Getting Married at Secrets Maroma Cancun: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Playa del Carmen (Riviera Maya), Venue Guides

Envision saying “I do” on one of the most beautiful and celebrated beaches in the world? Welcome to Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, a AAA Five Diamond, adults-only paradise offering the exceptional Unlimited-Luxury® experience on the legendary shores of Maroma Beach.

Consistently ranked among the world’s best beaches, Maroma Beach provides an unparalleled backdrop of powder-soft white sand and stunningly clear turquoise water. Secrets Maroma Beach complements this natural beauty with elegant accommodations, lush tropical grounds, multiple shimmering pools (including oceanfront infinity options), gourmet dining across diverse international restaurants, sophisticated bars, and the world-class Secrets Spa by Pevonia®. It offers an atmosphere of refined romance and luxurious relaxation for couples and their adult guests.

Weddings at Secrets Maroma Beach are elegant affairs managed by their dedicated wedding coordination team. Packages are designed to showcase the stunning location, with popular venues including the iconic beach itself, picturesque gazebos (beachfront or garden), elegant terraces overlooking the ocean, and sophisticated indoor ballrooms. Costs reflect its prestigious location and AAA Five Diamond status, typically ranging from $18,000 to $60,000+ USD for a 50-guest wedding, depending on package selection, venue choices, décor customization, and potential vendor fees. A wedding at Secrets Maroma Beach promises breathtaking beauty, luxurious indulgence, and unforgettable memories on a world-renowned shoreline.

Capture the elegance of your Playa del Carmen wedding in stunning photos. Check out the finest Playa del Carmen wedding photos to help inspire your celebration.

Index

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?
How Does a Wedding at Secrets Maroma Beach Work?
Best Months to Get Married
The Basics of Wedding Packages (Unlimited-Luxury®)
Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?
Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations
Ceremony and Reception Logistics
What’s Included in Venue Fees/Packages?
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 & Unlimited-Luxury® Inclusions
Activities for Other Days (Maroma Beach Focus)
Three Practical Tips for Brides
Two Bride Reviews
My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is the ultimate choice for couples seeking a luxurious, romantic, adults-only wedding on one of the world’s most spectacular beaches. If your absolute priority is a breathtaking beach setting with powder-soft sand and vibrant turquoise water, combined with the high standards of service, gourmet dining, and elegant accommodations of the Unlimited-Luxury® concept, this resort is unparalleled. Its reputation and AAA Five Diamond status attract couples looking for a truly special and prestigious destination. It’s less suitable for those on a tight budget or seeking a highly adventurous, eco-focused, or bustling party atmosphere.

The resort’s undeniable key selling points are its location on the world-famous Maroma Beach, adults-only exclusivity, AAA Five Diamond rating, elegant tropical-luxe ambiance, exceptional beach quality, gourmet dining, and the comprehensive Unlimited-Luxury® inclusions. Perfect for a classically beautiful and luxurious beach wedding.

How Does a Wedding at Secrets Maroma Beach Work?

Weddings at Secrets Maroma Beach are meticulously planned by their experienced on-site wedding coordinators, ensuring a sophisticated and seamless event that highlights the stunning location. The process typically starts with exploring their elegant Unlimited-Luxury® wedding packages, which cater to various desires and guest counts. These packages usually bundle essentials like the ceremony setup on the iconic beach or in a beautiful gazebo/terrace, symbolic officiant services, upscale floral arrangements, premium sparkling wine toast, gourmet cake, and often cocktail hour or reception dinner components. Couples collaborate closely with their dedicated coordinator to personalize the package, confirm venue choices, customize gourmet menus and premium bar selections, arrange high-quality décor upgrades, book entertainment fitting the elegant atmosphere, and manage guest accommodations (potentially including Preferred Club upgrades) via room blocks. The focus is on delivering a flawless luxury experience worthy of the Maroma Beach setting.

Best Months to Get Married

Located on the Riviera Maya’s prized Maroma Beach, the resort enjoys the region’s best weather typically from late November through April. This period offers the most reliable sunshine, comfortable temperatures, calm turquoise seas perfect for showcasing the beach, and lower humidity/rain chances. These conditions are ideal for fully enjoying the resort’s magnificent beachfront, stunning pools, and elegant outdoor wedding venues.

