Dreaming of an idyllic, adults-only destination wedding on one of the Riviera Maya’s most celebrated beaches, famous for its calm waters and resident sea turtles? Welcome to Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, a luxurious haven offering the signature Unlimited-Luxury® experience in the heart of Akumal Bay.
Perfectly positioned on Akumal’s pristine white sands, this resort provides direct access to incredible snorkeling opportunities right offshore. Known for its elegant design blending contemporary style with natural elements, lush tropical gardens, multiple sparkling pools (including a stunning infinity pool overlooking the bay), gourmet dining experiences, and sophisticated ambiance, Secrets Akumal offers a romantic and captivating setting for couples and their adult guests.
Weddings at Secrets Akumal are coordinated by their dedicated romance team, utilizing customizable packages designed for elegance and romance. Popular venues include the beautiful beach itself (ideal for sunset ceremonies), charming gazebos set within gardens or near the ocean, stylish pool terraces, and elegant indoor ballrooms. Costs reflect the resort’s luxury status and prime Akumal location, typically ranging from $18,000 to $55,000+ USD for a 50-guest wedding, varying based on package selection, venue choice, décor upgrades, and potential vendor fees. A wedding at Secrets Akumal promises unparalleled natural beauty, luxurious amenities, and unforgettable romantic moments.
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Index
Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?
How Does a Wedding at Secrets Akumal Work?
Best Months to Get Married
The Basics of Wedding Packages
Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?
Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations
Ceremony and Reception Logistics
What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?
Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies
Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies
On-Site Wedding Coordination & Planning Services
Dietary and Menu Restrictions
Music and Entertainment Restrictions
Parking and Guest Logistics
Total Cost Breakdown
Splurge vs. Save
Wedding Packages & Inclusions
Activities for Other Days (Snorkeling!)
Three Practical Tips for Brides
Two Bride Reviews
My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro
Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya is the perfect sanctuary for couples seeking a romantic, luxurious, adults-only wedding set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty and renowned snorkeling. If your vision includes exchanging vows on a pristine beach with calm turquoise waters, offering guests the unique opportunity to snorkel with sea turtles right from the shore, and enjoying sophisticated dining and amenities under the Unlimited-Luxury® concept, this resort is an exceptional choice. Its location in Akumal provides a more tranquil and nature-focused vibe compared to Cancun or central Playa del Carmen. It’s less suited for those wanting a high-energy party resort or needing to accommodate children.
The resort’s key attractions are its prime location on Akumal Bay (famous for turtles), exclusive adults-only luxury, beautiful calm beach ideal for swimming/snorkeling, elegant design, multiple pools including oceanfront infinity, and gourmet dining. Ideal for couples prioritizing romance, nature, and upscale relaxation.
How Does a Wedding at Secrets Akumal Work?
Weddings at Secrets Akumal are orchestrated by their dedicated on-site wedding coordinators, ensuring attention to detail and a seamless experience. The process typically begins with selecting one of their elegant wedding packages, often tiered by inclusions and guest count. These packages usually bundle essentials like the ceremony setup (beach, gazebo, terrace), symbolic officiant services, basic floral décor (bouquet/boutonniere), a sparkling wine toast, and potentially cocktail hour or reception elements. Couples work closely with their assigned coordinator to personalize the package, choose specific stunning venues, customize menus featuring gourmet cuisine, select décor upgrades reflecting the resort’s elegant style, arrange entertainment, and manage guest accommodations in the luxurious suites via room blocks. The focus is on creating a sophisticated, romantic, and unforgettable event leveraging the beauty of Akumal Bay.
Best Months to Get Married
Located in the Riviera Maya, Secrets Akumal enjoys beautiful tropical weather. The ideal months for a wedding, offering the best balance of sunshine, pleasant temperatures, calm seas for snorkeling, and lower humidity/rain chances, are generally late November through April. This period allows couples and guests to fully appreciate the resort’s stunning beach, clear waters teeming with marine life, beautiful pools, and elegant outdoor event spaces.
The Basics of Wedding Packages
Secrets Akumal offers several sophisticated wedding packages, consistent with the luxurious Secrets Resorts & Spas brand. Common elements generally include:
Ceremony: Choice of beautiful location (prime beach spot, garden gazebo, terrace), elegant setup with chairs/décor based on package, symbolic officiant.
Cocktail Hour: Often included in mid-to-higher tier packages, featuring premium bar service and gourmet appetizers.
Reception: Options can range from semi-private dinners to fully private events on terraces or in elegant ballrooms, typically including multi-course gourmet menus and premium open bar for a set duration.
