Destination Wedding Bliss: Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya with All-Inclusive Garden & beachfront Wedding Venue Options

Imagine exchanging vows with the ocean breeze in your hair, soft white sand

beneath your feet or standing in an enchanted garden, and the love of your life beside you. A destination wedding at Secrets Akumal is more than just another destination wedding—it’s an entire experience for you and all of your guests. This all-inclusive, adults-only resort in Riviera Maya offers destination wedding packages designed to make your special day truly unforgettable.

Discover why Secrets Akumal is the ultimate choice for an all-inclusive destination wedding venue in Riviera Maya!

1. Spectacular Ceremony & Reception Venues

● The Arch: A unique terrace venue featuring a decorative pool and garden views. The arch structure provides shade and a cooling breeze, accommodating up to 150 guests for a quiet and intimate ceremony.

● Beachfront Pergola: Exchange vows with the Caribbean Sea as your backdrop, perfect for a wedding on the beach surrounded by your closest friends and family.

● Plaza Akumal: An open-air plaza ideal for a large wedding group or event, with a venue capacity accommodating up to 500 guests for a reception and up to 200 guests for a wedding ceremony.

● The Ceiba Garden: a private location without a view of the ocean. Can accommodate up to 100 guests.

2. Wedding Packages to Fit Your Vision

Secrets Akumal offers wedding packages designed to take the stress out of planning.

Here are three popular options:

● Weddings in Paradise – A simple yet elegant package that includes a symbolic ceremony, bouquet and boutonniere, wedding cake, sparkling wine toast, and a dedicated wedding coordinator. Complimentary with certain booking conditions!

● Eternal Love – Includes extras like a private cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, a private dinner reception, and a couples' massage for added romance.

● Divine – The most luxurious package, featuring everything from the Eternal Love package plus a welcome cocktail party, a rehearsal dinner, and hair and makeup services for one member of the couple.

Each package is customizable, so you can tailor your wedding to reflect your personal style.

3. A Seamless, Stress-Free Planning Experience

Planning a destination wedding can feel overwhelming, but Secrets Akumal makes it easy. The resort provides a dedicated wedding coordinator to handle the details so you can focus on celebrating. Whether you want an intimate beachfront ceremony or a lavish reception, their team ensures everything runs smoothly.

4. World-Class Dining Without Reservations

Forget the stress of planning meals—at Secrets Akumal, you and your guests can enjoy top-tier dining at any of the resort’s gourmet restaurants without needing reservations. From the fresh seafood at Oceana to the authentic Italian dishes at Portofino, every meal is a culinary delight. Must-try: The pistachio crème brûlée at Bordeaux and the fire oven pizza by the pool!

5. Incredible Guest Experience

Your wedding isn’t just about the ceremony—it’s a full weekend celebration! Secrets Akumal provides endless ways for your guests to relax and have fun.

● Snorkeling with Sea Turtles – Right off the beach, guests can swim with the resident turtles in the clear waters.

● Hydrotherapy at the Spa – A perfect way to unwind before or after the big day.

● Themed Nightly Entertainment – Live shows, music, and special events create a vibrant atmosphere.

● Excursions & Day Trips – Whether it’s a visit to Tulum’s Mayan ruins, a cenote swim, or a catamaran tour, there’s plenty to explore beyond the resort.

Choosing the right destination wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, and Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya promises an experience like no other.

From all-inclusive garden wedding venues to luxurious honeymoon packages, this paradise has it all. Secrets Akumal could be the best resort venue for your destination wedding. After all, choosing the best resort for you and your wedding group is crucial to having a destination wedding you will love! If you’re over the endless online searches, we’re happy to help!

Want to talk to a destination specialist?

Destination Wedding Trends 2024

The charm of destination weddings lies in their ability to merge breathtaking locations with the intimate stories of couples, and the new 2024 destination wedding trends are taking this concept to new heights. As we delve into this year’s trends, destination weddings are becoming increasingly tailored, offering guests not just a trip to witness a union but an immersive experience of the couple’s unique love story. From charitable gestures to custom cocktail menus, this guide uncovers the myriad ways couples are personalizing their weddings, setting a new standard for nuptials across the globe.

