Where is Akumal?
Akumal is located on the Mayan Riviera. It is a small town located on the Caribbean Coast about 60 miles south of Cancun. The area is quiet, not over-populated, and super friendly with lots of affordable accommodation options for your guests.

What is the wedding location like?
We have a wonderful beachfront property on the oceanfront with gentle waves, serene sunsets, and great views over Half Moon Bay. The beach is sandy and never crowded. There is plenty of room to set up chairs for up to 80 guests. There is also an area to set up a palm covered archway and to created a rustic rock lined "aisle", should you wish to walk down the aisle in a more traditional style. Our weddings are definitely on the casual side!

Can we get married at your property even if we do not stay at your hotel?
Yes, you may use our wedding services without staying at Vista del Mar. We do not, however plan weddings off site. You can even just hire our services for a rehearsal dinner or reception should you wish to have your wedding ceremony elsewhere.

Is my Mexican marriage legal in the U.S./Canada?
If you have a civil wedding performed in Mexico, your marriage will be recognized in the USA and Canada. If you have a religious or spiritual ceremony, it is a symbolic expression of your union. We highly recommend getting legally married prior to celebrating your marriage in Mexico.

Who will perform the service? Can I use my own minister?
If you want a civil wedding, it needs to be be performed by a justice of the peace. A JP (who may also a minister) is available for hire at an additional cost of about $500. If you want a religious wedding, it can be performed by your own minister, a friend, or a local celebrant. Catholic weddings must be performed in a church, therefore we do not offer Catholic wedding ceremonies. Our celebrant has been conducting spiritual ceremonies for many years and we would recommend using his services for meaningful and friendly service.
The services are nondenominational.

How much will the wedding cost?
$450 to reserve the date, celebrant, and our property for your spiritual wedding. This fee is not refundable but may be transferred to a different date should your wedding plans change.
$100 Palm covered wedding arch, wooden chairs, and rock lined aisle
$100 Private bartender
$250-$500 Deposit for your reception.
$120 Sound system for wedding and/or Reception
$12 Corkage fee (own wine/champagne)
$500-$1000 Private dining room rental

Who helps me plan the details of my wedding?
We have two coordinators who will assist you with the planning of your wedding: Heidi, in our US office, will be your contact person prior to your arrival in Akumal. She will assist you with reserving the date, arranging the deposits, choosing the location, your reception planning, and menu options.
Heidi will send the wedding options you have chosen to our on-site coordinator in Akumal. The final details such as ordering the cake and flowers, will be arranged upon your arrival with the assistance of the general manager of La Buena Vida and wedding coordinator.
Should you be having a legal wedding, he will be your contact person to help you complete the paperwork and translations.

Can I have a wedding service in English?
Yes! There are standard vows that we can recommend for your wedding, and we recommend you incorporate your own vows for a more personalized experience.

Can we supply our own wedding vows?
Yes. Most couples write their own vows and have a pretty good idea of what they want include in their ceremony. We can provide some popular vows.

What additional services are available in the area?
There are a variety of services available, and when possible we use the local Akumal businesses as our suppliers. If you have a special request, drop us a line and we'll be happy to help you.
We can assist with local contacts for the cake, photographer, videographer, flowers, and music. We will put you in contact with the suppliers, then you will need to pay them for their services directly.

Do you perform gay commitment ceremonies and renewal of vows ceremonies?
Yes, we do, and have hosted numerous same sex commitment ceremonies and vow renewal ceremonies in the past. Vista del Mar Properties and La Buena Vida Restaurant are gay-friendly.

What about music during the ceremony and the reception?
Some wedding ceremonies have music; some do not. We think that the sound of the waves and nature is enough for a special event such as exchanging wedding vows.
We have contacts with a wide variety of musical groups and talent. Mariachi bands are popular for a festive wedding. A DJ or traditional trio is fun to have at the reception.
Amplified bands such as the salsa group have been imposed with strict government requirements, and a permit must be obtained to have this type of music at your event.

I'm planning a big (or small) wedding. What is the largest (or smallest) number of guests that you can accommodate?
We can accommodate weddings as small as two and as large as 150.