Coordinator: Dedicated Secrets wedding specialist.
Romantic Perks: May include complimentary nights for the couple, suite upgrades (potentially to Preferred Club), spa discounts or treatments at Secrets Spa by Pevonia®, romantic breakfast in bed, special turndown service, late check-out (subject to availability and package).
Packages are designed to provide a foundation of luxury, with ample opportunity for personalization.
Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?
For weddings at the adults-only, all-inclusive Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya:
The couple typically pays for the selected wedding package and any desired customizations, upgrades (e.g., specific florals, enhanced menus, entertainment), or external vendor fees.
Guests (adults only) are responsible for their travel arrangements (flights, transfers) and their Unlimited-Luxury® suite accommodations at the resort. Booking through the couple’s room block generally secures group rates.
Optional activities and expenses like specialized spa treatments, scuba diving excursions (beyond basic snorkeling), premium wine selections, or off-site tours are typically paid for individually by guests.
Standard wedding gift practices apply.
Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations
Secrets Akumal offers a selection of stunning venues designed for romance and elegance:
Akumal Beach: The famous white-sand beach provides an idyllic setting for ceremonies of various sizes, with calm turquoise waters as the backdrop.
Gazebos: Beautifully appointed gazebos, potentially located in lush garden settings or with ocean views, offer intimate ceremony spots (capacity typically suits small to medium groups).
Pool Terraces: Elegant deck areas surrounding the pools, especially the main infinity pool overlooking the bay, are perfect for cocktails or receptions (capacity varies).
Restaurant Terraces: Outdoor terraces associated with some of the gourmet restaurants might be available for private dinners or smaller events.
Ballroom: A sophisticated indoor ballroom provides a climate-controlled option for larger receptions, dinners, and dancing (capacity likely 150-250+).
Accommodations: Secrets Akumal features luxurious suites, all with private balconies or terraces, whirlpool tubs for two, elegant furnishings, and modern amenities. Categories include tropical view, partial ocean view, ocean view, oceanfront, and swim-out suites. The Preferred Club offers upgraded suites, enhanced amenities, and access to a private lounge and exclusive pool/beach areas.
Ceremony and Reception Logistics
The resort’s layout, while offering distinct areas, is designed for convenient flow:
Ceremony: Most often held directly on the beautiful Akumal beach or within one of the elegant gazebos.
Cocktail Hour: Typically transitions to a nearby pool terrace, garden area, or a dedicated bar/lounge space, allowing guests to enjoy premium drinks and the sophisticated atmosphere.
Reception: Can continue outdoors on a scenic terrace overlooking the bay or pool areas, or move indoors to the elegant ballroom for a more formal celebration.
The resort’s attentive staff ensures smooth guest transitions between locations. While walkable, golf carts may be available for assisting the wedding party or guests with mobility considerations.
What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?
At Secrets Akumal, venue usage for standard locations is generally bundled into the comprehensive wedding package cost. Separate “rental fees” are less common unless selecting highly customized setups or unique non-standard locations (if available). The package price typically covers:
Use of the selected venue(s) for the duration outlined in the package (e.g., beach, gazebo, terrace, ballroom).
Standard Elegant Setup: Includes quality chairs, linens, basic package décor elements reflecting the Secrets brand.
Included Gourmet Food & Beverage: Covers the specific premium items detailed in the package (toast, cake, hors d’oeuvres, multi-course dinner, premium bar).
Staffing: Services of the dedicated wedding coordinator and the resort’s service-oriented staff.
Additional costs primarily arise from significant décor/floral upgrades, customized menus beyond package options, ultra-premium bar selections, external vendors (crucially check resort policy and fees), extended event times, or specialized lighting/AV.
Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies
Secrets Akumal provides elegant indoor backup locations for outdoor events facing inclement weather:
Ballroom: The main ballroom offers a sophisticated, air-conditioned space adaptable for ceremonies or receptions.
Covered Terraces/Function Rooms: Depending on size and availability, larger covered terraces or smaller indoor function rooms might serve as alternative locations, especially for cocktail hours.
Your wedding coordinator will confirm the designated backup venue, ensuring it upholds the resort’s standard of luxury and accommodates your guest count.
Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies
Booking a wedding at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya generally involves:
Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is typically required to secure the wedding date, time, and chosen package/venues.
Payment Schedule: The wedding contract outlines subsequent payment installments, often due at intervals like 90, 60, or 30 days prior to the wedding date.
Final Payment: The outstanding balance, adjusted for the final guest count and any confirmed upgrades, is usually due 30-45 days before the event.
