Dreaming of a destination wedding that combines beautiful beachfront vows with charming colonial architecture and lush tropical gardens, all just minutes from the iconic Tulum ruins? Welcome to Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, a AAA Four Diamond resort offering the signature Unlimited-Luxury® experience in a captivating setting.
Nestled on a secluded stretch of powder-white sand, Dreams Tulum stands out with its traditional Mexican hacienda-style architecture, sprawling colourful gardens, and proximity to ancient Mayan history. This family-friendly resort (with dedicated adults-only areas and room options) boasts multiple pools, diverse gourmet dining venues, lively bars, the Explorer’s Club for Kids & Core Zone Teens Club, and the world-class Dreams Spa by Pevonia® housed in a jungle setting.
Weddings at Dreams Tulum are coordinated by their experienced team, offering customizable packages designed to showcase the resort’s unique venues. Imagine your ceremony in their stunning traditional wedding chapel, on the pristine beach, within a secret garden gazebo, or perhaps atop the breathtaking Sky Terrace with panoramic views. Costs reflect the luxury Dreams brand and desirable Tulum-area location, typically ranging from $18,000 to $55,000+ USD for a 50-guest wedding, depending on package selection, venue choice (chapel, Sky Terrace often incur extra fees), and personalization. A Dreams Tulum wedding promises a beautiful blend of culture, nature, and luxury.
Capture the elegance of your Tulum wedding in stunning photos. Check out the finest Tulum wedding photos to help inspire your celebration.
Index
Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?
How Does a Wedding at Dreams Tulum 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 (Chapel, Sky Terrace!)
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 (Ruins, Cenotes, Resort Fun)
Three Practical Tips for Brides
Two Bride Reviews
My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro
Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa is a wonderful choice for couples seeking a beautiful, culturally rich, family-friendly (with adults-only options) wedding that offers a blend of stunning beach, lush gardens, and unique architectural elements. If you love the charm of traditional Mexican hacienda style, desire unique venue options like an on-site chapel or a rooftop Sky Terrace, appreciate the comprehensive Unlimited-Luxury® all-inclusive plan, and want to be close to the famous Tulum ruins, this resort is an excellent fit. Its sprawling grounds provide a sense of escape while still offering activities for all ages. It might be less ideal for those seeking an ultra-modern, minimalist aesthetic or a location right in the heart of Tulum’s trendy beach zone.
The resort’s key highlights are its beautiful hacienda-style architecture, stunning on-site wedding chapel, proximity to Tulum ruins, lush tropical gardens, family-friendly amenities with adult sections, Unlimited-Luxury® inclusions, and unique venues like the Sky Terrace. Perfect for a romantic, culturally-infused, and picturesque celebration.
How Does a Wedding at Dreams Tulum Work?
Weddings at Dreams Tulum are managed by their dedicated wedding coordinators, focusing on creating memorable events within their beautiful resort setting. The process typically involves:
Exploring Packages: Reviewing their range of Unlimited-Luxury® wedding packages, often designed to suit different guest counts and styles, and potentially highlighting specific venues.
Venue Selection: Choosing from their diverse locations – the beach, various garden gazebos, the unique colonial-style Chapel (often requires specific booking/fees), the rooftop Sky Terrace (premium option), poolside terraces, or indoor ballrooms.
Package Customization: Working with the Dreams Tulum coordinator to personalize the selected package, choosing décor themes (often enhancing the hacienda style), selecting menu options from their gourmet restaurants, arranging bar services, and booking entertainment.
Accommodation Coordination: Managing room blocks for guests across the resort’s different sections (standard, Deluxe Garden, Preferred Club, potentially adults-only areas).
Vendor Liaison: Coordinating with the resort team for internal services and confirming policies/potential fees for any desired external vendors (photography, specialized décor, etc.). Secrets resorts often have specific vendor policies.
The planning emphasizes leveraging the resort’s unique architecture, gardens, and beach for a beautiful event.
Best Months to Get Married
Located just north of the main Tulum area, Dreams Tulum enjoys the best Riviera Maya weather generally from late November through April. This period typically offers the most sunshine, comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and the least chance of rain, making it ideal for enjoying the resort’s beautiful beach, sprawling gardens, pools, and diverse outdoor wedding venues like the chapel courtyard or Sky Terrace.
