How to Work Around Playa del Carmen Resort Vendor Fees Without Losing the Photographer You Love

Planning a Dream Wedding or Photoshoot in Playa del Carmen?

^{So you’ve decided to get married in Playa del Carmen (or maybe you're planning a engagement session, a boudoir experience, family portraits, or a vow renewal). You’ve fallen in love with the beach, the colors, the atmosphere — and maybe even a photographer whose work truly speaks to you.}

^{Then suddenly… the resort mentions something called an "outside vendor fee" —and your plans get a little more complicated.}

^{Let’s take a breath and talk about what this really means — and what you can do about it.}

What Is a Resort Vendor Fee in Playa del Carmen?

^{Many resorts in Playa del Carmen charge a fee when you bring in a photographer, videographer, makeup artist, or any service provider who is not part of their in-house team.}

^{Why? Because most resorts have commercial agreements with specific vendors, and when you hire someone independently, they consider it a loss of revenue.}

^{This vendor fee is not charged by your photographer. It’s a policy set by the hotel, and it's completely outside the vendor’s control.}

^{These fees vary a lot — some may charge $100 USD, others go up to $1,500 USD depending on the property and type of event. For example, Xcaret charges a flat $1,000 USD vendor fee plus a $100 USD day pass for family portrait sessions. It's one of the most iconic — and also most regulated — venues in the Riviera Maya.}

^{Sometimes the fee includes a day pass, food, or access to the common areas. Other times, there are extra charges per crew member, per activity, or per day.}

Common Types of Resort Vendor Fees

^{Every hotel has its own policy. Here are some of the most common ones:}

• ^{Vendor Fee + Day Pass: You pay both an access fee and a pass that covers food and drinks.}
  




• ^{Vendor Fee + Day Pass + Meals: Some resorts bundle the vendor fee with food and drinks.}




• ^{Vendor Fee Per Company (Unlimited Crew): One flat fee regardless of how many people are in the vendor’s team.}




• ^{Vendor Fee Per Company (Limited Crew): Only 1–2 people from the team can enter under that fee.}




• ^{Vendor Fee Per Activity: Some resorts treat photography and videography as two separate activities, charging twice.}

^{Always ask your hotel to explain their specific policy clearly and in writing.}

“We Love This Photographer… But Is the Vendor Fee Worth It?”

^{If you're here, it's probably because you're wondering:}

^{“We really love this photographer… but is the vendor fee worth it?”}

^{The good news? You have more options than you think — and I’ll walk you through them.}

What Can You Do About the Vendor Fee?

^{If you decide to move forward and pay the vendor fee, I want to make sure you get the most out of it. I’ll gladly arrive one hour before the scheduled session to complete the check-in process with the resort. That way, we avoid delays and make the most of the natural light — and if check-in is quick, we’ll have extra time to explore the property and take full advantage of the location.}

Option 1: Choose a Vendor-Friendly Resort

^{Some hotels in the Riviera Maya allow external vendors without charging a fee. If you're still choosing where to stay, this is a great angle to explore early.}

^{For inspiration, check out my article on the best public beaches for family photo sessions — many couples staying at resorts nearby choose these locations to avoid the vendor fee entirely.}

Option 2: Include the Fee in Your Budget

^{If you love the resort you picked, you can build the vendor fee into your total budget. It’s not fun, but it does keep everything simple and under control.}

Option 3: Book a Room for Your Photographer

^{Many resorts will waive the fee if you book a room for your photographer. Some allow this with just one night, others require 2 or 3 nights. Ask for their specific rules and confirm if the fee is waived or just reduced.}

Option 4: Ask About Preferred Vendors

^{Some photographers have existing agreements with hotels. It’s worth checking if your preferred photographer is already recognized as a vendor by your resort.}

Option 5: Choose an Off-Resort Location

^{Another option is to plan your wedding or photo session outside the hotel. Playa del Carmen and the Yucatán Peninsula offer stunning alternatives — from serene beaches and lush jungle spots to cenotes or even boat ceremonies. These locations often give you more creative freedom and flexible access.}

^{As your local photographer, I can help you find the perfect setting for your wedding, engagement photos, or something more adventurous like a beachside session or a boudoir experience.}

^{For boudoir sessions, I offer discreet public beach options for outdoor shoots, or indoor sessions in your hotel, villa, or Airbnb — just be sure to confirm if prior authorization is needed. In some cases, discounted access fees may apply.}

^{It may be one more cost to consider, but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. Enjoy the process — planning, deciding, even daydreaming. These moments are part of your story too.}

Option 6: Ask for an Exception — It Never Hurts to Try

^{In some cases, guests have successfully avoided high vendor fees simply by asking. As the saying goes, "in the way you ask, you receive."}

^{Some couples have been granted exceptions due to:}

• ^{The size of their wedding or group event}
  

• Existing relationships with the resort staff

• Their charisma, confidence, or negotiation skills

• loyalty or long stays

^{It’s not guaranteed, but it’s worth trying. A kind, respectful, and well-timed request can go a long way — especially if you explain that you’ve already chosen someone whose style and energy align with your vision.}

^{And if it doesn’t work? You’ll still have all the other options we’ve outlined here.}

A True Story From a Couple Like You

^{Many couples write to say:}

^{“We love your work, but for this time, we're going to go with the in-house photographer.”}

^{And I completely understand — it’s not always an easy decision. Everyone has different priorities, and I fully respect that. Some have even come back for future sessions — whether anniversaries, family portraits, or intimate boudoir shoots.}

^{One of my recent couples almost cancelled because of the vendor fee. Instead, they booked one night for me at their resort — the fee was waived, and they got the intimate, natural photos they truly wanted.}

^{They later told me:}

^{“It was the best decision we made. We didn’t want another generic resort gallery. We wanted our story.”}

Why It Matters — More Than Just a Photoshoot

^{Choosing a photographer is personal. It's about trust, comfort, and style. And while I understand that every person has different possibilities, if you feel a connection with someone’s work — with how they see you, guide you, and tell your story — that connection is worth navigating a few extra steps.}

^{The vendor fee may feel like a hassle, but you’re not just hiring a service — you’re choosing someone who understands your rhythm, your vision, and your energy.}

^{Because this isn’t just about photos. It’s about how you’ll remember this moment — years from now.}

Your Story, Your Way

^{You don’t have to settle.}

^{If you’re still unsure, send me a quick text message. I’ll help you figure it out — no pressure, no pushy sales, just real answers.}

^{Let’s make it work — together.}