Princess Mayev Hotel in Huatulco presents a charming hotel setting ideal for couples desiring a destination wedding with beautiful ocean views and a convenient location. Situated on a hillside overlooking the Santa Cruz bay and marina, this popular hotel is known for its friendly service, panoramic views from its hillside terraces, and accessible location near the marina and town. Offering comfortable accommodations, multiple pools, and dining options with vistas, it provides a welcoming atmosphere for a wedding experience that is both scenic and easily accessible to local attractions.
Functioning primarily as a hotel with event capabilities, Princess Mayev operates on a venue rental basis for weddings. It typically requires the use of its in-house catering and bar services for events, while allowing couples to bring in external vendors for personalized elements like design, entertainment, and other specialized services. Planning involves booking the venue and guest rooms (usually paid individually), coordinating with the hotel’s event team for their services, and significantly benefits from an external planner to manage the overall wedding vision, outside vendors, and guest logistics, ensuring a personable event with memorable views.
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Index
- Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?
- How Does a Wedding at Princess Mayev Work?
- Best Months to Get Married
- The Basics of Wedding Planning
- Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?
- Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations
- Ceremony and Reception Logistics
- What’s Included in Hotel Bookings?
- Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies
- Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies
- Coordinator vs. External Planner
- Dietary and Menu Restrictions
- Music and Entertainment Restrictions
- Parking and Guest Logistics
- Total Cost Breakdown
- Splurge vs. Save
- Princess Mayev Event Inclusions
- Activities for Other Days
- Three Practical Tips for Brides
- Two Bride Reviews
- My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro
Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?
Princess Mayev Hotel is an excellent venue for couples seeking a charming, view-focused, accessible, and customizable wedding experience within a comfortable hotel setting in Huatulco. If you are drawn to hotels with character and beautiful views, appreciate a more traditional hotel model (not necessarily all-inclusive) that offers flexibility, value being close to the marina, beaches, and town for yourself and your guests, desire the freedom to curate many event details through external vendors (while using hotel catering), and envision a celebration that feels welcoming and features memorable coastal vistas, Princess Mayev is a strong contender. It’s ideal for couples who want their wedding to feel personal and enjoyable, suitable for smaller to medium guest lists who appreciate a good location and scenic backdrop without the full all-inclusive resort complexity.
The hotel’s key highlights include its hillside location offering panoramic views of Tangolunda Bay/marina, multiple pool terraces, comfortable guest rooms (EP options), in-house catering/bar for events, and a convenient location near Santa Cruz town and beach. Perfect for a charming, view-focused, and conveniently located destination wedding experience in Huatulco.
How Does a Wedding at Princess Mayev Hotel Work?
Planning a wedding at Princess Mayev Hotel typically involves:
Contacting the Hotel Events Team: Reaching out to Princess Mayev Hotel’s dedicated events team to inquire about venue availability and discuss options for booking event spaces (terraces with views, poolside areas, potentially indoor spaces) and arranging guest rooms.
Understanding Venue Rental & Catering Structure: Reviewing their event rental agreement, which outlines the use of specific event spaces for a timeframe, and their catering policy – hotels like Princess Mayev typically require use of their in-house catering and bar services for events. Clarify any associated venue fees or minimum spend requirements.
Working with the Hotel Event Coordinator: Collaborating with the hotel’s internal event coordinator primarily on *hotel-provided* services: selecting ceremony/reception locations on the property (terraces, poolside), planning and executing the in-house menu and beverage service, overseeing hotel banquet staffing, arranging basic hotel setup (tables, chairs, linens, tableware), and managing the wedding day timeline for hotel services. Their role is focused on the hotel’s offerings and operations.
Hiring an External Planner (Highly Recommended for Customization): While the hotel provides coordination for its services, an external planner is highly recommended, especially for destination weddings and couples seeking significant personalization. They help with overall event design vision (crucial for transforming spaces and enhancing the charm/views), detailed budget management across all vendor contracts, sourcing and coordinating *any* external vendors allowed by the hotel (e.g., specific photographer/videographer, specialized decor/rentals, unique entertainment), creating detailed timelines that integrate hotel services and external elements, managing guest logistics (accommodation booking communication, welcome bags, coordinating activities and transportation within Huatulco), handling external vendor contracts, and serves as the primary point person for everyone on the wedding day, troubleshooting issues and ensuring seamless execution. Note that hotels may have restrictions or fees for outside vendors.
