Top Tips for Planning Your 2025 Destination Wedding in Mexico

December 30, 2024

Dreaming of a destination wedding in Riviera Maya, Mexico? With its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and romantic vibes, it’s no wonder couples from around the world are choosing our tropical paradise to say “I do.”

If you’re planning your wedding for 2025, here are the top tips to make your celebration unforgettable!

1. Book Your Riviera Maya Wedding Venue Early - 2025 Dates Are Filling Fast!

Mexico’s popularity as a wedding destination keeps growing, and 2025 is set to be a record-breaking year for celebrations. The best venues and vendors get snapped up quickly, so don’t delay when it comes to locking in your date.

At Villa La Joya Riviera Maya, we only host one wedding per day, ensuring you get the attention and exclusivity your big day deserves. Our 2025 calendar is already filling with love stories - could yours be next?

2. Add Mexican Flair to Your Wedding Theme

Make your destination wedding stand out by embracing Mexico’s rich culture and traditions. From mariachi bands and tequila tasting stations to vibrant papel picado banners, these special touches add fun and authenticity to your big day.

Need ideas? At Villa La Joya, we work with the best wedding vendors in the Riviera Maya to bring your vision to life. Whether it’s fresh churros, festive piñatas, or even a donkey in a flowered hat, we’ve got the connections to make it happen.

3. Prepare for Weather– and Epic Photos!

The Riviera Maya weather is breathtaking year-round, but it’s always smart to plan for sunshine and occasional tropical showers. Consider adding shade, fans, and hydration stations to keep your guests comfortable, especially during warmer months.

At Villa La Joya, we’ve seen it all and have solutions for any weather scenario. If rain decides to make a surprise appearance, don’t worry - rain on your wedding day is a sign of good luck and often results in gorgeous, dramatic photos.

4. Choose Local Wedding Vendors You Can Trust

The key to a smooth, stress-free destination wedding? Reliable, experienced wedding vendors in Mexico who understand the local area and logistics.

At Villa La Joya, we partner with Villa Planners, our expert in-house team, to handle every detail flawlessly. From floral designs to timelines, we make your dream wedding a reality - and we have so much fun doing it. Trust us, we’ve got this and we love what we do.

5. Turn Your Wedding Into a Vacation to Remember

Your destination wedding day is just the beginning - why not turn it into a wedding week in Mexico filled with unforgettable experiences?

Treat your guests to snorkeling adventures, cenote swims, or visits to ancient Mayan ruins. Or go all out with:

A Mexican welcome party at Xoximilco - think floating fiestas and music.
A rehearsal dinner on a sunset catamaran in Playa del Carmen.

With so much to see and do, your Riviera Maya wedding celebration will feel like the ultimate getaway for everyone. Shared experiences and deeper bonds with loved ones make memories that will last a lifetime.

Rehearsal Dinner at Lido Beach Club. Photo by Beeer Photography

Start Planning Your 2025 Destination Wedding at Villa La Joya, Mexico Today!

Ready to bring your Mexico wedding ideas to life? Villa La Joya in Playa del Carmen offers stunning oceanfront views, exclusive access with only ONE wedding per day, and endless possibilities to create a magical experience.

Contact us today and let’s start planning your 2025 wedding in Riviera Maya - where love meets paradise and the wedding professionals are world-class! Schedule a video meet with our team today. Let’s talk, show us those vision boards!

Photo Credits in no particular order: Fine Art Wedding Studio, Howard Band, Amor Amor Weddings, Caro Navarro.

A Dreamy Wedding at Villa La Joya: Courtney & Beattie's Love Story

December 28, 2024

From Office Romance to a Gondola Proposal in Venice

Courtney & Beattie’s and love story began at work, from co-workers to newlyweds and forever-after partners! After two years of friendship, they went on their first date and never looked back. Their romance took a fairy-tale turn when Beattie proposed on a gondola ride in Venice, Italy. With the canals of Venice as their backdrop, the moment felt like it was straight out of a movie - setting the stage for their future picture-perfect destination wedding in Mexico.

Why Choose Riviera Maya for a Destination Wedding?

