Planning a destination wedding that offers fun for all ages, extensive amenities, and the ease of an all-inclusive plan in the heart of the Riviera Maya? Look no further than Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa, a large, popular resort known for its sprawling grounds, family-friendly activities (including a lazy river!), diverse dining options, beautiful coastal setting, and multiple wedding venue choices.
Located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum (near Akumal), Grand Sirenis provides a comprehensive resort experience. Expect spacious rooms and suites spread across a large property, numerous swimming pools, access to a coastline with both sandy areas and characteristic rocky/coral zones (great for snorkeling!), multiple buffet and specialty restaurants, numerous bars, a spa, fitness center, theater, kids’ club, and unique features like a lazy river and even small Mayan ruins within the grounds. As a large, established All-Inclusive (AI) resort, guest rates cover accommodation, standard meals and drinks at designated outlets, and a wide array of included activities, making it a convenient option for diverse groups.
Weddings at Grand Sirenis leverage the resort’s extensive facilities and AI structure. Planning usually involves working with the resort’s wedding coordinators and selecting from various predefined packages, which can often be customized. Venue options are plentiful, including beach locations, charming gazebos (a popular choice here), elegant ballrooms, terraces with ocean views, lush garden spots, and potentially unique areas near the on-site ruins. While the resort provides coordination for package elements, many couples opt to hire external planners for enhanced personalization, unique decor, and managing preferred external vendors. Costs typically involve the wedding package fee plus the AI rate per guest, with additional charges for upgrades, premium venues, and external services. Expect wedding event costs (beyond guest stays) to potentially range from $12,000 to $60,000+ USD, depending on guest count (50-200+), package tier, venue selection, and level of customization. A Grand Sirenis wedding promises convenience, variety, and fun for everyone.
Index
Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?
How Does a Wedding at Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Work?
Best Months to Get Married
The Basics of Wedding Planning (Large AI Resort)
Who Pays for a Destination Wedding (AI Plan)?
Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations (Very High Capacity)
Ceremony and Reception Logistics (Sprawling Resort)
What’s Included in Wedding Packages?
Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies (Good Options)
Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies
Coordination: Resort Coordinator vs. External Planner
Dietary and Menu Restrictions (Large Scale AI Catering)
Music and Entertainment Restrictions (Resort Policies)
Parking and Guest Logistics (Resort Standard)
Total Cost Breakdown (AI Resort Wedding)
Splurge vs. Save
Resort (AI) & Wedding Package Inclusions
Activities for Other Days (On-Site Fun & Riviera Maya)
Three Practical Tips for Brides
Two Bride Reviews
My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro
Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?
Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya is a fantastic option for couples looking for a large, amenity-rich, family-friendly All-Inclusive resort that offers good value and lots of activities for guests. If you envision a wedding where guests of all ages can enjoy themselves, appreciate the simplicity of AI pricing, want a variety of venue choices (especially gazebos and beach settings), and aren’t necessarily seeking cutting-edge luxury or intimate boutique charm, Grand Sirenis is a strong contender. It’s well-suited for larger weddings and groups with diverse interests.
The resort’s key advantages include its extensive All-Inclusive offerings, wide range of activities (pools, lazy river, snorkeling, shows), family-friendly environment, multiple venue options including picturesque gazebos and potential ruin backdrops, large capacity, and convenient location for exploring the Riviera Maya. Ideal for a fun, comprehensive, and convenient destination wedding experience.
How Does a Wedding at Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Work?
Organizing a wedding at Grand Sirenis typically involves:
Initial Contact: Reaching out to the Grand Sirenis wedding department with your preferred dates, estimated guest count, and general ideas.
Package Review: Examining their wedding packages, which often cater to different sizes and budgets, outlining included services and locations.
Venue Selection: Choosing your ceremony and reception spots from their diverse offerings – popular choices include beach areas, oceanfront gazebos, terraces, ballrooms, or potentially unique garden areas near the Mayan ruins. Confirm if specific venues incur extra fees.
Working with the Resort Coordinator: Liaising with the assigned Grand Sirenis coordinator for package details, menu selections from package options, room block setup, and coordinating all internal resort services.