Cancellation Policy: The contract details the cancellation terms, including non-refundable amounts and potential penalties based on the timing of cancellation relative to the wedding date. It’s crucial to review this policy carefully.
On-Site Wedding Coordination & Planning Services
Secrets Akumal provides experienced on-site wedding coordinators:
Brand & Location Specialists: They possess deep knowledge of Secrets’ Unlimited-Luxury® standards, package details, and the unique features of the Akumal location.
Venue Expertise: They guide couples in selecting the ideal venues (beach, gazebos, terraces, ballroom) to match their vision and guest count, highlighting the beauty of Akumal Bay.
Culinary Collaboration: They facilitate menu planning and customization with the resort’s gourmet culinary teams.
Vendor Management: They manage all internal resort services and typically provide a list of trusted external vendors familiar with the resort. Crucially, confirm the resort’s specific policy and any fees associated with bringing in external vendors (photographers, DJs, florists, etc.). Secrets resorts often have strict policies and potentially significant fees.
Day-Of Execution: They oversee the entire wedding day, ensuring seamless setup, adherence to the timeline, vendor coordination, and a flawless event flow.
Dietary and Menu Restrictions
With its commitment to gourmet dining under the Unlimited-Luxury® concept, Secrets Akumal is well-equipped to handle various dietary needs:
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, pescatarian, common allergies (nut, dairy, shellfish), and other specific dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with proper advance notice and culinary care, particularly for private reception menus.
Communicate all needs clearly and early to your wedding coordinator when finalizing menus and confirming guest dietary flags.
Music and Entertainment Restrictions
Entertainment choices at Secrets Akumal should align with its sophisticated, romantic, adults-only atmosphere:
Elegant Options: Sophisticated DJs, live solo musicians (guitarist, saxophonist, harpist), elegant trios or quartets (jazz, classical), or tasteful bands are suitable choices.
Noise Considerations & Curfew: Outdoor amplified music on terraces or the beach is subject to resort policies and respect for the tranquil environment and nearby nesting areas (potentially), typically ending around 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. Indoor ballroom events offer later hours.
Vendor Policy: Reiterate the importance of confirming the resort’s specific policy regarding external entertainment vendors. Using non-preferred providers might incur significant fees or require strict adherence to resort guidelines.
Parking and Guest Logistics
Logistics reflect the resort’s location within the Akumal area:
Airport Transfers: Located approx. 75-90 minutes south of Cancun International Airport (CUN). Pre-booked private or shared transportation is highly recommended.
Parking: Secure on-site parking, potentially including valet services, is generally available for guests arriving by car.
Accessibility: Situated directly on Akumal Bay. While the resort itself is walkable, exploring outside the resort (e.g., Akumal town center, nearby cenotes, Tulum) requires taxis or organized tours.
Akumal Bay Access: Direct access to the bay for snorkeling is a major logistical advantage for guests.
Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
For an estimated wedding of 50 guests (adults only):
Wedding Package & Reception Basics: $17,000 – $40,000+ USD (Reflects luxury packages, gourmet F&B, prime location, and high service standards).
Upgrades & Customization: $4,000 – $18,000+ USD (Common for premium décor/florals, enhanced menus, top-tier bar packages, specific entertainment).
Photography/Videography: $5,000 – $10,000+ USD (Crucially factor in potentially high resort vendor fees if using external photographers/videographers, as is common with Secrets resorts).
Taxes & Service Charges: Expect ~16% VAT + ~15-20% service charge on applicable paid wedding services.
Potential External Vendor Fees: Budget generously ($1000+ per key vendor like photo/video/DJ is possible) if planning to use non-preferred vendors (if allowed).
Total estimated cost often ranges from $24,000 – $65,000+ USD, placing Secrets Akumal in the upper tier of luxury adults-only resorts in the Riviera Maya.
Splurge vs. Save
Save: Choose a comprehensive mid-tier package, utilize the beautiful beach or standard gazebo for the ceremony, embrace the high quality of included gourmet F&B, keep décor elegant but closer to package inclusions, potentially choose a weekday.
Splurge: Select the top-tier package, book premium Preferred Club oceanfront suites, host a fully private reception in the ballroom or on a prime terrace with extensive custom décor and lighting, create a bespoke tasting menu, hire premium live entertainment, add extra events like a catamaran cruise or private cenote tour.
Wedding Packages and What’s Included
Secrets Akumal wedding packages are designed for luxury and typically include:
Ceremony: Choice of premium location (beach, gazebo), elegant setup, symbolic officiant, sound system.
