Mérida and Yucatán with its majestic, century-old haciendas and beaches on the Gulf of Mexico have become the setting for many a destination wedding for both foreigners and couples from other parts of Mexico. Being near the magical, energizing pyramids of Chichén Itzá is another option that brides and grooms like.
Properly planned, a destination wedding will not only save you upwards of $20,000 off the cost of a traditional wedding in the US or Canada, but also turn your wedding day into an unforgettable mini-vacation for you and your guests. And what better place for a vacation than Yucatán - the land of the Maya!
Destination weddings are usually smaller than what you might have at home. A typical destination wedding has between 20 and 120 guests. A destination wedding in Yucatán can have either a traditional religious wedding theme or a Mexican or Yucatecan theme with the bride and groom dressed in Maya wedding attire - white or full colored terno for the bride, and white linen shirt and pants for the groom, with Yucatecan cuisine for the menu, Mexican décor and Mexican music with mariachis, trios, marimba, or salsa bands. There is also the Maya wedding where a Xaman performs the spiritual Maya ceremony. This particular ceremony is not legally binding.
The various haciendas in and near Mérida for wonderful settings include: Hacienda Teya, Hacienda Xcanatun, Hacienda Tekit de Regil, San José Cholul, Ochil, Temozon, San Antonio Cucul, and Chi-Chi Suarez. The Quinta Montes Molina mansion on the majestic Paseo Montejo is another desired location. The beaches of Celestún and Telchac Puerto are options for those who dream of a sunset wedding on the beach. You will find different budgets at each of these sites.
Hacienda Sac Chich is an ideal venue for weddings and events of 150 or less, combining the colonial charm of a historic sisal hacienda and the award wining modern architecture of Casa Sisal.
When planning your destination wedding, it is wise to start planning eight to 12 months in advance, and plan a site visit six months before. A destination wedding has two parts - the wedding part and the vacation part. The vacation part offers excursions and day trips for the bride and groom and their guests. There are lots of options here!
For a destination wedding, the bride and groom can either pay everything for their guests -transportation to Mérida, hotels and excursions, or offer them detailed information and options for transportation to Mérida, hotels, and excursions, and let each guest pay their own way.
There is a lot of background work to do, but it sure pays off when you have a lovely wedding in a unique spot. For most couples, making sure their guests are properly taken care of and are able to find suitable accommodations, is just as important as taking care of their own plans. When guests are left to "fend for themselves" it is difficult to make sure they get plans that are convenient, affordable, and that they get to see all there is to see in this wonderful area. In Mérida we talked with a DMC (Destination Management Companies), Catherwood Travels, who has worked with local wedding planners who do all the details for the wedding, while the travel agency works on the hotel reservations, transportation, and plans a menu of excursions for all. Planning a wedding in Mérida and its surrounding areas is easy when you work with the locals who have experience planning the wedding of your dreams within your budget.
Here are 2 articles about weddings and honeymoons from the Mexico Tourism Board:
MEXICO MAKES MAGICAL MEMORIES FOR COUPLES
Destination Weddings Meet the Sensitive Needs of Today’s Couples
It’s hard enough in today’s hectic world to find that someone special, let alone plan and pay for a traditional wedding with all the trimmings. For those looking for something more than memorable on their special day, look no further than Mexico. The country counts on its gorgeous sun and beach destinations for weddings, but Mexico also offers experiences and settings that can’t be found anywhere else: colonial cities, historic haciendas, adventure spots, and a multitude of excellent service providers ready to meet a couple’s every expectation. The country’s exotic locales, accessibility, romantic atmosphere and favorable climate are only a few of the reasons why more and more couples are finding themselves marrying south of the border. Having decades of experience in the destination wedding industry, the country offers knowledgeable wedding specialists, creative event production and out-of-this-world culinary offerings. With a number of cultural, adventure and social activities, a wedding in Mexico is even the perfect excuse for a guilt-free mini-vacation! What truly sets Mexico apart as a prime wedding location is the great attention to detail placed on weddings. This is primarily due to the importance of marriage in Mexican culture, which ensures that every wedding in Mexico is only of the highest quality. So come on down and enjoy the hospitality of the Mexican people who will receive you with open arms, set the table and help you celebrate the biggest day of your life!
LOVE IS IN THE AIR FOR HONEYMOONERS IN MEXICO
With decades of experience in the honeymoon department, Mexico is a prime destination for newlyweds
While most honeymooners head south for Mexico’s perfect beaches and pristine waters, that’s not all there is to see and do. With decades of experience in wedding and honeymoon planning, Mexico wants to woo the world as its new capital of romance! Exotic cities, luxurious spas, rich traditions, vibrant history, friendly locals and a multitude of bonding experiences, make the allure of Mexico hard to resist when it comes to L-O-V-E. And some of the world’s most popular celebrities are taking notice. Mexico has already had success in attracting several high-profile stars to its gorgeous locales for romantic honeymoon getaways. In fact, US Magazine declared Cabo San Lucas and Punta Mita as two of its “A-List Honeymoon Destinations,” for hosting couples such as actress Hilary Duff and hockey player beau Mike Comrie, as well as reality starlet Khloe Kardashian and L.A. Laker hubby Lamar Odom. It’s no surprise that Mexico was the only destination mentioned twice on the list, because when it comes to honeymoons, romance and weddings, Mexico’s got skills. One of the secrets of a great honeymoon is moving beyond being entertained and engaging in those activities that let you work and play together. Because when it comes to romance, it’s more than just being together, it’s doing together. Learn a new skill together like cooking or dancing; have an adventure; live Mexican history; and then, after the day is over, relax at the spa. Mexico is your playground to reconnect, indulge and fall in love all over again. The list below has serious and professional companies that will help make your destination wedding special. They know everyone in the business, they know how things work here, they know what works and what doesn't, and they also want your day to be "superduper wow!"
Mexico Tourism Board
Bodas Destino Latinoamérica
www.facebook.com/BodasDestinoMexico
If you are a travel agent, this is a great resource for you: http://joindwhsa.com
Resources in Yucatán:
Bakú Eventos
Contacto: Angélica Espinosa y Cristina Arroyave
Email: angelica.espinosa@bakuevents.com y cristina.arroyave@bakuevents.com
Web: www.bakuevents.com
Hacienda Chichén (Chichén Itzá)
Contact: Belisa Barbachano
Email: belisa@hacindachichen.com
Website: www.haciendachichen.com
Email: hacienda@xcanatun.com
Website: www.xcanatun.com
Catherwood Travels
Email: reservations@catherwoodtravels.com
Website: www.catherwoodtravels.com
Website: www.laquintamm.com
Hacienda Teya:
Website: www.haciendateya.com
Haciendas Temozón, San José Cholul, Sta. Rosa:
Website: www.thehaciendas.com
Mayaland Resorts (Chichén Itzá y Uxmal):
Photography:
Liz Medina
Enrique Osorno
Eduardo Cervantes
www.eduardocervantes.com
Read more about Wedding Ceremonies in Yucatán:
- Mayan Wedding
- Incredible places for a Maya wedding in Yucatán
- Marriage Requirements in México
- Celebrate your Wedding in Yucatán!
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Author: Yucatán Today
Yucatán Today, the traveler's companion, has been covering Yucatán’s destinations, culture, gastronomy, and things to do for 36 years. Available in English and Spanish, it’s been featured in countless travel guides due to the quality of its content.
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