1. Visualizing the Vibe: Custom Dress Codes & Color Palettes

Forget the days of generic dress codes; 2024 destination wedding trends see couples embracing mood boards to convey the aesthetic and vibe of their wedding weekend. These visual guides include color palettes, outfit suggestions, and thematic inspirations, helping guests pack outfits that suit the destination’s setting and contribute to the wedding’s overall look and feel. Whether it’s a bohemian beach affair or a chic city soirée, these mood boards ensure that everyone’s attire complements the wedding’s style, making for stunning group photos and a cohesive guest appearance.

2. Embracing Community: A Conscious Celebration

Destination weddings are increasingly focused on community engagement and social responsibility, with couples leaning towards acts of kindness and community services over gift-giving. Guests often wonder: for destination weddings, do you give a gift? With conscious community consideration, guests can participate in charitable activities, such as donations to and engaging with local schools or helping with community co-operative initiatives. This approach strengthens the connection to the locale, enriches the wedding experience, and ensures a positive, lasting impact on the community.

3. Immersive Guest Experiences

This year, the customization trend extends beyond the wedding day itself, offering guests an immersive experience that starts upon their arrival and lasts until their departure. Welcome bags now feature items sourced from local artisans alongside a personalized itinerary packed with activities like private tours, group excursions, and wellness sessions that showcase the wedding destination’s culture and beauty. Couples are also opting for unique entertainment options, such as live painters capturing the celebration, interactive food stations, and even custom-scented candles that evoke the essence of the locale, ensuring that the wedding leaves a lasting impression on all who attend. Let your destination wedding travel agent or destination wedding planner weave their magic to immerse you and your guests in all the things that the destination wedding locale offers.

4. Tailored Menus and Curated Cocktails

In 2024, destination wedding trends include menus tailored to not only cater to dietary preferences but also reflect the couple’s favorite cuisines and culinary journeys. Chefs collaborate with the couples to craft dishes that tell a story, turning each meal into an opportunity to share a piece of their journey with guests. The customization extends to the bar, with mixologists concocting signature cocktails and mock tables named after significant moments or inside jokes, adding a fun and personal twist to the wedding festivities.

5. Candid Captures and Collections

Portable cameras and audio guest books are being revived at weddings in 2024, blending nostalgia with the desire for genuine memories. They allow guests to document candid moments and heartfelt messages, crafting a collection of visual and audio keepsakes that encapsulate the event’s emotion and intimacy. This return to analog methods enriches the preservation of joy, laughter, and love, offering a more personal and tangible memory capture than digital alternatives.

6. Personalized Wedding Websites

The first step in customizing your destination wedding is often creating a personalized wedding website. What is a destination wedding website? This digital hub becomes the heart of your wedding’s communication, showcasing your love story, wedding itinerary, travel tips, destination wedding to-do list, and even a Q&A section to answer all those burning questions guests might have. In 2024, these websites are becoming more sophisticated, featuring interactive elements like countdown timers, photo galleries, and even virtual tours of the wedding venue. By providing a packing list tailored to the destination’s climate and activities, couples ensure their guests feel prepared and excited about the upcoming journey.

7. Unforgettable Exits

As the celebration draws to a close, couples leave their mark with creative and memorable exits. Firework displays, lantern releases, and even vintage car getaways are being personalized with messages and symbols meaningful to the couple. The trend of sending guests home with a piece of the wedding continues, with parting gifts like personalized photo books, custom playlists, or a selection of the couple's favourite local treats, ensuring that the memories of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration linger longer after the last dance.

If you have been inspired by any of these 2024 trends for your destination wedding, but you either aren’t sure where to start or you just don’t have the time to get your destination wedding all figured out, I encourage you to use this link to schedule a free discovery call with me today!

Sometimes just talking with someone who knows the ins and outs of destination weddings, like me, can be all you need to get unstuck and move forward in your destination wedding planning.

