Planning your dream destination wedding in Tulum can feel overwhelming at first—but with a little guidance and insider know-how, you can create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. This crash guide will walk you through all the essentials to make your Tulum destination wedding smooth, beautiful, and stress-free.
Step 1: Choose the Right Area of Tulum or Riviera Maya
When people first think of a Tulum destination wedding, they picture boho chic, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back style. Although many hotels fit this dream, not all are the same. A hotel listed in “Tulum” might actually be almost an hour away from the airport or the town, so we suggest thinking about what factors are most important to you and your wedding.
Before booking your venue, it’s important to narrow down which region of Tulum—or the greater Riviera Maya—fits your style, travel preferences, and wedding vision. There are a few questions you can ask yourself to decide what part of Tulum is best for you.
How to choose what part of Tulum is right for your destination wedding:
Do I need a destination with direct flights from my hometown?
This is a “must-have” for many couples. They want ease of travel not only for themselves but also for their guests. Keep in mind, flights are always changing, so it’s best to check the information before making any decisions.
Currently, the following cities have direct flights to Tulum, Mexico:
Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Houston, Detroit, Minneapolis, Newark, New York City.
There are also seasonal flights from Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary.
Tulum Airport has direct flights from Bogotá, Panama City, and Frankfurt.
How much time and money am I comfortable spending on airport transfers?
Airport transfers are another potentially big-ticket item that people often forget to factor in when planning their destination wedding. For example, if you have guests flying into Cancun, they can expect to spend between $75–$125 per person (each way) for a transfer to Tulum.
Although there is now an airport in Tulum, many hotels do not offer free transfer service, and you can expect to spend between $35–$50 per person, each way. It is important to check this information before making any decisions, as it is subject to change.
Is it important to have a walk-in beach with calm, swimmable waters?
Not all beaches are the same! Throughout Tulum and the Riviera Maya, you’ll find a wide assortment of beach types. Some beaches, like at the Hilton Tulum, are on rocky coves. The coves protect the beach from sargassum (seaweed) but are not ideal for swimming and offer only a small area to get into the water.
Other beaches—like those in the Tulum Hotel Zone (South End)—offer miles of crystal-clear water and white sand. These beaches are perfect for enjoying a cocktail but often have rougher waters and bigger waves. Beaches vary from hotel to hotel, so be sure to let us know what is most important to you, so we can match you with the ideal destination wedding hotel.
Do I want access to a vibrant town outside the resort for guests to explore?
Hotel names can be deceiving! Many hotels say “Tulum,” but in fact, are about an hour away from the actual town.
If you’re planning to stay inside your hotel and enjoy everything it offers, this might not be as important. But if your plan is to explore the town of Tulum, you’ll want to make sure your hotel is nearby (as transfers can be expensive).
Is a seaweed-free beach (sargassum) important to you?
One thing we can’t control is Mother Nature. That said, there is a “seaweed season” that runs from April to October. This doesn’t mean there will be seaweed every day during that time, but the chances are higher.
Many hotels are able to clean up seaweed quickly, but sometimes it can get out of control. If this is a big deal to you, there are a handful of hotels located outside the seaweed zone, and we can help you choose a hotel that’s a better fit for your wedding.
Step 2: Pick the Perfect Hotel for Your Group
Once you’ve chosen your area, the next step is finding the right hotel that matches your destination wedding style and your guests’ comfort level.
Questions to Consider When It’s Time to Pick Your Hotel:
What is your ideal price range? (Luxury, Mid-Range, or Value)
When looking at hotel prices, keep in mind that an all-inclusive rate is exactly that! Guests won’t need to spend any additional money on food, drinks, or activities—so the price will tend to be higher.
We find that all-inclusive hotels provide great value for our guests, and they usually end up spending less than they would at a regular hotel once you factor in food, drinks, and activities (aka the price shock makes sense!).
Although most hotels have rooms in a variety of price ranges, it’s important to understand the pricing needs of your guests. You won’t be able to please everyone, but we suggest checking in with your ‘must-have’ people and asking what they are comfortable spending (per night) for your destination wedding.
We typically don’t suggest the entry-level room at a hotel, as you can often spend just a bit more and get a much better experience.
