Getting Married at Generations Riviera Maya: ULTIMATE GUIDE

Searching for a luxurious, family-friendly destination wedding experience where every generation feels pampered? Discover Generations Riviera Maya by Karisma, a premier Gourmet Inclusive® resort offering spacious all-suite, all-butler accommodations perfect for multi-generational wedding groups.

Nestled on a beautiful beach south of Cancun, Generations Riviera Maya is renowned for its exceptional food and beverage program, personalized butler service, and fantastic amenities for all ages, including the Eko Kids Club. Wedding venues are designed to impress, featuring options like a stunning pier extending over the turquoise water, elegant Sky Terrace locations with panoramic ocean views, beachfront settings, and access to a charming chapel (shared with adjacent sister resorts El Dorado Royale & Casitas). This resort masterfully blends family fun with high-end luxury.

Weddings here are part of the Karisma Gourmet Inclusive® Wedding Events, offering customizable packages focused on quality and experience. Costs reflect the luxury, all-butler service, and gourmet offerings, typically ranging from $18,000 to $50,000+ USD for a 50-guest wedding, varying based on package selection, venue choices (pier and Sky Terrace often premium), guest count, and desired enhancements. With dedicated wedding designers and a commitment to exceptional service, Generations Riviera Maya promises a sophisticated and memorable celebration for the whole family.

Capture the elegance of your Playa del Carmen wedding in stunning photos. Check out the finest Playa del Carmen wedding photos to help inspire your celebration.

Index

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?
How Does a Wedding at Generations Work?
Best Months to Get Married
The Basics of Wedding Packages
Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?
Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations
Ceremony and Reception Logistics
What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?
Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies
Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies
On-Site Wedding Coordination & Planning
Dietary and Menu Restrictions
Music and Entertainment Restrictions
Parking and Guest Logistics
Total Cost Breakdown
Splurge vs. Save
Wedding Packages & Inclusions
Activities for Other Days
Three Practical Tips for Brides
Two Bride Reviews
My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

Generations Riviera Maya is the perfect choice if you’re planning a multi-generational destination wedding and prioritize luxury, exceptional food, and activities for all ages. If having kids and grandparents feel just as welcomed and pampered as the adults is important, this resort excels. Its all-suite, all-butler setup provides comfort, while the Gourmet Inclusive® concept ensures a high-quality culinary experience. Ideal for families seeking a sophisticated yet fun environment.

The resort’s key draws are its family-friendly luxury, Gourmet Inclusive® dining, spacious suites with butler service, unique venues like the pier and Sky Terraces, and the Eko Kids Club.

How Does a Wedding at Generations Work?

Weddings at Generations Riviera Maya fall under the Karisma Gourmet Inclusive® Wedding Events umbrella. Couples work with a dedicated Signature Wedding Designer™ provided by the resort. The process involves selecting a base package or collection (often offering complimentary options based on group room bookings) and then customizing it with décor, specific venues, entertainment, and culinary upgrades. Karisma emphasizes personalization and high-quality inclusions. Planning focuses on choosing venues (beach, pier, Sky Terrace, chapel), designing the menu, coordinating guest accommodations (all suites), and selecting desired enhancements.

Best Months to Get Married

The Riviera Maya enjoys warm weather throughout the year. Similar to other coastal resorts, the most desirable months for a wedding at Generations Riviera Maya are generally from late November to April. This period offers the most pleasant combination of sunshine, comfortable temperatures, and lower chances of rain, ideal for enjoying the resort’s beautiful beach, pools, and stunning outdoor wedding venues like the pier and Sky Terrace.

The Basics of Wedding Packages

Karisma’s wedding packages at Generations are designed around the Gourmet Inclusive® experience and often offer flexibility:

Ceremony: Includes venue (beach, possibly pier/sky deck depending on package), setup with decor options, officiant (symbolic standard), sound system.

Cocktail Hour/Reception: Packages vary. Some might include a semi-private dinner or cocktail hour. Higher tiers or customizations lead to private events with personalized menus, open bar options featuring premium brands, and cake.

Wedding Designer: Dedicated Karisma Signature Wedding Designer™ included.

