Riviera Maya Wedding Photographer & Filmmaker
You already chose the Riviera Maya. You have your venue. Now you need a photographer who knows this coastline as well as you know each other — someone who has documented weddings from Puerto Morelos to Akumal, knows the light at every major resort at every hour, and will guide your day so you can be completely present for every second of it.
We are Luis and Génessis, a husband-and-wife team based here in Mexico with 250+ weddings documented across the Riviera Maya since 2018. This is the territory we know best — and that knowledge shapes everything about how we show up on your wedding day.
What working with us actually feels like.
Most couples planning a destination wedding in the Riviera Maya come to our first Zoom call with two worries. The first is whether their photos will look like every other resort wedding they have seen — same beach, same poses, same gallery that could belong to anyone. The second is whether they will actually be present on their wedding day, or whether they will spend it being moved from one spot to the next.
Both of those worries disappear when you work with us.
Our no-posing approach means we never stop your day to set up a shot. We move through your wedding as it happens — noticing the moments before they peak, positioning ourselves without interrupting anything, and documenting what is already there. The nervous laugh before the vows. The way your dad squeezes your hand a second longer than expected. The unscripted joy of the dance floor when nobody is thinking about the camera anymore.
The result is a gallery that looks like your actual wedding — not a version of it.
Why a husband-and-wife team changes everything in the Riviera Maya.
The Riviera Maya is a destination where moments happen simultaneously and constantly — the ceremony from the front, the family's reactions from the side, the first dance from two angles at once. When you hire Luis and Génessis, both are covered without you ever having to coordinate it.
We have been working together since 2018 and share the same visual language. While Luis documents the ceremony, Génessis captures what is happening in the crowd behind you. While you are walking down the aisle, the look on your partner's face and your father's reaction are being documented at the same time from two different perspectives.
No second shooters you have never met. No mismatched aesthetics. No wondering who is going to show up on your wedding day. Just the same two people you spoke with on your Zoom call, at your wedding, doing exactly what you saw in our portfolio.
How we prepare for your Riviera Maya wedding — before the day even starts.
The Zoom consultation.
Every couple we work with starts with a real conversation — not a sales call. We want to know about your venue, your vision, your timeline, and what matters most to you on your wedding day.
By the end of the call, we have a preliminary timeline built around the best light at your specific venue and you have a clear picture of how your day is going to flow. We typically have two to three Zoom calls before your wedding day — enough time to make sure nothing is left to chance.
Timeline planning around the light.
After 250+ weddings across the Riviera Maya, we know what the light looks like at every major venue at every hour of the day. We know when golden hour hits at Hard Rock Riviera Maya, how the afternoon sun moves through the garden spaces at Grand Velas, and which ceremony times work best at Blue Venado for the most dramatic portraits.
We build your timeline around protecting that golden hour window — not as a preference, but as the foundation of how we plan every wedding day. The difference between a ceremony that ends at 5pm and one that ends at 6:30pm is the difference between ordinary light and the kind of light that makes couples cry when they see their photos.
Venue knowledge and coordinator relationships.
We have worked with most of the coordinators at the major venues throughout the Riviera Maya. We know the vendor fee process, the best ceremony positions at each property, and the logistical details that make each venue different.
What that means for you: you never have to manage the relationship between your photographer and your resort. We handle it — and we share everything we know so you arrive on your wedding day fully informed and completely relaxed.
What you receive — and when.
The Grand Sneak Peek — within 72 hours.
Within 72 hours of your wedding, you receive a curated preview of 80 to 110 edited images — a carefully selected first look at your story, edited to the same standard as your full gallery.
Most couples share these before their honeymoon is over.
Your full gallery — within 6 to 8 weeks.
Your complete edited gallery — between 600 and 800 images on a standard 8-hour wedding — delivered through a private, secure online gallery.
Every image edited by Luis and Génessis. No outsourcing, no batch processing, no shortcuts.
Your cinematic wedding film.
Available in 2, 5, 10, and 15-minute versions — plus raw footage options for the ceremony, speeches, and first dance. Edited to music that fits your day, not a generic track. Delivered 5 to 6 weeks after your photos.
