A wilderness less than 30 years ago, this Mexican destination stretches south from Cancun along 80 miles of white, power-soft Caribbean beaches. There’s still plenty of “wild” here to explore -- the beaches are beautiful, the resorts lavish, and the attractions plentiful-- but what sets this Riviera apart is that it’s the gateway to the mystical world of the Maya.
Wedding Requirements Only civil marriages are legally recognized in Mexico, often followed by a “spiritual” ceremony of choice. Several working days may be needed to process the application and take the required blood tests. Besides the signed application, birth certificates (and divorce papers or death certificate if previously married) with Spanish translations are required. These must be apostilled by issuing authorities in the US as well as by a Mexican consulate. In addition, passports plus originals and copies of photo IDs such as a driver’s license and tourist cards received from Immigration upon arrival must be submitted. Four witnesses, with originals and copies of passports and tourist cards if not Mexican nationals, must be present at the civil ceremony.
Things To Do
Beaches, Water Sports, Luxury The Riviera Maya begins at the water’s edge, which is dotted with everything from affordable all-inclusive hotels to top luxury resorts. Jet-skiing, fishing and scuba diving abound for those that can rouse themselves from the sand, while the more indulgent luxuriate at spas with traditional herbal treatments, including the purifying ritual of the Temazcal (a pre-Columbian sweat lodge). Budget-minded visitors and many Europeans gravitate to the surprisingly stylish accommodations, irresistible shopping and eclectic restaurants in the booming town of Playa del Carmen. Visitors also love the array of eco-parks, which not only draw crowds but also provide unique wedding alternatives to the resorts. The natural aquarium of Xel Ha has snorkeling, swimming with dolphins and manatee encounters. The larger Xcaret has dolphins and a small zoo, and places a premium on highlighting Mexican culture with a hacienda, subterranean chapels and a spectacular dinner show showcasing Mexican and Mayan folklore.
Maya Often packaged with off-roading treks and zip-lining treks through the forest canopy, tours of traditional Mayan villages allows visitors a unique chance experience this ancient culture; you may even get the opportunity to be blessed by a native shaman. The Mayan’s sacred underground spring-fed cenotes offer a wealth of adventures beyond swimming; visitors to the cenote of Aktun Chen can spy wildlife like monkeys; you can snorkel amid stalagmites and stalactites at Tak Be Ha; while Dos Ojos attracts experienced cave divers from around the world.
Tulum and Mayan Ruins Archeological sites pepper the entire Riviera Maya. In fact, many resorts have their own small temple ruins to explore (or serve as evocative locations to wed). The seaside ruins of Tulum, with its cliff-top “castile” is especially magical at night, when it’s bathed in colored lights. At awe-inducing Coba, you can climb the loftiest Mayan pyramid in Mexico. The major Mayan center of Chichen Itza is just a few hours’ drive away, and well worth the day trip.
Off The Beaten Path
Underground Don wetsuits and helmets and descend into the earth for a ninety-minute adventure of hiking and swimming along the clear waters of a natural underground river at Rio Secreto. Just a few miles into the bush from Playa del Carmen, this world of fantastic rock formations makes for a breath-taking experience. -- Peter Zaremba
