You’ve decided to say “I do” in Mexico. Congratulations! But now comes the question that stumps every couple: which destination should we choose?
Mexico offers some of the world’s most stunning wedding destinations, but three consistently top every couple’s list: Riviera Maya (Caribbean coast), Los Cabos (Pacific coast in Baja California), and Sayulita (bohemian Pacific paradise). Each offers something completely unique, and honestly? Choosing the wrong one could mean compromising on your dream wedding vibe.
After filming over 200 weddings across all three destinations over the past 8 years, we’ve seen firsthand what makes each location special and which couples absolutely thrive in each setting. This guide will help you make the decision with confidence (and maybe save you from a few planning headaches along the way).
Quick Comparison: At a Glance
Before we dive deep, here’s a snapshot to help you get oriented:
- Ocean: Caribbean (turquoise, calm)
- Vibe: Tropical paradise, diverse options
- Climate: Humid, tropical, rainy season Jun-Oct
- Guest Accessibility: Excellent (Cancún airport)
- Budget Range: $$ to $$$
- Venue Options: All-inclusives, boutique hotels, cenotes, beach clubs
- Best For: Variety seekers, families, all group sizes
- Peak Season: Nov through Apr
- Unique Feature: Mayan ruins, cenotes, jungle
- Ocean: Pacific (dramatic, waves)
- Vibe: Luxury desert-meets-ocean
- Climate: Dry, sunny year-round
- Guest Accessibility: Excellent (SJD airport)
- Budget Range: $$$ to $$$$
- Venue Options: Luxury resorts, private villas, cliff-side venues
- Best For: Luxury lovers, sophisticated celebrations
- Peak Season: Nov through May
- Unique Feature: The Arch, desert landscapes, golf
- Ocean: Pacific (surf-friendly)
- Vibe: Bohemian, laid-back surf town
- Climate: Warm, rainy season Jun-Oct
- Guest Accessibility: Moderate (PVR airport + 40 min drive)
- Budget Range: $ to $$
- Venue Options: Villas, small hotels, beach venues
- Best For: Boho couples, intimate gatherings
- Peak Season: Nov through Apr
- Unique Feature: Colorful town, surf culture, authentic Mexico
Riviera Maya: The Caribbean Paradise with Endless Options
What Is Riviera Maya?
The Riviera Maya stretches along 80+ miles of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, from Cancún in the north all the way down to Tulum in the south. This region includes beloved destinations like Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, and Akumal. Each has its own personality.
Explore our Riviera Maya wedding videography →
The Riviera Maya Vibe
Think turquoise waters, white sand beaches, lush jungle, and ancient Mayan ruins. The Riviera Maya offers incredible diversity. You can have a grand celebration at a 500-guest all-inclusive resort or an intimate cenote ceremony with just your closest 20 friends. It’s tropical, vibrant, and honestly offers something for every type of couple.
Why Couples Choose Riviera Maya
- Unmatched Variety
The Riviera Maya seriously has it all:
- World-class all-inclusive resorts (Moon Palace, Secrets Maroma, Dreams)
- Boutique eco-hotels (Azulik, Nomade, Habitas)
- Iconic beach clubs and restaurants
- Mystical cenotes for ceremony or trash-the-dress shoots
- Mayan ruins as backdrops (Tulum ruins, Cobá)
- Jungle venues for boho celebrations
No other destination in Mexico offers this level of diversity in a single region. Like, seriously.
- Easy Guest Travel
Cancún International Airport (CUN) is one of the busiest airports in Latin America, with direct flights from virtually every major US and Canadian city. Your guests won’t struggle to get there, and flight prices are usually pretty competitive.
- Perfect for All Group Sizes
Whether you’re planning an elopement for two or a 300-person celebration, the Riviera Maya can accommodate. There are venues designed specifically for intimate gatherings and massive resorts literally built for large destination weddings.
- Rich Culture & Activities
Beyond your wedding day, guests can explore Mayan ruins, swim in cenotes, snorkel in coral reefs, visit Xcaret or Xel-Há parks, shop in Playa del Carmen, or party in Tulum. There’s never a dull moment. Your aunt who gets bored easily? She’ll be fine here.
- Stunning for Photography & Film
From a cinematographer’s perspective, the Riviera Maya is an absolute dream:
- Crystal-clear turquoise water that looks almost unreal on camera
- Golden light filtering through jungle canopy
- Dramatic cenotes with incredible natural lighting
- Colorful colonial architecture in towns
- White sand beaches that reflect light beautifully
We also offer fine art wedding photography that pairs perfectly with our films. Check out our Riviera Maya photography work →
See our Playa del Carmen wedding films →
See our Cancún wedding films →
See our Isla Mujeres wedding films →
The Downsides
Let’s be real. No destination is perfect.