Vendor Selection & Coordination: The couple and their external planner will select and contract external vendors for elements *not* typically included or for elevated personalization, such as specialized decorative elements, elaborate floral installations, advanced lighting/sound (beyond basic hotel background systems), unique rentals, music/entertainment (within hotel guidelines), wedding cake (typically external), photography, videography, etc. These add-ons incur additional costs, and the hotel may have restrictions or fees for outside vendors.
Guest Accommodation: Guests book rooms directly at Princess Mayev Hotel, typically on a European Plan (room only) or breakfast package. They pay for their rooms and other meals/drinks separately. Couples can arrange a room block for convenience. Staying on-site is easy, and the location is also convenient for guests staying elsewhere in Santa Cruz or La Crucecita.
The process is integrated with the hotel’s event and accommodation services, emphasizing in-house catering for the wedding events, with external vendors and an essential planner adding personalized design, elevated details, and detailed coordination of all elements, centered around the hotel’s spaces and views.
Best Months to Get Married
Huatulco is known for its pleasant tropical climate year-round, but the dry season offers the most consistently sunny weather for outdoor hotel weddings, especially utilizing terraces with views or poolside areas. The dry season typically runs from late October/early November through May, with the most popular months being November to April. The rainy season (June-October) features hotter, more humid weather with potential for afternoon/evening showers, but hotel venues like Princess Mayev will have covered terraces or indoor spaces to serve as reliable backup options for event components, maintaining comfort and views where possible.
The Basics of Wedding Planning (Hotel Venue Model)
Princess Mayev Hotel operates on a Hotel Venue Rental + In-House Catering + EP Room Rate model:
Venue Rental Fee & Catering Package: Wedding bookings are typically structured around a venue rental fee for the use of specific event spaces (terraces, poolside, salons) combined with a per-person cost for mandatory in-house catering (food and beverage). Pricing is often based on a per-person rate for catering, with additional venue fees for specific areas or minimum spend requirements.
In-House Services: The hotel provides core event services: venue space, in-house food and beverage preparation and service, hotel banquet staffing (servers, kitchen, bartenders, event staff), basic hotel setup (tables, chairs, standard linens, tableware), and setup/cleanup of their items.
Building the Event: While the hotel provides the operational foundation and backdrop, couples (via their planner) are responsible for bringing in *all* personalized decorative elements, specialized florals, advanced lighting and sound (beyond basic hotel background systems), unique rentals, music/entertainment (within hotel guidelines), wedding cake (typically external), photography, videography, etc. These elements are contracted externally.
Accommodation Option: The hotel offers comfortable on-site guest rooms and suites (some with apartment-style amenities). Guests book and pay for their accommodation directly, usually on a European Plan (room only). Couples can arrange a room block for convenience. Guests pay for their own meals/drinks outside of the hosted wedding events.
Additional Costs: Venue rental fee, Per-person catering cost, External Wedding Planner fees (essential), Costs for *all* contracted external vendors (decor, florals, rentals, lighting, sound, entertainment), potential upgrades to in-house menu/beverage, guest accommodation costs (paid by guests), permits, insurance (if required), guest transportation within Huatulco (taxis/ride-shares readily available), personalized favors, officiant, legal fees.
This structure provides a base of hotel services and event spaces with views, requiring careful budgeting for separate venue and catering costs, while allowing couples to personalize their event through external design and entertainment, with comfortable on-site accommodation (EP model).
Who Pays for a Destination Wedding (Princess Mayev Event)?
Cost allocation follows the Hotel Venue Rental + In-House Catering + EP Room Rate booking structure:
- The couple typically pays for:
- The Princess Mayev Hotel venue rental fee (for specific event spaces).
- The mandatory in-house catering costs (food & beverage, staffing), based on a per-person rate.