Gourmet Focus: Emphasis on high-quality food and beverage options, often with sophisticated menu choices.

Complimentary Options: Karisma frequently offers complimentary wedding packages based on a certain number of room nights booked by the group.

Perks: Potential for suite upgrades, spa credits, romantic dinners, breakfast in bed, depending on package and group size.

Understanding the requirements for complimentary packages versus the costs of à la carte or premium collections is key.

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

Okay, so you’re wondering who usually foots the bill for a beautiful destination wedding, especially at a place like the family-friendly, gourmet-inclusive Generations Riviera Maya? Let’s break it down:

Typically, you, the happy couple, would be the ones covering the cost of the actual wedding package you choose. This also includes any fun customizations or upgrades you want to add that aren’t already part of the package, unless, of course, you qualify for one of their complimentary deals – definitely something to look into!

Now, for your wonderful guests – friends, family, even the little ones – they generally handle their own travel arrangements, like flights, and pay for their all-suite stay at the resort. Since it’s a Gourmet Inclusive® place, their room cost covers a lot! Setting up a room block is a great idea; it helps manage everyone’s reservations and can sometimes even contribute towards meeting the requirements for your wedding package.

Then you have all those lovely optional extras. Things like spa treatments for a bit of pampering, exciting excursions off the resort, or maybe a special private dinner experience – those are usually paid for individually by whoever decides to partake.

And yes, even though it’s a destination wedding, having a gift registry is still perfectly standard practice! It just helps guide guests who want to give you something special.

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

Generations Riviera Maya offers stunning venues suitable for various wedding sizes:

Oceanfront Pier: A signature venue offering a dramatic ceremony or cocktail setting over the water (capacity might be around 80-100, verify).

Sky Terrace: Rooftop locations providing panoramic ocean views, ideal for ceremonies, cocktails, or receptions (capacity varies, potentially 50-150+).

Beach Locations: Classic sandy spots for ceremonies or receptions.

Chapel: Access to a beautiful beachfront chapel (often shared with El Dorado Royale/Casitas) for religious ceremonies.

Ballrooms/Indoor Spaces: Available for larger receptions or as weather backups.

Accommodations: The resort exclusively features spacious oceanfront suites, ranging from standard suites to larger options perfect for families, all with balconies and butler service. This ensures comfort for all guests, regardless of age.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

The resort layout allows for beautiful event transitions:

Ceremony: Popular choices include the Pier, Sky Terrace, beach, or the nearby Chapel.

Cocktail Hour: Can be held on a different section of the Sky Terrace, a poolside deck, a designated beach area, or potentially near the pier entrance.

Reception: Continue the celebration on the Sky Terrace under the stars, set up an elegant dinner on the beach, or move indoors to a well-appointed ballroom.

Staff are experienced in coordinating movements between locations, often utilizing golf carts if needed, especially for access to the shared chapel.

What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?

Venue fees at Generations are typically integrated into the Karisma wedding package or collection cost. There usually isn’t a separate rental fee for standard locations within the package, but premium venues (like the Pier or Sky Terrace) often incur additional fees or require booking higher-tier packages.

The package price generally covers:

Use of chosen venue(s) for the specified time.

Standard setup: Chairs, linens, package-specific decor elements.

Included Gourmet Inclusive: As per the package (toast, cake, appetizers, dinner components, bar level).

Staffing: Signature Wedding Designer™, banquet staff, butlers (for room service).

Significant costs arise from elaborate custom decor, floral installations, upgraded entertainment, premium menu selections, and extended event hours beyond the package.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

Generations Riviera Maya utilizes its indoor ballrooms and potentially covered terrace areas or restaurant spaces as backups for outdoor events in case of inclement weather. Your Signature Wedding Designer™ will confirm the designated backup location based on your event size and specific outdoor venue choice.

Pro tip: Karisma resorts often have well-decorated indoor spaces, but discuss decor options if you need to pivot indoors to ensure it matches your vision.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking a Karisma wedding at Generations typically follows this structure:

Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit secures the date and chosen wedding collection/package.

Payment Schedule: Contracts detail subsequent payments, often linked to planning deadlines (e.g., 90 days out, 60 days out).