The Basics of Wedding Packages (Unlimited-Luxury®)
Dreams Tulum offers comprehensive wedding packages under the Unlimited-Luxury® concept, typical of the Dreams brand. Common inclusions often feature:
Ceremony: Setup at a standard location (beach, garden gazebo – premium venues like Chapel/Sky Terrace often extra), chairs, basic package décor, symbolic officiant.
Cocktail Hour: Often included in mid-to-higher tier packages, with standard premium bar and appetizers.
Reception: Usually includes a private reception (duration based on package) in a designated area (terrace, ballroom), with set menu options from their gourmet offerings and standard premium bar service.
Coordinator: Dedicated Dreams wedding coordinator.
Florals: Basic bouquet and boutonniere typically included.
Toast & Cake: Sparkling wine toast and wedding cake included.
Perks: Potential for room upgrades, spa discounts, romantic turndown service, late check-out, often tied to room block size.
Packages provide a solid all-inclusive foundation, with options for significant upgrades, especially regarding venue choice.
Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?
For weddings at the all-inclusive Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa:
The couple typically pays for the chosen wedding package, any additional venue fees (e.g., for the Chapel or Sky Terrace), customizations, upgrades, and external vendor costs.
Guests (families & adults) pay for their travel (flights, transfers) and their Unlimited-Luxury® stay at the resort. They might choose rooms in general, family, or adults-only sections (if available). Booking through the couple’s block is standard.
Optional extras such as premium spa treatments, off-site excursions (including Tulum ruins visit), certain premium dining experiences, or specialized activities are paid for individually by guests.
Standard wedding gift etiquette applies.
Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations
Dreams Tulum offers a variety of charming and unique venues:
Wedding Chapel: A stunning, traditional Mexican-style chapel on-site, perfect for ceremonies (capacity likely ~80-120 guests, incurs significant extra fee).
Beach: Beautiful, wide sandy beach area ideal for ceremonies and receptions.
Sky Terrace: A breathtaking rooftop location offering panoramic ocean views, perfect for ceremonies, cocktails, or receptions (premium venue, likely extra fee).
Garden Gazebos: Multiple picturesque gazebos nestled within the lush, sprawling gardens.
Secret Garden: A more secluded garden area offering privacy.
Pool Terraces: Areas around the main pools suitable for cocktails or receptions.
Ballrooms: Indoor, air-conditioned spaces for larger receptions or weather backups.
Accommodations: Rooms and suites are housed in hacienda-style buildings scattered throughout the expansive gardens or closer to the beach. Options include Deluxe Garden View, Deluxe Ocean View, Junior Suites, Preferred Club rooms (offering upgraded amenities and lounge access), and potentially dedicated Adults-Only sections/suites.
Ceremony and Reception Logistics (Chapel, Sky Terrace!)
The resort’s large size and unique venues require attention to logistics:
Sprawling Grounds: Moving between rooms (potentially set back in gardens), the beach, the Chapel (located near the main entrance), the Sky Terrace (atop a main building), and reception areas requires walking along pathways or utilizing resort golf cart transportation (essential for wedding party/guests needing assistance).
Unique Venue Logistics:
Chapel: Offers a unique, traditional feel but requires transport from beach/room areas.
Sky Terrace: Provides stunning views but requires elevator access and careful planning for wind/weather and vendor setup.
Coordination: Clear communication and potentially signage are helpful for guests navigating between event locations across the property. The wedding team manages internal transport coordination.
What’s Included in Venue Fees/Packages?
At Dreams Tulum, standard venues (beach, basic gazebos, standard terraces, ballrooms) are typically included in the wedding package cost. However:
Premium Venue Fees: Highly desirable locations like the Wedding Chapel and the Sky Terrace almost always incur significant additional rental fees on top of the package price.
Package Inclusions: Cover the use of the *specified* venue, standard setup (chairs, basic décor per package), symbolic officiant, included F&B (toast, cake, specific reception dinner/bar components), and coordinator services.
Budget Separately For: Premium venue rental fees, substantial décor/floral upgrades (especially for unique venues), external vendors (check Secrets vendor policies/fees carefully), specialized lighting, entertainment beyond package basics, potential setup fees for complex designs.
Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies
Dreams Tulum offers indoor backup options for its numerous outdoor venues:
Ballrooms: Air-conditioned ballrooms provide the primary backup space for larger ceremonies and receptions.
Covered Terraces/Restaurant Areas: Depending on size and availability, covered sections near restaurants or other sheltered areas might serve as backups for smaller events or cocktail hours.
Chapel: While beautiful, the chapel itself is the primary venue, not typically a backup for other outdoor locations.
Your coordinator will confirm the designated backup location based on your original venue choice and guest count.
Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies
Booking a wedding at Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa generally involves:
Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is required to secure the date, package, and potentially premium venues like the Chapel or Sky Terrace.
Payment Schedule: Contracts typically outline subsequent payment installments due at set intervals before the wedding date.
Final Payment: The remaining balance, based on final guest counts and confirmed services, is usually due 30-45 days prior to the event.
Cancellation Policy: Review the contract carefully. Deposits (especially premium venue fees) are often non-refundable, and cancellation penalties typically increase closer to the wedding date.
On-Site Wedding Coordination & Planning Services
Dreams Tulum provides experienced on-site wedding coordinators:
Resort & Venue Experts: Deep knowledge of Dreams’ Unlimited-Luxury® standards, packages, sprawling grounds, diverse venues (including the unique Chapel and Sky Terrace), and logistical requirements.
Package Guidance: Help couples select and customize packages to fit their vision and budget.
Internal Coordination: Manage all resort-provided services (F&B, standard setup, room blocks, internal transport).
Vendor Policies: Provide lists of preferred vendors. Crucially, verify the resort’s specific policies and potential fees for using external vendors (photo, video, entertainment, decor). Secrets resorts often have strict rules or significant fees for non-preferred vendors.
Day-Of Management: Oversee the execution of the wedding day timeline and resort services.
Dietary and Menu Restrictions
As part of the Unlimited-Luxury® concept with multiple gourmet dining options, Dreams Tulum can effectively handle dietary needs:
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, common allergies, and other specific dietary requirements can generally be accommodated for wedding event menus with advance notice.
Discuss all needs thoroughly with your coordinator during menu selection.
Music and Entertainment Restrictions
Entertainment choices should suit the resort’s atmosphere and venue specifics:
Variety Possible: DJs, live bands (Latin, pop, rock), mariachi, solo musicians are all common options.
Venue Constraints: Outdoor venues (beach, Sky Terrace, gardens) will have noise curfews (typically 10-11 PM) and volume limits. The Chapel has restrictions on amplified music during ceremonies. Indoor ballrooms offer more flexibility.
Vendor Policy: Reconfirm the policy and fees for external entertainment vendors. Using non-preferred suppliers may incur significant costs or require specific approvals/insurance.
Parking and Guest Logistics
Logistics involve the resort’s location south of Tulum town:
Airport Transfers: Located approx. 1.5 hours south of Cancun Airport (CUN). Pre-arranged shuttles or private transfers are necessary.
Parking: Ample on-site parking is generally available for guests who choose to rent cars.
Tulum Access: The resort is a short drive (~10-15 min) from the Tulum archaeological ruins and slightly further (~20-25 min) to Tulum’s main beach hotel zone/town. Taxis or rental cars are needed for off-site exploration.
Internal Transport: Golf carts are essential for navigating the large property, especially between garden rooms, beach, chapel, and other venues.
Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Dreams Tulum
For an estimated wedding of 50 guests:
Wedding Package & Basics: $15,000 – $35,000+ USD (Reflecting luxury all-inclusive, varies by package level).
Premium Venue Fee (Chapel/Sky Terrace): $2,000 – $8,000+ USD (Significant additional cost for these popular venues).
Upgrades & Customization: $4,000 – $20,000+ USD (Enhanced décor, florals, lighting, entertainment).
Photography/Videography: $5,000 – $10,000+ USD (Crucially factor in potential resort vendor fees).
Taxes & Service Charges: Standard ~16% VAT + ~15-20% service charge on package/paid services.
External Vendor Fees: Budget accordingly based on resort policy.
Total estimated cost often ranges from $25,000 – $70,000+ USD, highly influenced by the choice of venue (especially Chapel/Sky Terrace) and vendor policies.
Splurge vs. Save
Save: Select a comprehensive package using standard venues (beach/gazebo), utilize included F&B and décor elements, rely on resort entertainment options, have guests in standard room categories.