Climate Considerations:
- Humid and hot (80-90°F year-round with high humidity). Like, pack the deodorant.
- Rainy season (June-October) means afternoon showers are pretty common
- Hurricane season (June-November) requires weather contingency plans
- Sargassum seaweed can affect beaches, especially April-August
Crowds:
- Popular areas like Tulum and Playa del Carmen can feel touristy during peak season
- Peak season (Dec-April) means crowded beaches and higher prices
Outside Vendor Fees:
- Most resorts charge $300-$800 USD for outside vendors like us
Budget Expectations
- Elopement/Intimate (10-30 guests): $8,000 to $20,000
- Mid-size (50-100 guests): $25,000 to $50,000
- Large (150+ guests): $50,000 to $100,000+
Note: This includes venue, catering, vendors, and guest accommodations.
Best For:
✅ Couples who want variety and options
✅ Families with diverse age groups (lots of activities for everyone)
✅ Anyone who loves turquoise Caribbean water
✅ Couples wanting a mix of beach, jungle, and cultural experiences
✅ Large weddings (100+ guests)
Los Cabos: Luxury Desert-Meets-Ocean Sophistication
What Is Los Cabos?
Los Cabos sits at the southern tip of Baja California, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. It encompasses two main towns: Cabo San Lucas (party vibe, marinas, nightlife) and San José del Cabo (quieter, artsy, traditional Mexican charm), connected by the scenic “Corridor” lined with luxury resorts.
Explore our Los Cabos wedding videography →
The Los Cabos Vibe
Think dramatic desert landscapes meeting ocean, luxury and sophistication, world-class golf courses, and iconic rock formations. Hello, El Arco! Los Cabos is upscale, polished, and perfect for couples who want a refined celebration with jaw-dropping scenery.
Why Couples Choose Los Cabos
- Year-Round Sunshine
Los Cabos boasts 350+ days of sunshine per year. Unlike the Riviera Maya’s rainy season, Cabos is reliably dry. Perfect for couples who want absolutely zero weather worries. The climate is desert-dry (not humid), which makes it comfortable even in summer.
- Luxury Resort Excellence
Los Cabos is home to some of Mexico’s most luxurious resorts:
- The Resort at Pedregal (it has a tunnel entrance through a freaking mountain!)
- Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection
- One&Only Palmilla
- Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
- Grand Velas Los Cabos
These properties offer world-class service, stunning architecture, and impeccable attention to detail. Like, they don’t mess around.
- Dramatic Landscapes
The desert-meets-ocean aesthetic is unlike anywhere else:
- Rust-colored cliffs and rock formations
- Cacti and desert flora as natural decor (no need for expensive florals!)
- Dramatic sunsets over the Pacific
- The iconic Arch (El Arco de Cabo San Lucas)
- Rugged coastline perfect for epic drone shots
- Sophisticated Atmosphere
Los Cabos attracts a more upscale crowd. The vibe is polished, elegant, and refined. Think champagne toasts at sunset rather than tequila shots on the beach. Though those happen too, let’s be honest.
- Incredible Food Scene
Los Cabos has seriously elevated Mexico’s culinary reputation with world-renowned restaurants. Flora Farms, Acre, and numerous resort restaurants offer farm-to-table experiences that’ll absolutely wow your foodie guests.
We also offer fine art wedding photography that pairs perfectly with our films. The dramatic desert landscapes and luxury resort architecture of Los Cabos look absolutely stunning in both video and stills. Check out our Los Cabos photography work →The Downsides
Swimming Challenges:
- Pacific Ocean equals strong currents and waves at many beaches
- Not all beaches are swimmable (always check with your venue)
- Some resorts have infinity pools as their primary water features instead
Higher Price Point:
- Los Cabos is generally 20-40% more expensive than Riviera Maya
- Luxury comes with luxury pricing, obviously
- Outside vendor fees can reach $800-$1,200 at premium properties
Less Cultural Immersion:
- Feels more Americanized than other Mexico destinations
- Less “authentic Mexico” vibes compared to Sayulita or Riviera Maya’s towns
Travel Distance:
- If you’re based on the East Coast or international, it’s a longer and more expensive flight
Budget Expectations
- Elopement/Intimate (10-30 guests): $12,000 to $30,000
- Mid-size (50-100 guests): $35,000 to $70,000
- Large (150+ guests): $70,000 to $150,000+
Best For:
✅ Couples who prioritize luxury and sophistication
✅ Anyone wanting guaranteed sunshine (weather-obsessed planners, this is you!)
✅ Couples who love desert landscapes and dramatic scenery
✅ Older or more sophisticated guest lists who’ll appreciate upscale amenities
✅ Smaller to mid-size weddings (most venues accommodate 50-150)
✅ Golfers (some of the world’s best courses are here)
Sayulita: Bohemian Beach Town Charm
What Is Sayulita?