The Basics of Wedding Packages (Unlimited-Luxury®)

Secrets Maroma Beach offers luxurious wedding packages under the Unlimited-Luxury® umbrella, designed to match its prestigious location and AAA Five Diamond status. Common elements often include:

Ceremony: Choice of premium location (iconic Maroma Beach, elegant gazebo, ocean-view terrace), sophisticated setup with high-quality seating and décor, symbolic officiant.
Cocktail Hour: Frequently included in packages, featuring top-shelf open bar and elaborate gourmet hors d’oeuvres.
Reception: Typically includes private reception options (duration based on package) on stunning terraces or in elegant ballrooms, featuring multi-course gourmet menus, premium open bar, and refined table settings.
Coordinator: Dedicated Secrets wedding specialist providing high-touch service.
Luxury Perks: May include complimentary nights, significant suite upgrades (often to Preferred Club), substantial spa credits/treatments at Secrets Spa by Pevonia®, romantic turndown services, private dinners, professional service credits.

Packages are designed to provide a comprehensive, high-end foundation for an exceptional wedding.

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

For weddings at the adults-only, all-inclusive Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun:

The couple typically pays for the selected wedding package and any desired customizations, premium venue upgrades, elaborate décor, specialized entertainment, or external vendor fees.
Guests (adults only) pay for their travel (flights, transfers) and their Unlimited-Luxury® suite accommodations at the resort. Booking through the couple’s room block usually provides access to group rates. Preferred Club upgrades might be booked individually or as part of the block.
Optional indulgences such as specialized spa therapies, private beachfront dinners outside wedding events, scuba diving excursions, or ultra-premium wine selections are typically paid for by individual guests.
Standard wedding gift etiquette applies.

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

Secrets Maroma Beach offers stunning venues perfect for romantic celebrations:

Maroma Beach: The world-renowned beach itself is the star venue, offering ample space for breathtaking ceremonies and potentially elegant receptions directly on the powder-soft sand.
Beach Gazebo: An iconic, romantic gazebo positioned perfectly for ocean views during the ceremony.
Garden Gazebo: A more secluded gazebo option nestled within lush tropical gardens.
Ocean View Terraces: Elegant terraces connected to restaurants or other areas, providing stunning Caribbean views for cocktails or receptions.
Ballroom: A sophisticated, air-conditioned indoor space suitable for larger, more formal receptions and dancing.

Accommodations: Luxurious all-suite accommodations featuring private balconies or terraces, whirlpool tubs, elegant furnishings, and potentially ocean views, partial ocean views, or tropical garden views. Swim-out suites and Preferred Club suites (offering upgraded amenities, locations, and access to a private lounge/pool) are premium options.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

The resort’s layout, while luxurious and spread out, is well-managed for events:

Ceremony: Most commonly held on the magnificent Maroma Beach or at the beach gazebo.

Cocktail Hour: Often transitions seamlessly to a nearby beachfront palapa, ocean-view terrace, or poolside lounge area.

Reception: Can take place elegantly on an ocean-view terrace, under the stars on the beach (potentially requiring flooring/tent rental), or inside the sophisticated ballroom.

Movement: While the resort has distinct areas, pathways and potentially golf cart assistance (for wedding party/VIPs) facilitate movement. The stunning beachfront itself provides a beautiful connecting path between some venues.

The experienced wedding team ensures smooth transitions and guest guidance.

What’s Included in Venue Fees/Packages?

At Secrets Maroma Beach, venue usage for standard locations (beach, standard gazebo/terrace) is generally included within the comprehensive Unlimited-Luxury® wedding package cost. Premium locations or highly customized setups might incur additional fees.

The package typically covers:

Use of the selected venue(s) for the specified duration.
Elegant Standard Setup: Includes high-quality chairs, linens, and décor elements defined by the chosen package, reflecting the resort’s luxury standard.
Included Gourmet Food & Beverage: Covers premium items detailed in the package (top-shelf toast, designer cake, gourmet appetizers, multi-course dinner, premium bar).
Staffing: Services of the dedicated wedding coordinator and the resort’s highly trained, attentive service staff.

Key Consideration: Always verify the resort’s specific policy regarding outside vendors (photo, video, DJ, specialized decor) and associated fees. This is crucial for accurate budgeting at Secrets resorts.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

Secrets Maroma Beach provides elegant indoor backup locations:

Ballroom: The main indoor ballroom offers a sophisticated and climate-controlled alternative for both ceremonies and receptions.
Covered Terraces/Restaurants: Larger covered restaurant terraces or designated indoor lounge areas might be suitable as backups, especially for cocktail hours or smaller events, maintaining an elegant feel.