Splurge: Book the Chapel for ceremony and Sky Terrace for reception (incurring venue fees), extensive custom floral/décor design, premium bar upgrades, hire a top live band, secure Preferred Club swim-out suites, host multiple themed events.
Wedding Packages & Unlimited-Luxury® Inclusions
Dreams Tulum wedding packages enhance the standard Unlimited-Luxury® plan, which for guests usually includes:
Accommodation: Room or suite in chosen category.
Gourmet Dining: Limitless access to multiple international à la carte restaurants, buffets, grills, and cafes without reservations.
Top-Shelf Spirits: Unlimited international and domestic premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
24-Hour Room & Concierge Services.
Pool & Beach Wait Service.
Mini-Bar: Refreshed daily.
Activities: Daytime activities, non-motorized water sports, fitness center, Explorer’s Club/Core Zone.
Nightly Entertainment.
Taxes and Gratuities (for stay).
Wedding packages add specific event components like ceremony setup, officiant, reception dinner/bar time, cake, etc.
Activities for Other Days (Ruins, Cenotes, Resort Fun)
Guests at Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa enjoy a mix of on-site activities and easy access to Tulum’s attractions:
Resort Pools: Relaxing by the large freeform pools or quieter adults-only pool areas.
Beach: Enjoying the white-sand beach for swimming, sunbathing, or beach volleyball.
Explorer’s Club & Core Zone: Providing activities for kids and teens.
Dreams Spa by Pevonia®: Indulging in treatments in a tranquil jungle setting (services extra).
On-Site Activities: Participating in yoga, dance lessons, water aerobics, non-motorized water sports, tennis.
Tulum Ruins: Taking a very short taxi ride or even a long walk/bike ride to explore the famous cliffside Mayan ruins.
Cenote Exploration: Easily arranging tours or taxis to visit the many beautiful cenotes near Tulum.
Tulum Town & Beach Zone: Exploring the shops, restaurants, and beach clubs of Tulum pueblo and the hotel zone (requires taxi/car).
Gourmet Dining: Sampling the resort’s diverse included restaurants.
Three Practical Tips for Brides
Book Unique Venues Early: The on-site Chapel and the Sky Terrace are highly popular and unique selling points. If you envision using either, inquire about availability and associated fees very early in your planning process.
Consider Guest Logistics: Due to the resort’s sprawling layout, provide guests with maps and clear instructions for event locations. Discuss golf cart availability with your coordinator for guests who may need assistance moving around the property.
Factor in Tulum Proximity: While not directly on the main Tulum beach strip, the close proximity to the ruins is a major plus. Consider organizing an optional group visit or encourage guests to explore this iconic site during their stay.
Two Bride Reviews
“Dreams Tulum was stunning for our wedding! The hacienda architecture and gardens are gorgeous, and having the chapel on-site was incredible for our ceremony photos (worth the extra fee!). The beach is beautiful, and the service was great. Our guests loved being so close to the Tulum ruins.” – Isabella G. (Example Review)
“We had a fantastic wedding at Dreams Tulum. The resort is beautiful and has a great mix of relaxation and activities. We loved the Sky Terrace for our cocktail hour – the views were amazing! The Unlimited-Luxury plan made things easy for our guests. Just be sure to clarify vendor fees typical of Secrets/Dreams resorts.” – Ben W. (Example Review)
My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa offers a rich tapestry of photographic opportunities, blending classic beachfront beauty with unique architectural and natural elements. The traditional Mexican hacienda-style buildings, colourful facades, and lush, expansive gardens provide stunning, culturally rich backdrops unlike typical modern resorts. The on-site wedding chapel is a standout feature, offering dramatic and timeless ceremony photos. The Sky Terrace provides breathtaking panoramic views for ceremonies or portraits. The beach itself is beautiful for classic Caribbean shots. The interplay of light through the dense garden foliage, the textures of the architecture, and the vibrant colours throughout the property create a dynamic visual environment. Photography here is about capturing romance within a setting that feels both luxurious and authentically Mexican, utilizing the diverse environments from intimate garden gazebos and the unique chapel to the sweeping views from the Sky Terrace and the beauty of the beach. It’s perfect for couples wanting photos that tell a story rich in colour, culture, and tropical elegance.
