Ultimate Guide 2025: Getting Married at UNICO Riviera Maya

Cancun’s position as a leading destination wedding location is well-deserved, offering a blend of picturesque beaches, vibrant culture, and modern resort amenities. Destination weddings in Cancun provide couples with an unforgettable experience that merges romance with adventure. Whether you want a beachfront ceremony at sunset, a garden wedding surrounded by lush greenery, or a traditional indoor ballroom event, Cancun’s versatility makes it a top pick for couples worldwide.

Why Choose Cancun for a Destination Wedding?

• Scenery: Cancun’s natural beauty is unparalleled, with its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and stunning sunsets. These elements create a magical backdrop for weddings and offer endless possibilities for breathtaking wedding photos.
• Accessibility: With direct flights from major cities worldwide, Cancun is a convenient destination for international guests. The Cancun International Airport is only an hour’s drive from most Riviera Maya resorts.
• Cultural Experiences: Cancun is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Couples and their guests can explore nearby Mayan ruins, enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine, and partake in unique cultural experiences such as mariachi performances or traditional Mayan blessings during the ceremony.

Choosing an all-inclusive resort like UNICO 20°87° simplifies the planning process and ensures that both you and your guests have a stress-free and luxurious experience.

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya stands out for its ability to blend contemporary luxury with local Mexican heritage. The venue offers five-star amenities while integrating regional influences in everything from architecture to dining, making it a fantastic choice for couples who want an elegant but culturally immersive wedding experience.

Evaluating Aesthetics, Location, and Reviews:

• Aesthetics: The resort’s design is inspired by natural elements, combining sleek, modern lines with earthy tones and greenery. The result is a laid-back yet sophisticated aesthetic that blends harmoniously with the surrounding tropical environment. The venue is ideal for couples who want a chic and timeless wedding vibe, whether on the beach, in the garden, or indoors.
• Location: UNICO is in Akumal, part of the Riviera Maya, an hour south of Cancun International Airport. It’s a quieter area compared to the busy Cancun hotel zone, giving you a more secluded and peaceful environment. Additionally, it’s just a short drive from Tulum’s famous ruins and boho-chic beach clubs, making it a perfect spot for those who want to combine the wedding with local sightseeing.
• Reviews: The resort is consistently praised for its high level of service and attention to detail, particularly for weddings. Many couples highlight the resort’s professional wedding planners, the beauty of the venue, and the all-around luxury experience.

If you’re seeking an upscale, immersive experience with the flexibility to personalize your wedding, this venue will meet your expectations.

How Good is This Venue for My Wedding?

UNICO 20°87° offers a setting that’s both elegant and adaptable to various wedding styles, from intimate beach weddings to grand ballroom receptions. With versatile spaces and exceptional service, this venue is highly rated by couples and wedding professionals alike.

How Does a Wedding at a Resort Work?

All-inclusive resorts like UNICO 20°87° simplify wedding planning by bundling multiple services under one package. This approach is highly beneficial for destination weddings because it eliminates the stress of coordinating numerous vendors from afar.

What’s Included in an All-Inclusive Wedding?

• Accommodations: You and your guests will stay on-site, with the resort offering discounted room rates for your wedding group. This makes logistics easier, as your guests won’t need to worry about transportation between venues.
• Food and Beverage: Most packages include gourmet dining for your wedding reception. The resort’s chefs are highly regarded, and you can expect menus that feature local ingredients and creative presentations. Open bar options are typically included, with premium liquor selections available as part of an upgraded package.
• Ceremony and Reception Setup: Depending on your package, UNICO 20°87° will provide décor, flowers, seating, and lighting for both the ceremony and reception. Customizations are available to match your preferred style, whether it’s minimalist elegance or tropical chic.
• Pre-Wedding Events: Many couples take advantage of the resort’s all-inclusive nature to host multiple events, such as welcome cocktails, a rehearsal dinner, or a post-wedding brunch. These can all be arranged on-site, adding convenience to your itinerary.
• Spa and Beauty Services: Brides and their wedding parties can indulge in pre-wedding spa treatments, hair, and makeup services at the resort’s renowned wellness center. These services are typically booked in advance to ensure availability.
• Entertainment and Activities: Whether you want a live band, DJ, or traditional Mexican entertainment (like a mariachi band), the resort can coordinate entertainment for your event.