When it came time to plan their wedding, Courtney & Beattie knew they wanted more than just a one-day celebration - they wanted a full experience. The Riviera Maya offered the perfect blend of natural beauty, tropical vibes, and vacation fun for their guests.

"Your wedding is the only time when everyone you love is gathered in one place to celebrate YOU - embrace that for as long as you can!" says Courtney. They embrace it by turning their wedding day into a wedding week, a major celebration in paradise.

Why Villa La Joya and Villa Planners Are the Perfect Match

Courtney and Beattie fell in love with Mexico wedding venue Villa La Joya from the moment they saw it online. Its elegant architecture, reminiscent of Italian villas, brought back memories of their Venetian engagement, making it feel like fate.

What sealed the deal was the ability to personalize every detail. Villa La Joya’s blank canvas appeal allowed the couple to design their dream wedding from the ground up. Partnering with Villa Planners, the venue’s expert in-house wedding planning team, made the experience even better.

"Not only do they know the villa inside and out and have outstanding relationships with the vendors, but they are also 100% committed to making your wedding day absolutely perfect," Emily shared.

A Riviera Maya Wedding Day Filled with Joy, Tears, and Surprises

While every moment of their big day was unforgettable, the couple’s favorite memory was sharing a secret that left their guests in awe - they had eloped exactly one year earlier! We LOVE a surprise reveal!

The announcement sparked cheers, laughter, and happy tears, turning the celebration into a truly magical and emotional event.
"We wouldn’t have traded that moment for the world," Courtney says.

Timeless Elegance Meets Tropical Vibes

Courtney and Beattie chose a classic black-and-white wedding theme with a Riviera Maya tropical twist. Their décor stayed true to timeless elegance with crisp monochrome details, while their vibrant florals added pops of color, giving the celebration a modern and exotic feel.

The inspiration? Emily’s parents’ 1991 wedding - a black-and-white affair that stood the test of time.

No Regrets, Only Gratitude

When asked if they would change anything, Courtney was clear - “Not a single thing!”

From start to finish, our partners at Villa Planners made sure every detail was flawless. Their dedication to perfection ensured the couple’s vision came to life, leaving Courtney and Beattie with memories they’ll treasure forever.

Advice for Future Destination Wedding Brides

Courtney’s advice to brides planning a destination wedding in Mexico?

Hire a great wedding planner. Their experience will save you time, stress, and guesswork.
Communicate your vision. Be clear about your expectations, so your team can bring them to life.
Savor every moment. Slow down, breathe, and soak it all in.
"You’ve worked so hard to plan this day - ENJOY it with your new spouse!"

Ready to Plan Your Own Villa La Joya Wedding in Mexico?

If you’ve been dreaming of a destination wedding in the Riviera Maya, Villa La Joya offers the luxury, elegance, and personalized experience you deserve. With the expert guidance of Villa Planners, your dream wedding can become a reality - just like it did for Courtney and Beattie. We love hearing your plans and seeing your vision boards and we cannot wait to meet you.

Mexico Wedding Vendors in the Riviera Maya: Masters of Their Craft

We are so grateful to all the incredible vendors who came together to make this event flow and glow. You consistently bring professionalism and creativity to the weddings we host at Villa la Joya and it is a delight to work with you all. And hey brides, did you know? There are never any silly vendor fees at Villa la Joya! Let’s rock your wedding dreams and your budget.

A Riviera Maya Wedding at Villa La Joya: A Love Story Unfolds

December 17, 2024

Megan and Naweed Get Married in Mexico!

From a wedding party meeting in Jamaica to a special proposal in Lake Como to a destination wedding in the Riviera Maya, Megan and Naweed's love story will capture your heart. We asked the newlyweds for all the details and to share their Villa la Joya wedding experience. Ready to be inspired? This is a beautiful tale and the real Mexico wedding photos are a knockout!

How We Met

Naweed and I first crossed paths on New Year’s Eve 2020, introduced by mutual friends. Life kept us busy, and it wasn’t until nearly a year later—at our friends’ wedding in Jamaica—that we reconnected. As part of the wedding party, we were paired to walk down the aisle together. From that moment, everything changed. After we returned home, Naweed asked for my number at the airport, and since then, we haven’t gone a single day without talking.

