By Jared Benoff | Published on March 28, 2023

If you chat with any of the experienced travel advisors on our team, you’ll know we love Generations Riviera Maya. 

The top reasons we think Generations Riviera Maya is a perfect destination wedding venue are: 

  • Stunning wedding venues with plenty of choices (rooftop, pier, beach, pool, chapel, the list goes on!)
  • Compelling wedding packages with terrific inclusions and perks for couples
  • An incredible wedding team that understands the nuances of various cultural traditions and the finest of details

 

Generations Riviera Maya is a family-friendly, all-inclusive resort in Mexico and a beautiful option for your destination wedding.

Say ‘I do’ with the warm Caribbean breeze on your shoulders next to the crystal clear blue water. This resort prides itself on offering fantastic service, great amenities, and all-inclusive gourmet restaurants.

In this article, we’ll share what makes this place stand out as a strong contender for your dream destination wedding venue.

Location of Generations Riviera Maya

The resort is nestled in the heart of the Riviera Maya, only 25 minutes from Cancun International Airport, and 15 minutes from Playa del Carmen, so it’s quite easy for you and your guests to get to.

Generations Riviera Maya is also located within a larger complex that includes two sister properties: El Dorado Royale and El Dorado Royale Casitas.

Adults staying at Generations Riviera Maya have access to everything at El Dorado so you can enjoy the restaurants and amenities at all three resorts. 

The suites at Generations Riviera Maya

generations riviera maya | oceanfront one bedroom swim out suiteThe resort opened in 2014 and has only 144 suites so it can feel quite intimate for a wedding party. 

The types of suites available at Generations Riviera Maya are:

  • Oceanfront one-bedroom suite
  • Oceanfront one-bedroom swim up suite
  • Oceanfront two-bedroom suite
  • Oceanfront two-bedroom swim up suite
  • Oceanfront two-bedroom pool swim up suite
  • Oceanfront three-bedroom suite
  • Oceanfront three-bedroom swim up suite
  • Oceanfront three-bedroom pool swim up suite
  • Oceanfront royal suite

Generations prides itself that all rooms are oceanfront suites so no matter which room you’re in you’ll have views to the blue water. 

Each of the suites are spacious and contemporary, equipped with smart TVs, a premium minibar, and most importantly a stunning ocean view. Many of the rooms also have indoor or outdoor hot tubs. 

For our destination wedding groups, the oceanfront one-bedroom suites and oceanfront one-bedroom swim out suites are the most popular. The swim out suites are particularly popular as you can have a swim out suite on higher floors so you can be swimming in an infinity pool on the third floor as you look at the water – how incredible is that! 

The suites at Generations Riviera Maya are excellent for families given how spacious they are and it’s worth the extra price of the swim out to have that extra wow factor. 

One of the things we love about planning a destination wedding at Generations is that we can pair your room block with rooms at the two adults-only resorts which opens up the categories and price points, and provides an adults-only option to your guests.

Gourmet Inclusive amenities at Generations

As a family-friendly all-inclusive resort, Generations wants to ensure amenities are included for the whole family. From the food to activities, drinks to personalized service, Generations has everything covered. 

Some of the gourmet inclusive experience features include:

  • Welcome glass of sparkling wine 
  • WiFi throughout the resort
  • Concierge service from 8am to 5pm
  • All meals and gourmet bites
  • All domestic and international alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • 24-hour room service
  • Kids menu
  • Eko kids club for kids ages 4-12
  • Beach and pool butler
  • GreenHouse Tour, Bonanza Ranch Tour, and Eco tour
  • Cooking class and Little Eko Chefs program
  • Dancing lessons and Spanish lessons
  • Yoga class, stretching and fitness center

If you’re bringing a baby the resort also offers:

  • Cribs
  • Strollers
  • Pack and play
  • Baby bottle warmers
  • Baby bottle sterilizers
  • Baby food
  • Baby monitors
  • Baby changing tables with bathtubs
  • Baby bathrobes

 On the property, there are three large pools to choose from and an oasis of relaxation to enjoy at the Naay spa.

For your more adventurous guests, they can choose to explore the wonders of Playa Del Carmen, Cancun, and the ruins of Tulum by taking short day trips. There really is something for everyone here!

Delicious globally inspired restaurants at Generations

generations riviera maya | chefs market restaurantAt Generations Riviera Maya, the dining experiences will be delicious for you and all your guests. Whether you’re savoring authentic flavors in their signature restaurants, grabbing a more casual bite by one of the pools or enjoying in-suite-themed dining, you and your guests will have plenty of options to indulge in.

And the dining options available to you specifically at your wedding are endless – from a taco and nacho station to a ceviche bar, there’s a whole banquet kit that you can choose from.

One of the best features of the Generations Riviera Maya wedding catering is that you can mix and match different menus – the resort’s offering is flexible and creative and will do almost anything to help you create your perfect event.

