Destination Wedding Site Visit: Barceló Maya Palace & Blue Venado by Barefoot Bride Sarina Kajani
Planning a destination wedding is an exciting but overwhelming experience and visiting your potential venues in person can make all the difference. I recently traveled to Mexico to visit Barceló Maya Palace and Blue Venado, two stunning wedding locations, and I’m excited to share my experience and insights!
Why We Chose to Visit These Venues
When my fiancé and I decided on a destination wedding in Mexico, there was so much information but after weeks of trawling through Google, Facebook groups and Reddit, we settled on a few places but wanted to explore our options before making a final decision. Barceló Maya Palace, a luxury all-inclusive resort, seemed like a great option with its beautiful beachfront, elegant ballrooms, and full wedding packages. However, we were also drawn to Blue Venado, a private beach club offering exclusivity and a more personalized experience.
To make sure we picked the perfect venue, we planned a site visit to both locations.
First Impressions of Barceló Maya Palace
From the moment we arrived at Barceló Maya Palace, we were impressed by the grandeur of the resort. The tropical landscaping, sprawling pools, and stunning beachfront views immediately made it feel like a dream destination. The staff were welcoming, and we were quickly introduced to the wedding coordinators.
Our tour included a walkthrough of the wedding venues, from beachfront ceremony spots to elegant ballrooms. The resort offers all-inclusive wedding packages, which can make planning easier for couples who want seamless experience. The resort was perfect for us to decide to stay at, but we wanted a more exclusive wedding event.
Why We Chose Blue Venado for Our Wedding
We wanted a wedding that felt intimate, unique, and completely private, which is why Blue Venado instantly captured our attention. Unlike resort weddings where multiple ceremonies can happen on the same day, Blue Venado offers complete exclusivity—only one wedding per day. This gave us the freedom to customize every detail, from decor to catering, and ensured an intimate, relaxed celebration by the sea.
First Impressions of Blue Venado
From the moment we arrived, we knew this venue was something special. The secluded beach, the stunning open-air setup, and the sound of waves in the background created the most beautiful atmosphere. The privacy of the venue means no strangers in the background—just us, our loved ones, and the ocean.
We met with the wedding coordinator Yara, who walked us through the venue, showcasing the ceremony and reception spaces. They explained the flexibility we had with vendors, decor and catering, which made us feel excited and confident about our wedding vision. Yara has been incredibly thoughtful, communicative and assuring throughout this process.
Why We Chose Barceló Maya Palace for Accommodation
While our wedding will be held at Blue Venado, we wanted our guests to have a luxurious and convenient stay nearby. Barceló Maya Palace was the perfect choice. Not only is it a beautiful, all-inclusive resort offering exceptional amenities, but it's also located a short drive from Blue Venado, making logistics easy for our guests.
We explored the guest rooms, restaurants, and entertainment options, and we were impressed by the variety of activities available. We knew that there was something for everyone and that our guests would be well taken care of.
Why a Travel Agent Made It Easier
Coordinating travel and accommodations for a destination wedding can be overwhelming, but working with a Diana at Barefoot Bridal has made the process so much smoother. She helped secure group rates, coordinates the bookings, and ensures that all our guests would be accommodated at Barceló Maya Palace. She’s been attentive and answers every question I have. This took so much stress off our shoulders, allowing us to focus on planning the wedding itself.
Tips for Other Brides Planning a Destination Wedding
Here are some tips from our experience to help you plan your destination wedding:
Do a Site Visit: If you can, visit both your venue and accommodation options in advance. It gave us peace of mind and helped solidify our choices.
Ask the Right Questions: During site visits, ask about privacy, customization options, guest logistics, and weather contingencies.
Consider Guest Experience: Think about what will make your guests comfortable and happy—easy transportation, good food, and plenty of activities.
Work with a Travel Agent: Having an expert manage accommodation and travel details saves time and stress.
Trust Your Gut: Go with the venue that feels right for you and matches your wedding vision.
We feel confident and excited knowing we’ve chosen the best of both worlds: a private, unforgettable ceremony at Blue Venado and a luxurious stay at Barceló Maya Palace for our guests. We think the combination offers an incredible experience for everyone attending.
We can’t wait to celebrate our love with our closest friends and family in the beauty of Mexico knowing that we chose the best venues to host and stay.
