Searching for a luxurious, adults-only haven in the Riviera Maya that blends sprawling tropical grounds, elegant hacienda-style architecture, and exceptional All-Inclusive service for your dream wedding? Explore Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya, a highly-regarded resort known for its romantic ambiance, expansive pools, beautiful beach, gourmet dining, and sophisticated venues perfect for an unforgettable celebration.
Located on the secluded beach of Playa del Secreto, between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Valentin Imperial offers an upscale escape surrounded by lush vegetation. Expect spacious junior suites and suites housed in charming hacienda-style villas, meandering pathways through tropical gardens, one of the largest swimming pools in the Riviera Maya featuring islands and swim-up bars, direct access to a beautiful stretch of white sand beach, multiple gourmet à la carte restaurants (no reservations often needed) and buffets, numerous bars, the Aromance Spa, and a focus on personalized service. As a luxury, adults-only, All-Inclusive (AI) resort, it emphasizes romance, relaxation, and high-quality food and beverage experiences.
Weddings at Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya are known for their elegance and attention to detail, managed by their dedicated wedding department. Couples typically choose from well-appointed wedding packages, often customizable, designed to leverage the resort’s romantic settings. Venue options are plentiful and picturesque, including beach locations, charming garden gazebos (like the San Valentin Gazebo), elegant terraces overlooking pools or ocean, sophisticated indoor spaces, and potentially even a beautiful on-site chapel (check availability/requirements). While the resort coordinators manage package inclusions effectively, couples seeking extensive personalization might engage an external planner. Costs reflect the resort’s luxury positioning and comprehensive AI plan, with wedding event costs (beyond guest AI stays) likely ranging from $20,000 to $90,000+ USD depending on guest count (50-250+), package choice, venue selection, and customization. A Valentin Imperial wedding promises romance, luxury, beautiful scenery, and exceptional service.
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Index
Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?
How Does a Wedding at Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya Work?
Best Months to Get Married
The Basics of Wedding Planning (Luxury AI Adults-Only Resort)
Who Pays for a Destination Wedding (Luxury AI Plan)?
Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations (Spacious Suites)
Ceremony and Reception Logistics (Sprawling Hacienda Layout)
What’s Included in Wedding Packages?
Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies (Elegant Indoor Venues)
Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies
Coordination: Resort Coordinator vs. External Planner
Dietary and Menu Restrictions (Gourmet AI Catering)
Music and Entertainment Restrictions (Resort Policies)
Parking and Guest Logistics (Standard Resort Setup)
Total Cost Breakdown (Luxury AI Wedding)
Splurge vs. Save
Resort (Luxury AI) & Wedding Package Inclusions
Activities for Other Days (Pools, Beach, Spa & Riviera Maya)
Three Practical Tips for Brides
Two Bride Reviews
My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro
Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?
Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya is an outstanding choice for couples seeking a romantic, luxurious, adults-only destination wedding with a touch of traditional Mexican charm through its hacienda-style architecture. If you appreciate beautiful sprawling grounds, exceptional pools, gourmet dining without hassle (often no reservations needed), a beautiful beach, high levels of service, and want an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere for your celebration, Valentin Imperial is a top contender. It’s perfectly suited for couples who prioritize a high-quality AI experience focused on romance and relaxation.
The resort’s key highlights are its beautiful hacienda-style architecture and lush grounds, stunning and expansive main pool, luxurious adults-only environment, high-quality All-Inclusive dining (especially à la carte options), romantic ambiance, beautiful beachfront, elegant wedding venues (gazebos, terraces, potentially chapel), and attentive service. Ideal for an elegant, romantic, and sophisticated Riviera Maya wedding.
How Does a Wedding at Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya Work?
Planning a wedding at Valentin Imperial typically involves:
Contacting the Wedding Department: Reaching out to Valentin Imperial’s dedicated wedding team to discuss your dates, estimated guest count, and vision for your adults-only celebration.
Reviewing Wedding Packages: Examining their curated wedding packages, which likely offer various levels of inclusions and cater to different wedding styles (beach, gazebo, etc.). Customization options are usually available.
Venue Selection: Choosing your preferred ceremony and reception locations from their elegant options, such as beachfront setups, the popular San Valentin Gazebo, poolside terraces, indoor salons, or potentially the chapel (verify availability and requirements).
