Craving a vibrant, stylish, and culturally immersive setting for your Riviera Maya wedding within the exclusive Mayakoba enclave? Explore Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya, a contemporary luxury resort by Hyatt, celebrated for its artistic design infused with local Mayan culture, beautiful lagoon and oceanfront settings, exceptional dining, and relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere perfect for modern, chic weddings.
Located within the prestigious Mayakoba complex just north of Playa del Carmen, Andaz Mayakoba offers a unique experience centered around nature and local inspiration. Expect beautifully designed rooms and suites featuring vibrant colors, local artwork, and stunning views of the lagoons, mangroves, or the Caribbean Sea, many with private plunge pools. Guests navigate the property via scenic pathways, bicycles, or complimentary golf cart/boat transport. Amenities include multiple stylish pools (including adults-only options), access to a beautiful stretch of white sand beach, several acclaimed restaurants and bars showcasing creative cuisine and mixology (like Casa Amate, Sotavento), the Naum Wellness & Spa inspired by Mayan rituals, fitness facilities, and access to the El Camaleón Golf Course. Primarily operating on a European Plan (EP), Andaz Mayakoba often offers optional meal plans or packages, catering to sophisticated travelers (including families) seeking authentic experiences blended with luxury.
Weddings at Andaz Mayakoba are known for their modern style, vibrant energy, and connection to local culture, managed by their dedicated events team. Planning typically involves creating a bespoke experience, though curated packages might be available. Venue options are diverse and visually striking, including the beautiful beachfront, stylish poolside decks, elegant lawns overlooking the lagoons, contemporary ballrooms, unique studios with outdoor terraces, or intimate restaurant spaces. Catering is exclusively provided by the resort’s highly-regarded culinary team. Engaging an external planner is strongly recommended to manage the EP model’s complexities, coordinate vendors within Mayakoba, and execute a personalized vision. Costs reflect the resort’s luxury positioning, exclusive location, and EP structure, potentially ranging from $60,000 to $180,000+ USD for a 70-150 guest wedding. An Andaz Mayakoba wedding promises contemporary chic, cultural immersion, natural beauty, and vibrant luxury.
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Index
Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?
How Does a Wedding at Andaz Mayakoba Work?
Best Months to Get Married
The Basics of Wedding Planning (Luxury EP Resort in Mayakoba – Modern/Artistic)
Who Pays for a Destination Wedding (Luxury EP Plan)?
Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations (Stylish Rooms/Suites)
Ceremony and Reception Logistics (Navigating Mayakoba Waterways & Resort)
What’s Included in Venue Fees/Minimum Spends?
Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies (Contemporary Indoor Spaces)
Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies (Strict)
Coordination: Andaz Event Specialist vs. External Planner (Highly Recommended)
Dietary and Menu Restrictions (Creative In-House Catering)
Music and Entertainment Restrictions (Sophisticated Resort Policies)
Parking and Guest Logistics (Mayakoba Complex Access)
Total Cost Breakdown (Luxury EP Wedding)
Splurge vs. Save (Within Luxury Tier)
Resort (EP/Meal Plans) & Event Inclusions (Bespoke)
Activities for Other Days (Culture, Dining, Spa, Golf & Riviera Maya)
Three Practical Tips for Brides
Two Bride Reviews
My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro
Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya is a superb choice for couples seeking a stylish, modern, and culturally vibrant luxury wedding experience within the exclusive Mayakoba community. If you appreciate contemporary design infused with local art, desire creative and high-quality dining, love the unique blend of lagoon, mangrove, and beach settings, and want a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere (welcoming families), Andaz Mayakoba offers a distinctive feel. It’s ideal for couples comfortable with the European Plan (EP) model and looking for a venue that feels both luxurious and authentically connected to its location.