Final Payment: The final balance based on guaranteed guest counts and confirmed services is usually due 30-45 days prior to the event.

Room Block Importance: Meeting room block requirements might be tied to eligibility for complimentary packages or specific perks.

Cancellation Policy: Karisma contracts specify non-refundable amounts and cancellation penalties based on the timing. Review carefully.

On-Site Wedding Coordination & Planning Services

Karisma provides Signature Wedding Designers™:

Expert Guidance: They are experts in Karisma’s offerings, packages, venues, and the Gourmet Inclusive® concept.

Personalization Focus: They work with couples to customize packages, select decor from Karisma’s collections or approved vendors, and tailor menus.

Logistics Management: Handle all on-site coordination with resort departments (culinary, operations, butlers) and oversee the wedding day execution.

Vendor Network: Liaise with approved external vendors for specialized services.

They are key to navigating the Karisma wedding planning process.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

As a Gourmet Inclusive® resort, Generations Riviera Maya places a high emphasis on culinary excellence and is generally very accommodating:

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, nut allergies, kosher-style, and other common dietary needs can typically be handled effectively with advance notice.

Provide a detailed list of all requirements to your Wedding Designer well in advance to ensure the culinary team can prepare accordingly for private wedding events.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

Generations Riviera Maya accommodates various entertainment options suitable for its luxurious family atmosphere:

DJs & Live Music: DJs, soloists, mariachi bands, or other live music acts are common.

Noise Curfew: Outdoor amplified music (Sky Terrace, beach, pier) will likely have a curfew, typically around 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. Indoor ballroom events can usually go later.

Family Considerations: Entertainment choices might need to appeal to a wider age range if many children are present.

Vendor Approval: External vendors require approval from Karisma and must adhere to resort policies.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Located south of Cancun, closer to the Playa del Carmen area:

Airport Transfers: Approximately 30-40 minutes from Cancun International Airport (CUN). Guests need to arrange transfers (shuttles/private transport recommended).

Parking: Parking is typically available on-site for guests arriving by car.

Resort Navigation: While luxurious, the resort layout is manageable. Golf carts may assist with transport to specific venues like the shared chapel. Communication about event locations and timings is helpful for guests.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Generations Riviera Maya

For an estimated wedding of 50 guests (mix of adults and children):

Wedding Package/Collection & Reception: $15,000 – $40,000+ USD (Depends heavily on whether qualifying for complimentary elements, chosen venue premiums like Pier/Sky Terrace, and included Gourmet Inclusive® F&B).

Upgrades & Customization: $4,000 – $20,000+ USD (Common for premium décor/florals, enhanced menus/bar, specific entertainment, custom lighting).

Photography/Videography: $4,500 – $9,000+ USD (External vendors often chosen).

Taxes & Service Charges: Expect 16% VAT + ~15% service charge on wedding services – verify current rates with Karisma.

Total estimated cost often ranges from $22,000 – $60,000+ USD, reflecting the all-suite, all-butler, Gourmet Inclusive® luxury standard.

Splurge vs. Save

Save: Aim to meet room night requirements for a complimentary package, choose standard beach or garden venues over premium ones, utilize included décor options, and host the reception in a ballroom instead of a premium outdoor location.

Splurge: Book the Pier for the ceremony and Sky Terrace for the reception, select top-tier Gourmet Inclusive® menus and premium bar service, invest heavily in custom floral design and lighting, arrange private family activities, ensure all guests have premium suites.

Wedding Packages and What’s Included

Karisma Gourmet Inclusive® Wedding Collections at Generations typically offer:

Ceremony: Venue, setup (chairs, altar/structure options), symbolic officiant, sound system.

Reception Elements: Varies; might include semi-private dinner, cocktail hour, or credits. Private events are customizable. Cake & sparkling wine toast standard.

Wedding Designer: Included.

Gourmet Focus: High-quality food and beverage inclusions.

Potential Perks: Depending on package/group size: Suite upgrade, spa credits, romantic dinner on the beach, butler-drawn bath, breakfast in bed.

Complimentary Package: Often available by meeting a minimum number of paid room nights within the group block (details vary).