- External Wedding Planner fees (essential).
- Costs for *all* contracted external vendors (decor, florals, music, photography, videography, rentals, lighting, sound).
- Any upgrades to the in-house menu or beverage selection.
- Their own travel and accommodation at the hotel.
- Optional hosted events (welcome party, brunch – can be at the hotel or nearby venues, paid separately).
- Guest transportation within Huatulco (taxis/ride-shares readily available).
- Personal items.
- Guests typically pay for:
- Their flights to Huatulco (HUX).
- Their accommodation at Princess Mayev (if booking within the block) or elsewhere in Huatulco. Their room rate is for lodging (EP), not an all-inclusive package covering all meals/drinks outside the wedding events.
- Airport transfers to their lodging (approx. 20-30 minutes).
- Transportation from their lodging to the wedding events *unless* shuttles are provided by the couple (easily accessible via taxis/ride-shares within Huatulco).
- All food & beverage outside of the hosted wedding events (at hotel restaurants, bars, or off-site).
- Optional extras (spa treatments, tours, shopping).
- Wedding gifts.
Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations (Hotel Venue)
Princess Mayev Hotel offers charming space suitable for smaller to medium-sized weddings:
Event Capacity: Comfortably hosts smaller to medium-sized weddings (e.g., 50 – 120 guests), utilizing its terraces with views, poolside areas, and potentially indoor/covered spaces. The hotel offers potential locations for each wedding event (ceremony, cocktail hour, reception) to accommodate guest counts while leveraging the scenic views.
Event Locations: Beautiful and versatile options typically include:
Terraces with Views: Outdoor or semi-outdoor areas on the hillside offering panoramic views of the bay, perfect for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or smaller receptions.
Poolside Areas: Terraces around the hotel pools can be used for events, offering a relaxed hotel atmosphere.
Indoor Salons: Indoor, air-conditioned spaces available for reception dinner and dancing, and crucial as a backup plan.
Accommodations: Princess Mayev Hotel offers on-site guest rooms and apartment-style units, typically available on a European Plan (EP). Couples can arrange a room block, making it convenient for attendees to stay at the hotel, but guests pay for their accommodation separately from wedding events (unless meals are included in a specific hotel rate plan).
Ceremony and Reception Logistics (Hotel Layout)
Logistics at Princess Mayev Hotel involve coordinating guest flow through the hotel’s hillside property, managing transitions between different event areas, and utilizing the hotel’s infrastructure:
Venue Navigation: Princess Mayev’s layout is on a hillside, with different areas (pools, restaurants, rooms) spread out vertically and horizontally. Planning guest movement between event locations (e.g., ceremony on a view terrace, cocktail hour by a pool, reception in a salon or terrace) is managed by the hotel event coordinator and your external planner. The layout may involve stairs or ramps; clarify accessibility. Clear signage and guest guidance are important due to the multi-level nature.
Vendor Access: Coordinated by the hotel event coordinator and your external planner. Access may involve using service elevators or paths, requiring careful timing for setups. Hotels designed for events typically offer standard loading docks and designated setup times.
Setup: Hotel staff handle setup of all included items (tables, chairs, standard linens, tableware, basic decor if applicable). External vendors manage their specific setups (specialty decor, advanced sound/lighting, florals) across the property. The hotel coordinator and external planner work together for cohesive setup across the property’s distinct locations, coordinating logistics of moving items between levels/areas.
Transportation: Convenient once guests arrive in Huatulco. Guests arrange standard airport transfers (HUX) to Princess Mayev Hotel (approx. 20-30 minutes). The hotel’s location in Santa Cruz makes it easily accessible to the beach, marina, and nearby restaurants/shops via walking or very short taxi/ride-share rides (approx. 5-10 minutes to La Crucecita). Shuttles for wedding events within the hotel are generally not necessary unless guests are staying elsewhere, or assistance is needed for mobility on the hillside.
Proximity to Airport: Convenient access to Huatulco International Airport (HUX) via taxi or private transfer (approx. 20-30 minutes).
What’s Included in Hotel Wedding Bookings?