Considering an External Planner: Many couples hire an external planner for a more personalized touch, custom design elements beyond the package, management of external vendors (specific photographers, florists, entertainment), and dedicated support throughout the process.
Vendor Coordination: Managing any chosen external vendors, ensuring they comply with Grand Sirenis’ access policies, insurance requirements, and setup guidelines (handled by planner or couple).
Guest Bookings: Guests reserve their AI stays, typically using a group code for the room block arranged by the couple/coordinator.
The planning process leverages the resort’s established systems, with planners adding customization.
Best Months to Get Married
The Riviera Maya’s dry season, from late November through April/early May, provides the most favorable and reliable weather conditions for enjoying Grand Sirenis’ outdoor venues and activities.
The Basics of Wedding Planning (Large AI Resort)
Grand Sirenis follows the standard All-Inclusive (AI) resort model combined with specific Wedding Packages:
All-Inclusive Stays: Guests book AI packages covering accommodation, standard meals/snacks at designated outlets, specified alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks, and access to many resort activities and amenities.
Wedding Packages: Couples purchase a distinct package, often tiered, which typically includes:
Ceremony setup at a chosen location (e.g., gazebo, beach) with basic decor.
Symbolic officiant service.
Basic sound system for ceremony music.
Post-ceremony toast (usually sparkling wine).
Private or semi-private cocktail hour with standard bar and appetizers.
Private or semi-private reception dinner (set menu or buffet) with standard bar service for a set duration (e.g., 3-4 hours).
Basic wedding cake.
Services of the resort’s wedding coordinator.
Extra Costs: Package upgrades (decor, food, bar), premium venue fees, external vendor services (planning, photo, video, specialized entertainment, florals), legal/religious officiant fees, off-resort excursions, additional event hours.
Understanding exactly what your chosen package includes is key.
Who Pays for a Destination Wedding (AI Plan)?
Cost breakdown mirrors other large AI resorts:
The couple typically pays for:
The wedding package fee (base + per-person costs).
Any upgrades to the package or venue fees.
Their own travel and potentially upgraded accommodation.
An External Wedding Planner, if hired.
Contracts for all external vendors not included in the package.
Optional hosted events outside the main reception (e.g., welcome cocktail).
Personal items (attire, rings, stationery).
Guests typically pay for:
Their flights to Cancun (CUN).
Their All-Inclusive booking at Grand Sirenis (using the group rate). This covers their room, standard food/drinks, and many activities during their stay.
Airport transfers.
Optional extras like spa treatments, premium dining, excursions.
Wedding gifts.
Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations (Very High Capacity)
Grand Sirenis is built for volume:
Event Capacity: Easily handles weddings of all sizes, from small intimate groups (20+) to very large celebrations (200-400+ guests), thanks to its multiple venues and large infrastructure.
Event Locations: Offers a great variety:
Beach Areas: Sandy spots suitable for ceremonies and receptions.
Gazebos: Multiple picturesque gazebos, often oceanfront, are a popular feature for ceremonies.
Ballrooms: Large, air-conditioned indoor spaces for sizable receptions.
Terraces: Outdoor spaces, some covered, overlooking pools or the ocean.
Garden Areas: Lush settings for ceremonies or cocktails.
Restaurant Options: Possibility of semi-private areas or buyouts for smaller groups.
Mayan Ruin Area: Potential for unique photo opportunities or small, atmospheric gatherings nearby (confirm specific use policies).
Accommodations: The resort boasts a very large number of rooms and suites across its complex, ensuring ample space for wedding guests to stay conveniently on-site.
Ceremony and Reception Logistics (Sprawling Resort)
Logistics on a large, sprawling property like Grand Sirenis:
Internal Transport: The resort is large; moving guests between their rooms, ceremony site, and reception venue will likely require utilizing the resort’s internal shuttle system or golf carts. This needs coordination by the resort team/planner.
Vendor Access: Standard procedures for large resorts, typically via service entrances and coordinated with security/events department. Generally manageable.
Setup: Packages include standard setups. Custom decor requires coordination between external vendors and the resort team, utilizing appropriate access and timing.
Guest Navigation: Providing maps and clear directions/schedules is helpful for guests navigating the large property.
