Riviera Maya Wedding Photographer

Bride and groom standing in front of a modern architectural doorway in Tulum, photographed by Riviera Maya wedding photographer Luke Fotoliv.

The Riviera Maya is the heart of Mexico’s southeast coast — a lush region filled with white-sand beaches, tropical jungle, and some of the most stunning wedding venues in the country. Stretching from Puerto Morelos to Tulum, this area offers an incredible mix of backdrops, from oceanfront villas to luxury resorts surrounded by palms.

Our work here focuses on documenting real connection — modern weddings where architecture, nature, and emotion come together in a way that feels effortless and honest.

What to Know Before Planning Your Wedding

Best Time of Year
The best months for weddings in the Riviera Maya are November through May, when the weather is dry, skies are clear, and the light is perfect for photography.

Symbolic vs Legal Ceremonies
Most international couples choose a symbolic ceremony — it’s simpler, faster, and allows complete creative freedom for the ceremony location.

Venues & Logistics
You can choose between private villas, boutique venues, or all-inclusive resorts. Each has its pros and cons: resorts handle logistics easily but may charge outside vendor fees; private venues allow full customization and more privacy.

Travel & Guests
Cancun International Airport connects directly to major US and European cities. Most venues are 30–90 minutes from the airport, depending on location.

Accommodation
Our couples often stay at resorts like Unico 2087, Secrets Akumal, or Excellence Riviera Cancun; others prefer villas in Playa del Carmen or boutique hotels in Tulum.

Pro Tip
When planning, consider sargassum season (typically late spring – summer) and hurricane season (September – October). Both are manageable with proper timing and planning.

Get Your Free Riviera Maya Wedding Guide

Planning a destination wedding in Mexico? Download our free Riviera Maya Wedding Guide, a complete resource for couples getting married along the coast.


Inside, you’ll find:

  • Venue recommendations across Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Tulum

  • Planning timelines and budgeting tips

  • Guidance on vendor fees, permits, and seasonality

  • Our insight into creating a stress-free destination wedding experience

Send me the Free Guide

Why Couples Choose

the Riviera Maya

The region attracts modern US and European couples looking for an experience beyond the resort. They come for the combination of design, food, music, and culture — often mixing relaxed beach moments with elevated receptions.
Most weddings here average $50K USD+, with celebrations that emphasize quality over scale — focusing on food, atmosphere, and guest experience.

Venues We Love in the Riviera Maya

Puerto Morelos

Playa del Carmen

Akumal

  • Secrets Akumal

  • Unico 2087 Hotel

  • Saasil Kantenah Private Venue

Tulum

  • Blue Venado Seaside

  • Dreams Tulum Resort

  • Akiin Tulum Beach Club

  • Chateau Sixteen Tulum

  • Casa Malca

  • Nü Tulum

  • Nomade Tulum

  • Delek Tulum

  • Papaya Playa Project

Each location offers its own balance of design, light, and texture — from minimal architecture and neutral tones to dense jungle greens and the soft blues of the Caribbean.

Our Approach

Our philosophy is simple: document connection and place with intention.
Every wedding is built around three visual environments:

  • Architecture: clean lines, soft neutrals, and elegant compositions.

  • Jungle: organic shapes, deep greens, natural textures.

  • Beach: open horizons, warm skies, and honest light.

This mix of human emotion and natural landscape defines how we tell your story.

Real Story: Russell & Emily

I first met Russell and Emily during a wedding I photographed at Andaz Mayakoba in 2021. Russell approached me during the party and mentioned he wanted to propose soon. A week later, we met again in Tulum for a surprise engagement session at Diamante K Hotel. My wife joined to keep things casual, pretending to be tourists while I captured the proposal.

Two years later, I photographed their wedding weekend at Unico 2087 and Saasil Kantenah Private Venue. It started with a lively welcome party, followed by a Persian ceremony on the beach and a reception that truly defined what a Riviera Maya celebration feels like — elegant, joyful, and completely alive.

Bride and groom walking by the palm trees and ocean at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya, captured by Luke Fotoliv wedding photographer.
Bride and groom portrait at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya, captured by Luke Fotoliv wedding photographer.
Bride and groom dancing during their wedding reception at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya, surrounded by cheering guests, captured by Luke Fotoliv.

Wedding Photography Packages

Our collections are designed for full coverage of your wedding story:

  • 6 Hours — Wish Collection

  • 8 Hours — Dream Collection (most booked)

  • 10 Hours — Love Collection

Every package includes timeline planning, pre-wedding Zoom consultation, and full-resolution edited images delivered through an online gallery.

Optional upgrades include Film Photography, additional coverage hours, or multi-day events.
Average investment: around $4,000 USD.

Booking Process

  1. Inquiry: Submit your details through our contact form.

  2. Zoom Call: Schedule a Zoom call to discuss your vision.

  3. Contract: You’ll receive a detailed agreement outlining coverage, delivery, and terms.

  4. Deposit: A 10 % retainer secures your date.

  5. Planning: Once booked, we collaborate on the perfect photography timeline for your wedding day.

Vendors we Love

Planners
Fer Gallegos | Ola Weddings | Dream Weddings Riviera Maya | Castle Weddings

Makeup Artists
Styling Trio | Zoe Elizabeth | Dani Delgado | Sandra Carolina Makeup

Florals & Decor
Mandarinna Studio | Pistilo | Canteiro

Videographers
Storyfilms OV | Kino Heart | Cinelum | Sea & Love Wedding Films

Frequently Asked Questions

Should we book a resort or a private venue?
Private venues offer full flexibility; resorts simplify logistics but may charge vendor fees.

Do we need a wedding planner?
Yes — a planner is essential for coordination, permits, and vendor management.

When should we book our photographer?
Most couples secure their date 12-18 months in advance.

What’s the average wedding cost in the Riviera Maya?
Budgets typically start around $50K USD for full-weekend experiences.

Is it better to have an adults-only wedding?
It depends on your guest list. Many resorts offer adult-only options; communicate it clearly on your invitation or website.

Ready to Plan Your Riviera Maya Wedding?

Your wedding deserves storytelling that feels effortless and real.
Get the free Riviera Maya Wedding Guide, or reach out to schedule your consultation and start planning your photography coverage today.

Photographer smiling with a happy couple, celebrating their wedding planning journey together — featured in our free downloadable Riviera Maya wedding guide

Hey, I’m Luke — a wedding photographer living in Mexico who’s helped over 50 couples create beautiful destination weddings in the Riviera Maya. This free guide is full of the exact advice I give my real clients, to help you plan with peace, joy, and clarity.

Meet Luke, Your Local Wedding Guide

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