Inclusions with a Princess Mayev Hotel wedding booking are typically focused on the venue, mandatory catering, and basic setup services:
- Exclusive use of contracted event areas within the hotel (e.g., specific Terrace, Poolside area, Salon) for the agreed-upon time.
- Mandatory in-house catering: the chosen food menu and beverage package (alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks) from the hotel’s offerings.
- Hotel event staffing: servers, kitchen staff, bartenders, event staff, hotel wedding coordinator, hotel staff (front desk, housekeeping, security).
- Basic hotel banquet table settings: standard plates, silverware, glassware, standard hotel linens, standard banquet chairs and tables available for events.
- Setup and cleanup of all hotel-provided items and contracted event spaces.
- Basic decor elements as specified in the package (e.g., ceremony setup with chairs and arch, basic table centerpieces) – verify exact inclusions.
- A wedding cake from the hotel’s pastry chef (verify if included or external).
- A hotel event coordinator to manage the hotel’s event services and on-site logistics.
- On-site guest accommodation options (via room block – guests pay for rooms/EP).
Common exclusions (meaning you need to rent/contract these externally or upgrade, often subject to hotel fees): ALL custom/elaborate decor (beyond basic package items), ALL specialized florals, ALL advanced lighting and sound systems (beyond basic hotel background), ALL music/entertainment (bands, specific DJs) – contracted separately but coordinated with hotel, specific photography, videography (hotels may have preferred vendors or outside vendor fees), external wedding planner (*highly recommended/essential*, separate hire), any rentals *beyond* the standard hotel stock (e.g., specialty chair styles, premium colored linens, lounge furniture, custom dance floor), permits (typically handled by hotel), insurance (if required), guest travel & airport transfers, guest accommodation costs (paid by guests), optional private events (welcome party/brunch) unless purchased separately, personalized favors, officiant (legal civil ceremony often requires separate arrangements and fees), legal fees.
Obtain a detailed Princess Mayev Hotel wedding contract specifying exactly what is included (especially basic decor/furniture inventory), venue rental fees, per-person mandatory catering costs, minimum spends, room block details (EP rate structure), timing restrictions (especially noise curfews), and rules for external vendors.
Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies (Covered Areas/Salons)
Princess Mayev Hotel offers convenient indoor or covered spaces as backup plans for outdoor terrace or poolside elements:
Indoor Salons / Covered Terraces: The hotel features designated indoor salons or covered event areas that can serve as functional backup locations for the ceremony and/or parts of the reception in case of rain or unfavorable weather. These spaces should comfortably fit your expected guest count, although the ambiance might differ from the preferred outdoor view terraces.
Backup options utilize the hotel’s existing infrastructure, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for guests regardless of weather, moving indoors or to a covered area if needed.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies (Hotel Fees)
Payment terms align with hotel and wedding package bookings, involving separate contracts for venue/catering and accommodation:
Deposit: Required to secure Princess Mayev Hotel for your wedding date and event spaces. This typically includes a venue deposit and a catering deposit. Accommodation deposits for booked rooms also apply and are handled separately by guests booking in the block.
Payment Schedule: Phased payments for the venue rental and catering costs leading up to the event date, based on guest count estimates and contractual milestones. Room block payments are handled individually by guests booking their rooms directly (EP rate).
Final Payment: Typically due shortly before the event (e.g., 30-60 days out), based on the final guaranteed guest count for catering and confirmed event inclusions.
Cancellation Policy: Booking a hotel for a wedding is a significant commitment; cancellation policies for venue/catering contracts and accommodation rentals are usually strict with escalating penalties closer to the date, potentially including a high percentage or the full minimum spend/package cost. Comprehensive wedding insurance is *highly recommended* to protect against unforeseen cancellations.
Vendor Payments: Costs for external vendors are paid separately to those vendors, according to their individual contracts. Hotel fees for outside vendors are paid to the hotel.
