Teri and Jeff had a Riviera Maya wedding in Akumal Mexico.
How to Have a Relaxed DIY Beach Wedding in Mexico (Aventuras Akumal)
Teri and Jeff planned a truly relaxing DIY destination beach wedding in Mexico by keeping things simple, intimate, and local. They chose a secluded beach in Aventuras Akumal and invited just 20 close friends and family. Below are their best tips for planning a memorable, low-stress DIY beach wedding in Mexico—without the cost and crowds of a big resort wedding.
Wedding planning tips from Teri and Jeff
Plan early and choose your style of destination wedding. Decide whether you want an all-inclusive resort wedding (easy, but often pricier and less intimate) or a more adventurous house rental wedding (more planning, but more personal). If possible, visit first to scout the beach, meet local vendors, try restaurants, and map out where you want the ceremony and reception.
Ask locals for vendor referrals. In small beach towns, people know each other. Ask the bakery, flower shops, property manager, or homeowner for recommendations. Those local connections can lead to the best finds—and often the best prices.
Welcome Packet
We made a simple welcome packet for every guest, including a custom hat and a list of nearby activities (snorkeling, diving, tours, restaurants). Other than the wedding and two welcome dinners, we didn’t schedule much—so guests could relax and choose their own adventures. Because everyone stayed close together (within a few houses), we ended up spending a lot of time together naturally.
Do Things More Intimately by Renting Several Beach Houses
Lodging
Lodging was the most complicated part. We rented several houses and condos and used local resources like Locogringo to find options in the Riviera Maya. As guests RSVP’d, we placed them with people they knew well—almost like building a seating chart, but for housing.
Costs varied by group size and length of stay. Many guests paid roughly $40–$65 per person per night, depending on the house or condo. Most houses slept 8–10 people, which kept costs reasonable and made the experience feel communal.
Transportation
We rented cars in Cancun. Use a well-known company (Avis, Budget, Dollar) and avoid unknown local agencies. Some guests took the bus, which can be safe and affordable if you’re comfortable with basic Spanish. Taxis are another option, but can add up.
Food
Decide how many hosted meals you want beyond the reception. We hosted two additional meals and worked with the property manager to find local cooks who catered for a fraction of restaurant pricing. We also stocked up on groceries in a larger town on the way in, which helped us keep meals simple—grilling, casual potlucks, and relaxed nights at the house.
Flowers
Local vendors can surprise you. We found a small florist in a nearby market and ended up with stunning arrangements—white roses and calla lilies—at a fraction of resort pricing.
Cake
We used a local bakery in town and loved the result: a beautiful cake with fresh local flowers that tasted amazing. Scouting in advance made it much easier to book confidently.
Wedding Ceremony
We held our ceremony right on the beach and asked a close friend to officiate, which made it incredibly meaningful. If you’re getting married in Mexico, handle the legal license in the U.S. (many couples do this before or after the trip) and treat the Mexico ceremony as the celebration. You can also hire a local officiant or even explore a cultural ceremonial service if that fits your style.
Wedding Photography
Bring a photographer you trust. A destination wedding is often the only time you’ll ever gather that many favorite people in one place—especially somewhere that beautiful. The photos become the time machine that lets you relive the week: the laughter, the ocean, the dinners, the spontaneous adventures, and the quiet moments that made it feel effortless.