Power & Sound: Event venues are generally equipped with standard AV. Confirm capabilities for specific needs, especially for outdoor locations.
What’s Included in Wedding Packages?
Grand Sirenis wedding packages typically bundle essentials (verify exact details):
Ceremony: Location use (gazebo, beach, etc.), chairs, basic altar setup, symbolic officiant, sound system.
Cocktail Hour: Designated space, standard open bar, selection of appetizers for 1 hour.
Reception: Private/semi-private venue for 3-4 hours, set menu or buffet, standard open bar, basic tables/linens/chairs, cake, toast.
Coordinator: Resort’s on-site coordinator for package elements.
Potential Extras: Small floral arrangements (bouquet/boutonniere, basic centerpieces), room amenities for the couple, potential dinner reservation assistance.
Common Exclusions: Photography/videography, full planning, custom/upgraded decor & florals, premium bar/menu items, external entertainment, legal fees, venue fees for certain premium spots.
Request a detailed breakdown of your chosen package.
Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies (Good Options)
Grand Sirenis offers reliable backup solutions:
Ballrooms: The primary indoor backup, suitable for large groups and fully weatherproof.
Covered Restaurants/Terraces: Large, sheltered areas that can often accommodate ceremonies or cocktail hours if weather turns unexpectedly.
Other Indoor Spaces: Depending on availability and size, conference rooms or large lobby areas might be adapted.
The resort’s wedding team will have standard contingency plans in place.
Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies
Standard resort payment structure is expected:
Booking Deposit: Required to confirm the date and package.
Payment Schedule: Incremental payments due at set intervals before the wedding.
Final Payment: Typically due 30-60 days prior.
Cancellation Policy: Review the contract for penalties, which usually escalate closer to the date. Separate policies might apply to room blocks. Recommend purchasing wedding insurance.
Vendor Payments: External vendors operate under their own separate contracts.
Coordination: Resort Coordinator vs. External Planner
Understanding the roles helps set expectations:
Grand Sirenis Wedding Coordinator (On-Site): Manages resort services related to your package. They handle internal logistics, booking venues/rooms, coordinating resort staff (catering, banquets), and ensuring package inclusions are delivered. Manages multiple weddings.
External Wedding Planner (Hired by Couple): Provides dedicated, personalized service for *your* wedding. Handles overall design, budget, timeline, all vendor sourcing/management (internal & external), guest communication, detailed logistics, problem-solving, and ensures your unique vision comes to life. Highly recommended for customization.
Dietary and Menu Restrictions (Large Scale AI Catering)
Handled by the resort’s extensive F&B operations:
Resort Catering: Provides all food through package menus (plated/buffet options) via their banquet department.
Dietary Needs: Generally experienced in accommodating common requests (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies) given their scale. Ensure all needs are communicated clearly and early to the coordinator/planner for proper execution.
Music and Entertainment Restrictions (Resort Policies)
Policies typical of a large resort:
Flexibility: Usually accommodating of DJs and live bands, especially within indoor ballroom spaces.
Curfews: Outdoor venues (beach, gazebos, terraces) will have noise curfews (likely 10 PM or 11 PM) to respect other guests. Ballrooms allow for later parties.
Volume: Sound levels are monitored according to resort policy.
Vendor Policies: May have preferred vendors or require external ones to meet specific criteria (insurance, potentially fees). Check in advance.
Parking and Guest Logistics (Resort Standard)
Logistics are generally straightforward within the resort context:
Airport Transfers: Guests handle their own transfers from CUN (approx. 1hr 15min – 1hr 45min drive).
Accommodation: Ample on-site rooms simplify lodging.
Internal Transport: Resort shuttles are likely necessary for navigating the large property.
Parking: Sufficient self-parking or valet service is usually available for guests.
Vendor Parking: Coordinated via service areas.
Total Cost Breakdown (AI Resort Wedding)
For an estimated wedding of 80 guests at Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya (Guests pay their own AI stay):
Wedding Package: $7,000 – $20,000+ USD (Base package + per-person cost for 80 guests; varies by tier).
Premium Venue Fees/Upgrades: $500 – $8,000+ (Depending on gazebo, specific beach location, etc.).
External Wedding Planner: $5,000 – $15,000+ (If desired).
