Tulum Wedding Venues Part 2: Real Reviews & Reception Inspo

In this Ask Me Anything episode, I’m taking you on the second half of my venue-scouting trip to Tulum, Mexico—a destination that’s wildly popular with couples (and many of my travel industry colleagues). While the Caribbean will always be my home base and specialty, I wanted to experience this region firsthand and share what’s really worth knowing.

Quick Recap from Part I (Just in Case…)

In case you missed Part I, I shared my first impressions of the trip, initial venue tours, and some candid feedback on my experience with resort staff, food quality, and layout logistics. Spoiler: not everything was dreamy. But this time around, the vibes were a mix of magical moments and hmm… maybe nots.

This Episode: What You'll See

Music & Movement

Here's the rundown of what I covered on this live session (timestamps included in the video!):

Unico Hotel Room Tour & Surprise Wildlife Cameo

Beautiful room. Open-concept-bathroom. And… a creature with a long tail and snout that made me question my life choices. Apparently, this is normal in Tulum?

El Dorado Seaside Arrival

If first impressions matter, El Dorado Seaside made theirs count. Think: golf carts, welcome drinks, and a full resort-glam experience on arrival. Guests are greeted with cold towels, tropical cocktails, and Instagram-worthy backdrops. This is what a “welcome to paradise” moment should feel like.

The Reception Setup of Dreams

White linens? Nope. No linens at all–and somehow it worked. Picture food stations styled like chic market boats, ambient lighting, open-air seating, and golden-hour glow in the background. The vibe was elevated without being over-the-top. Very “grown up and gorgeous.”

While this part of the tour wasn't a full wedding, it gave me plenty of inspiration. Subtle background music during dinner, a live musician near the food stations, and a dedicated space for after-party energy once the reception winds down.

Hilton Tulum: A Beach Wedding Setup

Yes, it's possible to have a true “feet in the sand” ceremony in Tulum. The Hilton delivered a beautifully styled beach wedding mockup–with heavy chairs (important!) that could withstand the wind, and a boho-chic cocktail space just steps away from the waves. It looked dreamy… but was it functional? That's another story. Keep reading.

🏨 The Good, the Meh, and the Just-So-You-Know

El Dorado Seaside

Vibe: Romantic, warm, sprawling, and ideal for laid-back luxury lovers.
Best for: Receptions that impress, multi-generational guests, and groups who want great food in a chill setting.
Downside: Not ideal if you want to DIY your entertainment or party all night.

Hilton Tulum All-Inclusive

Vibe: Beautiful exterior, but the layout? Oof.
Best for: Large corporate events, short stays, and couples who are okay with a bit of a hike.
Downside: The resort layout (Buildings 3-6) means your guests might need golf cart shuttles just to get to the lobby. My room had zero view. And don't get me started on the beach near Building 6.

While Tulum offers stunning visuals and same-sex wedding inclusivity, it's important to know what works best for you and your guests–especially when it comes to travel time, resort layout, and overall experience.
And if you're still weighing options: the Caribbean is where I focus my magic. The region is filled with under-the-radar gems, boutique resorts that truly know how to host love-forward events, and picture-perfect beaches without the long shuttle rides.

✈️ Cancun Airport Chaos (Plan Ahead!)

I cannot stress enough: book your airport transfer ahead of time. The walk from baggage claim to the transportation pickup area is a bit of a hike and peppered with aggressive offers for rides and excursions. I had to day “no thanks” more than five time before I even saw daylight.

🌺 So… Mexico or the Caribbean?

If you're wondering where I stand, let me say this clearly: I'm a Caribbean wedding ambassador, through and through. It's the region I know like the back of my hand–resorts, vendors, logistics, and those unforgettable hidden spots you can't just Google.

But I also believe in being well-informed. And Mexico, particularly areas like Tulum and Riviera Maya, offer some compelling perks:

Easier access from many U.S. cities
More same-sex wedding-friendly venues
A wider range of affordable all-inclusive options
A familiar favorite for couples looking for simplicity

Still, for the couples I serve—those seeking a stress-free, elevated experience that doesn’t feel “one-size-fits-all”—the Caribbean often checks more of the right boxes. Especially if you’re craving charm, intimacy, and something a little more “you.”

So while Mexico showed me a few pleasant surprises, my heart (and expertise) will always belong to the Caribbean.