The goal of an all-inclusive resort wedding is to offer a one-stop-shop experience, making it easy for couples to enjoy their wedding weekend without worrying about logistics or last-minute details.

Best Months to Get Married: Weather and Climate

Cancun is blessed with warm, tropical weather year-round, but it’s important to understand the regional climate when planning your wedding to ensure optimal conditions for your big day.

Weather by Season:

• November to April: These months are part of the dry season and are the most popular time for weddings. You can expect sunny days, low humidity, and pleasant temperatures around 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). This is the peak tourist season, so booking early is essential to secure your preferred date and venue.
• May to October: This is Cancun’s rainy season, with occasional showers and increased humidity. Temperatures range from 80°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C), and while storms can happen, many couples still choose this time of year for their wedding due to discounted rates and fewer tourists. If you choose a date in the rainy season, be sure to plan for backup indoor venues or covered outdoor spaces.

Discuss the seasonal weather with your wedding planner to ensure that your ceremony and reception are scheduled during the best time of day to avoid extreme heat or sudden rain showers.

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

One of the common concerns for destination weddings is who bears the cost. Typically, the financial breakdown includes the couple covering the costs of the wedding itself, while guests are responsible for their travel and accommodations.

Cost Structure:

• Couple’s Expenses: You will cover the venue, food and beverage, décor, entertainment, and other aspects directly related to the wedding ceremony and reception. Depending on your budget, you may also choose to subsidize part of your guests’ accommodation or provide additional perks, such as group excursions.
• Guest Expenses: Guests are generally responsible for their own flights and accommodations. However, UNICO 20°87° offers group booking discounts, which can help reduce their costs. Some couples choose to book blocks of rooms for their guests or offer travel stipends for close family members.
• All-Inclusive Perks for Guests: Because the resort is all-inclusive, your guests will have access to unlimited food, drinks, and resort activities, turning your wedding into a vacation for everyone involved.

Be sure to clarify the financial expectations with your guests when sending out your invitations or save-the-dates. A dedicated wedding website can also help streamline communication and provide guests with information on booking accommodations, flights, and activities.

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

UNICO 20°87° is equipped to host weddings of all sizes, offering a range of venues that cater to intimate gatherings as well as large celebrations.

Guest Capacity:

• Outdoor Venues: The beachside ceremony setup or lush garden spaces can accommodate up to 250 guests for the ceremony and reception.
• Indoor Venues: The resort’s elegant ballroom and indoor spaces are perfect for larger, more formal weddings, comfortably seating up to 200 guests for dinner and dancing.

Guest Accommodations: The resort has 448 rooms, ranging from standard rooms to luxurious suites with swim-up access or private balconies. All rooms feature modern amenities, elegant décor, and stunning views of either the ocean or garden. For couples who want to offer their guests a truly indulgent experience, the resort provides special group rates and packages, ensuring everyone enjoys a relaxing vacation.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

One of the advantages of getting married at an all-inclusive resort like UNICO 20°87° is that all wedding-related events—from the ceremony to the reception and post-wedding brunch—can take place within the resort, making logistics simple and stress-free.

Ceremony Locations:

• Beachfront Ceremony: The beach provides an idyllic setting, with white sand underfoot and the turquoise Caribbean as your backdrop. Beach setups typically include a floral altar, a decorated aisle, and seating for your guests.
• Garden Ceremony: For couples who prefer more greenery, the resort’s garden venues offer a lush, tropical atmosphere. These locations are ideal for intimate ceremonies where you want to be surrounded by nature.
• Indoor Ceremony: For a more traditional or weather-proof option, the resort’s indoor spaces can be transformed into a ceremony venue with modern décor and lighting.