Coordination: Hotel Wedding Coordinator vs. External Planner
Understanding the support system at a hotel:
Princess Mayev Hotel Wedding Coordinator: Your primary contact at the hotel for *all things related to hotel event services*. They manage: booking event spaces on the property (terraces, poolside, salon), planning and executing the in-house menu and beverage service, overseeing hotel banquet staffing, arranging the basic hotel setup (tables, chairs, linens, tableware), coordinating guest room blocks and check-in/out logistics for staying guests, and managing the wedding day timeline *as it pertains to hotel services*. Their role is focused on delivering the elements covered by your catering/venue contract with the hotel. They typically do *not* manage your overall event design vision, source or extensively coordinate *any* external vendors (beyond providing approved lists or facilitating access), handle detailed guest activities or logistics outside the hotel property, or manage budgets beyond the hotel costs.
External Wedding Planner: Provides personalized, comprehensive planning for the *entire event*, integrating seamlessly with the hotel’s services. This includes overall event design vision and elevation (essential for creating a unique look and feel), detailed budget management across all vendor contracts (hotel costs + external vendors), sourcing and coordinating *all* external vendors (photographer, videographer, specialized florals, rentals, lighting, sound, entertainment, etc.), creating detailed timelines that coordinate hotel services, external vendors, and guest flow across the property (factoring in hillside layout), managing guest logistics (accommodation booking communication, welcome bags, coordinating activities and transportation within Huatulco), handling all vendor contracts (including reviewing the hotel contract), and serves as the primary point person for everyone on the wedding day, troubleshooting issues and ensuring seamless execution. *Highly recommended, often essential*, especially for destination weddings to ensure a cohesive, highly personalized experience and navigate logistical elements like the hillside layout and external vendors.
Dietary and Menu Restrictions (In-House Hotel Catering)
Handled by Princess Mayev Hotel’s in-house culinary team and restaurants:
Catering: Provided exclusively by Princess Mayev Hotel’s in-house kitchen and bar for event bookings. This offers the ability to work directly with the hotel team on menu selection and service. They typically offer various menu options. Menu tastings may be available.
Dietary Needs: Handled directly by the Princess Mayev kitchen. As a hotel used to hosting diverse groups, they are equipped and experienced in accommodating a range of dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies, etc.) for guests with advance notice. Communicate all specific needs and guest counts clearly to the hotel event coordinator during the menu planning process.
Music and Entertainment Restrictions (Hotel Policies)
Entertainment policies at a hotel balance providing a lively event with respecting the ambiance and other guests:
Style: Accommodating to various forms of entertainment suitable for a hotel setting. Live bands (tropical, cover) and DJs are common and can utilize designated outdoor (terraces, poolside) or indoor event spaces (salons).
Curfews/Noise: As a hotel with guests in nearby rooms on a hillside, there will likely be noise limitations, particularly in outdoor areas late at night. Amplified music for dancing will likely need to move to a designated indoor space or cease by a specific hour (e.g., 11 PM, 12 AM, or 1 AM), depending on the hotel’s specific policies and location relative to guest rooms. Discuss specific policies and desired music types/times with the hotel event coordinator and your planner early on.
Vendor Policies: External entertainment vendors must comply with Princess Mayev Hotel’s rules regarding setup, sound levels in different areas, timing, power requirements, and use of space, especially considering the hillside layout. Hotels often have fees for outside vendors. Your planner must coordinate this closely with the hotel.
Parking and Guest Logistics (Hotel Location)
Logistics for Princess Mayev Hotel are convenient due to its accessible location in Santa Cruz, Huatulco:
Airport Transfers: Guests arrange standard transport from Huatulco International Airport (HUX) directly to Princess Mayev Hotel (approx. 20-30 minutes). This is a common and easy process via pre-booked shuttles, taxis, or private transfers.
Accommodation: Guests book and pay for rooms directly at Princess Mayev (EP) or elsewhere in Huatulco. The hotel is a convenient base for guests, close to the marina and town.
Transport to Princess Mayev Hotel: Easily accessible from other parts of Huatulco or La Crucecita via taxi or ride-share (approx. 5-10 minutes from La Crucecita/Tangolunda). The hotel is often within walking distance of Santa Cruz beach and marina areas.
Internal Transport: Moving between different event locations (terraces, pools, salons) within the hotel property involves walking. The hillside layout means there are stairs or ramps; clarify accessibility.