Florals: Often includes upgraded bouquets/boutonnieres and potentially some ceremony décor florals depending on the package.
Toast & Cake: Premium sparkling wine, designer wedding cake.
Reception Elements: Usually includes a private cocktail hour with premium bar and appetizers, followed by hours of private dinner reception with multi-course gourmet menu options and premium open bar.
Coordinator Services: Dedicated specialist.
Luxury Perks: Often includes complimentary anniversary nights, spa credits or couples treatments at Secrets Spa by Pevonia®, romantic dinners, suite upgrades, pressing/steaming services for wedding attire.
Pro tip: Prioritize clarifying the outside vendor policy and associated fees for photographers, videographers, and DJs immediately upon starting the planning process with Secrets Akumal. Understand the value and inclusions of the Preferred Club if considering upgrades.
Activities for Other Days (Snorkeling!)
Adult guests at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya can enjoy a wealth of activities centered around relaxation, nature, and luxury:
World-Class Snorkeling: Taking advantage of the prime location on Akumal Bay to snorkel directly from the beach with abundant marine life, including sea turtles (respecting regulations and distance is crucial).
Pool Relaxation: Lounging by the three pools, including the stunning oceanfront infinity pool and more secluded options, with attentive wait service.
Beach Serenity: Relaxing on the calm, white-sand beach under palapas.
Gourmet Dining: Experiencing diverse international cuisines at multiple à la carte restaurants, buffets, and cafes – no reservations required for most.
Premium Beverages: Enjoying top-shelf spirits, wines, and creative cocktails at numerous sophisticated bars and lounges.
Secrets Spa by Pevonia®: Indulging in rejuvenating treatments, hydrotherapy circuits, or beauty services in a tranquil setting.
Fitness & Activities: Utilizing the modern fitness center, joining yoga or fitness classes, playing tennis, or participating in non-motorized water sports.
Evening Entertainment: Enjoying live music, themed nights, and professional shows in an upscale atmosphere.
Preferred Club Privileges: Guests in Preferred Club suites gain access to an exclusive lounge, pool areas, and upgraded amenities.
Exploring Akumal & Beyond: Visiting the nearby Akumal town center, Yal-Ku Lagoon for snorkeling, nearby cenotes, or taking excursions to Tulum or other Riviera Maya sites.
Three Practical Tips for Brides
Highlight the Snorkeling: Make sure your guests know about the incredible snorkeling opportunity right off the beach! Suggest they bring their own snorkel gear (or note the resort likely provides it) and inform them about respecting the turtles and marine life rules.
Inquire About Vendor Fees Early and Often: Secrets resorts are known for having specific policies and potentially high fees for external vendors (especially photo/video). Get written confirmation of the current policy and fees for Secrets Akumal specifically as soon as you start planning.
Consider Preferred Club: Especially for a wedding group, the Preferred Club upgrade can offer valuable perks like access to exclusive lounges (good for informal gatherings), private pool areas, and potentially better room locations/views, enhancing the luxury experience.
Two Bride Reviews
“Secrets Akumal was the dream location for our adults-only wedding. The beach is breathtakingly calm and beautiful, and snorkeling with turtles right there was unforgettable for our guests. The resort is pure luxury, the service was impeccable, and the food was amazing. Our wedding coordinator handled everything perfectly. Worth the splurge!” – Emily P. (Example Review)
“We had the most romantic wedding at Secrets Akumal. The resort feels elegant and secluded. Our ceremony on the beach at sunset was perfect. Guests loved the infinity pool, the amazing restaurants, and the easy snorkeling. Planning was smooth, although be prepared for the outside vendor fees if you don’t use their preferred teams. Overall, a 10/10 experience.” – James K. (Example Review)
My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya offers a stunning and unique photographic backdrop, particularly leveraging its famous calm bay. The pristine white-sand beach and incredibly clear, turquoise water provide an idyllic setting for ceremonies and romantic portraits, often with the bonus potential of capturing sea turtles in the background (from a respectful distance, of course). The main infinity pool overlooking the bay is a spectacular location for elegant poolside shots and capturing the sunset reflection. Lush, well-maintained gardens and elegant architectural details throughout the resort offer diverse options beyond the beach. The sophisticated ambiance lends itself to capturing luxurious details, candid moments of relaxation, and romantic interactions. Underwater photography (snorkeling shots of the couple, if adventurous) could offer truly unique memories here. It’s perfect for couples wanting beautiful, high-end photos that blend classic beach romance with the unique natural wonder of Akumal Bay and a sophisticated resort aesthetic.
