We love Riviera Maya for destination weddings. It’s easy to get to, and has loads of hotels that work as wedding locales or honeymoon destinations. One of the most elegant is Banyan Tree Mayakoba, just north of Playa del Carmen. This summer they debuted their newest wedding venue, the chapel at El Pueblito. The plaza is designed to recall the traditional town squares you find throughout Mexico, only this is private to the resort so you have it all to yourselves.
The interior of the chapel is simple yet stunning, with wooden pews, mosaic tile floor and gorgeous gold alter backdrop and chandeliers. The chapel offers Catholic services every Sunday, and works for a religious ceremony as well as non-denominational ones.
Baynan Tree also has a gorgeous La Copa Terrace onsite; just off the lobby, it overlooks the mangroves and lagoon that make the resort so unique. You can use just a portion of it for your ceremony (this one was designed by Planner 1 Events, based in Riviera Maya) or take over the entire space for parties of up to 300 people.
Of course, the most popular vows spot is the beach. Mayakoba has its own curve of beach, only accessible by a path from the resort’s beach residences, so privacy is assured — something not doable on the larger public beaches along the coast.
This ceremony set-up by Cancun-based Grupo Gama is perfectly apropos to the place, using manzanita branches, which are indigenous to western Mexico and used in local crafts. Add some simple pomanders and linen-tied chairs and you have a unique, rustic setup that speaks to Mexican culture.
Banyan Tree’s catering team designed these fab textured white cakes, which pop next to native heliconia and a bright woven table runner.
As for the honeymoon, Banyan Tree has you covered for that, too. The pool suites here are some of the sexiest we’ve seen, with high walls to keep out prying eyes. Some have an outdoor jacuzzi and separate living room as well.
King platform beds are situated for optimum views of the outdoor space, creating an indoor/oudoor living experience.
We also love the bathrooms, with gorgeous tiled sinks, oversized rainshower and outdoor garden tub.
Here’s how it looks all dressed up for a romantic evening. Romantic, huh?
We have one word, aptly spelled out in this cute seating arrangement by Grupo Gama and Archive Mexico: LOVE!
Want to start planning your Mexico destination wedding or honeymoon? Let’s chat!