The resort’s key appeals are its vibrant contemporary design with local artistic touches, unique setting amidst Mayakoba’s waterways and nature preserve, beautiful lagoon-view and oceanfront accommodations, acclaimed creative dining options (like Casa Amate), stylish pools, access to Mayakoba amenities (golf, beach), Naum Wellness & Spa, and a relaxed luxury vibe. Perfect for a modern, artistic, and immersive Riviera Maya wedding.
How Does a Wedding at Andaz Mayakoba Work?
Planning a wedding at the chic Andaz Mayakoba typically involves:
Contacting the Events Team: Reaching out to Andaz Mayakoba’s dedicated event specialists to discuss your wedding date, estimated number of guests, and overall style preferences.
Understanding EP & Customization: Discussing the European Plan structure and any available meal plan options. Planning here focuses heavily on creating a bespoke event tailored to your needs, rather than off-the-shelf packages.
Venue Selection: Choosing from diverse, design-forward venues – the beachfront, lagoon-view lawns or studios, poolside decks, modern ballrooms, or unique restaurant spaces like Casa Amate’s distinct rooms. Venue fees or minimum F&B guarantees will apply.
Working with Andaz Event Specialist: Collaborating with the assigned Andaz coordinator for venue booking, managing internal F&B arrangements (custom menus), assisting with room block coordination, and overseeing resort-specific logistics (internal transport, etc.).
Engaging an External Planner (Strongly Recommended): Given the EP model and bespoke nature, an external planner specializing in luxury Mayakoba weddings is highly recommended for comprehensive vendor management (rentals, decor, florals, entertainment), detailed design execution, complex budget oversight, and personalized service.
Vendor Coordination within Mayakoba: The planner manages access for approved external vendors into the secure Mayakoba complex, ensuring compliance with environmental and operational guidelines.
Guest Accommodation & Transport: Coordinating guest bookings (EP rates) and arranging necessary airport transfers and any off-site transport. Guests utilize Mayakoba’s internal boat and cart system.
The process blends the resort’s stylish offerings and service with essential external planning expertise for a personalized luxury event.
Best Months to Get Married
The Riviera Maya’s dry season, late November through April/early May, provides the most ideal weather conditions for enjoying Andaz Mayakoba’s beautiful outdoor venues and the unique Mayakoba environment.
The Basics of Wedding Planning (Luxury EP Resort in Mayakoba – Modern/Artistic)
Andaz Mayakoba operates primarily on a European Plan (EP), offering bespoke wedding experiences, though meal plans or curated event concepts might be available:
EP Guest Stays: Guests typically book their stylish rooms or suites on an EP basis, paying separately for all dining, drinks, spa, and activities. Optional meal plans might be offered.
Bespoke Event Creation: Weddings are custom-designed, requiring:
Venue Rental Fees / Minimum Spends: Securing exclusive use of desired venues involves significant fees or guaranteed F&B minimums.
Custom Gourmet Catering: All food and beverage is exclusively handled by Andaz’s creative culinary teams (Casa Amate, Sotavento, etc.), priced per person based on bespoke menus and premium beverage selections.
Essential External Planner: Highly recommended to manage the complexity of building a custom event on an EP basis.
Comprehensive External Rentals & Design: Sourcing stylish furniture, linens, unique tabletop items, florals, lighting, sound, etc., externally via the planner to match the desired aesthetic.
This model allows for great artistic freedom and personalization within a luxury framework, requiring expert planning.
Who Pays for a Destination Wedding (Luxury EP Plan)?
Costs for an Andaz Mayakoba wedding are primarily the responsibility of the couple:
The couple pays for:
Andaz Mayakoba venue rental fees / minimum F&B guarantees.
All custom food and premium beverage costs for hosted wedding events.
Fees for their highly recommended Wedding Planner.
Contracts for ALL external vendors (rentals, florals, decor, lighting, staffing support, entertainment, photo, video, etc.).
Their own travel and EP accommodation.
Guest transportation if providing group transport.
All associated service charges and taxes.
Guests typically pay for:
Their travel (flights) to Cancun (CUN).