Your wedding coordinator will confirm the designated backup space based on your event size, ensuring it meets the resort’s AAA Five Diamond standards.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking a wedding at the prestigious Secrets Maroma Beach typically involves:

Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is required to secure the wedding date and selected package/premium venues.
Payment Schedule: The contract outlines subsequent payment installments, often due at intervals like 120, 90, or 60 days prior to the wedding.
Final Payment: The remaining balance, based on final guest counts and confirmed services/upgrades, is usually due 30-45 days before the event date.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation policies reflect the resort’s high demand and luxury status. Deposits are typically non-refundable, and penalties for cancellation increase significantly closer to the date. Review the contract meticulously. Event insurance is strongly advised.

On-Site Wedding Coordination & Planning Services

Secrets Maroma Beach provides highly professional wedding coordinators:

Luxury & Location Experts: They specialize in planning high-end events leveraging the unique cachet and beauty of Maroma Beach and the Secrets brand standards.
Venue Guidance: Assist couples in selecting the most stunning venues (beach, gazebos, terraces, ballroom) to create the desired atmosphere.
Gourmet Collaboration: Facilitate menu customization and beverage selections with the resort’s top-tier culinary team.
Vendor Policy Management: They manage internal services and provide lists of preferred external vendors. It is imperative to confirm their specific, current policy and fees for using outside vendors, especially for photography, videography, and entertainment, as these can be restrictive or costly.
Flawless Execution: Provide meticulous day-of coordination, overseeing setup, managing the timeline, and ensuring the AAA Five Diamond service standard throughout the event.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

Reflecting its AAA Five Diamond status and gourmet focus within Unlimited-Luxury®, Secrets Maroma Beach excels at accommodating dietary needs:

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, pescatarian, severe allergies, and other specific dietary requirements can be handled with culinary expertise and high attention to detail within package menus or custom creations.

Communicate all needs thoroughly and early during menu planning with your coordinator.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

Entertainment should complement the resort’s elegant and romantic atmosphere:

Sophisticated Choices: Elegant live musicians (string quartets, classical guitar, jazz ensembles), tasteful DJs, or refined cultural performances are most appropriate.
Noise Considerations: Outdoor music is subject to resort policies designed to maintain a serene ambiance and adhere to any local regulations. Expect volume controls and curfews (typically 10-11 PM). The indoor ballroom offers more flexibility for louder or later entertainment.
Vendor Approval & Fees: Reconfirm the resort’s policy regarding external entertainment vendors. Approval is typically required, and significant fees may apply for non-preferred suppliers.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Logistics benefit from the resort’s well-managed operations:

Airport Transfers: Located approx. 30-40 minutes south of Cancun Airport (CUN). Shuttles or private transfers are easily arranged.
Resort Access: Situated off the main highway, with a dedicated entrance road leading to the secure resort gate.
Parking: Valet parking is typically available at the main lobby.
Accessibility: The resort layout is navigable via pathways; golf carts may be available for assistance.
Off-Site Access: Taxis are needed to reach Playa del Carmen (~20-25 min) or other Riviera Maya attractions.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Secrets Maroma Beach

For an estimated wedding of 50 guests (adults only):

Wedding Package & Basics: $18,000 – $45,000+ USD (Reflecting AAA Five Diamond status, Maroma Beach location, luxury inclusions).
Upgrades & Customization: $5,000 – $25,000+ USD (Premium florals/décor, specific menu enhancements, top-tier entertainment, potential venue setup fees).
Photography/Videography: $5,500 – $12,000+ USD (Budget significantly for potential high resort vendor fees or the cost of their required/preferred vendors).
Taxes & Service Charges: Expect standard ~16% VAT + ~15-20% service charge on applicable paid services.
External Vendor Fees (Crucial): Confirm and budget potentially high fees ($1000-$2000+ per key vendor is possible) if using external teams is permitted.

Total estimated cost often ranges from $30,000 – $80,000+ USD, placing it among the most premium all-inclusive wedding experiences in the Riviera Maya.

Splurge vs. Save

Save (Relatively): Select a comprehensive package covering many desired elements, embrace the stunning natural beauty of Maroma Beach requiring less added décor, utilize included gourmet F&B options, potentially choose a weekday/off-season date for flexibility.

Splurge: Opt for the highest-tier package, book prime Preferred Club Ocean Front suites, arrange elaborate custom floral installations and décor on the beach or terrace, create a bespoke multi-course tasting menu with premium wine pairings, hire high-profile live entertainment, host multiple luxurious events (welcome party, rehearsal dinner, farewell brunch).