One thing to note as you’re planning your destination wedding is that at El Dorado Royale and El Dorado Royale Casitas, the restaurants are spread out through the property but at the Generations portion of the resort most of the restaurants are in the main building. We find this is quite helpful if you have guests in your group who are older or less mobile as there’s not as much traveling involved for meals and snacks. 

Generations Riviera Maya wedding venues

Generations riviera maya | rooftop destination wedding venueGenerations is a beautiful resort to visit for vacation, but where it really shines is for destination weddings. There are some truly stunning locations for you to choose from for your wedding events. All the venues are available to host the ceremony, reception or cocktail party. Here we discuss some of our favorite spots:

Pier deck 

Our favorite – and most popular – venue is the pier deck, built entirely out of wood, with a 180-degree view of the ocean.

It’s a seriously impressive place to host your ceremony or cocktail party for up to 200 guests. If you’re hosting a sit-down dinner here, it will host up to 100 seated guests.

Sky deck

The Sky deck is on the 5th floor with a 180-degree aerial view of the ocean. It’s a huge space with room for 300 guests, or 200 guests if seated for full-plated dinner service. Often couples will host their ceremony at the pier deck and the reception on the sky deck.

Catholic chapel

generations riviera maya | catholic chapel wedding venueIf you’re looking for a Catholic ceremony – whether legal or symbolic – the Catholic chapel at Generations is a stunning venue option that can seat up to 200 guests.

Generations Riviera Maya is one of our top choices overall, especially if you want a Catholic wedding ceremony.

Beach

If you want to say ‘I do’ with the sand between your toes, you can opt for a ceremony, cocktail hour, or dinner and dancing on the beach right next to the crystal waters. The beach chapel venue can host up to 400 guests (300 seated) and the beach gazebo can host up to 300 guests.

Ballrooms

You’ll find 3 different ballroom options for your wedding at Generations – each offering a large indoor space for your event. The ballrooms can host 200 guests for your ceremony or 150 guests for a seated dinner.

There are also beautiful garden locations and pool terraces that can be used for your destination wedding.

There is even a unique cenote with breathtaking natural pools located 2 minutes away from the hotel. This could be the perfect backdrop for more adventurous couples.

Wedding Packages at Generations Riviera Maya

generations riviera maya | destination wedding | cocktail party | pier | boho chicGenerations offers a collection of personalized wedding packages that are curated to help bring your destination wedding to life. Given the popularity of the resort, particularly for Saturday weddings, Generations offers additional incentives if you’re open to hosting your wedding on a non-Saturday. 

As you’re planning your destination wedding, make sure to ask about the Cash for your Bash promotion that will provide incentives to you based on which package you select and how many rooms you book. You’ll be surprised how much money you’ll be able to save as a result of this! 

There are three packages available to couples: Always and Forever, Memorable Memorable Signature Collection, and Ultimate Memorable Moments.

Photography and videography is offered separately through Bridal Moments or you can work with an outside vendor, such as Cesar James Weddings.

We’ll break down the differences between the three wedding packages:

Always and Forever wedding package

Perfect for: A small wedding looking for the basics

Here are some of the inclusions of the Always and Forever package:

Ceremony decor 

  • Romantic ceremony location
  • Table with white linen
  • Special aisle runner
  • Uncovered white garden chairs

Ceremony services – some of this may not be necessary if you’re opting for a symbolic ceremony

  • Sound system with speakers and microphone
  • Non-denominational minister
  • Translation of ceremony
  • Wedding certificate 
  • Filing of all documents

Reception

  • Semi-private dinner reservation for wedding group
  • Personalized menu card

Signature services

  • Expert signature wedding designer
  • Groom’s room with gourmet bites 

This wedding package has all the basics for a couple for $950. Additionally, this package may actually be complimentary for couples who qualify. 

Memorable Moments Signature Collection Wedding Package

Perfect for: A mid-sized wedding looking for a sophisticated starting place

The Memorable Moments Signature Collection package may be a better option as it includes 6 curated designs and decor collections to pick from.

These collections include:

  • Coastal Bliss
  • Sophisticated Soiree
  • Vintage Elegance
  • Colonial Charm
  • Majestic Flair
  • Pure Glamour

These collections are a starting point and allow you to work with your dedicated on-site coordinator to customize your wedding to your style. Here are additional inclusions for the Memorable Moments signature collection wedding package:

Ceremony Decor

  • Romantic ceremony location
  • Decorated altar table
  • Aisle runner
  • 24 chairs with chair covers
  • Designer floral arrangements
  • Bridal bouquet
  • Groom’s boutonniere
  • Personalize wedding program on stationary

Ceremony Services – some of this may not be necessary if you’re opting for a symbolic ceremony

  • Signature welcome drink
  • Sound system with speakers and microphone
  • Non-denominational minister
  • Translation of ceremony
  • Wedding certificate
  • Filing of all documents

Reception

  • 3 Memorable Moments reception tables
  • Memorable Moments sweetheart table
  • Signature bites 1 hour cocktail 
  • 3 hour chef inspired 4 course private dinner reception
  • Menu printed on stationery
  • 2 tier signature wedding cake (serves 20-30 guests)
  • Floral centerpiece credit

