New and overwhelmed! Have a vision, need a Riviera Maya Resort Recommendation

I am finding this site informative but I am still overwhelmed!  We are looking at a July, 2012 beach wedding in/around Riviera Maya, MX.  This is a 2nd wedding for both of us and we have 4 kids between the two of us ages 13 to 5 that we want to be present.  So, it goes without saying that cost is an important factor but I don't want cheap either.  A family friendly all inclusive resort that has a great beach for a barefoot in the sand, simple but elegant ceremony.  We have some friends and family very interested in following us to share in our special day but some who have already expressed they will not go to Mexico.  We are going to Mexico for a friends wedding in November at NOW Sapphire so I can visit places but I don't want to be consumed with it on that trip either.....

I have found Dream Riviera Cancun and Barcelo Maya.   Welcoming more suggestions for that vision I am trying to accomplish!  Please help!   

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to this site!  Choosing a location was by far the hardest part of my wedding planning thus far.  It look us about a month to find the perfect location that has everything we wanted and fit the budget.  We started by writing down what was important to us (size of resort, family friendly, cost, location from airport, ammenities at resort, ect).  From there we really researched about 5 of the resorts more closely to get more info.  Then we went to a Travel agent who helped us narrow down our choices even further. 

Good luck with your decision. The dreams resorts are truly beautiful resorts. Our second choice, beside the resort we are getting married at in Jamaica, was Dreams Riviera Cancun!

As I continue to research the factors that are important to me are: a somewhat secluded wedding site so, as one bride put it, "I don't have some random guy in a speedo in my pics , a nice beach and swimmable portion for the kids, affordable for everyone but not a mega resort where we are all spread out, not too far from the airport.  We have photographers for family so I am reading some places won't allow outside people to take pics?  Who knew this would be SO difficult and that I would have trouble getting a travel agent to return my e-mail inquiry!! 

Congrats!!! Picking the place is definately the hardest part:) We narrowed it down to our top 3 that fit our criteria and then got quotes for all 3 from the travel agent. As price was important to us. We decided on the Now Jade resort as it was the best price and was small and intimate. Good Luck!!!!

I based my decision on resorts I have stayed at in the past and then made suggestions to my TA.  She came back with prices and available dates which helped me narrow my decision down.  I ended up choosing the Grand Sirenis b/c they do have a fairly private area for ceremonies and its family friendly.  On the downside its about an hour and a half from the airport.

Congrats and good luck. My good friend is getting married in Mexico in 2013, I will direct her to this thread for ideas!

Welcome and Congratulations!

Good luck finding the best resort for you and your family

Best

  Choosing your location is definitely the hardest part.  There are so many great resorts, though!!!  Good luck!!!  I know we looked at dreams and their resorts were in our top 3 for sure!

Congrats! I think everyone struggles with picking the perfect resort. I'm in the middle of it to and just had my sister tell me to just stop looking and pick one.

Congrats!!!  I'm still overwhelmed and dazed.  Hope you pick the perfect resort for you!