Wedding Packages & Unlimited-Luxury® Inclusions

Secrets Maroma Beach wedding packages enhance the standard Unlimited-Luxury® inclusions enjoyed by all guests:

Guest Inclusions (Unlimited-Luxury®): Limitless gourmet à la carte dining (no reservations), top-shelf international and domestic spirits, 24-hour room and concierge service, pool/beach wait service, daily refreshed mini-bar, endless daytime activities, nightly live entertainment, theme parties, taxes and gratuities included.
Wedding Package Additions: Specific ceremony setup/location, symbolic officiant, floral décor (bouquet/boutonniere), cake, toast, coordinator services, specified cocktail hour/reception F&B, potential romantic perks (spa credits, special dinners, upgrades).

Pro tip: Always confirm the specifics of your chosen package and rigorously verify the *current* outside vendor policy and associated fees directly with the resort’s wedding department before signing contracts.

Activities for Other Days (Maroma Beach Focus)

Adult guests at Secrets Maroma Beach can indulge in activities centered around its world-class beach and luxury amenities:

Maroma Beach Bliss: Simply enjoying the legendary beach – swimming in the calm turquoise waters, walking the powder-soft sand, relaxing on loungers with attentive service.
Pool Relaxation: Lounging by the beautiful infinity pools or more secluded pool areas.
Water Sports: Engaging in non-motorized water sports included (kayaks, paddleboards, hobie cats) or arranging motorized options and excursions (diving, snorkeling tours, parasailing) available nearby at the Marina Maroma (separate cost).
Gourmet Dining & Premium Drinks: Exploring the diverse range of high-quality international restaurants and sophisticated bars included in Unlimited-Luxury®.
Secrets Spa by Pevonia®: Rejuvenating with luxurious treatments, hydrotherapy circuits, and beauty services in a world-class spa setting.
Fitness & Wellness: Utilizing the fitness center, participating in yoga sessions or beach walks.
Evening Entertainment: Enjoying live music, professional shows, and themed events hosted by the resort.
Preferred Club Amenities: Guests in Preferred Club suites enjoy access to an exclusive lounge, upgraded amenities, and potentially a private pool/beach area.
Nearby Excursions: Arranging trips to Playa del Carmen, Tulum ruins, cenotes, or championship golf courses in the area.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

Book Early & Prioritize Beach: Maroma Beach is the star. Secure your desired beach ceremony time slot early, as it’s highly sought after. Plan key photo sessions (especially sunset) to maximize this incredible natural asset.
Budget Realistically for Vendors: Due to potentially strict policies and high fees for external vendors common at Secrets resorts (especially premium ones like Maroma), either be prepared to use their preferred/required vendors or allocate a significant budget portion to cover outside vendor fees if permitted. Get this confirmed in writing ASAP.
Consider Preferred Club Upgrade: Even if not all rooms are standardly Preferred Club, upgrading yourselves and perhaps key family members can enhance the luxury experience with better room locations, private lounge access, and elevated amenities.

Two Bride Reviews

“Our wedding at Secrets Maroma Beach was a dream come true. That beach… there are no words! It was the most perfect backdrop. The resort is pure luxury, the service is impeccable (truly AAA Five Diamond!), and the food was outstanding. Our guests felt incredibly special. It’s an investment, but worth it for the location and quality.” – Jennifer R. (Example Review)

“We chose Secrets Maroma for the beach and its reputation, and it exceeded expectations. Elegant, romantic, and flawless service. Our wedding coordinator was amazing. The Unlimited-Luxury experience is fantastic. Be aware of the vendor fees if you want specific outside people, but otherwise, everything was perfect. Our photos on Maroma Beach are breathtaking!” – Michael B. (Example Review)

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is a photographer’s paradise, largely thanks to its setting on one of the planet’s most beautiful beaches. The expansive stretch of powdery white sand meeting vibrant turquoise water provides an unparalleled natural backdrop for ceremonies, portraits, and candid moments. Capturing the sheer beauty and scale of Maroma Beach is essential. Beyond the beach, the resort offers elegant tropical architecture, lush landscaping, stunning infinity pools that seem to merge with the ocean, and sophisticated interior spaces. The quality of light on Maroma Beach, especially during sunrise and sunset, is often soft and magical. Photography here should focus on capturing the breathtaking beauty of the location, the luxurious ambiance of the resort, elegant details, and the romantic connection of the couple within this world-class setting. It’s the ideal venue for couples desiring classically beautiful, luxurious, and iconic beach wedding photos that scream “paradise.”

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