It’s spring in North America, and that’s a time when many couples start walking down the aisle and tying the knot. Destination weddings are more popular than ever, and Mexico is one of the beneficiaries of this increased interest from the United States and Canada, thanks to its convenient location and postcard-perfect settings.
It’s no surprise that Cancun — the most-visited Mexico beach destination — is a top choice for weddings. In 2013, Cancun’s tourism office reported an increase of 15 to 20 percent in weddings compared to the year before. According to the Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau, 30 percent of all U.S. couples now choose to have their weddings in a foreign destination, and Mexico accounts for 24 percent of these foreign nuptials (about 25,000 annually), with Cancun hosting a variety of vow renewals, civil, religious and Mayan-themed weddings.
If you’re pondering a destination wedding this year or next, here are some interesting examples of how to do it in Cancun:
1. Choose Your Faith. Palace Resorts hosts interfaith, Catholic and Jewish wedding ceremonies. Recently, the resort chain also incorporated Indian weddings to their offerings. “The brand raised the bar in unique offerings for destination weddings by specializing in Indian weddings, available exclusively at Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort,” said Lucy Martinez Ramirez, Palace Resorts’ Corporate Weddings Director. “Palace Resorts flew in culinary consultants and trained resort chefs in preparing authentic Indian cuisine for these grand affairs. Since adding Indian weddings to the resort’s offerings, the property has already seen an increase of almost 10 percent year over year when compared to 2012.”
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2. Go For a Designer Touch. The all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Cancun offers a number of wedding packages created by renowned celebrity wedding designer Colin Cowie, which turn the bride and groom’s special day into a lavish, ultra-stylish affair. Packages include everything needed for a flawless wedding, as well as Colin Cowie’s expert touch in décor. Chic designs inspired by the beauty of Mexico are also available, including options like Elegant Ivory and El Sol as well as Metallic Dunes and Rocker Chic for a unique Hard Rock vibe.
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3. Do It With Dolphins. Dolphin Discovery, which invites guests to be a part of the unforgettable experience of swimming with dolphins, sea lions and manatees, also incorporates weddings into their water-based fun. With more couples looking for unique and one of a kind celebrations, Dolphin Discovery provides exceptional ways to celebrate nuptials and incorporate nature in every aspect of a wedding. Dolphin Discovery has had a 51 percent increase in weddings in 2013 compared to 2012, with 7,610 last year alone.
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4. Celebrate All Night. Mandala Beach Club — a festive venue that attracts sun worshippers and night owls as well — has seen an increase in weddings of 70 percent. Located in the heart of the hotel zone, the Beach Club’s great location and beautiful beach makes it an appealing choice. The club also allows guests to celebrate their nuptial until the sun rises, with no set protocol for closing, or set time limit for wedding receptions.
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5. Make It Mayan. The prevalence of Cancun’s Mayan culture makes Mayan-themed weddings popular alternatives for couples that prefer unconventional ceremonies with a mystical ambiance. In addition, the destination’s award-winning hotels, unique and convenient all-inclusive offerings, high-end products and top-notch amenities make wedding unions in Cancun unforgettable events for all types of couples. Most large hotels with on-site concierge and wedding planning departments can help organize the details. More info about Cancun hotels, as well as wedding and travel trips, are available on the Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau site.
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