Hotel price ranges with Signature Destination Weddings:
- Value hotels: from $300 (all-inclusive) per night
- Mid-Range hotels: $300–$500 (all-inclusive) per night
- High-End Mid-Range hotels: $500–$850 (all-inclusive) per night
- Luxury hotels: $850+ (all-inclusive or regular rate) per night
Insider Tip: When looking at rates, check to see if the price is per person or per room, as each hotel prices differently.
Will your group prefer an all-inclusive experience?
(What is the difference between an all-inclusive hotel and a European plan hotel?)
There are two types of hotels to consider for your destination wedding:
- European Plan Hotel (just the hotel room)
- All-Inclusive Hotel
There are pros and cons to each option, and the best choice varies from couple to couple.
All-Inclusive Hotels: These offer a lot of perks for couples and guests alike. Benefits include:
- Easy-to-budget destination wedding for your guests
- Subsidized wedding costs (your guests help offset the price of food and drinks!)
- More perks, such as upgrades and free rooms
- Generally, a lower-priced wedding overall
Cons:
- Higher nightly rates for guests
- Being “locked in” to one hotel for meals and experiences
European Plan Hotels: These give you more flexibility, both for the wedding and your guests. They’re a better option in towns where people want to explore local food offerings and venture outside the hotel.
Typically, these hotels have lower room rates but higher wedding package costs.
Are there any guests with accessibility needs? Unfortunately, hotels in Tulum don’t have ADA requirements like those in the U.S.
Some hotels are suitable for accessibility needs, but this isn’t always advertised. It’s important to let us know if there’s someone in your group who has specific needs so we can ensure the property is a good fit.
Are you looking for an adults-only or family-friendly property?
If your group only includes adults, we highly suggest an adults-only property.
Having children in your group (yes, even just one—and even a baby!), your group will not qualify for an adults-only property.
You may also choose an all-ages hotel, but know that not all are the same. Some properties cater specifically to families with features like water parks, kid-friendly buffets, and lots of family-focused activities.
Others allow children but have a more sophisticated vibe and are less child-focused.
In both types of all-ages hotels, you’ll often find adults-only areas including room blocks, bars, restaurants, and pools.
How important are amenities like the pool, spa, restaurants, and beach clubs?
Every hotel has its own unique offerings—no two are the same.
Some hotels that don’t have the best beaches compensate with incredible pools and other on-site amenities. Others have world-class spas that might even surpass your favorite back home, and some offer truly exceptional food (we’ve had some of our best meals in Mexico at hotel restaurants!).
It’s important to decide which features matter most to you so we can help you find the perfect hotel for your group.
Each hotel category offers different perks—from rooftop pools and chic décor to private cenotes and beachfront ceremony spots.
Step 3: Choose the Right Wedding Style
Experienced Wedding Hotel or Boutique Venue?
When looking at hotels, it’s also important to review a hotel’s wedding department to determine which option is the best fit for the type of wedding experience you want to have.
Option 1: Hotels with Established Wedding Departments Many hotels have established wedding departments and full-time on-site planners. These hotels typically have their own vendors and rentals that are vetted and experienced in working with their property.
Pros:
- Streamlined planning process
- Wide range of packages
- Often include perks like complimentary rooms, private dinners, and group discounts
Cons:
- May host multiple weddings per day
- Less customization
Option 2: Boutique or One-Wedding-Per-Day Properties Smaller properties might not have a full-time wedding department. Instead, they often divide wedding planning responsibilities among different team members. These hotels don’t focus exclusively on weddings and typically rely on outside vendors for ceremonies and receptions.
Pros:
- More privacy and exclusivity
- Highly personalized experience
Cons:
- Smaller staff may require more hands-on planning
- Fewer perks for large groups
Step 4: Start Planning Early
We recommend starting your Tulum destination wedding planning 12–18 months in advance to secure the best venues, rates, and vendors. You might be able to snag a great hotel in less time, but you’ll have fewer options.
What are the first things you need to do when planning?
- Choose and book your wedding hotel
- Lock in your room block
- Launch your wedding website
- Start guest travel arrangements
Note: The actual wedding details—menu, décor, timeline—are typically finalized 3 months before your wedding with the on-site team. We know this doesn’t sound like a lot of time, which is why we do pre-planning with all of our couples to make sure we have everything just right before your wedding.