The Proposal: Lake Como Magic

In September 2023, we traveled to Italy for a friend’s wedding in Rome and turned it into a two-week vacation. Our first stop was Bellagio on the shores of Lake Como. I had a feeling he might propose during the trip, but I didn’t know when. On our second day, we explored the town, tried Hugo Spritzes, and prepared for a private boat tour. As the sun set over the lake, Naweed handed my phone to the captain for photos, then got down on one knee. It was surreal—the beauty of Lake Como, the moment, and his words (which I’ll admit I barely remember because of the emotions!). Of course, I said yes.

Why We Chose Villa La Joya in the Riviera Maya

From the beginning, we knew a destination wedding was the right choice. We wanted an experience where our closest friends and family could celebrate with us while also enjoying a short getaway. Mexico was ideal—easy to reach yet far enough to feel like an adventure. When I discovered Villa La Joya, I was sold. Its design reminded me of Italy, and the oceanfront setting added something uniquely special. It checked all the boxes for us—elegance, beauty, and a stunning backdrop for our day.

A Perfect Day

Our wedding day was everything we dreamed it would be. One of the moments we’ll always treasure was sitting at our sweetheart table, looking out at everyone we love in one place. Seeing both our worlds come together was something truly unforgettable. The day felt effortless - a testament to the amazing team who brought it all to life.

Wedding Aesthetic: Whimsy Meets Romance

Our vision for the wedding was whimsical and romantic. The color palette featured yellows, blues, pinks, and greens, perfectly complementing Villa La Joya’s timeless elegance. The bold, dark blue ceremony arch stood out beautifully and became one of my favorite design elements—it looked incredible in photos. For the reception, the festive formal dress code and vibrant decor created a lively yet sophisticated atmosphere.

No Regrets

If we could do it all again, we wouldn’t change a thing. Every moment felt like it was exactly how it was meant to be. Naweed and I joke that we must have used up all our good luck that weekend because everything came together so perfectly.

Advice for Future Destination Brides?

Planning a wedding abroad comes with its challenges, but hiring a planner was the best decision we made. It gave us the freedom to enjoy the process and focus on the excitement of the big day. My advice? Soak in every moment—from being engaged to the planning and the wedding itself. It goes by fast, but it’s worth every second.

Congratulations from Villa la Joya

It was an honor to host Megan & Naweed’s breathtaking Riviera Maya wedding. From the whimsical decor to the heartfelt moments shared, their day was absolutely unforgettable. We wish them a lifetime of love and happiness.

Are you ready to start planning your luxury destination wedding in Mexico? Let Villa La Joya provide the stunning backdrop to your special day. Contact us today, we can't wait to hear your story!

As always, a special thanks to all the wedding vendors in the Riviera Maya who brought their creativity and professionalism to this stunning event. Muchas gracias!

Vendors:

Romantic proposal in the Riviera Maya

November 29, 2024

Dharmesh and Shivani get engaged at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen

Some love stories are written in the stars, and others are written in Instagram DMs. For Dharmesh and his fiancée Shivani, their story is a blend of chance, charm, and pure romance. From a simple Instagram message to an unforgettable proposal in Mexico, their journey led them to Villa la Joya for a moment that will forever be etched in their hearts.

How It All Began: From Instagram to India to Mexico

This romantic love story began in 2021 when Dharmesh sent the first fateful Insta message. At the time, his future fiancée Shivani was in her “me” era, focused on self-growth and not actively looking for a relationship. Fast forward to a year later: Dharmesh posted a stunning photo of fireworks at his sister’s engagement in India. That image caught the attention of Shivani, prompting her to comment, “So nice.” Little did she know, this small comment would change their lives forever.

As the universe would have it, Dharmesh had made a wish during his sister’s celebration - hoping he’d find his person soon. The fates delivered. What began with 8-hour FaceTime calls turned into countless dates in New York and New Jersey, a romantic beachside picnic to make their relationship official, and a love that blossomed against the backdrop of laughter, connection, and endless joy.

