Mayan Wedding Ceremony at Presidente Intercontinental Cozumel Resort & Spa

Brides and grooms looking to try something different and more authentic for their destination wedding in the Mexican Caribbean may want to opt for a Mayan ceremony at Presidente Intercontinental Cozumel Resort & Spa. Led by a Mayan shaman, the service follows ancient traditions used by the Mayans in the region.

The special ceremony takes place inside an “altar” on the beach made with flowers at four points with offerings made to the earth. A central flame is dedicated to the Mother Earth. Music with special instruments — drums and sea shells — are played and the bride wears a crown of flowers in addition to her bouquet and rose petals. The special package also includes a visit to Mandara Spa for a Mayan Temazcal (ancient herbal steam bath) experience, exotic bath and 50-minute couples massage.

More traditional ceremonies are also available at Presidente Intercontinental Cozumel, with wedding professionals on-site to help with the details whether it’s a Mayan ceremony, a sunset beach service or even exchanging vows underwater for scuba-certified brides and grooms.

A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the 220-room property located in Cozumel’s National Marine Park boasts unbeatable snorkeling right off the property’s half-mile beach and an on-site dive center. Other activities can include time at the Mandara Spa or the putting green, or relaxing at one of the two pools. 800-327-0200; intercontinentalcozumel.com or cozumelwedding.com