Ideas for offsite locations around RM/PDC?

[Sweetpea_Mtl]

Just got engaged in October so I've just recently started looking into DW locations and having been to the RM/PDC a few times I know I want to have it in this region.

 

However I'm not sure I'm sold on the AI commercial "feel" of most resorts for "our day" and would like to look into more private offsite locations for the ceremony & candlelight dinner such as Haciendas or ruins or historical church or something like that.

We plan on having somwhere between 50-70 guests.

Any ideas? Any local photographers here that might know of such venues?

[MarieSam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweetpea_Mtl Just got engaged in October so I've just recently started looking into DW locations and having been to the RM/PDC a few times I know I want to have it in this region. However I'm not sure I'm sold on the AI commercial "feel" of most resorts for "our day" and would like to look into more private offsite locations for the ceremony & candlelight dinner such as Haciendas or ruins or historical church or something like that. We plan on having somwhere between 50-70 guests. Any ideas? Any local photographers here that might know of such venues?

I got married at the CEA Center in Akumal, which is in between Playa and Tulum and one of the most beautiful little towns in the world!!! The place is completely private and requires a $500 donation to the town's ecological programs to use the venue.

Here's my initial post when I visited the place: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...ns-pics-31355/

We hired a videographer -- Playa Weddings -- to cover our Mayan wedding ceremony and reception. He created a 10-minute wedding movie that captures the essence and main events of our day and that can be viewed online.

You can watch it here: MarieSam & Tommy's Wedding Day Edit on Vimeo

We also have a few teaser pics posted online from our wedding photographer here: Mariesam + Tommy | wedding Stephanie Williams Photography Blog

I have tons more pro pics, but have yet to post them on here! The place is really perfect if you're searching for a non-resort alternative. We also had our Welcome Dinner/Mexican Fiesta at a nearby villa, Casa Romero, which was equally fantastic!

Having our wedding on Akumal Bay and our reception at the CEA Center was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding -- although are wedding as a whole was really perfect for us and we wouldn't have changed anything if we had to do it again!

If you have anymore questions, please feel free to ask!

[Guest iluckie]

Hi go to Tulum, Diamate or Esmeralda K hotel and you will have and private and ecological wedding... Regards!

[Destination Scout]

Not sure where you are staying. Al Cielo is a great location between Playa and Tulum. They only have 4 rooms but a huge restaurant on a very private beach shared only with Essencia.

Another option would be a beach restaurant in Tulum, there are several to choose from but the most accommodating might be Mil Amores, Posada Lamar, and Cesiak.

An option on the north side of Playa would be Le Reve, but that's iffier because they have 25 rooms. If you were only coming for the day it would really depend on what is going on in their hotel at that time.

 

Those are all beach options because I assumed that you were talking about the whole day: ceremony & reception. However, if you are just thinking of the reception there are a ton of options because you wouldn't necessarily need to be on the beach.

[lalanyc]

I was in the same boat - not wanting a wedding at an AI resort. My FI and I made a trip looking specifically for non-AI locations. Although we didn't choose any of these options below, they might work for you!

 

There is a location along the Riviera Maya called Secret Jewel which could easily accommodate a party of your size. It is on the beach and is very secluded (and is not affiliated with any resort).

 

Here is the link: Riviera Maya Weddings

 

The Omni in Puerto Aventuras is also a good option b/c they offer both AI and non-AI rates and could accommodate most of your party (it has only about 30 rooms). They also have great service and facilities.

 

Near the Omni in Puerto Aventuras there are several Hacienda type rentals that could potentially accommodate weddings. Guests could actually stay at the Omni and walk over to the Haciendas along the beach.

 

Here are links to some pics:

Photos Puerto Aventuras Resort Mexico Vacation Rental Listings From Puerto Rentals

Photos Puerto Aventuras Resort Mexico Vacation Rental Listings From Puerto Rentals

 

We met w/ Gina Vallarino, a wedding planner and manager of several large private properties in PA including those above. You can find her contact info here if you want more info. Weddings and Events Puerto Aventuras Mexico Vacation Rental Listings From Puerto Rentals She's very friendly!

 

Good luck!

[Sweetpea_Mtl]

So many great ideas! Thank you all so much!... I have a lot of research ahead of me...

[Guest iluckie]

I was thinking on Akumal CEA after reading this thread again, yes it is a very private place, Akumal is like a small city, Puerto Aventuras is alike Akumal but a litte bit more crowded, I would definlly go for Tulum.