I recently returned from a destination wedding in Cancún, Mexico. I’d never attended one before, and while I wished my time at the resort lasted longer, the entire experience changed my perception on destination weddings.

We headed out Thursday for the Saturday wedding, departing Philadelphia early in the morning to maximize our time. The best part of the experience was spending time pre-wedding bonding and getting to know all of my fellow wedding guests. Rather than spending a few hours celebrating the bride and groom, our group of 25 was able to spend three days fêting the happy couple.

The wedding took place at the 5-star all-inclusive Excellence Riviera Cancún, tucked away from the party atmosphere of Cancún’s main area on the way to Riviera Maya. It was gorgeous, and everything was top notch from beginning to end. Be sure to check out an upcoming eFlyer USA newsletter for more on my experience at the property.

After a day acquainting ourselves with the massive property and its many food, beverage and activity outlets, the group came together on Friday to enjoy a catamaran and snorkeling cruise courtesy of the bride and groom. After surviving a downpour and spotting sea turtles together, you never would have guessed some of the members of the group had just met a few hours before. That evening, most of us enjoyed dinner at the resort’s Italian restaurant and shut down the discothèque in the early morning hours of Saturday.

Saturday was the main event, and the only thing more stunning than the wedding pier was the bride. A reception on the beach (it is strenuous dancing in the sand!) was capped by another night at the discothèque with more dancing and laughs.

I had to leave early Sunday morning for a business trip to Boston, but I walked away from the experience with new friends. The destination wedding was more fun than I ever expected, and I now understand why engaged couples are lured by the thought of spending several fun-filled days with their closest family and friends before the wedding. It’s a non-stop vacation and party in their honor!

— Kimberly Krol, managing editor