart of Tulum, which offers breathtaking spaces, with a picture-perfect ceremony or reception under the stars or with beautiful beaches. Whether your heart is set on a simple beach wedding or a grand celebration, Secret Tulum has you covered! Our guests love this property because they can walk out the doors into the town of Tulum, OR visit one of the best beach clubs (all-inclusive!)
- Dreams Tulum – This resort is perfect for families with its beautiful beaches, lush gardens, and elegant venues.. Guests can enjoy world-class dining/bars, multiple swimming pools, a full-service spa, and a modern fitness center. Every detail will be tailored for you and your guests throughout your stay.
- Rachael’s Tips: Things that you should consider for your guests:
- Budget
- Comfort (family needs, travel convenience, and whether your group prefers family-friendly or adults-only experiences)
- The amenities that stand out for your group
- Distance to the airport
Step 3: Explore the different Wedding Venues at Each Resort
Resorts in Tulum offer stunning backdrops for ceremonies and receptions for your wedding day.
- Hilton Tulum –What makes Hilton Tulum unique is its collection of wedding venues for reception/ceremony spaces, which offers its own charm, whether you’re planning a barefoot ceremony by the sea or just a grand, big indoor ball celebration.
- Hilton Main Beach (Right Side): An oceanfront setting surrounded by tropical views, which makes it perfect for ceremonies and receptions where the sand meets the sea.
- Hilton Main Beach (Centre Area): Overlooking the ocean views framed by lush greenery, it accommodates large receptions for that perfect beach wedding.
- Turtle’s Beach: Seasonal beach venue (Dec–Apr) with stunning Caribbean backdrops where love is written in the sand.
- Main Stage: Elegant open-air stage for ceremonies with customizable décor options of your choice.
- Garden: Lawn venue in front of Building 5, Great for outdoor ceremonies/receptions as it provides a perfect combination of elegance and rustic charm on your big day.
- Tulkal Ballroom: Grand, elegant, stunning ballroom which would be perfect for a large indoor wedding. It creates a beautiful décor of your choice and a stunning setting for all your loved ones.
- Coba Terrace: Breathtaking rooftop terrace with beautiful views that can allow for a perfect private ceremony/reception, creating an intimate space to say “I do.”
- Vela Su Restaurant: Board dining venue with unique features for standout wedding receptions for your perfect day.
- Tulkalito Ballroom: Elegant indoor space for large-scale celebrations with flexible décor options, allowing for beautiful décor and a comfortable setting for all guests.
- Secrets Tulum – Here are Secret Tulum venues that can make your wedding day magical, whether it’s just a simple and elegant wedding or an over-the-top celebration.
- Sky Wedding Gazebo (Terrace): The feeling of a rustic barn appeal meets modern elegance on the glamorous rooftop. With an endless sky, eyes sweeping the view on your special day, making you feel like you’re in a movie.
- Sky Poolside Deck (Pool Area): Great for a small wedding, this poolside venue is just right for a sunset cocktail hour for your guests, with nearby mangrove forests that offer an unreal background on your special day.
- Sky Deck (Open-Air Terrace): An open-air setting featuring beautiful views of the garden and treetops that creates a dreamy ceremony that makes you feel you’re in a fairytale.
- Sky Pool Deck: Exchanging your vows here feels so unreal over a glass-covered pool with a jungle background for a truly unforgettable ceremony and experiences.
- Rooftop Garden (Garden Terrace): This venue is an exclusive and private garden terrace that is perfect for an intimate or grand celebration surrounded by greenery and elegance.
- Cenote Poolside A (Cenote): With a natural sinkhole nearby, this venue is a great space for a more tropical wedding vibe.
- Cenote Poolside C: Cenote-inspired architecture with shimmering clear water creating a chic setting on your big day.
- Foyer Ballroom (Ballroom): For a more natural and earthly vibe, bringing a luxurious indoor feel to your wedding, and is a solid backup option if the weather doesn’t cooperate on your special day.
- Jaguar Ballroom (Ballroom): A gorgeous modern-style ballroom that brings elegance to your wedding. This is wonderful for a large indoor wedding or a great backup if the weather doesn’t cooperate on your big day or if you simply prefer an indoor celebration.
