CAncun Wedding Hacks
How to Save Thousands on Your Cancun Destination Wedding!
Planning a wedding can be super stressful and expensive, especially if you dream of a stunning beach ceremony in Cancun. But guess what? You don't need a million dollars to make it happen! In this guide, we'll share some genius hacks to help you save big bucks while still having the most epic destination wedding ever. From picking the perfect date to choosing the best packages in all-inclusive resorts, we've got all the insider tips you need. Get ready to say "I do" without breaking the bank!
OohVow
"Saving on your wedding: Because 'I do' shouldn't mean 'I'm broke!'"
Cancun Destination Wedding Is actually cheaper than local US one
You might be surprised, but having your big day in Cancun can actually save you a ton of money compared to a traditional wedding in the U.S. And here’s why:
Cancun all-inclusive resorts offer wedding packages that cover everything—venue, food, drinks, and even a wedding planner. This can be way cheaper than paying for each thing separately back home.
Cancun’s beaches and resorts are so gorgeous, that you won’t need to spend a fortune on decorations. The ocean and palm trees are the perfect backdrop, saving you big on decor costs.
Why pay for a separate honeymoon when you’re already in paradise? Having your wedding and honeymoon in the same place saves you from booking another trip.
Plan your wedding during Cancun’s off-season, and you’ll score major discounts on everything from resort stays to flights. Less busy = less expensive.
Imagine Kayla and Joseph. They had their wedding in Cancun with 50 guests and it cost them about $12,000. Their friend’s wedding in California with 150 guests cost $50,000. Adding additional expenses for flights and accommodation they still saved $30,000+ and had an epic beach wedding!
In Cancun, you don’t need a bunch of extra events like rehearsal dinners or brunches. One awesome party is enough, saving you time and money.
Hiring local vendors for your wedding can lead to significant savings right from the start. Cancun, as one of the world's top wedding destinations, boasts numerous professional services that often come at a better price than those in the U.S. Local vendors have established relationships with venues and are familiar with the area's unique conditions and regulations, ensuring everything runs seamlessly. This local expertise not only helps you secure better deals but also guarantees a smoother planning process, allowing you to enjoy your special day without unnecessary stress.
So, if you want a stunning wedding without emptying your bank account, Cancun might be the perfect spot. Beautiful scenery, fewer costs, and an amazing experience—what’s not to love?
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While you're considering ways to save money, be sure to read our Destination Wedding Budget Planning Guide, where we break down costs for different destination wedding locations, offer helpful budgeting tips, and share ideas to plan the perfect destination wedding on a budget
Saving tips
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All-Inclusive Packages
Cancun resorts like Dreams Riviera Cancun or Sandos Cancun offer all-inclusive wedding packages. For example, you can get a package for around $5,000 that includes the ceremony, reception, food, drinks, and even a wedding coordinator. Compare this to the average U.S. wedding, where just the venue can cost $10,000 or more, and you’re already saving a ton.
Here is the list of a few resorts with recent prices for reference from cheapest to most expensive (please double check with the venues because they may update their prices)
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Majestic Elegance
Price: $1,750 for 60 guests | $3,550 for 80 guests
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Wyndham Alltra Cancun
Price: $4,650 for 20 guests | $7,500 for 50 guests | $10,350 for 80 guests
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Planet Hollywood Cancun
Price: $4,199 for 30 guests | $5,799 for 50 guests | $8,199 for 80 guests
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Dreams Vista Cancun
Price: $9,899 – $11,499 for 79 guests
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Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres
Price: $6,000 for 20 guests
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Iberostar Selection Cancun
Price: $5,806 for 32 guests | $6,940 for 50 guests | $8,830 for 80 guests
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Hyatt Ziva Cancun
Price: $5,569 for 20 guests | $8,869 for 50 guests | $12,169 for 80 guests
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Sandos Cancun
Price: $5,750 for 30 guests | $7,530 for 50 guests | $10,200 for 80 guests
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Secrets Playa Mujeres
Price: $9,499 for 50 – 79 guests
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Grand Fiesta Americana Condesa
Price: $8,032 for 50 guests | $10,732 for 100 guests
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Group Discounts
If your guests are staying at the same resort, ask about group rates. Many resorts offer discounts or added amenities for booking a block of rooms.
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Smaller Guest Lists
Not everyone can make the trip to Cancun, which means your guest list will naturally be smaller. A typical U.S. wedding has around 130 guests, costing about $33,000. With a smaller guest list in Cancun, let’s say 50 guests, your costs drop dramatically. Plus, many resorts offer discounts for booking a certain number of rooms, further lowering your expenses.
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Natural Decor
In Cancun, the beach is your backdrop. No need to spend thousands on decorations when you’ve got the ocean and palm trees doing the job for free. In the U.S., wedding decor can easily run up to $5,000 or more. In Cancun, you can skip most of that expense.
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Combined Honeymoon
Getting married in Cancun means you don’t have to pay for a separate honeymoon. The average U.S. couple spends about $5,000 on their honeymoon. But if you’re already in a paradise like Cancun, you can roll your honeymoon into your wedding trip, saving you that extra cash.
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Off-Season Discounts
Booking your wedding during Cancun’s off-season can save you big bucks. Resorts drop their prices significantly. For example, an all-inclusive resort might charge $300 per night in peak season but drop to $150 per night in the off-season. Multiply that by the number of nights and rooms, and you’ve saved thousands.​
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Fewer Extra Events
In the U.S., you might have a rehearsal dinner, brunches, and other pre-wedding events, adding thousands to your budget. In Cancun, you can simplify. One big party, fewer extra events, less money spent. Simple and fun!
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Book Early
Popular resorts and vendors get booked quickly, especially during peak seasons. To get the best rates and availability, start planning and booking as early as possible.
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Legal vs. Symbolic Ceremonies
Legal ceremonies in Mexico require a few extra steps and additional expenses. Many couples opt for a symbolic ceremony in Cancun and handle the legalities at home.​
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Travel Agent Perks
Working with a travel agent can get you extra perks and discounts. They can also help coordinate travel arrangements for your guests, making the process smoother for everyone.
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Local Cuisine
Incorporate local flavors into your wedding menu. Mexican cuisine is diverse and delicious, and your guests will appreciate the authentic experience.
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Explore Beyond the Beach
Cancun offers more than just beautiful beaches. Consider planning activities for your guests such as visiting Mayan ruins, snorkeling in cenotes, or taking a boat trip to Isla Mujeres.
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Budget for Extras
While all-inclusive packages cover a lot, there are often extras you might want to budget for, such as excursions, spa treatments, and off-resort dining.
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Hire a Local Wedding Planner
A local wedding planner knows the ins and outs of Cancun. They can help you navigate local customs, and ensure that everything runs smoothly on your big day.
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Hire a Local Photographer and Videographer
Local vendors are familiar with the venues, lighting conditions, and regulations, which means smoother operations and fewer logistical hiccups. Plus, you avoid the added expenses of travel and accommodation for an out-of-town team. Learn more about how to make the right choice by reading our guide on How to Choose the Perfect Cancun Wedding Videographer. Additionally, explore the Benefits of Hiring a Local Cancun Wedding Photographer to see how local expertise can enhance your wedding experience while keeping costs down.
And if you’re in the midst of planning your destination wedding and are still looking for a professional photographer or videographer in Cancun, we are here to help. We'll make sure you keep the best memories from your wedding day. Reach out to us to ensure every precious moment is beautifully documented.