Step 5: Decide Who Will Plan Your Wedding
You can rely on:
- An on-site coordinator assigned by the hotel (often limited in scope and response time)
- A professional like Signature Destination Weddings, who will walk with you from venue search to the last dance
We’ll help with every step:
- Hotel contracts
- Guest travel
- Event planning
- Day-of coordination
Step 6: Pre-Planning Tips
What are some things you can do to pre-plan your wedding? To stay organized and inspired:
- Create a Pinterest board with your vision
- Set a realistic budget
- Research and book outside photographers or videographers (if allowed)
- Buy your dress early and plan for travel-friendly fabrics
- Don’t forget the extras: accessories, shoes, and vow books
Step 7: Where to Save vs. Splurge
You can easily get carried away when planning your destination wedding. Who doesn’t want that upgraded arch, LED dance floor, and fireworks? But when the proposal arrives, not everyone is OK with paying for all the upgrades.
When planning your Tulum destination wedding, choose where to invest based on your priorities.
SPLURGE:
We suggest thinking about the top 2 or 3 priorities for your wedding and focusing your budget on those aspects. If your budget allows, then you can move on to other parts of your wedding.
The top places we suggest splurging include:
- DJ & Lighting (Set the mood!)
Think about a great DJ, amazing dance floor, upgraded lights, and even fireworks. - Statement Floral Pieces Instead of lots of little pieces, we always suggest a few statement pieces that people will remember.
- Stylish Furniture & Decor Although we don’t suggest upgrading all the furniture, soft seating areas, an upgraded sweetheart table, and a few key pieces can really go a long way.
- Premium Dining Experiences Let’s be honest—good food is important. We suggest investing in food that makes you happy. Don’t worry about your guests; choose a menu that you and your partner will love.
- Unique Entertainment (Fire dancers, saxophonists, etc.)
Everyone loves a “wow” or “Instagram” moment, and live entertainment always ticks this box. Invest in a show that is unique to the area (think cultural!) and recommended by your hotel.
SAVE:
- Ceremony Setup (You already have paradise as your backdrop!)
We suggest going basic here—less is more. This is also the part of your wedding where you’ll spend the least amount of time. - Welcome Bags (Keep it simple)
Most people pack light, and you don’t want to gift something they can’t take home! - Small Details Guests Might Not Notice Although it might seem like a big deal, no one notices the upgraded water goblets or napkin rings!
Step 8: What to Pack for Your Wedding in Tulum
Make sure you have a dedicated wedding suitcase for:
- Your dress (and a garment bag) We suggest getting a quality garment bag on Amazon and hand-carrying your wedding attire on the plane. Most airlines will allow you to hang up your dress or suit, and you won’t have to worry about your bag being lost before the big day.
- Portable steamer Although many hotels offer this service, we suggest packing your own for any last-minute steaming needs.
- Wedding day makeup & remover Even if you’re having your makeup professionally done, we recommend bringing your own makeup to avoid any issues with color matching. Makeup remover is essential for the night after the wedding, especially since most people wear more makeup than usual.
- Tide pen, safety pins, and a sewing kit Emergencies can happen. We suggest having a day-of emergency kit with a Tide pen, safety pins, a small sewing kit, and an assortment of over-the-counter medicines.
- Flip-flops or sandals for post-ceremony comfort After the ceremony, ditch the heels (or wedges) and get comfortable!
Step 9: What to Expect on Wedding Day
We know the big day can seem daunting, and many people aren’t sure what to expect. In general, we say: go with the flow. Take in the moment and try not to rush the day or stress. You’re in paradise with the people you love.
- Sleep in and stay calm Don’t schedule any activities on your wedding day. Allow yourself to sleep in and relax.
- Stay hydrated and eat a good breakfast It’s usually warm and humid, so staying hydrated is essential. Drink plenty of water (and maybe skip that all-inclusive bar—at least for the morning). Eat a solid breakfast and try to have something small for lunch.
- Avoid too much sun—no one wants a tan line or burn!
- Have a trusted friend or planner check on last-minute details Assign a friend or family member to handle last-minute tasks so you don’t have to worry. Make sure they have the processional list, important songs, and any final notes you’ve discussed with the on-site team.
- Let go of the checklist and soak in every moment
Ready to Plan Your Tulum Destination Wedding?
If you’re dreaming of a laid-back beach vibe, jungle romance, or a boho-glam celebration, Tulum has it all. With the right strategy—and a little help from professionals—you can create the unforgettable wedding you’ve always imagined.
Contact Signature Destination Weddings for a free consultation, and let us take the stress out of planning your Tulum destination wedding.
