Average Cost of a Wedding in Mexico
True or false: Weddings have to be expensive.
False! Your weddings in Mexico can be affordable and still have your guests saying “it was the best celebration ever!”.
Whether you want to spend $1,000 on a wedding or $50,000, it’s up to you!
So, our planners broke down the average cost of a wedding in Mexico and everything in between.
Get ready to learn exactly what you need to know about Mexico weddings!
Let’s get into it.
The average cost of a destination wedding in Mexico is anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000.
Obviously the costs depend on:
1) the location
2) the wedding package you choose
3) how many guests you invite
and so much more.
So are destination weddings are more expensive than traditional weddings? You might think so, but you’ll spend (on average) 70% less by having a destination wedding!
$30,000 is the average cost of a traditional wedding. Wowzer.
And there’s more…
Of course, the price can increase by adding more guests, decor, entertainment, and upgrades.
Generally speaking, you’re saving a lot of money by choosing a destination wedding.
In fact, you could save anywhere from $18,000 to $25,000!
That’s a really nice downpayment on a house, right?
An all-inclusive wedding in Mexico is exactly how it sounds — it includes all!
Most resorts offer all-inclusive wedding packages, but some luxury resorts offer a-la-carte which is more expensive.
An all-inclusive wedding package includes:
- A symbolic ceremony
- Bouquet and boutonniere
- Wedding cake
- Sparkling wine
- Choice of venue
- Decor
- Food
- Semi-private or private reception dinner
Most resorts have multiple packages you can choose from.
Some may have just the ceremony included while others may have a reception dinner and/or cocktail hour.
Want to add other amenities to your package? No worries!
Resorts have vendors they use for requests that may not be in the original bundle. You can also hire a photographer, videographer, bartender, and more!
Need help? Check out this guide to all-inclusive weddings!
While you can get cheap wedding packages in Mexico, not all of them are.
A lot of resorts do offer complimentary wedding packages that are contingent on room bookings or a number of room nights paid.
If you’re on a tight budget, there are some ways you can still afford a Mexico wedding!
3 Ways You Can Reduce Wedding Spend
1) Check out the complimentary packages
Complimentary packages can be bought for around $999 or you can get them free based on how many rooms you need to book.
Free weddings packages offered at:
1) Finest Playa Mujeres
2) Hyatt Ziva Cancun
3) Dreams Natura Resort & Spa.
2) Reduce your guests count
Adding a ton of guests to your invite list will increase the cost.
Most packages come with 10 to 50 guests included but the fee for extra guests can become costly.
Resorts charge anywhere from $50 to $200 per added guest.
3) Book in the “off” season
While wedding packages don’t change throughout the seasons, flight prices do!
The peak season for destination weddings is January to February, with the lower season being in the fall. Shoulder season is the time between peak and low season and is generally in the spring months!
That is when the weather is the tamest and resorts aren’t as busy.
There are many states, cities, and towns in Mexico that have gorgeous resorts.
You probably know of a few, including the state Quintana Roo which hosts Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and more!
There is also Baja California Sur where Cabo San Lucas is.
Today, we will give you the average cost by the East Coast and West Coast of Mexico!
East Coast of Mexico
Tulum
The average cost of a destination wedding in Tulum is anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000.
Cancun
The average cost of a wedding in Cancun is anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000.
Playa del Carmen
The average cost of a wedding in Playa del Carmen is anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000.
Riviera Maya
The average cost of a wedding in Riviera Maya is anywhere from $2,000 to $12,000.
West Coast of Mexico
Cabo San Lucas
The average cost of a wedding in Cabo San Lucas is anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000.
Puerto Vallarta
The average cost of a wedding in Puerto Vallarta is anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000.
A good budget can get you a complete $5,000 wedding package for a more low-key wedding.
$10,000 wedding package is a good budget for couples who want more amenities and special perks.
Want to go big? $20,000 wedding packages can get you every amenity, plus decor and inclusions that will completely transform your wedding.
Any budget is a good budget for a destination wedding!
But it also depends on what your taste is and what kind of wedding you dream of.