Pro tip: Discuss the Gourmet Inclusive® concept with your designer to fully understand the standard beverage and dining options versus potential upgrades for your private events.

Activities for Other Days

Okay, let’s talk about what Generations Riviera Maya has to offer – it sounds like a place with tons to do for everyone!

Imagine spending your days splashing around in the large main pool, or if you’ve got little ones, they’ll have a blast in their own dedicated kids’ pool area. Of course, just relaxing on the beautiful beach is always a fantastic option too.

For the kids aged 4 to 12, there’s the Eko Kids Club, which provides supervised activities so they can have fun while parents get a bit of downtime. And when it comes to food, get ready to indulge! The resort boasts various high-quality, gourmet restaurants right on-site, making dining an experience in itself.

To make your stay even more effortless, you can take advantage of the personalized butler service – they can help you get set up perfectly for lounging by the pool or beach, assist with room requests, and more.

If you’re feeling a bit more active, you might find yourself kayaking or paddleboarding on the water; it’s always a good idea to check the availability for these water sports. Plus, the resort often schedules other fun things like cooking classes or tequila tastings.

A potential bonus for adult guests (18 and older) is that you might get access to the amenities and restaurants over at the adjacent sister resorts, El Dorado Royale and Casitas – definitely something to verify based on their current policies.

And if you feel like exploring off-resort, you’re conveniently located near popular spots like Maroma Beach, the lively town of Playa del Carmen, and amazing eco-parks such as Xcaret or Xel-Há. It really seems like there’s something to keep everyone happy and entertained!

Three Practical Tips for Brides

Leverage the Butler Service: Encourage guests (especially those with families) to utilize the butler service for requests – it enhances the luxury experience and convenience.

Communicate Adult/Family Zones: If utilizing access to El Dorado Royale/Casitas, clearly communicate which areas are adults-only versus family-friendly to avoid confusion.

Plan for All Ages: Consider incorporating activities or welcome amenities that appeal to both children and adults attending your wedding week.

Two Bride Reviews

“Generations Riviera Maya was the absolute PERFECT place for our family-focused wedding! The suites were huge and luxurious, the food was incredible (truly gourmet!), and the kids had a blast at the Eko Club. Our ceremony on the pier was breathtaking. Worth every penny for the service and experience.” – Amanda L. 

“We chose Generations because we had guests from age 2 to 82, and everyone loved it. The butler service was amazing, the Sky Terrace reception had stunning views, and having access to El Dorado for the adults was a great bonus. The Karisma wedding team handled everything beautifully. Highly recommend for a high-end family wedding.” – David Chen 

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro

Now, let’s talk about Generations Riviera Maya for weddings, because it really has this special vibe. What stands out is how it blends being super luxurious with being incredibly family-friendly. It’s not something you see everywhere, and visually, it creates this lovely backdrop for weddings that are all about bringing different generations together and celebrating those connections.

From a photography perspective, you’ve got some absolute showstoppers. That iconic Pier stretching out over the water? It’s perfect for dramatic shots, especially with a sunset painting the sky. The same goes for their elegant Sky Terraces – imagine saying “I do” or having cocktails up there with those views! Beyond those highlights, the resort itself offers a lot of variety: sleek, modern architecture, sprawling pools that look amazing in photos, and a beautifully kept beachfront. You won’t run out of different spots for pictures.

And something else they’re known for is their gourmet food. This is great for photos too, because the dishes aren’t just delicious, they’re presented beautifully, adding a real touch of visual richness to your reception coverage.

Capturing the essence of a wedding here means showing both sides of the coin: the sophisticated atmosphere where adults are relaxing and enjoying themselves, right alongside the genuine fun and energy of kids and family members. It’s about telling that complete story. Plus, since it’s an all-suite resort, you know everyone will have comfortable, spacious rooms for those important getting-ready photos.

Sure, managing big group photos with guests of all ages always takes a bit of skill, no matter where you are. But the beauty of Generations Riviera Maya is that its luxurious setting naturally elevates everything. So, when you look back at your wedding gallery, it feels really upscale and polished, yet still wonderfully warm, vibrant, and full of life.