Playa del Carmen is sure to top the list when you think of a dream destination wedding. This tropical paradise in Riviera Maya boasts pristine beaches, lush jungles, and luxurious venues that set the stage for unforgettable celebrations.
Vincent van den Berg, founder of Pixan Photography, brings over 20 years of award-winning experience to destination wedding photography. His philosophy, “Seek, hunt, and illuminate,” captures the heart and soul of each couple and their chosen venue, ensuring that each love story is unique and special. Whether it’s an intimate elopement or a grand affair, Vincent creates a blend of love, connection, and natural beauty in every shot.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 wedding venues in Playa del Carmen and share Vincent’s insider tips for capturing stunning photos that will be cherished forever.
Secrets to Stunning Wedding Photos
To create breathtaking wedding photos, Vincent emphasizes the importance of natural light, especially during sunrise and sunset. The golden hour bathes the coastline and venues in soft, warm light, adding a magical glow to every moment.
To create dramatic and vibrant imagery, Vincent recommends incorporating Playa del Carmen’s unique elements, such as turquoise waters, tropical greenery, and iconic cenotes. These natural features add a unique and inspiring touch to each photo. His personalized approach ensures each couple’s photos reflect their connection and the beauty of their surroundings.
Playa del Carmen Wedding Photography Tips
Choosing a venue that matches your style is the key to making the most of your Playa del Carmen wedding. From sophisticated resorts to eco-friendly hideaways, each location offers its charm. Vincent understands the importance of this choice and advises couples to discuss their vision in detail, allowing him to craft a photography plan highlighting the venue’s best features and the couple’s unique love story.
1- Grand Velas Riviera Maya
This luxurious venue offers a perfect balance between natural beauty and elegance. Vincent recommends leveraging the vibrant contrast between the turquoise waters and lush greenery for striking compositions. For a grand, cinematic feel, wide-angle shots can be used to capture the venue’s vast beachfront and manicured gardens. For more intimate moments, Vincent suggests close-ups with soft natural light to highlight the emotional connection between the couple.
“Golden hour” photography is especially magical here, as the warm light enhances the venue’s opulent tones and the sparkling sea, creating a dreamy atmosphere. Add subtle details like the couple walking barefoot along the shoreline to emphasize natural intimacy.
2- Mahekal Beach Resort
The bohemian charm of Mahekal Beach Resort is best captured with natural lighting during sunrise or sunset. Vincent emphasizes focusing on candid moments to reflect the relaxed and authentic vibe of the venue. For heartfelt shots, couples can embrace the resort’s rustic elements, such as its wooden pergolas and cosy beachfront setups.
To enhance the soft tones of the environment, Vincent advises couples to choose neutral or pastel attire, which blends beautifully with the warm hues of the setting sun. A spontaneous moment can transform into a timeless image, like a couple sharing a laugh under a palm tree.
3- Xcaret Park
Known for its diverse natural and cultural backdrops, Xcaret Park allows for various creative shots. Vincent recommends using wide-angle lenses to capture the grandeur of the Mayan ruins, cenotes, and lush jungles. For more intimate moments, the serene waters of the cenotes provide a mystical and romantic setting.
To maximize the dramatic potential of this venue, Vincent often incorporates the surrounding architecture into the composition. For example, framing the couple within the archways of a Mayan ruin adds depth and cultural significance to the shot. He also suggests experimenting with reflections in the cenotes for a dreamy effect.
4- The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences
The modern architecture of The Fives Beach Hotel lends itself to creative photography. Vincent suggests incorporating reflections from the venue’s sleek glass windows and infinity pools for contemporary, artistic shots. Symmetry and clean lines in the hotel’s design can create dynamic and sophisticated images.
For a softer touch, the beachfront area is ideal for romantic portraits. Couples can opt for playful shots, like running along the water’s edge or a gentle embrace with the ocean in the background. Black-and-white photos here add timeless elegance to the overall collection.
5- Blue Venado Beach Club
The natural, untouched beauty of Blue Venado Beach Club shines through in soft, diffused lighting. Vincent advises couples to embrace the elements – like a breeze in their hair or waves lapping at their feet¬ for a romantic, windswept aesthetic.
