Cancun vs. Playa del Carmen: Which Has Better Wedding Photo Locations?

Hi, I’m Evan Whitney, the photographer behind Arch Wedding Studio. One of a couple's first big decisions when planning a destination wedding in Mexico is choosing the location. Two of the most popular contenders, Cancun and Playa del Carmen, are just an hour apart but offer surprisingly different experiences, especially when it comes to your wedding photos. Couples ask me all the time, "Which one is better?"

The honest answer is: it depends entirely on the vibe you're dreaming of for your wedding day and your photos. One isn't universally "better" than the other, but one is likely much better for you. As a photographer who has shot countless love stories in both places, I want to break down the key differences from a photographer’s perspective to help you make the perfect choice for the backdrop of your big day.

Expansive & Aqua vs. Intimate & Boho

When you picture Cancun, you’re likely picturing its world-famous beaches. We're talking long, wide-open stretches of powdery white sand that meet the most brilliant, turquoise-blue water you’ve ever seen. The sheer scale of the beaches in Cancun’s Hotel Zone allows for grand, epic photos. If you want that classic, sweeping shot of the two of you alone with an endless ocean, Cancun delivers that in a big way. The look is clean, bright, and incredibly vibrant.

Playa del Carmen, on the other hand, offers a different kind of beach experience. While the water is still a beautiful Caribbean blue, the beaches themselves often feel more intimate and bohemian. You’ll find more secluded coves, charming wooden fishing boats resting on the shore, and rustic-chic beach clubs with palapas and swaying palm trees. The vibe is less about vast emptiness and more about character and texture. It’s perfect for a couple who wants a more relaxed, laid-back, and natural feel to their beach photos.

High-Energy Resort vs. Walkable & Chic

Cancun’s Hotel Zone is a marvel of modern tourism. It’s lined with large-scale, impressive resorts that are like self-contained worlds. The photo opportunities within these resorts are plentiful and polished: think grand marble lobbies, meticulously manicured tropical gardens, stunning infinity pools that blend into the ocean, and dramatic architectural features. The overall feel is one of luxury, glamour, and high energy. Your photos will reflect this with a very clean and upscale look.

Playa del Carmen has a completely different energy. Its heart is the famous 5th Avenue (Quinta Avenida), a bustling, pedestrian-only street that runs parallel to the beach. This gives Playa a more cosmopolitan, European feel. We can leave the resort and, in minutes, be taking photos in front of colorful street art, stopping at a charming café, or using the vibrant textures of the town as our backdrop. This is for the couple who wants to feel connected to the local culture and energy, adding authentic street photography to their wedding album.

Cenotes & Ruins at Your Doorstep

This is where Playa del Carmen has a distinct geographical advantage. Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, it’s the perfect place for adventurous photo sessions. The region's most stunning cenotes—also known as underground caves and swimming holes—are just a short drive away. This makes a "trash the dress" or "day after" session in a cenote incredibly easy and accessible. The ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum and Cobá are also much closer, offering another epic and historic backdrop for your photos.

While you can certainly visit these locations from Cancun, you need to account for a significantly longer travel day. A trip to a good cenote can take up your entire day, which is a big deal during your wedding week. However, Cancun has its own unique off-resort gem: Isla Mujeres. A short ferry ride takes you to this small, laid-back island with a completely different vibe. We can rent a golf cart and explore colorful streets, dramatic cliffs, and quiet beaches. It’s a different kind of adventure, but a beautiful one nonetheless.

Final Thoughts

So, what's the verdict? If your dream is to have grand, luxurious photos with that iconic, electric-blue water, all within a stunning resort, Cancun is your answer. If you envision a more bohemian, intimate, and varied photo gallery that incorporates charming town streets and has easy access to cenotes and ruins, then Playa del Carmen is the perfect fit.

There's no wrong choice, only the choice that's right for your personal style. Once you know the kind of story you want to tell, the right location becomes clear. If you’re still deciding or want to chat more about what your wedding photos could look like in either location, I’d love to help.