The Best Beach Wedding Destination for 2026: Why Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, is the Ultimate Choice
Are you dreaming of a wedding that feels less like an event and more like a transformative experience? As a luxury wedding photographer, I’ve seen the world’s most beautiful venues, but my recent stay at Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, redefined my perspective on what a luxury beach wedding should be.
I was honored to be invited to an exclusive retreat at Maroma, hosted for the top tier of the wedding industry. After three days of immersion in their world-class hospitality, I’ve put together this guide for brides planning their 2026 destination wedding who want nothing but the best.
Why Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, is the Top Destination for 2026
When searching for the perfect Riviera Maya wedding venue, couples often look for a balance of privacy, beauty, and service. Maroma doesn’t just meet these criteria—it sets a new global standard.
1. The Epitome of "Quiet Luxury"
For 2026, the trend is moving toward understated elegance. Maroma’s recent renovation has blended authentic Mexican craftsmanship with a chic, modern aesthetic. Every corner of the property—from the hand-woven textiles to the white stucco architecture—provides a stunning, editorial backdrop for your wedding photos.
2. Exclusive Beachfront Privacy
Located on one of the most secluded stretches of the Yucatan Peninsula, Maroma offers a level of intimacy that is rare in the Riviera Maya. Imagine a private beach ceremony where the only sound is the turquoise Caribbean water—no crowds, just your loved ones.
3. Sacred Wellness Rituals for the Modern Bride
One of the most unique aspects of a Maroma wedding is the integration of wellness. This isn't just a hotel; it’s a sanctuary.
Maroma Spa by Guerlain: The first Guerlain spa in Latin America, perfect for pre-wedding pampering and "Bridal Glow" treatments.
Mayan Energy: Incorporate traditional smoke ceremonies or cenote-inspired rituals to give your wedding a spiritual depth that guests will remember forever.
Planning Your 2026 Wedding at Maroma: What You Need to Know
The Photography Perspective:
As a photographer, I look for light and texture. Maroma is a playground of natural light. The way the sun filters through the palm trees and reflects off the white sand creates a natural softbox effect that is incredibly flattering for bridal portraits.
High-End Gastronomy
Forget standard wedding buffets. A wedding at Maroma features hyper-local, Michelin-level cuisine. From fresh-caught seafood to artisanal cocktails infused with Mexican botanicals, your wedding menu will be a culinary journey in itself.
Strategic Buyouts
For the ultimate experience, I highly recommend a property buyout. This allows you and your guests to own the legend of Maroma for the weekend, turning your wedding into an intimate, high-security, and completely personalized retreat.
Is Maroma the Right Venue for You?
Is Maroma the Right Venue for You?
If you are a bride who values authenticity, exclusivity, and soul, then Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, is your destination. It is the perfect fit for:
Intimate Destination Weddings (50–100 guests)
Multi-day Wedding Weekends focused on connection.
Editorial-style Weddings that prioritize high-end aesthetics.
"Having walked these grounds with the world’s leading wedding planners, I can tell you: Maroma isn't just a place to get married; The place where your dream wedding comes to life.." — Pipe Gaber
Capture Your Story at Maroma
Choosing the right venue is the first step; choosing how to remember it is the second. Because I participated in this exclusive industry retreat, I have a deep understanding of the property’s best-kept secrets and most photogenic hidden gems.
Are you planning a 2026 wedding at Maroma? I would love to share my insights on how we can capture your celebration in a way that feels as timeless as the hotel itself.
Paseo de las Ánimas 2024: A Journey of Tradition, Culture, and Faces
As a photographer based in Yucatán, each year, I’m fortunate to witness and document one of our most iconic cultural events: the Paseo de las Ánimas in Mérida. For me, this celebration is not only a visual spectacle but also an emotional and cultural experience that perfectly captures the spirit of our city and its people.
I vividly remember the first time I attended this event nine years ago. It was my first time photographing the Paseo, and I was excited to test my brand-new Nikon D750. That night, the streets were alive with the soft glow of candles, elaborate altars, and faces beautifully painted as calaveras. The energy, the colors, and the symbolism of it all had a profound impact on me, and since then, this event has become a yearly tradition I hold dear.
Fast forward to 2024, and I returned with the incredible Nikon Z8 paired with a 50mm f/1.2 lens, which has allowed me to capture some truly striking portraits with impressive detail and depth, especially in low-light conditions. This lens has been perfect for capturing the intimate, soulful portraits of the "ánimas" in the parade and of the spectators who gather every year to witness the magic.
One of my favorite aspects of documenting the Paseo de las Ánimas is observing the people who come to see it. This event isn’t just for locals; it draws in tourists from around the world, many with their faces painted as Catrinas, often accompanied by their children, fully immersed in the Mexican tradition. It’s fascinating to see how cultures blend in this setting: locals watching the parade from the comfort of their homes, while visitors—some in full calavera makeup, others in Halloween costumes—add to the diversity, creating a unique fusion of traditions and celebrations.
My goal in photographing the Paseo de las Ánimas is not only to capture the parade itself but also the essence of those who come to witness it. Through my images, I aim to showcase the cultural fusion that makes Mérida come alive. In every photo, I try to capture both the excitement of the participants and the admiration and respect of the visitors who come to celebrate our traditions. To me, this event is more than a spectacle; it’s a gathering of identities, a reminder of our roots, and an annual celebration that always has something new to teach.
I hope that this photographic record of the Paseo de las Ánimas 2024 conveys the magic and meaning of this cherished tradition. My camera serves as a window into the rich culture of Yucatán and its unique way of welcoming and captivating those who visit. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I hope that through my photographs, you’ll feel the deep connection between the past and the present, between the ánimas and us, the living.