Vicky Nicholas is the owner of Perfect Planners and she is a certified event planner and travel advisor. She specializes in Mexico and the Caribbean, Italy and UK weddings.

She has travelled all over the world and her favourite destinations are Australia (although she is terrified of snakes), Italy (drinking wine in the Piazzas), Czech Republic (the Christmas market in Prague was fabulous to walk around) and Singapore (Sentosa Island is magical).

Vicky had a destination wedding in 2008 and she loved every minute of it.

Vicky’s bucket list is Bali, and New Zealand.

info@destinationsbyperfectplanners.com

Cell : 416-805-2096

Does Having a Destination Wedding Save You Money? 5 Reasons why you should consider a destination wedding in the Caribbean or Mexico

Love knows no bounds, but your wedding budget might. Does having a destination wedding save you money over a local wedding? Let's settle the score once and for all as we explore the 5 reasons why a destination wedding in the Caribbean or Mexico might have you saying “I DO!” in a tropical destination that won't break the bank!

1. Cost-Effective Elegance:

Yes, Sometimes Destination Weddings Can be Cheaper Than a Traditional Wedding
— Read On

Are you wondering if hosting a destination wedding is cheaper than a local wedding? While many variables are involved in answering that question, hosting your wedding in the Caribbean or Mexico can be surprisingly cost-effective. You can enjoy a luxurious wedding without breaking the bank with competitive wedding packages and all-inclusive options. Imagine saying your vows with the ocean as your backdrop, all within a budget that leaves room for an unforgettable honeymoon.

Plus, there are many benefits you will receive for hosting a wedding group at a resort, making your budget go further, and even including some bells & whistles that would never be included in having a traditional wedding – yay!

2. One-Day Celebration VS A Mini Vacation:

Yes, Destination Weddings Can Save You Money When You Consider the Value — Read On

When planning a local wedding, there are the usual costs to pull everything together for a ONE-DAY event. With a destination wedding, for a similar or lower cost, you can transform your special day into a whole weekend of celebration, turning into a mini-vacation for you and your guests. From welcome parties to beachside brunches, create a weekend wedding itinerary filled with unforgettable moments, making your wedding an experience to cherish.

Here is an example weekend wedding itinerary that many of my couples do:

• Thursday evening: All-white welcome party on the beach (where everyone wears white – it is great for photos)

• Friday: Private catamaran cruise for your group (or other group activity)

• Friday night: Themed rehearsal dinner for all guests (theme idea -Mexican Fiesta)

• Saturday: Wedding, cocktail hour, dinner reception

• Sunday: Farewell brunch

3. Tailored Wedding Packages:

Yes, You Can Get So Much More For Your Money With a Destination Wedding

Compared to a traditional wedding, you can usually find some great destination wedding packages at resort wedding venues in the Caribbean and Mexico that will make your wedding exceptional and save you money over a traditional wedding.

These packages are inclusive, making planning more straightforward, and often include expert coordinators, ensuring every wedding detail is perfect. This allows you to focus on enjoying your special day. Whether you dream of a barefoot beach ceremony or a garden celebration, a package suits your vision.

Using a qualified destination wedding travel agent who knows the resorts and their packages can quickly help you know where to have your destination wedding and match you with the appropriate Cancun wedding packages, Jamaica wedding packages, Cabo wedding packages, or whichever destination is best for your wedding.

4. Simplify your Guestlist:

Celebrating Your Wedding With Your Closest Family And Friends:

A big reason to host a destination wedding over a traditional one is to trim down your guest list to only those who matter most to you. It’s a natural process that keeps the “per person” cost of a traditional wedding down.

Also, many wedding couples ask if they are supposed to pay for their guests to attend their destination wedding.

The answer is no. Your guests are generally expected to pay their way to your destination wedding. This also means that you should be mindful in choosing a quality destination wedding location that is financially doable for your guests.