Sayulita is a small surf town on Mexico’s Pacific coast in Riviera Nayarit, about 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. With a population under 5,000, it maintains an authentic, bohemian charm that bigger destinations have honestly lost.
Explore our Sayulita wedding videography →
The Sayulita Vibe
Think colorful streets, surf culture, boho-chic aesthetics, laid-back attitude, and authentic Mexico. Sayulita is for couples who want to escape the resort bubble and actually immerse themselves in local culture. It’s intimate, artsy, and refreshingly unpretentious.
Why Couples Choose Sayulita
- Authentic Bohemian Charm
Unlike resort-heavy destinations, Sayulita feels real:
- Colorful buildings and hand-painted signs
- Local artisans and markets
- Surf shops and yoga studios everywhere
- Farm-to-table restaurants
- Vibrant expat plus local community
- Intimate and Personal
Sayulita is perfect for smaller weddings (20-80 guests). The town’s scale creates this intimate atmosphere. You might literally run into your wedding guests at the local coffee shop or beach club the next morning. It feels like a true celebration where everyone actually knows everyone.
- Stunning Natural Beauty
- Beautiful Pacific beaches (great for surfing!)
- Lush jungle surroundings
- Dramatic sunsets
- Hidden coves and secluded spots
- Playa de los Muertos (stunning beach about 15 min walk)
- Budget-Friendly
Sayulita offers the best value of the three destinations:
- Private villa rentals at super reasonable prices
- Local vendors are affordable
- Restaurant costs are way lower
- Guest accommodations range from hostels to boutique hotels
- Unique Venue Options
- Beachfront private villas
- Jungle properties with outdoor spaces
- Villa Amor (iconic cliffside property)
- Beach clubs and restaurants
- Even ceremonies right on the public beach if that’s your thing!
- Cinematic Perfection
From a filmmaker’s perspective, Sayulita is absolute gold:
- Vibrant colors everywhere (total Instagram dream!)
- Golden hour light on Pacific sunsets
- Authentic moments in local settings
- Surf culture adds this dynamic energy
- Intimate scale means we literally capture EVERYTHING
We also offer fine art wedding photography that pairs perfectly with our films. Sayulita's vibrant colors, bohemian charm, and authentic settings create incredible photo opportunities. Check out our Sayulita photography work →The Downsides
Limited Luxury Options:
- No big all-inclusive resorts
- Accommodations are more “charming” than “luxurious”
- Limited spa and wellness facilities compared to resort destinations
Infrastructure:
- Cobblestone streets (not wheelchair or heel-friendly, sorry)
- Can feel rustic, which is honestly part of the charm
- Limited taxi and Uber options
- No major hospital nearby (Puerto Vallarta is 40 min away)
Guest Travel:
- Requires flying into Puerto Vallarta (PVR) then a 40-min drive or shuttle
- Extra logistics compared to Cancún or Los Cabos
- Some guests might prefer the convenience of resorts
Weather:
- Rainy season (June-October) with afternoon storms
- Can be humid
- Pacific Ocean can have stronger waves than the Caribbean
Small Town Equals Limited Capacity:
- Hard to accommodate 100+ guests
- Limited vendor options (though quality is honestly really high)
- Restaurants and activities book up fast during peak season
Budget Expectations
- Elopement/Intimate (10-30 guests): $5,000 to $15,000
- Mid-size (50-80 guests): $15,000 to $35,000
- Large (80+ guests): $35,000 to $60,000
Sayulita is hands down the most budget-friendly option while still maintaining high quality.
Best For:
✅ Bohemian and free-spirited couples
✅ Intimate weddings (20-80 guests is the sweet spot)
✅ Couples wanting authentic Mexican culture
✅ Budget-conscious couples who still want beauty
✅ Surfers and beach lovers
✅ Couples who value uniqueness over luxury
✅ Anyone who’s tired of typical “resort weddings”
How to Decide: Decision Framework
Still not sure? Let’s get specific. Answer these questions honestly:
- What’s your wedding size?
- 10-50 guests: Any destination works, but Sayulita really excels here
- 50-100 guests: Riviera Maya or Los Cabos offer better infrastructure
- 100-200 guests: Riviera Maya has the most options by far
- 200+ guests: Riviera Maya all-inclusive resorts are your best bet
- What’s your budget per person?
- Budget-conscious ($150-250/person): Sayulita or Riviera Maya all-inclusives
- Mid-range ($250-400/person): Riviera Maya boutique or Los Cabos mid-tier
- Luxury ($400+/person): Los Cabos luxury resorts all the way
- What’s your vibe?
- Boho, laid-back, artistic: Sayulita wins
- Tropical paradise with diversity: Riviera Maya is perfect
- Sophisticated, upscale, polished: Los Cabos all the way
- How important is weather certainty?
