Looking for a comprehensive destination wedding experience in the Riviera Maya offering variety, extensive amenities, and options for every guest? Explore the Iberostar Selection Paraiso complex, a massive, multi-hotel resort destination located in Playa Paraiso, known for its beautiful beach, numerous pools, diverse dining, golf course, shopping center, and ability to host weddings of all styles and sizes.
Nestled between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, the Iberostar Paraiso complex actually consists of several distinct hotels sharing interconnected grounds, often including Iberostar Paraiso Beach, Paraiso Del Mar, Paraiso Lindo, Paraiso Maya, and the luxurious adults-only Iberostar Grand Paraiso. This structure offers varied price points and atmospheres. Expect sprawling grounds with lush landscaping, huge interconnected pools (some with wave pools or lazy rivers), a long stretch of white sand beach, a vast array of buffet and specialty restaurants, numerous bars, a P.B. Dye designed golf course, a commercial center, spa facilities, fitness centers, theaters, and excellent kids’/teens’ clubs (in the family-friendly sections). As a predominantly All-Inclusive (AI) resort complex, it offers guests convenience and a wealth of activities within the property.
Weddings at Iberostar Playa Paraiso leverage the scale and variety of the complex. Planning involves working with their dedicated wedding department, often choosing from packages specific to different hotel sections or venue types. Options abound: beachfront ceremonies, charming garden gazebos, elegant terraces, large convention center ballrooms, potentially even a Catholic chapel on-site. While packages streamline planning, couples often hire external planners for bespoke designs and vendor management. Costs vary significantly depending on the chosen hotel section (e.g., Grand Paraiso is higher end), package tier, guest count (easily handles 20-400+), and customization. Expect wedding event costs (beyond guest AI stays) to potentially range from $15,000 to $80,000+ USD. An Iberostar Playa Paraiso wedding promises variety, convenience, and activities for everyone.
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Index
Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?
How Does a Wedding at Iberostar Playa Paraiso Work?
Best Months to Get Married
The Basics of Wedding Planning (Large AI Resort Complex)
Who Pays for a Destination Wedding (AI Plan)?
Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations (Vast Options)
Ceremony and Reception Logistics (Large Complex Navigation)
What’s Included in Wedding Packages?
Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies (Numerous Options)
Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies
Coordination: Resort Coordinator vs. External Planner
Dietary and Menu Restrictions (Complex-Wide Catering)
Music and Entertainment Restrictions (Resort Policies)
Parking and Guest Logistics (Standard Resort Setup)
Total Cost Breakdown (AI Resort Complex Wedding)
Splurge vs. Save
Resort (AI) & Wedding Package Inclusions
Activities for Other Days (Extensive On-Site & Riviera Maya)
Three Practical Tips for Brides
Two Bride Reviews
My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro
Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?
The Iberostar Playa Paraiso complex is an excellent choice for couples seeking a large-scale destination wedding with abundant options, activities, and the convenience of All-Inclusive pricing, particularly suitable for groups with varied ages and interests. If you need to accommodate a large guest list, want guests to have plenty to do without leaving the resort, appreciate having multiple hotel tiers/price points within one complex, and value reliable infrastructure for events (including good backup options), Iberostar is a strong contender. It’s ideal for those prioritizing variety and convenience over intimate boutique settings.
The complex’s key appeals are its vast All-Inclusive offerings across multiple hotels, extensive amenities (pools, lazy river, wave pool, golf, shopping, spa), family-friendly nature (mostly), large capacity, diverse wedding venue options (beach, gazebos, ballrooms, chapel), and established reputation. Perfect for a large, varied, and activity-filled Riviera Maya wedding.
How Does a Wedding at Iberostar Playa Paraiso Work?
Planning a wedding within the Iberostar Paraiso complex typically involves:
Initial Contact & Hotel Choice: Contacting the central Iberostar wedding department or the specific hotel section you’re interested in (e.g., Grand for adults-only luxury, Lindo/Maya for higher-end family, Beach/Del Mar for standard family). Discuss dates, guest estimates, and overall style.
Package Selection: Reviewing the wedding packages offered, often tiered and potentially differing slightly between hotel sections. Packages usually bundle key ceremony and reception elements.