Working with the Resort Coordinator: Collaborating with the assigned Valentin coordinator for managing package details, internal F&B selections, room block coordination, and standard resort event logistics.
Considering an External Planner: While the resort coordinators are experienced, hiring an external planner specializing in luxury Riviera Maya weddings can enhance personalization, manage external vendors seamlessly, oversee intricate design details, and provide dedicated support.
Vendor Coordination: Ensuring any external vendors (photographer, videographer, specific entertainment, elaborate florals) meet the resort’s standards and comply with access protocols.
Guest Accommodation: Guests (adults only) book their luxurious suites within the resort, typically using a group code for the room block, ensuring they enjoy the full AI experience.
The process focuses on leveraging the resort’s upscale offerings and romantic setting.
Best Months to Get Married
The Riviera Maya’s dry season, from late November through April/early May, offers the most ideal weather conditions for enjoying Valentin Imperial’s beautiful outdoor venues and expansive pools.
The Basics of Wedding Planning (Luxury AI Adults-Only Resort)
Valentin Imperial operates on a high-quality All-Inclusive model, offering elegant Wedding Packages:
Luxury AI Guest Stays: Rates cover spacious suite accommodation, gourmet dining at multiple à la carte restaurants (often without needing reservations) and buffets, premium national and international beverages, access to the spectacular pools, beach loungers, fitness center, basic activities, and evening entertainment.
Elegant Wedding Packages: Couples purchase packages designed for romantic celebrations. Expect inclusions like:
Choice of scenic ceremony location (beach, gazebo) with elegant setup.
Symbolic officiant services.
Bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere.
Sound system for ceremony.
Sparkling wine toast post-ceremony.
Private cocktail hour with premium bar and hors d’oeuvres.
Private reception dinner (often elegant plated menus) with premium open bar for a set duration.
Wedding cake.
Services of the Valentin wedding coordinator.
Potential perks like romantic room decoration, breakfast in bed, or spa discounts.
Additional Costs: Fees for specific premium venues (e.g., certain gazebos, chapel use), significant decor customization beyond package level, external planner fees, preferred external vendors, legal/religious officiant fees, extended event hours.
Packages aim to provide a sophisticated and romantic base for the wedding.
Who Pays for a Destination Wedding (Luxury AI Plan)?
Cost distribution follows the upscale AI resort standard:
The couple typically pays for:
The selected Valentin Imperial wedding package cost.
Any venue fees or upgrades beyond the package.
Their own travel and suite.
Fees for an External Wedding Planner (if chosen for enhanced service).
Contracts for preferred external vendors.
Optional hosted events (welcome cocktail, etc.).
Personal wedding attire and items.
Guests (Adults Only) typically pay for:
Their flights to Cancun (CUN).
Their luxury All-Inclusive suite booking at Valentin Imperial.
Airport transfers (approx. 30-40 minutes).
Optional extras like spa treatments, excursions, premium wine selections.
Wedding gifts.
Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations (Spacious Suites)
Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya caters well to various wedding sizes:
Event Capacity: Comfortably hosts intimate weddings up to larger celebrations (potentially 200-300 guests), utilizing its diverse indoor and outdoor venues.
Event Locations: Elegant and romantic options include:
Beachfront: Beautiful sandy locations for ceremonies or receptions.
Gazebos: Charming structures set in gardens or near the beach (e.g., San Valentin Gazebo).
Terraces: Stylish outdoor spaces connected to restaurants or offering pool/ocean views.
Indoor Salons/Ballrooms: Air-conditioned spaces for receptions or backups.
Chapel: A possibility for Catholic ceremonies (verify details and requirements).
Poolside Areas: Sections near the magnificent main pool for cocktails.
Accommodations: The resort offers a large number of spacious junior suites and suites, all adults-only, housed in hacienda-style buildings, ensuring ample luxurious accommodation for guests on-site.
Ceremony and Reception Logistics (Sprawling Hacienda Layout)
Logistics involve navigating a large, beautifully landscaped property:
Internal Transport: Due to the resort’s sprawling hacienda layout, golf cart shuttles are frequently used and necessary for guests and vendors to move between the main lobby, room buildings, restaurants, and event venues. Factor this into timing.