Their EP accommodation at Andaz Mayakoba (potentially adding meal plans).
All personal meals, drinks, spa, golf, and activities outside the hosted wedding events.
Airport transfers (approx. 40-45 minutes).
Wedding gifts.
Clear communication about the EP plan and available meal options is crucial for guests.
Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations (Stylish Rooms/Suites)
Andaz Mayakoba offers flexible capacity within its stylish environment:
Event Capacity: Comfortably hosts intimate weddings up to larger, chic celebrations (potentially 200-300+ guests), utilizing its blend of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Event Locations: Modern and nature-inspired options include:
Beachfront: Beautiful sandy area for ceremonies or casual receptions (Sotavento restaurant is beachfront).
Lagoon Lawns/Studios: Spaces overlooking the waterways, offering privacy and connection to nature. Studios often have indoor/outdoor flow.
Terraces: Stylish outdoor areas connected to restaurants or event spaces.
Ballrooms: Contemporary indoor spaces for larger receptions or weather backups.
Pool Decks: Vibrant settings for cocktail parties.
Casa Amate: Potential for intimate dinners within its unique, home-like themed rooms.
Accommodations: Features a significant number of beautifully designed rooms and suites with lagoon or ocean views, many with plunge pools, offering ample stylish on-site lodging for guests.
Ceremony and Reception Logistics (Navigating Mayakoba Waterways & Resort)
Logistics involve the unique Mayakoba setup and Andaz’s layout:
Mayakoba Complex Navigation: Guests and vendors utilize the Mayakoba transportation system (golf carts, lanchas, bicycles) to move between the Andaz property, other Mayakoba resorts (for dining potentially), the golf course, and the main entrance. Planning travel time is essential.
Vendor Access: Coordinated entry through Mayakoba security and specific resort service points. Requires careful planning by the external planner.
Setup Coordination: Requires detailed plans for delivering rentals and decor to potentially varied locations (beach, lagoon studios, ballroom), possibly using both carts and boats.
Guest Movement: Clear communication and potentially guided assistance needed for guests moving between ceremony, cocktail, and reception venues, especially if using different parts of the resort or lanchas.
Modern Infrastructure: Resort is relatively new and designed with event logistics in mind for its dedicated spaces.
What’s Included in Venue Fees/Minimum Spends?
Securing event spaces at Andaz Mayakoba typically involves venue fees or minimum F&B spends that cover:
Exclusive use of the chosen event space(s) for the contracted duration.
Access to the resort’s stylish ambiance, contemporary design, and natural surroundings.
Basic infrastructure related to the space (power, existing basic lighting – confirm event needs).
Collaboration with the Andaz Event Specialist for internal resort coordination.
It generally EXCLUDES the components for the event production itself:
All Food & Beverage (custom priced).
Event Furniture, Linens, Tabletop Rentals.
Custom Decor, Florals, Event Lighting & Sound.
Additional Event Staffing.
Wedding Planning Services (external highly recommended).
Photography, Videography, Entertainment.
Guest Transportation (external).
Budgeting requires covering the cost of creating the bespoke event within the rented space.
Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies (Contemporary Indoor Spaces)
Andaz Mayakoba offers stylish indoor backup solutions:
Ballrooms/Event Studios: Modern, well-designed indoor spaces provide excellent, climate-controlled backups for ceremonies and receptions.
Covered Terraces/Restaurant Areas: Chic covered areas associated with restaurants or event spaces can serve as elegant alternatives.
Backup options maintain the resort’s contemporary design aesthetic.
Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies (Strict)
Payment terms align with luxury Hyatt/Andaz brand standards:
Substantial Deposits: Required to secure dates and venues, typically non-refundable.
Structured Payment Schedule: Payments due at specific intervals before the event.
Final Payment: Balance usually due 30-60 days prior.
Strict Cancellation Policy: Contract outlines significant cancellation penalties. High-value wedding insurance is strongly recommended.
