Edmonton wedding photographer

Riviera Maya has too much to offer wedding-wise. Thousand of destination weddings are held in this tropical paradise, and if you are not a resort couple and want a private venue where sometimes you have more freedom, then, this post is for you.

Why would I recommend a private venue in Riviera Maya? Well first and foremost this venue will be completely for you and your guests, you won’t have all the tourists the resorts have. Second, you can bring your own vendors and have more freedom when creating your dream wedding.

We have been fortunate enough to have shot at these beautiful venues that will WOW you.

KIMA TULUM

This venue at the beginning wasn´t planned to be a wedding venue, but thank god someone discovered it and asked the owner if they could host their wedding there. They agreed and the rest is history.

Right in the middle of the jungle in Tulum, you will find this hidden oasis. A blank canvas surrounded by palm trees.

Kima Tulum is one of the few venues in this region that is fully private and can hold up to 100 people on the 2.5-acre property. Its multiple spaces can be used and combined as you wish your event to unfold, allowing you to organize a seamless party without the need to backtrack or use the same area for two moments. they also have a talented team of caterers, designers, florists, producers, wedding planners, furniture rentals, and entertainers who will bring your celebration to life.

The property has 3 Mediterranean-style private suites that open up onto the white deck and a rustic jungle cabana. Each has a private jungle terrace and French doors leading directly to the pool. They can be used to get ready or to take portrait photos or first look but they also can be rented for individual stays or retreats when they are not hosting a wedding.

JARDIN DEL MAR

Just between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, you will find this private location on the seashore. With a beautiful church, a palapa, and the white sand beach itself to choose from. You will have it all in one place.

This venue also has its own kitchen so your caterer can prepare the food there, bathrooms, another multi-purpose palapa maybe for cocktail hour, and a gorgeous private room for the couple.

The capacity on the palapa is for 250 guests and in the church 80 people.

You can see two different weddings in this venue here:

CHECHEN TULUM

This venue is located on the Tulum-Coba highway. This breathtaking venue is in the middle of the Mayan jungle. You will feel connected with nature, where you will find two majestic jaguars, Jade and Kizin, accompanied by spider monkeys, parrots, toucans, and lots of other species.

This venue has everything that you need, with open spaces surrounded by nature, 3 decks where you can have your reception, big open spaces for the ceremony, a room for getting ready, and a pool for cocktail hour with a capacity of up to 250 guests.

They also have their own restaurant with catering services. The venue is right next to the hotel chaca with a direct connection to the venue, so your guests can stay there. Another alternative for staying is at Tulum town where you will find resorts, luxury villas, or Airbnbs.

You have to keep in mind that Tulum is a Boheme-chic destination, so don’t expect big all-inclusive resorts. Here you will find more boutique eco-friendly hotels or as I mentioned before villas.

The best neighborhoods for the villas are Veleta and Aldea Zama full of bars and restaurants.

SECRET JEWEL CELEBRATIONS

You will find yourself surrounded by silky sand, coconut trees, jungle paths, and a magical Cenote. It is your perfect private venue in Riviera Maya.

You can choose from a Beach venue and a garden venue. We only have shot at the beach venue which I found better since everything will occur with your feet touching the Carribean sand. What else could you ask for?

The property has a bride’s room so you can do your getting ready there but photo-wise the light isn’t that good and you don’t have much space. So I’ll suggest for the bride’s portraits, do them within the property that is full of jungle vegetation, and you have a private beach to use. So please go for it!

You will find tons of beautiful jungle-ish locations to do your photos. Ask your photographer to arrive early to scout. We always do that before the wedding, so we highly recommend it.

EL PUEBLITO MAYAKOBA

Situated along the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea on Mexico’s picturesque Yucatán Peninsula, this is not your typical venue.

“El pueblito” which means little town in Spanish is the central plaza of the Mayakoba complex. So with this venue, you don’t have access to the beach, but honestly, you don’t need it.

With eclectic Mexican architecture, a large courtyard with an open layout and a beautiful white chapel offering a charming setting for a ceremony, reception, or both.

This venue is for couples who want to get married in Riviera Maya, but beach vibes aren’t their thing. You will still have this Mexico feeling and can play with the decor to be more modern and classy.

ICAZA HACIENDA

This is a restaurant in the middle of Cancun City but it is a beautiful hacienda where you can have your wedding at. Maybe this venue is more popular among locals but believe me, this hacienda screams Mexico. With beautiful palm gardens that surround the property and a rustic bohem-ish feeling.

You can have the ceremony right at the stairs and all your guests will witness your love from the gardens. The same for the reception, the garden is the best option to create your magical day.

For photos, the whole hacienda has some colorful walls and picturesque locations, there are enough spaces you can create beautiful memories!.

Riviera Mata has it all, right? Also, if a private venue isn’t for you we have a blog post with our top 5 resorts

We always try to recommend the best! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Also, we have other venues in mind, so please if you don’t see a venue here and you want us to be your destination wedding photographers say hello, don’t be shy! we would love to help you out and spend some time with you in this beautiful country that we love.

Can’t wait to recommend you restaurants, activities, Mexican food, and Mexican beverages. Oh boy, there is a reason why we are experts in this topic!