Vendor Access: Standard procedures for a large, well-managed luxury resort via service entrances, coordinated with the wedding department.
Setup: Dedicated event spaces and established outdoor locations facilitate smooth setups. Custom decor requires coordination.
Guest Navigation: Providing maps and clear directions is helpful for guests exploring the extensive grounds and finding specific event locations.
Atmosphere: While luxurious and romantic, it’s still an active resort; planners help ensure privacy for designated event areas.
What’s Included in Wedding Packages?
Valentin Imperial’s wedding packages typically offer a good level of inclusions:
Ceremony: Venue use (standard locations like beach/gazebo), elegant seating, altar setup, symbolic officiant, sound system, personal flowers (bouquet/boutonniere).
Cocktail Hour: Private or semi-private space, premium open bar, selection of gourmet appetizers.
Reception: Private venue for set duration, elegant table setup (linens, chairs included), plated dinner menu (often standard), premium open bar, wedding cake, sparkling wine toast.
Coordinator: Dedicated Valentin wedding coordinator.
Romantic Touches: Often include extras like room decoration, special turndown service, breakfast in bed for the couple.
Common Exclusions: Legal/religious/chapel fees, photographer/videographer, external planner, significant floral/decor upgrades, specific entertainment, premium venue location fees.
Review package specifics carefully.
Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies (Elegant Indoor Venues)
Valentin Imperial offers suitable indoor backup options:
Indoor Salons/Ballrooms: Elegant, air-conditioned event spaces available for ceremonies and receptions.
Covered Restaurant Terraces: Some restaurants may have large covered areas suitable for smaller ceremony backups or cocktails.
The resort ensures stylish alternatives in case of inclement weather.
Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies
Expect standard luxury resort payment terms:
Deposit: Required to secure the date and package.
Payment Schedule: Phased payments due prior to the wedding.
Final Payment: Typically 30-60 days before the event.
Cancellation Policy: Contract specifies penalties based on cancellation timeframe. Wedding insurance is highly recommended.
Vendor Payments: External vendors have separate contracts/terms.
Coordination: Resort Coordinator vs. External Planner
Understanding the roles at Valentin Imperial:
Valentin Wedding Coordinator: Your resort contact managing package inclusions, internal F&B, room block, venue logistics, and overseeing resort staff execution. Experienced with the resort’s processes.
External Wedding Planner: Your personal planner handling overall vision, budget, external vendors, custom design, detailed timeline management, guest logistics, and providing dedicated advocacy. Beneficial for high levels of personalization and complex events.
Dietary and Menu Restrictions (Gourmet AI Catering)
Handled by Valentin Imperial’s reputable culinary team:
Gourmet Resort Catering: Known for high-quality food, especially its à la carte dining. Wedding menus (often elegant plated options) reflect this standard.
Dietary Needs: Experienced in accommodating common dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies, etc.). Provide detailed needs well in advance via the coordinator/planner.
Music and Entertainment Restrictions (Resort Policies)
Entertainment policies align with an upscale, romantic resort:
Style: Accommodating to elegant options like live bands (Latin, jazz, contemporary), skilled DJs, solo musicians (violinist, saxophonist).
Curfews: Outdoor venues (beach, gazebos, terraces near rooms) will have noise curfews (likely 10 PM or 11 PM). Indoor salons/ballrooms allow for later celebrations.
Volume: Managed to maintain a sophisticated atmosphere and respect all guests.
Vendor Policies: Standard requirements for external vendors (insurance, access). Check for any preferred vendor lists or fees.
Parking and Guest Logistics (Standard Resort Setup)
Logistics are typical for a large, well-run resort:
Airport Transfers: Guests arrange transport from CUN (approx. 30-40 mins).
Accommodation: Ample luxurious suites on-site.
Internal Transport: Essential golf cart shuttle system for navigating the sprawling grounds.
Parking: Valet and self-parking available.
Vendor Access: Standard procedures via service entrances.
Total Cost Breakdown (Luxury AI Wedding)
For an estimated wedding of 80 guests at Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya (Guests pay luxury AI stay):
Wedding Package: $12,000 – $35,000+ USD (Reflecting luxury inclusions for 80 guests).
