Beach weddings: tips and the beautiful beaches for an unforgettable day

Beach weddings to exchange vows in the open air with the sound of the waves… Plan your seaside wedding with these tips and discover the best places for a dream event.

Beach or destination weddings are a trend. Until a few decades ago they were only for the very wealthy. Today they are more popular — and can even be much cheaper than a traditional wedding.

Mexico is a dream destination for beach weddings, with great benefits. One is its accessibility: there are airports in almost every coastal city. All destinations also have trained people to run this kind of event. And the climate and tourist attractions are incredible.

Do Mexicans still get married?

Although weddings have declined among Mexicans, many still choose this traditional union. Many foreigners also choose Mexico’s beautiful beaches to marry.

Huatulco, Cancún and Tulum are favourites. Many coastal cities offer personalised, all-inclusive beach-wedding packages.

According to INEGI, February and December are the most common months for a wedding. Prices vary with many factors, but are mostly affordable. Menu options, for example, start from 350 pesos per person. Some hotels and resorts offer all-inclusive plans with lodging for guests, quoted by accommodation type, service, hotel location and number of guests.

We recommend: Women’s swimwear trends 2020.

How do beach weddings work? 4 basic planning questions

Whether you marry in Yucatán or the Riviera Maya, beach weddings need some planning. From the dress code and shoes to the venue’s features, follow these tips and save yourself stress and time.

1. Public or private beach?

Since most beaches are publicly owned, anyone can marry on the sand. If you want privacy and seclusion, look for a private property or ask a resort to reserve an area of the beach for your event.

2. Do you need special permits?

Not all public beaches require a permit for a wedding. But some have rules on the number of guests, alcohol, fires and music hours. If you need a permit, consider the fees, the approval process and other important factors.

3. What will you do if the weather is bad?

Many beach weddings take place in hot climates, and some guests may feel uncomfortable in the stifling heat. Consider scheduling your ceremony for the morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest weather.

Also make sure the ceremony site has enough shade, especially if many children or older people will attend. And before booking, try to avoid the rainy-season months.

4. Is it accessible for guests?

The 600-metre walk to the altar by the ocean may sound dreamy, but can everyone make it? When choosing a site, keep all your guests in mind. Also make sure rentals such as chairs and tables can be delivered easily to the site.

You may be interested in: Beautiful sunsets on beaches near Mérida.

Keys to a successful beach wedding

Flowers? Will they survive the heat?

Because of the heat and humidity of tropical climates, some flowers won’t last more than three hours. Don’t worry — there are beach-wedding flowers that resist the most extreme climates without wilting, such as chrysanthemums, calla lilies and orchids. You can also skip flowers and decorate with fresh fruit, seashells or other elements.

Choose complementary décor

Careful: the sea breeze can ruin certain décor. Choose decorative elements that resist unexpected gusts and avoid anything light or fragile.

Think about where food will be stored

Nobody wants to eat cheese that’s been out in the heat for an hour. If the menu is a buffet, choose foods that can withstand high temperatures and avoid anything that melts or spoils easily. The same goes for the cake and drinks.

Prepare your guests

Make sure your guests know the wedding will be on the sand, so they can dress appropriately and be comfortable. Putting together a beach-wedding look is not the same as for a city hall. Remember to state the dress code on the invitation or your wedding website.

Weather

Tell your guests that beach-wedding clothing isn’t just a light dress. It’s fine to suggest a sweater, shawl or pashmina too. At night the temperature can drop a few degrees and feel quite cold.

Read: Temperature and weather in Yucatán all year round.

Alternatively, for a midday ceremony, provide cold drinks and paper fans so guests feel more comfortable.

Dress code

Beach weddings aren’t the best place for a formal gown. Instead, get beach wedding dresses made of light fabrics such as sheer silks and chiffons, which have a fluid, pleasant movement and look very elegant.

Shoes for a beach wedding? Some couples offer a shoe service where guests can swap their shoes for casual flip-flops. If you’re not comfortable in sandals or heels, why not go barefoot?

And of course, don’t forget sunglasses. Sunny days on the beach can be dazzling, so try to make sure your guests bring theirs.

Beach-wedding hairstyles

Loose hair may suit your free-spirit style, but if a strong breeze blows, you could be fighting strands in your face. Instead, choose a wedding hairstyle that keeps at least the front of your hair off your face. Simple arrangements on loose hair are also a great option.

Heatproof make-up

Leave make-up to the professionals — hire a make-up artist. Use waterproof products, as the high temperatures will make you sweat more than usual. Take all the time you need for the look you want, and do several trials throughout the day for a better result.

Other tips for your wedding

• Consider hiring a wedding planner. Investing in a wedding planner is a guarantee. Their experience and supplier connections will save you tons of time and money.
• Photos, video and music: invest in a good photographer and don’t leave music to chance. Music sets the party’s rhythm, so hire a good DJ.
• Always have a backup plan. Rain is common in tropical places, and wind can ruin an event. Mother Nature is unpredictable, so it’s best to always have a plan B for bad weather — think of a tent or an indoor shelter, if only for your peace of mind.
• Organise tourist activities for your guests, from a cocktail before the celebration to a tour of a tourist spot. In Mexico and Yucatán you can choose many activities to complement such a special event.

You may be interested in: Haciendas in Yucatán to stay in on a journey back in time.

The best places for a beach wedding in Yucatán

Progreso

Less than 40 kilometres from Mérida, Progreso combines modernity with nature. Beaches, cenotes, ecological reserves and spectacular landscapes are the perfect setting for a wedding. Several hotels and venues handle the whole event. Menu prices are around 300 pesos per person. Its hot, tropical temperature guarantees good weather all year.

Telchac Puerto

Near Progreso, Telchac Puerto is a very intimate, quiet beach. Just 6 kilometres away are the Xcambó archaeological ruins, a great backdrop for couple photos. Banquets are affordable from 250 pesos per person, and an event can be organised at any time of year.

Celestún

On the way to Campeche, almost at the border, is Celestún. Home to flamingos and great biodiversity, it has several places to organise a wedding. Menu cost is economical: from 250 pesos per person. From November to April you can see the hundreds of flamingos in the area.

Other beach destinations to marry in Mexico

Huatulco, Oaxaca

With more than a dozen beaches and wonderful bays, Huatulco is ideal for an intimate, natural beach wedding. The best time to schedule is from May. The average menu per person ranges from 350 to 1,300 pesos.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Guerrero

The calm waters of Ixtapa are the best in Guerrero. This little fishing town is surrounded by biodiversity. April–May or December–January are good times. Menu from 320 pesos per person, or wedding packages.

Cozumel, Quintana Roo

Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, this island is a paradise. February and April are good times to visit. Banquets per person from 200 pesos.

Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo

Another charming Mexican island. Small and cosy, a great place for a wedding — beautiful in spring. Several hotels and venues, with banquets from 250 pesos per person.

Holbox, Quintana Roo

This destination hasn’t yet felt mass tourism. A very good place for an informal wedding. Plan for April or September, when the weather is best. Menus between 500 and 800 pesos.

Tulum, Quintana Roo

Famous for beach weddings and surrounded by cenotes and lagoons, Tulum offers first-class infrastructure. October and December are excellent months. The average menu is around 400 pesos per person, and there are all-inclusive wedding packages.

Finally, if you’re ready to say “I do” and liked some of these destinations, remember that in Yucatán, if the beach has public access, you must request authorisation from the town hall. If you want photos at archaeological ruins, you must request the corresponding permit from INAH. Now, enjoy planning your memorable day.