5. Unforgettable Experiences for Guests You Just Can’t Get From A Traditional Wedding:

When you do a destination wedding, you can treat your guests to more than just a wedding – offer them a group experience they’ll never forget, like dune buggy riding, golfing, a catamaran cruise, snorkeling, visiting a volcano in St. Lucia, exploring the ancient ruins in Tulum or Chichen Itza, the Caribbean and Mexico provide a backdrop of unforgettable experiences. Now your wedding becomes a joyful celebration shared with loved ones, creating memories they will discuss for years to come.

When you choose to have a destination wedding over a traditional wedding, you have the fringe benefit of already having natural beauty, such as a beach or a scenic mountain backdrop, that can serve as the perfect setting for your ceremony, allowing you to cut down on decor expenses. You will also have the advantages of destination wedding packages that bundle vendors and services that save you money over a traditional wedding and have a mini vacation simultaneously! It’s a win-win for both you and your guests.

If you are currently trying to plan, figure out your destination wedding or aren’t sure if a destination wedding is right for you, schedule a free 30-minute destination wedding strategy session with me: Click here to book! Remember, this isn't just any vacation; this is your wedding and It has to be perfect!

Valentine's Day in Paris: A Couple's Guide to the City of Love

Paris, known as the City of Love, becomes even more enchanting on Valentine's Day. Whether it's your first visit or returning to this romantic haven, Paris in February offers an idyllic backdrop for celebrating love. Here's your guide to making the most of Valentine's Day in this magical city.

Stroll Along the Seine: Begin your day with a stroll along the Seine. The riverside paths are perfect for together walks, offering picturesque views of iconic landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. Stop for a café au lait at a riverside café and soak in the city's charming atmosphere.

A Visit to the Wall of Love: The "Le Mur des Je t'aime" (Wall of Love) in Montmartre is a must-visit for couples. This monument features "I love you" written in over 250 languages, symbolizing universal love. It's a popular spot for couples to capture a memorable photograph.

Lunch at a Traditional Parisian Bistro: Enjoy an intimate lunch at one of Paris's traditional bistros. Districts like Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés offer a plethora of dining options where you can savour classic French cuisine in a cozy, romantic setting.

Lock Your Love at Pont des Arts: While the tradition of locking padlocks on the Pont des Arts bridge has been discouraged, the bridge remains a symbol of romance in Paris. Walk across the bridge and enjoy the stunning views of the Seine, a perfect spot for a romantic photo.

Sunset at Montparnasse Tower: For a breathtaking view of the city, head to the Montparnasse Tower just before sunset. Witness the city light up as the sun sets, providing a stunning backdrop for a Valentine's Day toast.

Dinner Cruise on the Seine: Elevate your evening with a dinner cruise on the Seine. Several companies offer romantic dinner cruises that provide an unforgettable experience with exquisite meals and panoramic views of Paris's illuminated monuments.

An Evening in Montmartre: End your day in the charming neighbourhood of Montmartre. This artistic district, known for its cobblestone streets and bohemian history, is perfect for an evening stroll. Visit the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica and enjoy the panoramic view of Paris at night.

Valentine's Day in Paris is a dream come true for couples looking for romance and charm. Let us help you plan your perfect romantic getaway to the City of Love. Contact us to get booked and experience a Valentine's Day you'll never forget.

Valentine’s Day on a Budget: Affordable Romantic Getaways

Love is in the air as Valentine's Day approaches, but so often are the worries about how to make this special day memorable without breaking the bank. Here's a guide to affordable romantic getaways that prove love doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Cozy Cabin Retreats: Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and retreat into nature. Many national parks and rural areas offer cabin rentals at surprisingly affordable rates. Imagine snuggling by the fireplace, stargazing, and enjoying the tranquillity of nature. It's the perfect setting for rekindling love.

Charming Bed and Breakfast Inns: Explore quaint bed and breakfast inns in small towns. These hidden gems often provide a cozy and intimate experience at a fraction of the cost of big-city hotels. Enjoy homemade breakfasts, local charm, and a personal touch that can make your Valentine's Day truly unique.