Signature services

  • Expert signature wedding designer
  • Groom’s room with gourmet bites 

Ultimate Memorable Moments Wedding Package

Perfect for: The couple looking for the bells and whistles

generations riviera maya | destination wedding | sky deck rooftop

You may opt for the Ultimate Memorable Moments wedding package which includes the following:

Ceremony Decor

  • Romantic ceremony location
  • Decorated altar table
  • Aisle runner
  • 24 chairs with chair covers
  • Designer floral arrangements
  • Bridal bouquet
  • Groom’s boutonniere
  • Personalize wedding program on stationary

Ceremony Services – some of this may not be necessary if you’re opting for a symbolic ceremony

  • Signature welcome drink
  • Sound system with speakers and microphone
  • Non-denominational minister
  • Translation of ceremony
  • Wedding certificate
  • Filing of all documents

Reception

  • 3 Memorable Moments reception tables
  • Memorable Moments sweetheart table
  • Signature bites 1 hour cocktail 
  • 3 hour chef inspired 4 course private dinner reception
  • Menu printed on stationery
  • 2 tier signature wedding cake (serves 20-30 guests)
  • Floral centerpiece credit

Signature services

  • Expert signature wedding designer
  • Groom’s room with gourmet bites 

The Ultimate Memorable moments package is quite popular with our couples, particularly for larger destination weddings

Options for entertainment

Of course, there are DJs and live musicians available to book for your Generations Riviera Maya wedding, but did you know that there are many more options for your dream wedding party? Generations has an array of vendors that you can work with from water drummers, fire dancers, and glow shows.

You can also choose to commission fireworks, laser, and drone options to create a special, memorable end to the night.

Is Generations Riviera Maya family-friendly?

generations riviera maya | family friendly all inclusive resort near cancun mexicoYes! Generations Riviera Maya resort is built around creating spaces and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

There are also plenty of kids-only and adults-only activities for when the kids just want to be kids, and for when the adults want some kid-free time. Generations’ two sister hotels – El Dorado Royale and El Dorado Casitas – are both adults-only.

Generations Riviera Maya offers something for tots, toddlers, and teens alike.

Kids under 12 can spend their days in the Kids Club – a supervised world of fun with ball pits, slides, video games, toys, and more. There’s also a much cooler Teens Club for the over 13’s.

While the resort is absolutely family-friendly, because it’s a smaller resort it doesn’t necessarily cater to children like some other resorts such as The Grand at Moon Palace. For couples that are looking to have weddings with plenty of activities for kids, like a water park at Dreams Playa Mujeres, this may not be the best option for you.

How far in advance should a client book a Generations Riviera Maya wedding?

Generations is one of our most popular wedding venues near Cancun. Because of this, they are often booked up on most Saturdays about 12-14 months in advance. This is especially true for the most coveted venues, like the pier and rooftop deck. 

The other major factor with planning your wedding at Generations is that because it’s only 144 rooms, they may have your wedding date available but no rooms available. Because of that, if your wedding party is over 60 guests, we recommend that you plan your wedding at least a year in advance

If you are hosting a smaller wedding with fewer than 60 guests, you may be able to book your wedding 9-12 months in advance, but know that you may not be able to secure your ideal day or time of week as events book up early at this beautiful resort.

What makes Generations stand out from other resorts?

generations riviera maya | pier | destination weddingThere are many beautiful venues near Cancun to plan and host a destination wedding.

The wedding team at Generations is truly top-notch (Trust us, we don’t say that about everyone). The team is well-equipped to work with couples to create dream destination weddings of all shapes and sizes.

The amazing venue options and the resort’s ideal location really seal the deal and make it very convenient for you and your guests.

The Generations wedding planning team will work with you on any special requests you may have, no matter what they are. They have helped couples arrive by jet ski and horseback – whatever you can think of they will try to make it happen!

Recap: Why we love Generations Riviera Maya for destination weddings

We hope this article has provided you with some more detail about hosting your wedding at Generations Riviera Maya and has you excited about choosing to host your special event in Mexico. 

From the various wedding package inclusions and incentives to the stunning venues, to the spacious rooms and industry-leading wedding planning team you’ll fall in love with Generations Riviera Maya for your destination wedding.

Need help planning? 

Our experienced wedding planners at Destination Weddings by Vacationeeze are with you every step of the way.

With decades of experience planning hundreds of weddings, our team understands what couples are looking for and how to navigate working with the resorts. 

Our dedicated team will work with all your friends and family so you can focus on planning your dream wedding.

Ready to start planning your big day?

Call us at 215-454-2070 or get in touch with us here

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About The Author

Jared Benoff

Jared is a certified destination wedding travel advisor and has been recognized as a top agent by Palace Resorts, Karisma Resorts, Lomas Hospitality, and Hyatt Inclusive Collection.

He caught the travel bug early in his life as his parents (the founders of Vacationeeze!) instilled a passion for travel and adventure in him and his siblings.

           

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