Vendor Contracts: External vendors will have their own payment and cancellation terms.
Coordination: Andaz Event Specialist vs. External Planner (Highly Recommended)
Understanding the roles is key for a smooth EP event:
Andaz Event Specialist: The resort’s internal point person. Manages venue contracts, coordinates internal F&B based on custom menus, liaises with resort departments (rooms, transport), ensures resort policies are followed. Facilitates the delivery of Andaz services.
External Wedding Planner (Luxury Focused – Highly Recommended): The couple’s overall event director. Essential for:
Designing a cohesive event reflecting the couple’s style and the Andaz vibe.
Managing the complex EP budget and vendor payments.
Sourcing and managing all external vendors (rentals, decor, florals, lighting, sound, entertainment, photo, video, staffing).
Orchestrating complex logistics within Mayakoba (access, transport, technical needs).
Serving as the primary communication hub.
Overseeing flawless setup and execution.
Managing the guest experience.
Crucial for the success of a bespoke EP wedding at Andaz.
Dietary and Menu Restrictions (Creative In-House Catering)
Handled exclusively by Andaz Mayakoba’s creative culinary team:
Exclusive Creative Catering: All food and beverage provided by the resort’s acclaimed restaurants (Casa Amate, Sotavento, etc.) and banquet team, known for fresh, local ingredients and innovative presentations. Bespoke menu design is standard.
Dietary Needs: The culinary team is highly capable of accommodating all dietary restrictions, allergies, and preferences with flair and attention to detail within the custom menus. Communicate needs clearly via the planner.
External Catering: Not permitted.
Music and Entertainment Restrictions (Sophisticated Resort Policies)
Entertainment should match the resort’s chic, culturally-infused vibe:
Style: Suited for stylish and contemporary options – live bands (Latin fusion, contemporary pop, jazz), skilled DJs playing sophisticated global or electronic sets, unique cultural performances.
Curfews & Noise Levels: Adherence to Mayakoba community rules and resort policies is strict. Outdoor amplified music likely ends by 10 or 11 PM. Indoor ballrooms offer later options, but volume is managed to respect the luxury environment.
Vendor Approval: External entertainment vendors must be professional, approved by the resort/planner, and coordinate technical needs seamlessly.
Parking and Guest Logistics (Mayakoba Complex Access)
Logistics within the exclusive Mayakoba framework:
Airport Transfers: Guests arrange private transfers from CUN (approx. 40-45 mins).
Accommodation: Guests stay in stylish rooms/suites on-site.
Internal Transport: Essential reliance on Mayakoba’s golf cart and lancha boat system for navigating the property and complex.
Parking: Valet parking available at the main Andaz lobby. Vendor parking coordinated via designated service areas within Mayakoba.
Access: Gated entry to Mayakoba requires coordination for all guests and vendors.
Total Cost Breakdown (Luxury EP Wedding)
For an estimated stylish wedding of 80 guests at Andaz Mayakoba:
Venue Rental Fees / Minimum F&B Spend: $15,000 – $45,000+ USD (Depends on specific venues, date).
Custom Gourmet Food & Beverage: $300 – $700+ USD per person ($24,000 – $56,000+).
High-End Wedding Planner: $10,000 – $30,000+.
Rentals, Decor, Florals, Lighting (Stylish): $20,000 – $70,000+.
Staffing (External Support): $4,000 – $12,000+.
Contemporary Music & Entertainment: $4,000 – $18,000+.
Photography/Videography (Luxury): $8,000 – $20,000+.
Guest Transportation & Logistics: $2,000 – $7,000+.
Contingency, Service Charges, Taxes: $15,000 – $40,000+.
Total estimated cost typically starts around $102,000 – $140,000+ USD and can readily reach $200,000 – $300,000+ USD, reflecting the luxury EP model, Mayakoba location, and focus on design and quality.