Decor, Florals & Rentals (Beyond Package): $4,000 – $25,000+.
Music & Entertainment (External): $2,000 – $9,000+.
Photography/Videography: $6,000 – $12,000+.
Contingency & Potential Resort Fees: $1,500 – $6,000+.
Total estimated *wedding event* cost (paid by the couple) typically ranges from $25,000 – $90,000+ USD, depending significantly on package choice, guest count, and customization level.
Splurge vs. Save
Save: Choose a basic package tier, utilize standard included venues (less popular gazebo or beach spot), rely heavily on package decor, use resort’s preferred DJ or sound system, keep guest count moderate, consider off-season/mid-week.
Splurge: Highest package tier, book prime oceanfront gazebo or ballroom, extensive custom florals and decor, hire a top external planner, bring in a live band, upgrade bar and food menus significantly, host multiple themed events.
Resort (AI) & Wedding Package Inclusions
Remember the two parts:
Guest AI Stay typically includes: Room, standard meals/drinks at designated outlets, access to pools, lazy river, beach, fitness center, some non-motorized water sports, daytime/evening entertainment.
Couple’s Wedding Package typically includes: Ceremony setup/officiant (symbolic), basic cocktail hour (food/drinks), basic reception dinner (food/drinks), cake, basic sound, resort coordinator services, maybe minimal florals.
Always confirm specifics for both.
Activities for Other Days (On-Site Fun & Riviera Maya)
Guests at Grand Sirenis have plenty to do:
On-Site: Enjoying the multiple pools, floating down the lazy river, snorkeling off the beach/pier, spa treatments, fitness center, participating in resort activities (volleyball, dance classes), watching evening shows in the theater, exploring the small Mayan ruins.
Off-Site: Easy access to Akumal Bay for turtle snorkeling, nearby cenotes (Dos Ojos, etc.), eco-parks like Xel-Há (very close) and Xcaret, day trips to Tulum ruins or Playa del Carmen (approx. 25-35 min drive each way).
Three Practical Tips for Brides
Get Specific on Venue Locations: Grand Sirenis is huge. When choosing your gazebo or beach spot, get photos and videos, and ideally visit beforehand. Understand its location relative to guest rooms and potential noise from pools or other activities.
Map Out Internal Transport: For welcome events or moving guests between locations on the wedding day, understand the resort’s shuttle routes and timing, or budget for dedicated golf cart rentals if needed for smoother transitions.
Leverage the AI for Guests, Customize Your Event: Let the AI plan simplify things for your guests’ stay. Focus your wedding budget and planning efforts (especially if using an external planner) on customizing the key elements that matter most to you – decor, photography, entertainment – to make the standard package feel personal.
Two Bride Reviews
“Grand Sirenis was great for our wedding because we had so many families with kids! The lazy river was a huge hit, and the AI made it easy for everyone. Our ceremony at the oceanfront gazebo was beautiful. We used the resort’s package but brought in our own photographer. Good value and lots to do.” – Sarah L. (Example Review)
“We chose Grand Sirenis for the variety of things to do and the reasonable AI price for our large group. The wedding coordinator handled the basics well, and the ballroom reception worked perfectly for our size. The resort is massive, so be prepared for some walking or waiting for shuttles. Overall, a fun and convenient choice for a big destination wedding.” – Mike and Emily (Example Review)
My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro
Photographing a wedding at Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya involves navigating a large, bustling resort environment. The scale offers variety – from classic beach shots and picturesque gazebo ceremonies to potentially interesting compositions near the on-site ruins or amidst the lush grounds. The challenge lies in managing the size and potential crowds in the background, especially around popular pool areas. Capturing intimate moments requires seeking out quieter corners or focusing tightly during key events. The lighting at gazebos and on beaches can be beautiful, especially late in the day. Ballrooms offer controlled lighting environments for receptions. My approach would be to embrace the resort’s energy, capture the fun atmosphere (especially if features like the lazy river are part of the pre/post-wedding activities), utilize the popular gazebo structures effectively, and work efficiently to cover events potentially spread across the large property. It’s well-suited for documenting large, lively celebrations where the resort atmosphere itself is part of the story.