- Seaside Restaurant (Beach Club): Located on the beach club, this venue has pretty views of the Caribbean seashore, and it’s beautiful for sunset receptions.
- Barracuda Bar (Bar): This beachfront area is great for a cocktail hour or an under-the-stars celebration with your loved ones.
- Beach: White sand, calm waves, and endless ocean views that will make your wedding day so memorable.
- Willy’s Place Terrace (Beach): This Private seaside terrace, just 10 minutes away from the resort, provides the perfect background for your celebration.
- Dreams Tulum – Whether you want a beachfront ceremony/cocktail/reception, Dream Tulum has you covered with stunning venues. Dream Tulum has the perfect space for your love story.
- Central Beach: Exchanging your vows here can feel so unreal, with sandy beaches and gentle waves, the central beach is near a tropical garden and a quiet sand shore that creates a stunning wedding atmosphere. A grand dance floor, glittering light, and elegant table arrangement create a perfect atmosphere for a memorable seaside wedding.
- Preferred Beach: A cozy gathering with you and your guests. The preferred beach offers a private setting surrounded by palm trees and a nice sea breeze.
- Chapel: Features Mexican-style architecture, a handcrafted wooden bench with an open-sided annex. It’s a great spot for a warm but elegant cultural ceremony.
- Terrace of the Convention Centre: Under the open sky on the terrace of the convention centre, with a new design for scenic views, this venue creates a graceful setting for a beautiful outdoor ceremony.
- Secret Garden Gazebo: Truly a secret hideaway; Secret Garden Gazebo is surrounded by lush gardens, which is great for symbolic ceremonies, as the setting makes every moment feel magical.
- Relaxation Pool Terrace: Offers indoor and outdoor spaces for you and your guests. The Relaxation Pool Terrace can be transformed into your dream cocktail hour or a delicious welcome dinner.
- Dolphins Pool Terrace: The venue is among the dolphin statues at the pool area, offering a whimsical setting. It’s perfect for a personal and unforgettable gathering.
- Dream Garden: Is a vibrant place that is great for dinner receptions and cocktail parties. The setting adds a natural beauty to your special day.
- Mexican Plaza: With a lively and colorful backdrop, Mexican Plaza provides a festive feel to celebrate with your friends and family.
- Ballroom: Mostly for formal and elegant events, the ballroom provides a refined indoor space that will be great for a large wedding.
- Sunset Rooftop: Golden hour as the sun dips below, the Sunset Rooftop offers stunning ocean and tropical views, making it a stunning area for cocktail parties or dinner receptions on your special day.
- Tulum Beach Palapa: It offers an excellent choice to enjoy a beachfront celebration. Set on the sandy white beach, it’s a blend of natural beauty and elegance for a beautiful seaside celebration.
Step 4: Start Early Planning
Destination weddings are in high demand, especially in Tulum, so start planning to secure your preferred date and venue for your wedding. We suggest locking in your hotel one year before your wedding date.
Running behind? Don’t worry, we can help you start planning in as little as 2 months (though it isn’t recommended!) Elopements can be planned in under a month
Your to-do list should include:
- Choosing your resort and wedding package
- Reserving a block of rooms for you and your guests
- Confirming on-site services or outside vendors for the Ceremony/reception/ cocktail hours.
- Building your wedding idea and guest list.
Rachael’s Tip: Feeling overwhelmed? The Team at Signature Destination Weddings is here to help!
Step 5: Splurge or Save
Every couple has a budget, so focus on what matters to you
Splurge On:
- A great DJ, upgraded lighting, or even fireworks to light up the wedding day.
- Statement floral pieces and personal.
- Premium dining and special entertainment.
Save On:
- Ceremony décor (you already have the beach, gardens, or rooftops as a backdrop).
- Welcome bags and tiny details that guests won’t even notice.
Final Thought: On the big day, let go of the checklist and focus on love and enjoying the moment. No matter which resort you end up choosing, Tulum offers a different wedding experience for all. With Hilton, Secrets, or Dreams Tulum, your love story will unfold in a beautiful paradise.