Beach Getaways: Who says you need to fly to an exotic island for a beach getaway? Many coastal areas offer beautiful beaches at a budget-friendly price. Enjoy romantic walks on the beach, breathtaking sunsets, and a relaxing ambiance that will make you feel miles away from everyday life.

Cultural City Escapes: Consider a city break in less popular but equally charming cities. These destinations often have much to offer in terms of culture, history, and cuisine, without the high price tag of major tourist hotspots. Museums, galleries, and live performances can add a touch of sophistication to your romantic escape.

Home Away from Home: Sometimes the best getaway is a staycation. Transform your home into a luxury retreat with a few special touches - think candles, a gourmet meal, and a no-technology rule to focus solely on each other. It's affordable and deeply personal.

Remember, it's not about where you go or how much you spend, but the quality time you spend with your significant other. These affordable getaways are just the beginning of what can be a beautiful and memorable Valentine's Day.

Ready to plan your romantic getaway? Contact us! Our team specializes in crafting unforgettable experiences that fit every budget. Don't let financial worries hold you back from celebrating love. Get in touch today, and let's make this Valentine's Day one for the books!

5 Romantic Destinations for Valentine's Day Getaways

Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to reignite the flames of love or to spark new ones. With this special day around the corner, it's time to plan a romantic getaway that transcends the usual box of chocolates and bouquet of roses. From serene beachside retreats to enchanting city escapes, here are five destinations that promise an unforgettable Valentine's Day experience for you and your loved one.

Paris, France:  No list of romantic destinations is complete without Paris. Stroll hand in hand along the Seine, visit the Eiffel Tower or enjoy a cozy dinner in a quaint Montmartre café. Paris, with its timeless charm, and exquisite cuisine is the ideal city for love.

Venice, Italy: Venice, the city built on water, offers a unique and enchanting experience for couples. Glide through its canals on a gondola, wander through its labyrinthine alleyways, and marvel at the historic architecture in St. Mark's Square. The city's magical ambiance is sure to make your Valentine's Day special.

Santorini, Greece: For couples looking for a picturesque beach getaway, Santorini is a dream. Known for its stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings, and crystal-clear waters, this Greek island offers a tranquil yet mesmerizing setting. Enjoy a wine tour, relax on the beaches, and soak in the spectacular views.

Kyoto, Japan: Experience a different level of romance in Kyoto, a city where tradition meets modernity. Visit historic temples, walk through serene bamboo forests, and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. Kyoto's cultural richness and serene landscapes make it a uniquely romantic destination.

Banff, Canada: A mountainous romance for the adventurous couple, Banff National Park in Canada offers a winter wonderland. Its majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and cozy lodges create the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway. Enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, or a relaxing soak in the hot springs.

Don't let this Valentine's Day be just another day. Plan a romantic getaway to one of these breathtaking destinations and create memories that will last a lifetime. Contact us to book your perfect Valentine's escape and let the romance unfold.

Is Costa Rica a Honeymoon Destination? Yes, If You’re Looking For a Bucket List Honeymoon Experience!

If you are looking for a great honeymoon destination, Costa Rica can fit the bill perfectly. Bordered by the Caribbean Sea on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west, Costa Rica offers opportunities galore for adventure, relaxation, romance, and exploration. No wonder it is one of the most visited international destinations in the Western Hemisphere.

Stunning Scenary in Every Direction:

Costa Rica is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. The lush rainforests, incredible waterfalls, and pristine beaches on Pacific and Caribbean coasts make the place an ideal destination for romantic couples.   (I hear the Jurassic Park theme song playing)

An Adventure Seeker’s Paradise

If you are an active and adventurous couple, then Costa Rica is for you, because this country encourages eco-tourism, such as hiking, zip-lining white-water rafting, and snorkelling. You can even try your hand at diving in vibrant coral reefs.

Romantic Accommodations Abound:

Costa Rica provides a variety of romantic accommodations, including premium resorts that offer every conceivable luxury. Many boutique hotels and secluded eco-lodges are ready to serve your every need. 