Parking: Princess Mayev Hotel typically has on-site parking for guests and vendors. This is convenient, but providing guidance on accessing the hotel on the hillside and communicating taxi/ride-share availability is generally sufficient for guests.
Vendor Access: Coordinated load-in/out plan required for approved external vendors with the hotel event coordinator and planner, utilizing designated service areas and times, carefully managed to respect ongoing hotel operations and navigating the hillside layout.
Total Cost Breakdown (Princess Mayev Hotel Huatulco Wedding)
For an estimated wedding of 80 guests at Princess Mayev Hotel:
Venue Fee: $1,500 – $6,000+ USD (Variable based on season, day of week, chosen areas).
In-House Catering (Food, Beverage, Staffing): $80 – $180+ USD per person ($6,400 – $14,400+) – Variable based on chosen menu and beverage package.
External Wedding Planner: $3,000 – $10,000+ (Highly recommended for customization/vendor coordination).
Rentals (Specialty Items, Decor Upgrade, etc.): $3,000 – $10,000+ (Beyond standard hotel items).
Decor & Florals: $3,000 – $12,000+ (Especially for custom design leveraging views/spaces).
Lighting & Sound (External/Upgrade): $2,000 – $6,000+ (For enhanced setup on terraces).
Music & Entertainment (External/Upgrade): $2,000 – $8,000+.
Photography/Videography: $2,500 – $8,000+.
Hotel Fees for Outside Vendors: $200 – $800+ per vendor category. Varies by hotel.
Contingency, Service Charges (often added), Taxes, Permits (usually handled by hotel): $2,000 – $6,000+.
Total estimated *event* cost (paid by couple) typically ranges from $20,000 – $85,000+ USD for 80 guests, heavily influenced by the venue fee, per-person catering cost, guest count, extent of upgrades/rentals, and external vendor choices. This is *in addition* to the guests’ individual room costs (EP model). Pricing is generally accessible for a destination wedding, offering good value for views and location.
Splurge vs. Save
Save: Choose a date with a lower venue fee (e.g., weekday or off-season). Select a standard catering menu option. Minimize external rentals and utilize hotel’s standard items. Focus floral/decor on key focal points like the ceremony backdrop and reception area. Select talented local musicians or a DJ within hotel noise limits. Encourage guests to book standard room types and utilize readily available city taxis/ride-shares within Huatulco. Skip optional private events.
Splurge: Secure a prime date and location (terrace with best view). Upgrade to premium catering menus and beverage selections. Invest in select external vendors (photographer, videographer, florist, rentals) for a highly personalized look and feel, paying any associated hotel fees. Book optional private events like a welcome party or a farewell brunch at the hotel or nearby venues. Upgrade entertainment (live band). Secure preferred room types for the couple and wedding party. Add personalized touches.
Princess Mayev Hotel Huatulco Event Inclusions (Summary)
Key components based on the Hotel Venue + In-House Catering + EP Room Rate model:
Princess Mayev Booking includes: Use of contracted event areas (terrace, poolside, salon), mandatory in-house catering (food & beverage), hotel event staffing, basic hotel setup (tables/chairs/linens/tableware), setup/cleanup of included items, wedding cake (verify inclusion), Hotel Event Coordinator support, on-site guest accommodation options (via room block – guests pay for rooms/EP), use of hotel amenities for staying guests.
Common Exclusions (requiring external vendors or upgrades, often with hotel fees): ALL custom/elaborate decor (beyond basic settings), ALL specialized florals, ALL advanced lighting/sound, ALL music/entertainment (contracted separately but coordinated with hotel), specific photography/videography (check outside vendor fees), specialized rentals (beyond hotel stock), optional private events (welcome party/brunch), personalized details, officiant (check legal vs symbolic inclusions), legal fees (for civil ceremony), guest travel & airport transfers, guest accommodation costs, wedding insurance, outside vendor fees charged by hotel.
Verify details based on your specific Princess Mayev Hotel wedding contract and room block agreement.