Venue Selection: Choosing from the numerous options across the complex – beach locations, various gazebos, terraces associated with different hotels, the convention center ballrooms, potentially the on-site chapel (confirm availability/requirements).
Resort Coordination: Working with the assigned Iberostar wedding coordinator who manages package inclusions, internal F&B, room blocks within the chosen hotel(s), and resort logistics.
External Planning (Optional but Common): Engaging an external planner is helpful for navigating the large complex, achieving significant customization beyond packages, managing external vendors, and providing personalized oversight.
Vendor Management: Coordinating any external vendors (photo, video, specific decor, specialized entertainment) ensuring they comply with the complex’s access policies and rules.
Guest Accommodation: Guests book AI stays within the designated hotel block(s), benefiting from group rates and the extensive complex amenities.
The process uses the resort’s robust systems, enhanced by planners for bespoke touches.
Best Months to Get Married
The Riviera Maya’s dry season, late November through April/early May, offers the most desirable weather for enjoying Iberostar’s extensive outdoor facilities and wedding venues.
The Basics of Wedding Planning (Large AI Resort Complex)
Iberostar Playa Paraiso functions primarily on the All-Inclusive (AI) model for guest stays, with distinct Wedding Packages available:
All-Inclusive Guest Stays: Guests pay AI rates covering their room, standard meals/drinks at numerous outlets across the complex (access may vary by hotel level booked), pools, beach access, basic activities, and entertainment.
Wedding Packages: Couples purchase packages often priced per person or with a base fee plus additions. Typical inclusions:
Ceremony venue use (beach, gazebo, etc.) and basic setup.
Symbolic officiant.
Basic sound system.
Cocktail hour with standard bar/appetizers.
Reception dinner (buffet or set menu) with standard bar for a set duration.
Basic cake.
Resort coordinator services.
Variability: Package details, pricing, and included venue options might differ slightly depending on which hotel section (Beach/Del Mar, Lindo/Maya, Grand) the wedding is primarily based at.
Additional Costs: Premium venue fees, package upgrades, external vendors, legal/religious fees (including potentially for the chapel), custom decor, extended hours.
Who Pays for a Destination Wedding (AI Plan)?
Cost responsibilities align with the standard AI resort model:
The couple typically pays for:
The chosen wedding package.
Any venue/package upgrades.
Their own travel and accommodation.
External Planner fees (if used).
External vendor contracts.
Optional hosted events beyond the main reception.
Personal items.
Guests typically pay for:
Their flights to Cancun (CUN).
Their All-Inclusive booking at the selected Iberostar hotel section (using group rate). This covers their stay, standard food/drinks, and extensive resort access.
Airport transfers (approx. 30-45 mins).
Optional extras (spa, golf, excursions, premium items).
Wedding gifts.
Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations (Vast Options)
The Iberostar Paraiso complex is designed for large numbers:
Event Capacity: Can accommodate weddings of virtually any size, from intimate groups to very large celebrations (500+ guests), utilizing its convention center, multiple ballrooms, and expansive grounds.
Event Locations: Extensive choices include:
Multiple Beach Areas: Along the long coastline.
Numerous Gazebos: Often picturesque, set in gardens or near the beach.
Terraces: Associated with various restaurants and lobbies.
Convention Center/Ballrooms: Large, flexible indoor spaces.
Pool Decks: For cocktail parties.
Garden Settings: Throughout the lush grounds.
On-site Chapel: A Catholic chapel may be available for religious ceremonies (verify requirements/fees).
Accommodations: Vast number of rooms across the different hotel sections (Beach, Del Mar, Lindo, Maya, Grand Paraiso), offering various price points and amenity levels to suit all guests.
Ceremony and Reception Logistics (Large Complex Navigation)
Logistics involve managing scale within a well-organized complex:
Internal Transport: The complex is huge. Guests and vendors will rely heavily on the internal shuttle/train system to move between hotels, venues, restaurants, and lobbies. Factor this into timelines.
Vendor Access: Standard large resort procedures via service entrances, coordinated with the events department and security. Generally straightforward for experienced vendors.
Setup: Ballrooms and convention spaces are designed for large event setups. Outdoor setups use established locations. Customization requires coordination.