A Surprise Riviera Maya Proposal at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen

Dharmesh knew he wanted to create a moment as extraordinary as their love story when it came time to propose to his love. We were delighted to be invited to be part of the surprise proposal and set the scene for their special engagement in the Riviera Maya.

The couple landed in Mexico on the day of the proposal. Dharmesh had planned everything to perfection, including a professional hair and makeup session for his bride-to-be, handled by the talented Dani Delgado and her team. While Shivani thought it was all for just a fun couple’s portrait photoshoot, Dharmesh was nervously orchestrating the most important question of his life.

The day unfolded with a carefully planned detour to Villa la Joya. As they arrived, we greeted the lovebirds and kept the secret shhh, not giving away the surprise. The bride-to-be was met by Sweet Caribbean Photography, who casually mentioned they had found an even better location for the portrait shoot. Suspense turned into pure magic as they walked through the villa’s grand staircase to find a magical setup. There, Dharmesh, dressed in a dashing wine-colored suit, waited to ask the ultimate question.

“Yes!” she exclaimed, the answer was YES! She wore a stunning black dress that complemented the elegant décor and dramatic setting of Villa la Joya. The proposal was everything she had dreamed of and more, perfectly blending surprise, romance, and heartfelt emotion.

Back to the Beach and a Love Affair with Mexico

Their engagement at Villa la Joya wasn’t just a proposal - it was absolute destiny. From their chance connection online to their shared vacations in Mexico, this couple’s story is a testament to the workings of the universe. As Shivani lovingly says, “I became a girlfriend on a beach, a fiancée on a beach, and will become a wife on a beach.” Big congratulations to Dharmesh and Shivani!

Planning a surprise proposal in the Riviera Maya at an exclusive private venue

The day wouldn’t have been possible without an incredible team to plan the perfect engagement. Unique Stories flawlessly planned the event, bringing Dharmesh’s vision to life. Sweet Caribbean Photo captured every unforgettable moment, ensuring their memories were preserved beautifully. And, of course, Dani Delgado and her team of makeup artists and stylists added fairy dust to make the bride-to-be glow with effortless elegance.

Celebrate love at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya

Villa la Joya isn’t just a venue; it’s a destination where dreams come true. From the grand staircase to the serene beachfront, every corner of this venue tells a story of love and timeless beauty. Whether it’s a surprise proposal, destination wedding, or any milestone worth celebrating, Villa la Joya offers a setting as grand as the important life moments we host.

To Dharmesh and Shivani, we wish you a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventure. And to all you couples dreaming of your own magical moment, Villa la Joya Riviera Maya is ready to host and set the scene for your Playa del Carmen events. Contact us today!

Jantzen and Daylon Villa la Joya Riviera Maya Wedding

November 23, 2024

Everything that day was SO PERFECT. I feel like you always hear stories about this and that going wrong at weddings, but our day was truly magical. All thanks to Villa La Joya, Nancy & her team and our wonderful vendors. I wish we could do it all over again. - Newlywed bride Jantzen

Romance, love and fabulous destination wedding inspiration ahead. Jantzen and Daylon joined us at Villa la Joya with an intimate group of family and friends to celebrate their amor forever and ever. Classic wedding style, pretty details and an abundance of joy, we adored working with Villa Planners on bringing this vision to life with this lovely couple of newlyweds.

Ask the newlyweds! Destination wedding ideas and expertise from Jantzen and Daylon

Why choose the Riviera Maya for your destination wedding?

Daylon and I have been traveling to the Riviera Maya for a few years now and absolutely fell in love with Playa del Carmen on our first visit. We love the ocean, the culture, the food, and the atmosphere. It's heaven on earth! Some of our best memories and stories are from our trips to Playa del Carmen... and Cozumel is actually where Daylon proposed! On an intimate secluded beach we had explored a few times previously.

Why choose a wedding at Villa La Joya, Riviera Maya?