Splurge vs. Save
Save: Host a smaller guest count, utilize lagoon-view studios or less prime terraces, work with the planner on achieving the Andaz vibe with smart decor choices, select a great DJ, choose more standard premium bar options. *Meaningful savings are relative within the luxury category.*
Splurge: Book prime beachfront locations or Casa Amate spaces, full custom event design with high-end rentals and immersive lighting/florals, hire a popular contemporary band or unique cultural performers, create elaborate multi-course tasting menus with expert pairings, host multiple themed events across different venues.
Resort (EP/Meal Plans) & Event Inclusions (Bespoke)
Understanding the Andaz Mayakoba approach:
Guest EP Stay includes: Stylish room/suite accommodation, access to pools, beach club, fitness center, internal Mayakoba transport. *Food, beverages, spa, golf are typically extra unless a specific meal plan is added.*
Wedding Event Costs cover: Venue usage fee/minimum spend + fully itemized costs for the custom event production (bespoke F&B, mandatory planner, all external rentals/vendors/staffing), detailed in a custom proposal.
Focus is on creating a personalized, stylish luxury event.
Activities for Other Days (Culture, Dining, Spa, Golf & Riviera Maya)
Guests at Andaz Mayakoba can enjoy a blend of relaxation and cultural experiences:
On-Site/Mayakoba: Relaxing by the stylish pools, enjoying the beach club, treatments at the Naum Wellness & Spa, exploring the Mayakoba waterways by boat or kayak, biking the nature trails, playing the El Camaleón Golf Course, savoring meals at Andaz’s diverse restaurants or trying options at other Mayakoba resorts.
Off-Site: Easy access to Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue, visiting nearby cenotes, exploring eco-parks like Xcaret or Xel-Há, day trips to Tulum ruins or Cozumel island.
Three Practical Tips for Brides
Embrace the Andaz Style: Andaz is known for its vibrant, contemporary design infused with local culture. Let this inspire your wedding aesthetic – think modern lines, pops of color, natural textures, and artistic details.
Utilize the Lagoon & Mangrove Setting: Don’t just focus on the beach! The lagoon views and mangrove surroundings are unique to Mayakoba. Consider venues or photo locations that showcase this beautiful ecosystem.
Clearly Explain the EP Plan: Ensure guests understand the European Plan for their stay and budget accordingly for meals and drinks outside of your hosted wedding events. Highlight any optional meal plans the resort might offer.
Two Bride Reviews
“Andaz Mayakoba was the perfect blend of modern luxury and natural beauty for our wedding. The design is stunning, and we loved the vibrant, artistic vibe. Our ceremony overlooking the lagoon was unique and beautiful. Planning an EP wedding was complex, but our planner worked brilliantly with the Andaz team. The food was incredible!” – Olivia C.
“We wanted a chic, contemporary wedding in Mayakoba, and Andaz was perfect. The rooms are gorgeous, the pools are amazing, and Casa Amate restaurant is a must-try. Our wedding felt stylish and personalized. Guests loved exploring the resort by boat and bike. Definitely a luxury experience that requires good planning.” – Ben and Alex R.
My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro
Photographing a wedding at Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya is an exciting opportunity to capture vibrant contemporary design set against the unique natural backdrop of the Mayakoba waterways. The resort’s emphasis on local art and bold design elements provides visually stimulating details and settings, different from more traditional properties. The lagoons, mangroves, stylish pools, and beautiful beach offer diverse environments for portraits and event coverage. The challenge lies in balancing the vibrant, colorful aesthetic with romantic moments, managing logistics within the Mayakoba complex (boat/cart transport), and potentially varied lighting across different locations (bright beach, shaded lagoonside areas, colorful interiors). My focus would be on capturing the resort’s unique personality, the modern chic style of the event, the couple’s connection within both the natural and designed spaces, and highlighting the artistic and cultural details. Andaz Mayakoba is ideal for couples wanting dynamic, stylish, and culturally-infused wedding photos that feel both luxurious and authentically Riviera Maya.