As a husband-and-wife team covering both photo and video simultaneously, your film and your gallery were made by the same two people with the same creative vision — and it shows.
real wedding we have documented in riviera maya
riviera maya wedding photography pricing.
Riviera Maya falls within our local collection area — travel is fully included with no hidden fees.
Our wedding collections start at $4,650 USD, with full photo and video options available. Most of our Cancún couples book our full-day photo and video collection at $5,350 USD.
Add on services we provide
- Full Ceremony/ Speeches film
- Content creator Services
- Ceremony Live streaming
- Engagement photoshoots
- Underwater trash the dress
- Cinematic Teaser Videos
Testimonials
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I cannot express in any amount of words how wonderful Luis and his partner are !!! We flew in from Canada to Mexico for a small wedding at Unico 2087. Having a wedding abroad, all research had to be done online which can be very stressful. (Even more so when weddings are already so stressful). When I tell you Luis took out all of my fear and anxiety - I’m not kidding ! Before even arriving, we did a FaceTime so he could get an idea of our vision and get to know us better. I thought I would be super nervous my wedding day but Luis and Génessis made everything feel so natural and calm !! Even my mother kept saying how well they fit into the wedding aha. They really make you feel like you’ve known them forever. I felt like no photo was awkward or forced which is so important on such a special day ! If anyone is getting married in Mexico, just do yourself a favour and save yourself a headache- book Luis !!!
Tatiana + Mylez
Luis & his team was the very first vendor we booked after deciding on a destination wedding and boy, was that the best decision we ever made! I stumbled upon Luis & his work through a FB group where a fellow bride had posted a review which included his work and we fell in love & knew we wanted him to capture our special day. His packages are very reasonably priced, and are so worth it for what you are getting. My husband and I are not used to getting photographed professionally, but Luis & his wife Genessis, did such an amazing job in making us feel so comfortable that it felt very natural and not forced. They’re funny, but very professional and have such welcoming personalities that they’ll make anyone feel at ease! Our family & friends also loved working with them, and I kept hearing nothing but great feedback at the end of the night! So do yourself a favour and book Luis & Genessis for your wedding, or any event if you’re looking for your special day to be captured in the most magical way possible. Thank you to you both once again!
Jaya + Daniel
We had our wedding at Iberostar Cancun. When they provided their preferred vendor for videographer and photographer, we knew we had to look elsewhere. It was only 6 weeks until our wedding and we scrambled to find a quality company. Luis answered our query in a timely manner. He setup a zoom late in the evening to accommodate our schedules. I had seen some of his work on YouTube and knew it was the highest caliber. We moved quickly and locked down his services.
Luis and his team exceeded our expectations in every single way. They are the standouts from our entire wedding planning experience. They are so personable and easy to work with. They made us feel comfortable throughout the entire process. Their professional attitude was a breath of fresh air and I cannot express enough what a pleasure it was to have such a talented team to capture our wedding day.
I highly recommend working with them. You won't regret it!
Sasha + Lucas
Testimonials
Amazing! Kind, great communication, and incredible work! Us and our guests are obsessed with the photos and videos. Highly recommend!
Shayne + Addison
I deeply thank Luis and his team for capturing the best moment of my life! With great artistic professionalism and the best technological equipment, Luis frames your love story in photography and video.
Without a doubt the best photographer and videographer you can choose for your special moments, I highly recommend him!!
Dennice + Gabriel
We met Luis first for our engagement shoot and knew right away he would be our wedding photographer! He made us feel so comfortable and guided us through several poses to make the most of our shoot. Our friends and family raved about Luis and his wife on the day of the wedding! The best part is their work is incredible too. We loved every part of our experience and highly recommend. He even helped guide us through the nuances of reserving an off the resort vendor.
Monica + Nick
FAQ
1. How do I book a photo session with you?
2. Can I customize a photography package to fit my specific needs?
3. How long does it take to receive the final edited images?
4. How do I prepare for a portrait session with you?
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5. How many products can be photographed during a product photography session?
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Ready to talk about your Riviera Maya wedding?
Tell us about your wedding and we will get back to you personally within 24 hours.