I had actually come across Villa La Joya on social media months before we were even engaged. The photos were to die for and it looked like an absolute fantasy. It was one of those things where I just knew... that would be the place, it was perfect! I saved the post (just in case 😉) Once engaged, I immediately did more research on how to make those dreams come true.

Why did you choose wedding coordinators Villa Planners?

After looking over a few details and reading reviews online, I had no doubt in my mind I wanted to go with Villa Planners. I absolutely loved all of the inspo posted online and felt confident that they also knew the ins and outs of the venue and wedding coordinating (since they do it almost every day at Villa la Joya, incredible!) Nancy and Mike were very responsive and helpful, even before booking and it gave me great peace of mind that I had made the right decision.

Priceless Riviera Maya destination wedding moments full of emotion and magic

Wedding days seem to just fly by, it’s important to stop and feel all the feels of the most magical time of your life. Jantzen and Daylon share with us their favorite and most memorable moments at their Villa la Joya Riviera Maya wedding.

Favorite & Most Emotional Destination Wedding Moments

First look with dad
Our first touch as bride and groom
Walking the aisle and seeing his reaction
First Dance
Father Daughter Dance
Speeches
Bouquet dedication to mom
Final private dance

Destination wedding funniest moment

The best man, close friend of the groom, and I coordinated a surprise entrance later in the evening.

The Best Man (Fernando) and Groom's close friend (Vinny) dressed up as Lloyd and Harry from Dumb and Dumber (in the orange and blue suits) and came out onto the dance floor to the opening Dumb and Dumber song, while having the notorious cane fight. (If you've seen the movie, you know! hehe)

Daylon about fell to his knees with laughter and was so surprised, success!

Villa la Joya Riviera Maya wedding style, decor and lighting ideas

We asked the bride to share her wedding style inspiration for future Villa la Joya brides. Sophisticated, classy, warm and beachy, the decor was perfect for a beachside wedding in the garden of our private villa venue in the Riviera Maya.

Riviera Maya Wedding Theme/Colors/Inspo

We wanted a "smaller" more intimate wedding with our closest family and friends (60 guests). We didn't have a particular theme, but I would say it was "Classic" inspired with tropical touches. We wanted a clean and sophisticated atmosphere but also a warm beachy vibe.

We went with the traditional colors- Black and white (Bridal party in black, black linens, black & white matchboxes as wedding favors, black and white table numbers, white ceremony chairs, black and white dance floor etc).

Our accent color was green (forest green), it tied in nicely with all of the tropical arrangements and greenery on the table center pieces. We had forest green water goblets, invites, as well as the shot wall seating arrangement.

Lighting was more of a focus than florals. We wanted to create an intimate mood with candles. We had floating candles in the pool, 15-20 different size candles(and greenery) as centerpieces on each table rather than big floral arrangements, candles on our sweetheart table, bar, and lounge tables. We even splurged a little more to have the "sky of lights" above the pool/dance floor and dining tables-worth it!

Best advice for future destination wedding brides in the Riviera Maya?

If you're looking for the perfect venue, look no further! Villa La Joya and their team are phenomenal. They make everything so easy and stress-free.

Pay the extra money for the photoshoot inside the Villa

If you're getting ready at the bridal suite- schedule the lunch service! (also available for grooms condo)
Pay for the extra hour! (or two😉) it flies by!
Highly recommend using their suggested vendors (all vendors are very familiar with the venue as well as one another!)
Planning a destination wedding can be overwhelming, but Nancy and the Villa Planner team make it a breeze! Enjoy every moment!
Have a private last dance, just the two of you and soak it all in❤️

Our biggest thanks and most sincere best wishes for a lifetime of joy! Thank you Jantzen and Daylon

We enjoyed getting to know you and are honored that you chose to host your wedding at our private venue in the Riviera Maya, Villa la Joya. We are super grateful for you taking the time to share your destination wedding experience, muchas gracias!

As always, a huge shoutout of thanks to the amazing group of Riviera Maya wedding vendors who brought their creativity and professionalism to make this event a huge success. And hey, remember, there are never any silly vendor fees at Villa la Joya!

Riviera Maya Wedding Vendors

Blog