Reception Locations:

• Beachside Reception: Keep the celebration outdoors with a beachside reception featuring twinkling lights, lanterns, and an open-air dance floor. Many couples opt for live entertainment like a mariachi band or DJ to keep the party going under the stars.
• Ballroom Reception: For a more formal or grandiose reception, the resort’s ballroom offers a stunning indoor venue with space for dining, dancing, and entertainment.

The resort’s wedding coordinators will manage all the logistics for you, including setting up the décor, handling the transition between the ceremony and reception, and ensuring that all guests are seated and comfortable.

What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?

When booking your wedding at UNICO 20°87°, the venue rental fee often includes many of the essentials needed to execute your wedding, making it easier to budget and plan.

Typical Inclusions:

• Venue Setup: Chairs, tables, linens, and basic décor are usually included in the rental fee. The resort provides elegant seating options and high-quality linens that match the aesthetic of your wedding.
• Flowers and Décor: Standard floral arrangements and basic altar décor are included, though additional customization is available for an extra fee.
• Audio-Visual Equipment: Microphones, speakers, and basic lighting are provided, ensuring that your ceremony and reception have the necessary sound and lighting equipment.
• Catering and Drinks: Depending on your chosen package, food and beverages for the reception (including open bar options) may also be part of the venue rental. You’ll work with the resort’s culinary team to design a menu that reflects your tastes.

To ensure that your budget covers all expected costs, work closely with your wedding coordinator to understand what’s included in the venue rental fee and where additional costs may apply.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

Since Cancun’s weather can be unpredictable, especially during the rainy season, it’s important to have a backup plan for your outdoor wedding ceremony. Fortunately, UNICO 20°87° has multiple indoor venues that can serve as a plan B in case of inclement weather.

Backup Options:

• Ballroom or Conference Spaces: These indoor spaces can be transformed into elegant wedding venues, offering air-conditioned comfort with plenty of room for your guests.
• Covered Outdoor Areas: If you prefer to stay outside but need protection from rain, the resort also offers semi-covered garden spaces or tent options that allow you to maintain the outdoor vibe while staying dry.

Your wedding planner will discuss these options with you during the planning process, ensuring that you have a contingency plan that suits your aesthetic preferences.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Understanding payment terms and cancellation policies is crucial when booking a destination wedding, especially since you’ll likely be coordinating from afar.

Payment Terms:

• A 30% deposit is typically required to reserve your wedding date and venue at UNICO 20°87°. The final balance is usually due 30 days before the wedding.
• Payments can usually be made in installments, allowing you to spread the cost over several months.

Cancellation Policies:

• If you cancel more than 90 days before the wedding, you may receive a partial refund, minus a non-refundable deposit.
• Cancellations made closer to the wedding date will likely incur higher penalties, with refunds becoming less likely the closer you get to the event.
• Some wedding packages offer flexibility in case of weather disruptions or emergencies, so it’s worth discussing these options with your wedding planner.

Consider purchasing wedding insurance to protect your investment in case of unforeseen circumstances such as extreme weather, illness, or family emergencies.

On-Site Wedding Coordination Services

One of the biggest advantages of booking a wedding at UNICO 20°87° is the resort’s comprehensive wedding coordination services. From the moment you reserve your date, you’ll be assigned a personal wedding coordinator who will guide you through the entire planning process.

What to Expect:

• Planning Support: Your coordinator will assist with everything from selecting your venue and menu to choosing décor, seating arrangements, and entertainment. They will also liaise with outside vendors if needed.
• Day-of Coordination: On your wedding day, the coordinator will manage all logistics, ensuring that your ceremony and reception go off without a hitch. They’ll handle everything from timing and guest seating to vendor arrivals and setup.
• Pre-Wedding Events: If you’re planning additional events, such as a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, or post-wedding brunch, the coordinator will organize these as well, ensuring a seamless flow of events throughout your wedding weekend.