Wayfinding: Clear signage and potentially maps provided by the couple/planner are helpful for guests navigating the complex.
Multiple Events: Be aware that multiple weddings/events may occur simultaneously across the vast complex, though your specific venues will be private.
What’s Included in Wedding Packages?
Iberostar’s wedding packages typically include standard AI resort elements:
Ceremony: Venue location, chairs, basic decor (arch/table), symbolic officiant, sound system.
Cocktail Hour: Designated area, standard open bar, appetizers (set quantity/selection).
Reception: Venue for set hours, standard tables/chairs/linens, buffet or set menu dinner, standard open bar, basic cake, toast.
Coordinator: Services of the assigned resort coordinator for package execution.
Possible Extras: Small bouquet/boutonniere, room amenity for couple.
Common Exclusions: Legal/religious officiant fees (chapel use likely extra), photographer/videographer, external planner, custom decor/florals, upgraded menus/bar, DJ/band services, specific venue fees for premium spots.
Review package details carefully for the specific hotel section and tier.
Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies (Numerous Options)
A major strength of the complex is its backup capacity:
Ballrooms/Convention Center: Large, fully equipped indoor spaces provide excellent, reliable backups for ceremonies and receptions of all sizes.
Covered Restaurants/Terraces: Numerous large, covered areas throughout the complex can serve as backups, especially for ceremonies or cocktail hours.
The resort is well-prepared for weather contingencies.
Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies
Standard large resort terms are expected:
Deposit: Required to confirm the date and package.
Payment Schedule: Incremental payments due before the wedding.
Final Payment: Typically 30-60 days out.
Cancellation Policy: Contract will detail penalties based on cancellation timing. Recommend purchasing wedding insurance.
Vendor Payments: External vendors have separate contracts.
Coordination: Resort Coordinator vs. External Planner
Understand the distinction:
Iberostar Wedding Coordinator: Manages the resort’s side of the wedding – package elements, internal F&B, room block, venue booking, resort staff. Handles multiple events across the complex.
External Wedding Planner: Your personal planner for overall vision, design, budget, external vendors, complex logistics across the resort, guest management, troubleshooting, and ensuring a personalized event. Highly beneficial for navigating the large complex and customizing significantly.
Dietary and Menu Restrictions (Complex-Wide Catering)
Managed by the extensive Iberostar F&B department:
Complex Catering: All wedding food is handled by the resort’s banquet teams, drawing on resources from across the multiple hotels. Package menus offer variety.
Dietary Needs: Experienced in handling large volumes and common dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies). Clear communication via the coordinator/planner is essential for accurate execution across potentially large guest counts.
Music and Entertainment Restrictions (Resort Policies)
Standard policies for a large, multi-use resort:
Flexibility: Generally accommodating for DJs, live bands, mariachi, etc., especially in ballrooms or designated event areas.
Curfews: Outdoor venues (beaches, gazebos) will have strict noise curfews (likely 10 PM or 11 PM) due to guest rooms nearby. Indoor ballrooms allow later parties.
Volume Control: Resort management enforces noise levels.
Vendor Policies: May have preferred vendors or standard requirements for external suppliers (insurance, access times, potentially fees).
Parking and Guest Logistics (Standard Resort Setup)
Logistics are typical for a major resort complex:
Airport Transfers: Guests arrange transport from CUN (approx. 30-45 mins).
Accommodation: Vast number of rooms simplifies on-site lodging.
Internal Transport: Essential resort shuttle/train system for navigating the grounds.
Parking: Ample self-parking and valet options available.
Vendor Access: Well-established service entrances and procedures.
Total Cost Breakdown (AI Resort Complex Wedding)
For an estimated wedding of 100 guests at Iberostar Playa Paraiso (Guests pay their own AI stay):
Wedding Package: $9,000 – $28,000+ USD (Base package + per-person for 100 guests; varies by hotel section/tier).
Premium Venue Fees/Upgrades: $1,000 – $10,000+ (e.g., prime gazebo, ballroom, chapel fee).
External Wedding Planner: $5,000 – $15,000+ (If desired).
Decor, Florals & Rentals (Beyond Package): $6,000 – $30,000+.