Activities for Other Days (On-Site Amenities & Huatulco Exploration)
Guests attending a wedding at Princess Mayev Hotel benefit from the hotel’s amenities and convenient location, offering access to exploring the Santa Cruz and La Crucecita areas of Huatulco, as well as other bays:
On-Site (Hotel Amenities): Guests staying at the hotel can enjoy the hotel facilities throughout their stay. This typically includes multiple swimming pools (some with views), on-site restaurant(s) and bar(s) (where guests pay per consumption), and potentially basic activities. This provides a comfortable base for guests.
Off-Site (Huatulco Exploration): The hotel’s location in Santa Cruz is very convenient. Guests can easily walk to the Santa Cruz beach and marina area with its restaurants, shops, and tour operators (for boat tours to other bays). The town of La Crucecita, with its church, market, and more dining/shopping options, is a very short taxi or ride-share ride away (approx. 5-10 minutes), or potentially walkable depending on guests’ preference. Huatulco National Park and other bays/beaches are easily accessible via taxi or tours from the marina.
Optional Hosted Events: Couples can choose to host additional events like a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, or farewell brunch at one of the hotel’s restaurants or in a private event space, paid separately. Alternatively, they can host these events off-site in Santa Cruz or La Crucecita, requiring external coordination.
Three Practical Tips for Brides
Leverage the Views and Convenient Location: Princess Mayev’s hillside location offers beautiful views, and its proximity to Santa Cruz town/marina is a major advantage. Work with your planner and photographer to utilize the terraces with views for photos and key event moments like the ceremony or cocktail hour. Highlight the ease of access for guests to explore nearby areas on their own via walking or short taxi rides.
Understand the Hotel’s Layout and Accessibility: As the hotel is on a hillside with pools/terraces on different levels, be aware of stairs and ramps. Plan guest flow carefully and consider accessibility needs for all guests. Communicate this clearly to your planner and potentially to guests with mobility concerns.
Work Closely with Both the Hotel Coordinator and an External Planner: The hotel event coordinator is your expert on *all things hotel-specific* (in-house catering execution, basic setup, hotel logistics). An external planner is your advocate for *your overall vision* (design, vendor sourcing/management beyond the hotel, detailed timeline, guest experience, managing logistics on the hillside property). They work in tandem to ensure your event is executed smoothly, integrating any external elements and managing guest movement effectively.
Two Bride Reviews
“Princess Mayev was a perfect choice for our wedding in Huatulco! We loved the stunning views from the terraces, which made for a beautiful ceremony backdrop. It felt like a charming, personal hotel rather than a big resort. Our guests appreciated the convenient location, easily walking to the marina and restaurants in Santa Cruz. The hotel staff were friendly and accommodating. Our planner was essential in helping us customize the decor and coordinating all our outside vendors, making everything come together seamlessly on the hillside.” – Carolina M.
“We chose Princess Mayev because of its character and location. We weren’t looking for an all-inclusive, and this hotel offered the perfect balance of a nice place to stay with event spaces that had amazing views. The in-house catering was good. We hired an external planner who was invaluable in helping us with the design and all the logistics of working with external vendors and planning events on the different levels of the hotel. Our guests enjoyed the views, the pools, and being so close to town.” – Valeria R.
My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro
Photographing a wedding at Princess Mayev Hotel offers distinct visual opportunities thanks to its hillside location, charm, and panoramic views. My focus would be on leveraging these views from the terraces for creative portraits and ceremony shots, documenting the relaxed hotel atmosphere and pool areas, and capturing the personal energy of the couple and their guests enjoying the setting. The multi-level layout provides interesting compositional possibilities. Challenges include managing varied lighting across different levels and areas throughout the day, navigating photography around hotel guests, ensuring efficient movement (with gear) between event areas on the hillside (factoring in stairs/ramps), and coordinating coverage with the event timeline managed by the hotel and external planner. Princess Mayev is ideal for couples who prioritize a convenient, guest-friendly, budget-conscious (compared to luxury/AI resorts), and charming destination wedding experience with memorable views and easy access to local life, offering photos that feel joyful, authentic, and beautifully capture a tropical celebration with character.
