Hi there! Congratulations! If you are reading this, you are probably planning your dream destination wedding in Cancun or Riviera Maya. After 3 years as a photographer here and more than 100 weddings in different resorts, I have seen almost everything.
One of the biggest questions couples have is: “Should I use the hotel’s photographer or hire an outside professional?” Today, I want to talk about the famous External Vendor Fee and how to handle it like a pro.
Why look outside the Resort?
Don’t get me wrong, many hotel photographers are talented. However, many resorts work with big agencies. This means you don’t always know exactly who is going to show up at your wedding. You don’t know their personality or their specific style.
In my experience, many hotel packages can be expensive for just a few hours. If you want a specific editorial or fashion-inspired look, you might want to choose someone whose portfolio you truly love.
Understanding the External Vendor Fee
Most hotels in the area, like Majestic Costa Mujeres, Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres, Moonpalace or the resorts in Playa del Carmen, have a policy called the “External Vendor Fee.”
This is a fee you pay to the hotel to allow your chosen photographer or makeup artist to enter. From what my couples tell me, this fee is usually around $1,000 USD. But be careful! Some hotels charge per person. If you hire a photo and video team (2 people), you might end up paying $2,000 USD just for the permission.
Smart Ways to Save: Day Pass vs. Booking a Room
The good news is that there are ways to manage this and save some money:
- The Day Pass: Some hotels allow vendors to enter by paying a Day Pass (usually between $150 – $300 USD). This is a great option because we can work freely with you for the hours you need without paying the full vendor fee.
- Booking a Room: When a resort doesn’t offer a Day Pass for vendors, booking a room is often the smartest and most economical move. Some hotels require a 2-night stay, and others ask for 3 nights. Usually, the cost of the room is much lower than the $1,000+ fee. For example, since my wife Daniela (video) and I (photo) work together, we only need one room for both of us. It’s a win-win for your budget!
How we support our couples
We know that planning a destination wedding is a big investment and these extra fees can be stressful. We always try to put ourselves in your shoes.
In consideration of this extra expense—whether you pay the vendor fee or book a room for us—we love to give back to our couples. As a thank you for making the effort to have us there, we usually offer a complimentary drone service or an extra hour of coverage. We want you to feel that you are getting the best value and the best memories possible.
Final Advice
At the end of the day, your wedding photos are the only thing that lasts forever (besides your love!). If the hotel’s photographer doesn’t match your vision, don’t settle.
Whether it’s for photography, makeup, or flowers, make sure you hire people who make you feel “the match.” If you have questions about a specific resort like Majestic Elegance or Hard Rock, feel free to send me a message. I’ve been there many times and I’m happy to help you navigate the logistics!
Curious about my work? Check my Editorial Portfolio here.