Working with an experienced wedding coordinator is essential for destination weddings, as they’ll handle all the details and keep the planning process stress-free.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

Food is a central part of any wedding, and UNICO 20°87° offers a variety of options to accommodate all dietary preferences and restrictions. The resort’s culinary team is well-versed in creating custom menus that cater to special dietary needs.

Dietary Options:

• Vegan and Vegetarian Menus: The resort offers a range of plant-based menu options, from vegan hors d’oeuvres to fully vegan wedding dinners.
• Allergy-Friendly Meals: If you or your guests have food allergies (such as gluten or dairy), the resort will create special dishes to accommodate these restrictions.
• Cultural or Religious Requirements: If you have specific cultural or religious dietary requirements, such as kosher or halal meals, the resort can work with outside vendors to provide suitable catering.

You can schedule a menu tasting before the wedding to ensure that the food meets your expectations. The resort prides itself on providing high-quality, gourmet dining experiences.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

UNICO 20°87° allows a variety of entertainment options, including live bands, DJs, and local performers. However, as with many resorts, there are certain guidelines and restrictions in place to ensure a smooth experience.

Key Considerations:

• Noise Restrictions: Outdoor venues, such as beach or garden receptions, may have noise curfews in place to ensure that other guests at the resort are not disturbed. Typically, this means music must be lowered or stopped by 10:00 PM. Indoor venues often have more flexibility with noise levels and time limits.
• Entertainment Options: The resort can help you book a wide range of entertainment, including traditional Mexican musicians (such as mariachi bands), DJs, or live bands. They’ll ensure that all necessary audio-visual equipment is provided.

It’s essential to confirm any entertainment restrictions with your wedding coordinator, particularly if you plan to have a lively reception with dancing or late-night music.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Transportation and parking logistics are simplified for most destination weddings at all-inclusive resorts since most of your guests will stay on-site. However, for local guests or those staying at nearby hotels, transportation may need to be arranged.

Transportation Options:

• On-Site Guests: Your guests who are staying at the resort will be able to walk to the ceremony and reception venues, eliminating the need for additional transportation.
• Shuttle Services: For guests staying off-site, the resort can arrange shuttle services to and from nearby hotels, ensuring that everyone arrives on time and leaves safely after the reception.
• Valet Parking: For local guests or those who choose to drive, valet parking is available on-site, making it easy for guests to access the venue.

By coordinating guest transportation in advance, you’ll ensure that the event runs smoothly and that everyone can enjoy the festivities without worrying about logistics.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at the Resort

The total cost of a wedding at UNICO 20°87° will depend on several factors, including the size of the wedding, the package selected, and any customizations you add.

Cost Estimates:

• Venue Rental: Depending on the season and venue selected, expect to pay between $1,500 to $5,000 for the venue rental.
• Catering and Bar: Catering costs typically range from $100 to $200 per person, with premium open bar packages adding to the total.
• Décor and Flowers: Custom décor and floral arrangements can range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the complexity and style.
• Photography/Videography: A professional photography and videography package may cost between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the photographer’s experience and services included.
• Vendor Fees: If you choose to bring in outside vendors, such as photographers or florists, expect vendor fees of $500 to $1,000 per vendor.
• Additional Costs: Taxes, service charges, and gratuities can add another 15% to 20% to your total cost.

By working closely with your wedding planner and setting a clear budget, you can ensure that your wedding stays within your financial expectations while still creating an unforgettable experience.

Wedding Packages and What’s Included

UNICO 20°87° offers several wedding packages that are designed to accommodate a range of styles, guest counts, and budgets. Each package includes basic necessities for the ceremony and reception, but customizations are always available.