Couples can relax and enjoy private beach picnics, candlelit dinners, and sunset cruises. Costa Rica offers a fine blend of adventure, relaxation, natural beauty, and cultural experiences, making it an excellent choice for a memorable honeymoon.

Here are some top areas to explore while planning a honeymoon to Costa Rica.

La Fortuna

La Fortuna is one of the prime honeymoon destinations in Costa Rica. It was the destination where Eugene Levy went for episode 2 of “The Reluctant Traveler.” 

The key highlights are:

• Breathtaking natural beauty

• Adventure activities

• Relaxing hot springs

• Unique accommodations (like the Nayara Tented Camp where Eugene Levy stayed). 

La Fortuna is the ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway. Enjoy hikes around the volcano, soak in hot springs, and witness the mesmerizing lava flows (when active).

Go zip-lining through the rainforest, rappelling down waterfalls, go on a thrilling white-water rafting excursion, or take a canopy tour. 

La Fortuna provides a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty for an unforgettable honeymoon experience. 

Guanacaste

Located in northwestern Costa Rica, Guanacaste is an excellent choice for a honeymoon destination. Guanacaste stands apart for its

• Beautiful beaches

• Lush rainforests

• Various outdoor activities for couples

The top attractions and activities you must explore to make it a perfect honeymoon spot are

• Tamarindo Beach

• Palo Verde National Park

• Rincon de la Vieja National Park

• Papagayo Peninsula

• Playa Flamingo

• Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

You can go on a sunset catamaran cruise along the Guanacaste coastline, enjoy the stunning views, relish a gourmet dinner, and even go snorkeling or kayaking together.

Make sure you watch the weather when planning your honeymoon in Guanacaste. Costa Rica has a tropical climate, and December to April is generally considered the best time to visit the place for its sunny and warm weather.

Monteverde

Located in the lush cloud forests of Costa Rica, Monteverde is a fantastic choice for a honeymoon destination. Monteverde is special because of its

• Breathtaking natural beauty.

• Abundant wildlife.

• Reputation as a bio-diversity hotspot

Monteverde is the top place for enjoying a honeymoon for many couples because

• It has cloud forests filled with mist, towering trees, and an incredible array of plant and animal life.

• Adventurous couples can explore, such as ziplining through the forest canopy, embarking on a guided hike to spot exotic birds and animals, horseback riding, or taking a romantic stroll along the hanging bridges.

• The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve or the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is a must-visit place for its natural beauty. 

• Monteverde is known for its commitment to sustainability and eco-tourism. You can indulge in eco-friendly activities that have minimal environmental impact.

Monteverde also has a vibrant local culture. Couples can visit the Monteverde Cheese Factory to learn about the region's dairy traditions, explore the charming town of Santa Elena, and interact with the friendly locals proud of their community.

Animal Sightings

True happiness can be experienced in the Monteverde cloud forest, where small groups can embark on canopy bridge tours and enjoy a breathtaking aerial view of the national park. 

The rainforests of Costa Rica are home to more than 900 different bird species and a diverse array of monkeys and sloths, making animal sightings an assured experience and an opportunity for relaxation. It also helps reduce stress levels, allowing visitors to enhance their overall sense of well-being.

It’s not difficult to find out why Costa Rica continues its reign as one of the world’s top honeymoon destinations. We have seen many reasons why you should plan a visit to Costa Rica with your loved one. The nation is abundant with unique encounters, thanks to its extensive offerings of natural marvels and verdant landscapes.

If you’re trying to figure out your own bucket list honeymoon, but are struggling and on information overload, feel free to schedule a free 30 minute consultation with me today, and let’s get your honeymoon on the “done” list.

Vicky Nicholas

Owner and Senior Lead Planner

Perfect Planners

info@destinationsbyperfectplanners.com

416-805-2096

2285 Dunwin Dr, Unit 11, Oakville, On L5L 3S3

Vicky has been in the wedding industry for over 30 years. She is a wedding planner in the Greater Toronto Area and Internationally.