Destination Wedding Location Love: Xcaret (Riviera Maya, Mexico)

I recently went to the Riviera Maya to do a site visit at Xcaret (pronounced esh-caret) for a client who is interested in getting married there next September.

Upon arrival it just seemed like any other theme park - the entrance was nothing to write home about and I kinda got worried about the location and what potential it really had. Well let me tell you...once I walked through those gates - all my expectations from photos I have seen were met and than some! It was kinda mind blowing actually and a little overwhelming. Pictures does not do this venue justice - trust me on this, I've seen many pics of the venue and I was still in awe.

Graciela, one of the in-house wedding planners, walked us through the entire wedding guest experience. From entering through a special gate, to the walk up to St. Francis of Assisi Chapel (which by the way is officially sanctioned as a Catholic Church), to the journey guests will take en-route to reception site including a spiral descent (called the snail path) to a reception cave that has a river running through, it's called La Isla - which serves as one of the parks restaurants as well.

Additionally, we got to see other locations, like The Ponds, an area on the Caribbean Ocean that serves as a ceremony and reception location. We also got to see the Crypt of Souls a humongous dome like cave with an opening on top that houses a large crucifix and crypts (not real) filled with LED candles (pictured above). There's also a walk around the Crypt of Souls that is filled with Santos or figures of Saints. The floor is a huge spiral labyrinth and has water running in between the paved areas. The sound of the trickling water vibrates throughout this experience. It's an awesome location for photos or even an intimate small wedding for say 10 people.

Xcaret was designed as a "majestic park by the sea that features unique activities, where you can have fun while discovering the natural and cultural richness of Mexico. Among its great treasures, in Xcaret, you can find underground rivers, cenotes, a Butterfly Pavilion, recreated Mayan ruins, a beach, inlets and Xcaret’s one of a kind celebration “Xcaret Mexico Espectacular,” an absolutely wonderful show. At Xcaret you can also enjoy the most amazing water activities such as swimming with dolphins, scuba, Sea Trek and snorkeling."

For the destination wedding, Xcaret offers an experience your guests will remember forever! It's the location that destination dreams are made of. Guests will experience so much beauty, history, and see things such as the Bridge of Paradise, which is a representation of a traditional Mexican cemetery. This cemetery is made of 365 tombs that represents a day of the year and the 52 steps leading to it represents the 52 weeks in the year. I am telling you every corner has something amazing at Xcaret. Oh and I almost forgot THE VIEWS are amazing from St. Francis of Assisi Chapel as well as The Ponds. The location is very accommodating to all guests including individuals who may need special assistance.

The entertainers at the park can be hired to perform at your wedding or ceremony. All of them amazing musicians and artists. From conch blowing Mayan natives to an eight-piece Mariachi band - you can get the best of the best from Xcaret's extensive list of live musicians and performers. The parks in-house caterer can also customize your menus or you can select from menu's that already have conceived. They will also work with you to make sure that it fits within your budget! The staff is also wonderful to work with.

Here are a few photos of my Xcaret experience.

St. Francis of Assisi Entrance

Altar in St. Francis of Assisi (the open sided church with thatched roof has beautiful views of the Caribbean Ocean)

The back of St. Francis of Assisi Church and the built in benches

The inside of La Isla Restaurant set in a cave with a river running in between the stage and main dining floor. This restaurant/reception space can sit over 300 people. on two levels.

Part of the Bridge of Paradise

I love this location for a wedding. This venue offers so many possibilities for unique wedding experiences. It will truly add to the wow factor in your destination wedding. We finalized the contract for my client's Xcaret wedding while I was there - I can't wait to execute it next September 2011!

Make your wedding dollars stretch by having an incredible wedding abroad in places like Xcaret! You and your guests will love every moment. If you have questions regarding destination weddings to Riviera Maya Mexico or to other destination in Mexico, or anywhere else in the world to be exact, contact me at percy@percysales.com! I would love to work with you on your destination wedding!

-Percy

Photo credit:
Crypt of Souls photo taken by: Pierre Voille
All other photos taken by: Kathy Grate