The venue’s seclusion makes it perfect for storytelling photography. Vincent recommends setting up shots that capture candid moments of connection, such as the couple stealing a private kiss against the endless horizon. To highlight the venue’s charm, he combines wide shots of the expansive beach and close-ups of small details like sandy toes or windblown hair.
6- Paradisus Playa del Carmen
The versatility of Paradisus Playa del Carmen makes it a favourite for vibrant and energetic photos. Vincent highlights the interplay of natural and artificial light in the lush tropical gardens and beachside areas. He often uses the soft glow of twilight to create dramatic silhouettes of the couple against the horizon.
The gardens are perfect for vibrant, close-up shots that emphasize the couple’s attire and emotions. Vincent suggests capturing details such as a bride’s veil flowing in the breeze or a groom’s candid laugh to add a personal touch to the album.
7- Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun
This venue’s award-winning beach is the ultimate location for capturing breathtaking sunset shots. Vincent recommends scheduling the ceremony or portraits to coincide with the golden hour, ensuring the natural light bathes the couple and surroundings in a soft, glowing hue.
For couples who want a touch of drama, Vincent suggests using the setting sun as a backdrop for close-ups. A silhouette of the couple against the fiery hues of the sunset can result in some of the most memorable images. Incorporating the golden sands into wide-angle shots also emphasizes the serene beauty of the venue.
8- Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Banyan Tree Mayakoba’s tranquil waterways and lush mangroves are ideal for reflective and intimate shots. Vincent suggests positioning the couple near the water’s edge to use the stillness of the water as a natural mirror. This technique adds depth and elegance to the photos.
Soft and candid moments work best to enhance the romantic atmosphere. For instance, a gentle kiss on a bridge or the couple holding hands while strolling through the mangroves can create enchanting compositions. Vincent also recommends evening shots with the venue’s subtle lighting to add warmth and a cozy feel to the photos.
9- Sandos Caracol Eco Resort
This eco-conscious venue is a treasure trove for adventurous and creative photography. Vincent recommends using the surrounding jungle and wildlife for wide-angle shots. The vibrant greenery can frame the couple beautifully, creating a dynamic and lively feel.
For couples who enjoy playful and quirky moments, Vincent suggests experimenting with angles – such as capturing the couple looking up from under a canopy of trees or interacting with the resort’s resident wildlife. These unique elements make the photos genuinely one-of-a-kind.
10- Occidental at Xcaret Destination
Occidental’s cultural richness provides a blend of traditional and modern aesthetics. Vincent advises highlighting the venue’s Mayan-inspired architecture with detailed close-ups and dramatic compositions. For example, a couple framed by the arches of a temple or posing near intricate carvings adds a sense of history and timelessness to the images.
The vibrant tropical gardens and ocean views allow for softer, romantic shots. Vincent’s use of vivid colours and balanced compositions ensures that every photo showcases the beauty of the venue and the couple’s unique connection.
Insider Tips for Choosing the Right Venue
Choosing the perfect venue is key to capturing unforgettable wedding photos. Vincent suggests considering the size of your wedding, the ambience you wish to create, and the specific elements you want in your photos. With his extensive experience, he can guide couples to venues that align with their vision and help them make the most of their chosen location.
Making Your Wedding Photography Unique
Every couple’s love story is unique, and Vincent believes your wedding photography should reflect that. He personalizes every shoot, ensuring it captures not only the beauty of the venue but also the essence of your relationship. His approach combines fun, creativity, and an eye for detail to deliver images as meaningful as they are stunning.
Conclusion
Playa del Carmen is home to some of the most stunning wedding venues in the world. From luxurious resorts to eco-friendly escapes, there is something for every couple. With Vincent van den Berg of Pixan Photography, you can trust that your wedding moments will be beautifully preserved through his lens.
Ready to create magical memories? Schedule your consultation with Vincent at Pixan Photography today and let the magic of Playa del Carmen shine in every frame.