Everything you need to know about getting married in the Riviera Maya.
Planning a destination wedding in the Riviera Maya from the US or Canada involves more moving parts than a local wedding. We have put together a series of resources to help you navigate every step of the process — from choosing a venue to understanding the light, the seasons, and what actually makes a wedding day here feel different from anywhere else.
If you are still in the early stages of planning, you are in the right place. After 250+ weddings across this coastline since 2018, we have seen what works, what does not, and what really matters. We are happy to share what we have learned to help make your planning smoother.
Why get married in the Riviera Maya?
The Riviera Maya is the most diverse stretch of Caribbean coastline in Mexico. From the established resort corridor near Puerto Morelos to the boutique jungle venues near Playa del Carmen and the quieter, more secluded bays south toward Akumal — no two weddings here look or feel the same.
What makes it extraordinary as a wedding destination is the combination: world-class all-inclusive resorts that handle the logistics so you do not have to, private venues that give you complete creative freedom, and a natural environment — Caribbean water, jungle, cenotes, white sand — that photographs beautifully at every hour.
And the light. The Riviera Maya produces some of the most beautiful golden hour light we have ever documented. The combination of warm tropical sun, turquoise water, and white sand creates a color palette that photographers dream about. We plan every couple's timeline specifically around protecting that window — typically 90 minutes before sunset — because it consistently produces the most emotionally powerful images of any wedding day.
When is the best time to get married in the Riviera Maya?
December through April is the ideal window. Stable weather, consistent sunshine, low humidity, and beaches free of sargassum seaweed. The light during this period is warm, directional, and consistently beautiful for outdoor ceremonies and golden hour portraits.
From mid to late April, sargassum begins arriving on the Caribbean coast and typically stays through September — which affects the appearance of beach ceremony spaces. September through November brings the highest rainfall of the year, with some weeks seeing significant rain.
July and August are warm with occasional afternoon showers but rarely affect wedding days directly — the rain tends to arrive and pass quickly.
Our honest recommendation: if you have flexibility on your date, aim for December through March. If your date falls outside that window, reach out — we will give you an honest assessment of what to expect at your specific venue and time of year.
Planning tips for your Riviera Maya destination wedding.
After 250+ weddings across this coastline, here are the things we consistently share with couples planning from the US or Canada:
BOOK EARLY
Peak season dates — December through April — fill 12 to 18 months in advance. The vendors you really want are always the first ones to go.
Understand the vendor fee process.
Most all-inclusive resorts along the Riviera Maya charge an outside vendor fee to bring in your own photographer.
We have navigated this process at most major properties and will guide you through exactly what to expect at your venue — including the option to stay on property at some resorts instead of paying the fee.
Hire a local wedding planner.
Your resort coordinator works for the hotel. A wedding planner works for you.
The couples who have the smoothest, most personal days consistently have their own planner alongside the resort team.
Protect the golden hour.
The difference between a ceremony that ends at 5pm and one that ends at 6:30pm is not one hour — it is the quality of every portrait from your wedding day.
We will help you plan your timeline around this window from the very first Zoom call.
Riviera Maya wedding resorts — where we work.
After 250+ weddings across the Riviera Maya corridor since 2018, we have documented love stories at most of the major venues from Puerto Morelos to Akumal. Here are some of the ones we know best.
A sophisticated adults-only sanctuary that redefines the all-inclusive experience through curated luxury and local art. Ideal for couples seeking a "relaxed-luxury" vibe with high-end gastononmy and a chic, modern Mexican aesthetic that looks incredible on camera.
The perfect blend of bohemian spirit and refined elegance. From its iconic oceanfront gazebo to its hidden jungle terraces, it offers a stylish, adult-centric backdrop that is both culturally rich and visually stunning.
Grand in scale but intimate in atmosphere.
The architecture here creates natural frames and beautiful light throughout the day — and the level of service makes the entire experience seamless for couples and their guests.
Fun, high energy, and a genuine variety of ceremony locations.
Hard Rock brings its music-infused personality to a beautiful stretch of Riviera Maya beach — multiple spaces, a strong events team, and the kind of guest entertainment that keeps a wedding weekend going from welcome dinner to farewell brunch.