Music & Entertainment (External): $2,500 – $10,000+.
Photography/Videography: $6,000 – $12,000+.
Contingency & Potential Fees: $2,000 – $8,000+.
Total estimated *wedding event* cost (paid by couple) typically ranges from $31,500 – $113,000+ USD, heavily influenced by guest count, chosen hotel section, package level, and customization.
Splurge vs. Save
Save: Choose a wedding package based at the Beach/Del Mar sections, utilize standard included venues, rely on package decor, use resort DJ option, host during low season.
Splurge: Host the wedding at the luxurious Grand Paraiso (adults-only), select top-tier packages, rent premium venues (prime gazebo + large ballroom), hire external planner for full custom design and vendor management, elaborate florals/lighting, live band, host multiple events across the complex.
Resort (AI) & Wedding Package Inclusions
Understand the distinction:
Guest AI Stay typically includes: Room in chosen hotel section, access to specified pools/restaurants/bars (may vary by section), standard meals/drinks, basic activities, entertainment.
Couple’s Wedding Package typically includes: Ceremony setup/symbolic officiant, basic cocktail hour (food/bar), basic reception (food/bar/cake), resort coordinator.
Verify all details specific to your chosen hotel and package.
Activities for Other Days (Extensive On-Site & Riviera Maya)
Guests at Iberostar Playa Paraiso have a huge range of options:
On-Site: Numerous pools (including wave pool, lazy river), beach activities, snorkeling, kayaking, P.B. Dye golf course, shopping center within the complex, spa, fitness center, tennis, theater shows, kids’/teens’ clubs, various restaurants and bars.
Off-Site: Centrally located for excursions to Playa del Carmen (shopping, nightlife), Tulum ruins, Xcaret/Xel-Há eco-parks, cenotes, Cozumel island (via ferry from Playa del Carmen).
Three Practical Tips for Brides
Choose Your Iberostar Hotel Wisely: Research the different hotel sections (Beach/Del Mar, Lindo/Maya, Grand) and choose the one that best fits your budget, desired guest experience (family vs. adults-only), and wedding vision. This impacts amenities access and potentially package options.
Utilize a Map & Communicate Clearly: The complex is vast. Provide guests with maps and clear instructions for finding their hotel, wedding event locations, and navigating the internal shuttle system.
Clarify Package vs. À La Carte: Understand precisely what your package includes. For anything beyond that (specific flowers, unique lighting, external vendors), get clear quotes for the additional costs to manage your budget effectively.
Two Bride Reviews
“We chose Iberostar Paraiso Lindo for our 150-guest wedding, and it was perfect for accommodating everyone with kids. The resort had so much to do! The wedding team was helpful with the package details, and the gazebo ceremony was lovely. We hired a planner to help with decor and coordination across the big resort, which was a lifesaver. Great value for a big AI wedding.” – Amanda T. (Example Review)
“Our wedding at the Iberostar Grand Paraiso was stunningly luxurious and adults-only, exactly what we wanted. The service was top-notch, food was excellent for AI, and the grounds are beautiful. Planning through their high-end packages was smooth, though we added external photography. Guests loved the upscale experience. Be prepared for the higher price point compared to other sections.” – Michael & Chloe (Example Review)
My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro
Photographing a wedding at the Iberostar Playa Paraiso complex means working within a vast, diverse environment. The sheer scale offers variety – from manicured gardens and grand lobbies to picturesque gazebos, expansive beaches, and potentially unique architectural elements depending on the hotel section. The challenge is managing the scale: moving between locations can take time, and backgrounds might include other resort guests unless in designated private areas. Capturing intimacy requires focusing closely on the couple and their core group amidst the large setting. The lighting opportunities are varied, with open beaches, shaded gazebos, and controlled indoor ballroom environments. My approach would involve careful location scouting within the complex, utilizing the specific chosen venues effectively (especially popular gazebos), managing timelines considering internal transport, and focusing on capturing the energy of the celebration within the specific atmosphere of the chosen hotel section (e.g., luxury at the Grand vs. family fun elsewhere). It’s a venue well-suited for capturing the story of a large, activity-filled destination wedding experience.
