Tropical islands, hidden paradises, rejuvenating sun rays, crystal clear turquoise waters, majestic, lush jungle and breezy coastal seasides are on your list for your wedding destination. Look no further than the Caribbean Island of Cozumel. Situated on the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Cozumel also offers some of the most romantic settings imaginable.
Mexico is lucky enough to lay claim to the exotic island, which is off the coast of Playa del Carmen, a notorious play center for the rich and famous. It's also a fantastic location for your bachelor and bachelorette parties. These kinds of events are intended as a last chance to let loose with friends, before the ball and chain is attached.
Even if you have been there and done that, Wedding Vow Renewals is the latest craze. Why not tie the knot again? Seems to be the perfect excuse for a vacation and will differently make the heart grow fonder. Celebrate that love that just keeps on shining, defining your relationship in a moment you will never forget.
Budgeting a luxurious wedding
The determination to have your wedding overseas is easy to market to yourself. The lure that attracts many is that even after flights and travel expenses are budgeted for, it's considerably cheaper than getting married in Europe, England, or the USA.
It's still possible to blow the budget with a luxurious, extravagant wedding in a sun-kissed country on the Caribbean Sea, but it will be the wedding of your dreams that would never have been possible in your home country. $20,000 is normal in the USA, with the UK coming in at a cool £18,000. Investigate what the average wedding costs are in Mexico. Typically, they can set you back $5000 USD for an all-inclusive resort for 30 guests. Adding another 100 family and friends can increase the price up to $15,000 USD.
Questions to think about while planning: is it low or peak season? Prices will be cheaper in low season, but it also increases your chances of a heat wave or a hurricane raging to damper your parade. It's also important to note, are you planning on covering your guests' flights and accommodation? Are you entertaining for the day or is it a weekend affair? Maybe even a week-long liaison?
Before booking anything, think about direct flights to the island from the USA to make everything easy, but don't worry about transport to the venue. In Cozumel, everything is a short car ride away.
Marriage ceremony under local law
In Mexico your 4 witnesses and the happy couple must be in the country at least 3 working days before the ceremony. You all must have a valid passport as well as tourist visas or residence permits. You also need to request a marriage permit from Mexican Immigration Authorities. In Quintana Roo where you will be getting married on the beach, a standard blood test is required to be done in Mexico. It determines blood type, HIV and STDs.
If this all seems too much for you, do the paperwork in your country and just do the ceremony here in Cozumel.
The ancient Mayan legend of love
The Mayans, back in 300 AD, made Cozumel the home to the goddess of fertility, Ixchel. Couples from the Mayan civilization would make the pilgrimage to San Gervasio, the Mayan ruins in the interior of the island, from the mainland to bless their marriages. These rituals were important for purification and would last 3 days. Families would be united and, finally, the wedding would be consummated.
Today, a Mayan wedding represents a sacred union that celebrates the bond between two lovers, their families, and the natural world. These ancient customs rooted in symbolism are a unique way for the bride and groom to celebrate their love. The belief that marriage is a spiritual journey and the sacred fire where the couples exchange vows represent the energy and warmth of love. Rituals like offering flowers and sharing of gifts are to deepen the connection between the couple and their ancestors.
Incorporate Mexican culture into your wedding
A Mexican wedding tradition will have two family members lasso the happy couple with a silk cord or large rosary beads, during the wedding ceremony prayer and it is kept for eternity.
Don't forget the cake, the tall multilayered cakes of the west are not the norm here. Mexico has a slightly different feel, often smaller and more varied, the most common is a rum-soaked fruitcake.
A wedding in Mexico isn't complete without a live mariachi band, from religious songs to your favorite serenade from Vicente Fernández. Make sure you secure your mariachi band early in the planning process, this is so critical.
The party doesn't stop in Mexico after the reception, it is customary to continue the celebration with close family and friends in an afterparty called ‘La tornaboda’.
Forget the wedding singer, what about the wedding photographer???
Every wedding photo on the island is going to be incredible, with the backdrop of sunsets and ocean waves. How could you go wrong? But how about the WOW factor?
It's possible to get some wedding shots no one else can recreate. The art of photography has been taken to a new level, with marine photographers using specialized waterproof equipment, so they can dive to take pictures of incredible beauty while under the sea.
Osiel Camelo, a native of the island, has been creating these kinds of masterpieces for 10 years. When he's not videoing underwater for the latest Netflix series, you can find him diving off snorkeling boats or capturing supermodels on film swimming with turtles in the picturesque Caribbean Sea.
He gives a unique service from what others are offering. Extending his skills to capturing your union is easy, via whatsApp +52 987 116 2757. Some of his work seems to defy reason, you will be compelled to show his photos of your wedding to your friends and family and even work colleagues. Do your research early, put together useful information with plenty of time to make arrangements.
Mexican Wedding Excursions
Enhance your wedding experience by charting your own private launch with a captain and crew. You dictate how long and what incredible places in Mesoamerican reef destinations you want to go. Drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a bathroom are available on board. This is the perfect opportunity to capture your underwater photo session together. Why not invite your family and friends to El Cielo, the famous shallow white sandbank laced with heavenly crystal clear water complete with starfish and stingrays.
Maybe you want to make a pilgrimage to San Gervasio, the Mayan ruins in the interior of the island. You can tailor a private island tour for all your guests to travel with you by taking the opportunity to learn more about the country’s ancient history. Including some beach photo opportunities and maybe even beach bar stops. If the mother-in-law gets too much, you can always detour to feed the fierce crocodiles in their natural environment at Cozumel Punta Sur Park. If you need time for yourself and feeding your in-laws, the crocs aren’t an option. I recommend you send them off to a Dance and salsa workshop or a Cuban cigar-making masterclass. Good times are had by all and you benefit the most.
Ultimately, the more information you can tell your family and friends the fewer questions they ask. When asking guests to travel overseas, it's helpful to be fully prepared and assume the role of travel guide.
By Santana Warner