The Splash tower is the newer and more visually striking side of this property.
The rooftop terrace ceremony space is one of the most beautiful we have worked in on the Riviera Maya — and the modern design aesthetic photographs with a clean, contemporary quality that stands out.
A classic Riviera Maya venue that handles large weddings beautifully. We know the light here well and love what golden hour does to the beach ceremony spaces.
A reliable, well-organized venue with an experienced events team.
A stunning newer property that we have photographed personally — the architecture, the natural light, and the design details here create images that feel different from any other resort on the coast. Intimate, elegant, and visually exceptional at every hour of the day.
An architectural masterpiece where sustainability meets luxury, carved directly into the natural landscape of the Mayan coastline. Perfect for large-scale, high-impact weddings or intimate ceremonies in their world-famous glass-walled chapel with 360-degree views.
A playground of caves, rivers, and emerald inlets. Its "All-Fun Inclusive" concept provides a multi-sensory experience where every corner of the property feels like a curated set piece for a high-fashion editorial.
A quieter, more secluded option at the southern end of the Riviera Maya corridor.
The cenote access and jungle settings make it a documentary photographer's dream — natural frames, extraordinary light, and a relaxed energy that brings out the most genuine moments of any wedding day.
The ultimate ultra-luxury retreat, offering an Asian-inspired sanctuary nestled within the private ecosystem of Mayakoba. Designed for the most discerning couples who prioritize absolute privacy, world-class service, and a timeless, sophisticated atmosphere.
A serene labyrinth of mangroves and canals leading to an expansive white-sand beach. With its private villas and floating breakfast traditions, it offers a quiet, high-end exclusivity that is simply unmatched in the region.
riviera maya private venues where we have worked
Not every couple wants a resort. Some of the most personal, visually extraordinary, and emotionally raw weddings we have documented on this coast have been at private venues — spaces where the guest list is tight, the setting is entirely yours, and nothing feels manufactured.
Private venues in the Riviera Maya give you something all-inclusive resorts simply cannot: complete freedom. Freedom to choose your vendors, design every detail, run the party as late as you want, and experience your wedding day without a single stranger in the background of your photos.
The tradeoff is logistics — private venues require more planning, a strong local planner, and a team that knows how to work in spaces without the built-in infrastructure of a resort. We have documented weddings at most of the major private venues along this coastline, and we know exactly what each one demands and delivers.
blue venado
Seaside, Paamul and Tulum
Three private beachfront venues — one name, three completely different experiences.
All three share the same philosophy: no hotel guests, no vendor fees, no early curfews. Just your wedding, your people, and a Caribbean setting that photographs beautifully from first dance to last song.
Jardín del Mar
A private beachfront venue with a beautiful palapa, direct ocean access, and a consecrated Catholic chapel on the property — one of the few private venues in the Riviera Maya that offers the full experience from ceremony to reception without a resort setting. The freedom here is real, and the setting photographs beautifully at golden hour.
villa la joya
A private beachfront estate just north of Playa del Carmen — no resort restrictions, no strangers wandering through your reception. Grand staircase, lush tropical gardens, Caribbean views, and the freedom to design every detail exactly as you imagined.
One of the few truly private venues on the Riviera Maya coast that combines architectural elegance with a completely exclusive experience. No vendor fees, no rigid packages — just your day, your team, and one of the most photogenic settings we have ever worked in.
Planning a Riviera Maya elopement? We have got you.
Some of the most powerful, emotional, and visually extraordinary weddings we have documented on this coast have been intimate ceremonies — just the two of you, or a small circle of the people who matter most. The Riviera Maya offers remarkable settings for elopements: private beach access through boutique venues, intimate cenote spaces, jungle clearings, and beachfront palapas with complete exclusivity.
When you elope with us, we build your timeline around the moments that matter — vows, portraits, a private dinner, whatever feels right. We move slowly, without pressure, and give you the space to actually feel what is happening. The result does not look like a production. It looks like the best day of your lives.
Let's document your story
Tell us about your wedding and we will get back to you personally within 24 hours.