If you have a budget of $1,000… take advantage of the complimentary packages! Or check out a list of Mexico resorts that offer packages under $1,000 here.
If you’ve ever been to Mexico, then you know how beautiful it is.
The water sparkles and the resorts are stunning.
But if you’re wanting to try out a new resort for your wedding day, maybe try out a new area! There are many popular locations in Mexico… but these take the (wedding) cake.
Top Locations in Mexico
- Cabo San Lucas
- Tulum
- Playa del Carmen
- Cozumel
- Cancun
- Guanajuato
- Puerto Vallarta
- Riviera Maya
- Playa Mujeres
Explore the popular wedding resorts by location and start planning your destination wedding today!
There are many popular all-inclusive resorts all over Mexico, but some just stand out!
We had our wedding planners name a few of their favorite resorts so we can pass on the secrets to you!
Oh, and these are not in any particular order.
1. Dreams Riviera Cancun
Dreams Riviera Cancun is a 5-star resort that is a completely luxurious experience.
From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, you’ll be treated like a VIP here. Plus, they have beautiful wedding venues and great packages!
Check out our in-depth review of Dreams Riviera Cancun here.
2. The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences
This family-friendly resort is a chic paradise where you’ll feel right at home.
They have 1, 2, or 3-bedroom suites that are just as gorgeous as the water surrounding the resort.
The wedding venues are to die for!
Learn more about The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences weddings here!
3. Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres
Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres is a modern resort where a 5-star rating just isn’t enough.
It’s a family-friendly resort, but there is an adult-only section for those wanting a more mature vacation.
There are 15 wedding venues you can choose from. Yes, 15!
Check out our opinion on Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres weddings here!
4. Iberostar Selection Paraiso Maya Suites
Iberostar Selection Paraiso Maya Suites is a beachfront resort that is surrounded by jungle gardens.
There are 3 wedding packages to choose from, 7 wedding venues, and so many activities for those of all ages!
Plus, there’s a waterpark, 8 pools, and a lazy river.
Check out our review on weddings at Iberostar Selection Paraiso Maya Suites here!
5. Hyatt Ziva Cancun
Hyatt Ziva Cancun is surrounded by water on all 3 sides, giving guests beautiful views from every angle.
Those who love the water will adore the 3 infinity pools they offer, and 2 of them have swim-up bars!
There are 8 wedding venues available.
See our review on weddings at Hyatt Ziva Cancun here!
Yes, some marriages are legal in Mexico…depending on the type.
You may have heard once or twice before that if you get married in another country, it’s not legal in your country.
That’s true, for the most part.
There are 3 types of marriages in Mexico:
1) Symbolic (not legal)
2) Religious (not legal)
3) Civil (legal)
A symbolic or religious ceremony is not legal and requires you to get married before or after the wedding.
Most couples head to the courthouse for this step.
A civil ceremony is legal around the world and is recognized as a legitimate marriage in Mexico.
There are many different laws regarding marriage in this country.
Before you start doing research on your own, learn everything you need to know about how to get married in Mexico.
You may have never attended a destination wedding, and your guests probably haven’t either.
So… who pays the bill at the end?
Guests are usually expected to pay for their travel expenses and accommodations.
On average, those you invite will be spending around $1,400 altogether.
Don’t expect your guests to offer to pay for some of your wedding details.
That part of the bill goes to the couple or another party who is paying for the wedding.
While it’s not mandatory, some couples pay for their parent’s or other family members’ travel expenses.
But at the end of the day, it’s all up to you. It is your wedding after all!
Need more info? We created a guest wedding guide that you can send your guests 😉
Wedding planning can be tiring, we totally get it.
Let us help in a few ways!
These helpful resources will help you understand the process more.
- Struggling to find a resort you love? Check out our list of beautiful resorts here.
- Not sure what destination to choose? We have a list of affordable locations here!
- Want to learn more about planning a wedding in Mexico? Check out our post on Cancun wedding planners here.
Wait. You may be wondering “isn’t there an easier way?” Head over our “why ParadiseWeddings.com” post to see exactly how we can help.
Ask questions below