Premium Venue/Chapel Fees: $1,000 – $10,000+.
External Wedding Planner: $6,000 – $18,000+ (Optional).
Decor, Florals & Rentals (Customization): $7,000 – $30,000+.
Music & Entertainment (Elegant Options): $2,500 – $12,000+.
Photography/Videography: $6,000 – $15,000+.
Contingency & Potential Fees: $2,500 – $8,000+.
Total estimated *wedding event* cost (paid by couple) typically ranges from $37,000 – $128,000+ USD, varying greatly with package selection, guest count, and customization level at this upscale property.
Splurge vs. Save
Save: Choose a more foundational package, utilize standard included venues (less popular gazebo/beach spot), rely on package decor, opt for DJ over large band, host mid-week/shoulder season.
Splurge: Select top-tier package with maximum inclusions, book prime gazebo/terrace + indoor salon, full custom design with external planner, elaborate florals/lighting/rentals, live band with extended hours, premium bar upgrades, host elegant welcome dinner and farewell brunch.
Resort (Luxury AI) & Wedding Package Inclusions
Understand the two components:
Guest Luxury AI Stay includes: Spacious suite, gourmet dining (often no reservations needed), premium drinks, pools, beach access, fitness center, basic activities, entertainment.
Couple’s Wedding Package includes: Elegant ceremony setup, symbolic officiant, personal flowers, premium cocktail hour/reception F&B, cake, coordinator, potentially romantic perks.
Always verify specifics.
Activities for Other Days (Pools, Beach, Spa & Riviera Maya)
Guests at Valentin Imperial can enjoy:
On-Site: Relaxing by the enormous main pool or quieter pools, lounging on the beautiful Playa del Secreto beach, indulging at the Aromance Spa, using the fitness center, participating in daily activities (yoga, aqua aerobics), enjoying the diverse gourmet restaurants and bars, attending evening shows or themed nights.
Off-Site: Good base for exploring the Riviera Maya – short drives to Playa del Carmen for shopping/ferry to Cozumel, numerous cenotes nearby, eco-parks like Xcaret or Xplor, potentially golf at nearby courses.
Three Practical Tips for Brides
Embrace the Hacienda Style: The resort’s architecture is a key feature. Incorporate its romantic, traditional Mexican charm into your decor and photo locations.
Factor in Internal Transport Time: The resort is large and beautiful, but moving between locations via shuttle takes time. Build this into your wedding day timeline, especially for photos or moving guests between ceremony and reception.
Highlight the Adults-Only Luxury: Ensure all guests understand and appreciate the adults-only environment and the high standard of the All-Inclusive offerings (especially the dining) that Valentin Imperial is known for.
Two Bride Reviews
“Valentin Imperial was the perfect romantic setting for our adults-only wedding. The grounds are breathtaking, the hacienda style is so elegant, and the main pool is incredible! Our ceremony at the San Valentin gazebo felt so intimate. The food was amazing, and service top-notch. Our guests felt truly pampered.” – Emily W.
“We loved everything about our wedding at Valentin Imperial! The resort is stunning, and the adults-only vibe was exactly what we wanted. We chose a beach ceremony and terrace reception. The wedding coordination team was helpful, and the package offered great value for the quality. Guests couldn’t stop talking about the food and the beautiful pools.” – Brian and Sarah K.
My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro
Photographing a wedding at Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya offers a wonderful blend of elegance, romance, and stunning scenery. The resort’s distinct hacienda-style architecture provides unique backdrops with arches, courtyards, and colorful facades, differentiating it from more modern resorts. The lush, expansive gardens and the truly impressive main pool offer fantastic opportunities for beautiful portraits and capturing the resort’s ambiance. Beach ceremonies benefit from the lovely Playa del Secreto setting. The challenge lies in navigating the large, sprawling property efficiently and managing the potentially strong midday sun in open areas. My focus would be on capturing the romantic atmosphere, utilizing the beautiful architecture and landscaping, highlighting the elegance of the event setup (especially gazebos and terraces), and telling the story of a sophisticated, adults-only celebration in a luxurious tropical setting. It’s ideal for couples wanting classic, elegant, and romantic wedding photos infused with Mexican architectural charm.
