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NOT-BORING WEDDING photography for fun-loving adventure seekers

WELCOME TO THE KICKASSERY

January 2, 2026

Author:

Pala Kovacs

When you think of a destination wedding, Playa del Carmen is one of those places that instantly comes to mind. With its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, it’s easy to see why so many couples choose to say “I do” here. Playa del Carmen perfectly balances luxury and laid-back charm, making it ideal for couples who love to travel, laugh, and celebrate in their own way.

So today, I want to share some of my favorite Playa del Carmen wedding venues – from high-end resorts to boutique spots to budget-friendly ones. For all the Canadian couples out there who dream of a destination wedding in Mexico, this is the guide for you!.

Why Choose Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen sits in the Riviera Maya along the Caribbean coast of Mexico. Not only is it warm, tropical, with white sand beaches, palm trees, but it also offers that laid-back vacation energy. Additionally, you can easily find flights from Canada, and you will find everything from ultra-luxury resorts to more flexible spots.

As a Playa del Carmen wedding photographer, I can tell you that this place has incredible light, beautiful settings, and most importantly, a variety of venues. This gives you the freedom of choice. No matter what you are after, there is a venue that fits. 

So, here are venues I love. Each of them brings something different for your style, budget, and wedding overall.

The Best Playa Del Carmen Wedding Venues

Grand Velas Riviera Maya 

If you want a wedding that feels polished, high-end end and photo-ready, Grand Velas is for you. With its combination of beach, garden, and salon venues, excellent service, gourmet dining, and guest suites, this is one of the best Playa del Carmen wedding venues. Expect spectacular views, elegant décor, and a full experience. Here, your photos will look incredible.

Rosewood Mayakoba

Meanwhile, for the couple who wants luxury with a designer touch and lush surroundings, Rosewood Mayakoba is the one for you. Think beaches, lagoons, gardens, and quiet sophistication. It’s a Playa del Carmen wedding location that offers serious aesthetic and ambiance. If you want your day to feel like a destination experience with an unforgettable environment, look no further.

Mahekal Beach Resort

On the other hand, if your guest list is smaller, you care more about vibe than size, and you love boho-beach style, Mahekal Beach Resort is the perfect choice. Here, you can enjoy a beachfront setting, relaxed elegance, and a more intimate feel. It is ideal if you want authentic, relaxed luxury. Most importantly, your photos will have soul.

Hyatt Centric Playa del Carmen

Hyatt Centric can give you both style and flexibility. Because it’s contemporary, it can accommodate you no matter how long your guest list is. If you want something modern, accessible, and flexible, this is your smart mid-to-upper-budget option for a Playa del Carmen wedding venue.

Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen

For couples who want to keep things simpler, with good value, this all-inclusive resort is excellent. If you want to make your guests feel good, have great photo backdrops, and be nice to your budget, this is the best choice for you.

Smaller Boutique and Private Venues

Beyond the big resorts, Playa del Carmen also offers smaller boutique hotels, private villas, and garden venues. These are perfect if you want fewer guests, more flexibility, and a lower cost for the venue itself. This will leave you with more budget for the photography, décor, or guest experience. Think private villa buy-out, garden under palms, or a beachfront terrace you can call your own. There are so many hidden gems in Playa del Carmen, and so many of them can be your perfect wedding venue.

My Tips for the Right Venue

  • Match your energy. Are you all about polished and luxe, or relaxed and boho? Your choice of venue sets the tone.
  • Guest list counts. Big crowd? Go to a resort. Smaller circle? Boutique or villa.
  • Photo-friendly light. Beach settings are gorgeous, but midday sun can be harsh. I’ll help you plan your ceremony time for golden hour.
  • Budget wisely. Venue cost matters, but what matters more is where you invest – photography, guest comfort, memorable details. Spending much on the venue doesn’t always mean better photos.
  • Vendor flexibility. If you want freedom (for example, your aesthetic, your photographer, your vibe), check venue rules carefully. Bigger resorts might enforce preferred vendor lists or fees.
  • Legal and travel details. As you’re planning from Canada, check travel logistics, airport transfers, guest accommodations, and local vendor reliability.
  • Why should you hire me? I capture weddings for couples who want to enjoy their day, be themselves, have fun, and trust their photographer to capture every peak moment and candid frame. I don’t charge travel fees for Mexico weddings. You bring the vibe, I capture it.

Playa del Carmen offers an amazing mix. Think gorgeous beach backdrops, tropical gardens, blueprint-ready photogenic venues, and options all over. No matter what Playa del Carmen wedding venue you decide to go for, you will surely find a match.

If you are ready to travel, ready to make memories, and have photos that look like an adventure, then Playa del Carmen is calling. And, if you’re ready to make sure every moment gets captured beautifully (and authentically), I’d love to be your Playa del Carmen wedding photographer. Let’s start this. Let’s pick your venue and lock your date. Finally, let’s make your destination wedding in Mexico a kickass reality!

Loved Playa Del Carmen Wedding Venues

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