What’s Included in Most Packages:

• Ceremony Setup: Chairs, altar décor, and basic floral arrangements.
• Reception Setup: Tables, chairs, linens, and lighting for the reception.
• Catering and Bar: A set menu for the reception, with an open bar included. Additional courses or premium beverages can be added for an extra cost.
• Wedding Coordination: A dedicated wedding coordinator will help organize and manage the entire event, from planning to execution.
• Additional Perks: Some packages also include extras like bridal suite accommodations, couples’ spa treatments, or even a complimentary honeymoon stay for the newlyweds.

The flexibility of these packages means that you can create a wedding that reflects your personal style, whether you want a simple beach ceremony or a grand ballroom affair.

Discounts for Off-Peak or Weekday Weddings

Booking your wedding during the off-peak season or on a weekday can significantly reduce your costs at UNICO 20°87°.

Off-Peak Discounts:

• Weddings held between May and October often come with discounted rates due to the rainy season and lower tourist demand. The resort may offer discounted room rates, venue rental fees, and even lower catering costs during these months.
• Weekday Weddings (Monday through Thursday) also tend to be less expensive than weekend weddings. By choosing a weekday wedding, you may have more flexibility in terms of venue availability and can take advantage of special deals.

For couples looking to stretch their budget while still enjoying a luxurious experience, booking during off-peak times or weekdays can be an excellent strategy.

Do You Need a Wedding Photographer?

While UNICO 20°87° offers photography services as part of their wedding packages, many couples choose to hire an outside photographer to capture their big day. A professional wedding photographer who specializes in destination weddings will have the expertise and creativity to capture your wedding’s unique essence.

Why Hire a Professional Photographer?:

• Expertise: A professional photographer will know how to navigate the resort’s natural lighting and stunning backdrops to capture the best possible photos.
• Style: Each photographer has their own style, and hiring an outside photographer allows you to choose someone whose aesthetic matches your vision, whether that’s photojournalistic, fine art, or candid.
• Experience with Destination Weddings: Photographers experienced in destination weddings know how to handle the challenges of shooting in tropical climates, on the beach, and in various lighting conditions.

Be sure to discuss the resort’s vendor policies with your wedding planner, as some resorts charge a fee for bringing in outside photographers or other vendors.

Vendor Fees for Outsourced Services

If you plan to bring in any outside vendors, such as a photographer, florist, or DJ, UNICO 20°87° may charge a vendor fee. These fees typically range from $500 to $1,000 and cover the cost of allowing non-resort vendors to operate on-site.

What to Know About Vendor Fees:

• Vendor Approval: In most cases, the resort will need to approve your chosen vendors to ensure that they meet certain standards of quality and professionalism.
• Contractual Agreements: Be sure to review any contractual agreements with your vendors to understand their specific requirements for working at the resort.
• Fee Waivers: In some cases, the resort may waive vendor fees if you’re booking a large wedding package or hosting a multi-day event at the resort.

Discuss vendor fees early in the planning process so that you can account for them in your budget.

Planning the Perfect Cancun Resort Wedding

Planning your wedding at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya means combining the beauty of Cancun’s stunning beaches with the luxury of a world-class resort. With personalized wedding packages, a dedicated planning team, and top-notch amenities, UNICO 20°87° makes the process of planning your destination wedding as seamless as possible.

Whether you’re dreaming of a grand, elegant celebration or a more intimate beachfront ceremony, UNICO 20°87° offers everything you need to create a truly unforgettable wedding experience. With flexible packages, top-tier service, and endless customization options, your dream wedding in the Riviera Maya can easily become a reality.

My UNICO 20º87º Riviera Maya Photo Packages

Ready to preserve every unforgettable moment of your Cancun wedding? Explore my photography packages, designed to perfectly suit your preferences and budget. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a lavish celebration, I’ll be there to capture every detail of your love story with artistry and attention to detail. Take a look at my packages!

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