- Must have sunshine no matter what: Los Cabos (350+ sunny days)
- Okay with some rain risk: Riviera Maya or Sayulita (just avoid Jun-Oct)
- What do your guests value?
- Families with kids: Riviera Maya (most activities and options)
- Older or luxury-seeking guests: Los Cabos
- Adventurous and young guests: Sayulita
- Mixed group: Riviera Maya offers something for literally everyone
- What kind of water experience do you want?
- Calm, swimmable, snorkeling: Riviera Maya (Caribbean Sea)
- Dramatic waves, surfing: Los Cabos or Sayulita (Pacific Ocean)
- Mainly poolside: Any destination works fine
- Do you want a “resort bubble” or cultural immersion?
- Resort convenience and all-inclusive: Riviera Maya or Los Cabos
- Authentic town experience: Sayulita
- Mix of both: Riviera Maya (especially Tulum area)
Quick Decision Guide
Choose RIVIERA MAYA if you want:
✅ Turquoise Caribbean water
✅ The most venue variety and options
✅ Easy guest travel (Cancún airport)
✅ Large wedding (100+ guests)
✅ Mix of beach, jungle, cenotes, and culture
✅ Family-friendly activities
Choose LOS CABOS if you want:
✅ Guaranteed sunshine year-round
✅ Luxury and sophistication
✅ Dramatic desert-meets-ocean landscapes
✅ World-class resorts and service
✅ Upscale, refined atmosphere
✅ The iconic Arch as your backdrop
Choose SAYULITA if you want:
✅ Bohemian, laid-back vibe
✅ Intimate wedding (under 80 guests)
✅ Authentic Mexican culture
✅ Budget-friendly without compromising beauty
✅ Colorful, artistic setting
✅ Surf town charm
The Bottom Line
Here’s the truth: there’s no wrong choice. All three destinations offer absolutely stunning backdrops for your wedding, and we’ve created breathtaking films at each one.
The right destination is the one that matches your personalities, your budget, and your vision for your celebration.
After filming 200+ weddings across all three locations, here’s what we’ve learned:
Riviera Maya couples love variety, want to please diverse guest groups, and value having tons of options. Los Cabos couples prioritize luxury, sophisticated aesthetics, and want zero weather worries. Sayulita couples are adventurous, value authenticity over perfection, and want an intimate celebration that feels personal.
All three destinations look absolutely stunning on film. The turquoise Caribbean waters of Riviera Maya, the dramatic desert cliffs of Los Cabos, and the colorful bohemian charm of Sayulita each create their own kind of cinematic magic.
Ready to Capture Your Mexico Wedding?
Wherever you choose to celebrate, we’d be honored to document your love story.
With over 200 weddings filmed across Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, and Sayulita, we know these destinations intimately. We know the best lighting times at each venue, the hidden spots for stunning shots, and how to work seamlessly with local coordinators.
Our approach is simple: We capture authentic moments without interrupting your celebration. No awkward poses. No stopping the party for “the shot.” Just real emotions, cinematic storytelling, and a film you’ll actually want to watch over and over.
👉 Check our availability for 2026-2027 dates → Contact Us
👉 Watch our films from all three destinations → Films
👉 Read what couples say about working with us → Reviews
Still deciding? Message us on WhatsApp or shoot us an email. We’re happy to chat about which destination might be best for your vision. No pressure, just honest advice from people who’ve literally seen it all.
Your love story deserves to be told beautifully. Let’s create a cinematic film as unforgettable as your destination wedding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you travel between destinations? Yes! While we’re based in Riviera Maya, we regularly travel to Los Cabos and Sayulita for weddings. Travel logistics are included in our packages for these destinations.
Which destination has the best weather in [month]?
- Nov-Apr: All three destinations have excellent weather (this is peak season for a reason)
- May-Oct: Los Cabos has the most reliable sunshine. Riviera Maya and Sayulita have rainy seasons
- Hurricane season: Jun-Nov in Riviera Maya (it’s rare but possible)
Do outside vendor fees apply at all three destinations? Yep. Most resorts in all three locations charge outside vendor fees, which range from $300-$1,200 depending on the property. These fees are paid directly by you to the resort. We can totally guide you through this process though.
Which destination is easiest for international guests? Riviera Maya hands down. Cancún airport has the most international flight options. Los Cabos (SJD airport) is also really well-connected. Sayulita requires Puerto Vallarta airport plus ground transportation.
Can you recommend specific venues in each destination? Absolutely! Contact us and tell us about your vision. We can recommend venues we absolutely love filming at in any of these destinations.
Ready to start planning your dream destination wedding in Mexico? We’re here to help capture every moment.
📩 Get in touch → Contact Us
💬 WhatsApp us → https://wa.me/529981030445
📧 Email us → info@bbweddingfilms.com
