There’s a saying that when you know, you just know. That’s exactly how it felt walking into Hacienda Tekik de Regil for the first time. After days of touring venues in and around Mérida, I thought I had trained myself to keep expectations in check—but the moment we stepped through its grand hallways, my heart did a little flip. My fiancé looked at me, half-smiling, and said, “This one’s a contender.”
The soaring ceilings, the delicate hand-painted details, the perfectly imperfect crumbling walls—it all spoke of history, romance, and timeless beauty. Even my mom, who had been hesitant about the whole “destination wedding” idea, stopped in her tracks as soon as she saw the chapel. She gasped, and in that instant, I knew we had found our place.
But before Tekik stole our hearts, we saw a handful of other haciendas, each with its own character, beauty, and limitations. Here’s a little peek into our process.
The First Stop: Hacienda Yaxcopoil
Our journey began at Hacienda Yaxcopoil, a former henequen factory that dates back to the 17th century. Stepping onto the property felt like entering a living museum. Original furniture, artwork, and even books remain intact, echoing the hacienda’s colonial past. It’s no wonder that both movies and high-profile weddings have been hosted there.
The upside? Yaxcopoil is brimming with character and history, and it’s surprisingly affordable.
The downside? It’s very rural, with limited resources close by. To pull off a wedding there, you’d need a strong creative vision and a lot of logistics in place. As much as I loved its authenticity, it wasn’t quite the right fit for us.
The Next Option: Hacienda San José
Next, we toured Hacienda San José, part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection. At first glance, this seemed like a safe and practical choice—familiar name, full hotel amenities, and a well-maintained property. One highlight was the row of palm trees and striking archways, which would make picture-perfect backdrops for wedding photos.
The challenge? Location. Like its sister property, Hacienda Uayamon (our initial favorite from the collection), San José was simply too far from Mérida. It would’ve meant added travel for our guests, and convenience matters when you’re hosting people from all over.
Pinterest Dreams vs. Reality: Hacienda Sac Chich
If you’ve ever gone down the Pinterest rabbit hole while planning a wedding, you’ll understand my excitement about Hacienda Sac Chich. It had been sitting on my mood board for months. On arrival, it was every bit as charming in real life as it looked online—intimate courtyards, lush greenery, and a cozy, family-oriented feel.
Pros? Guests can actually stay on the property with you, which makes it ideal for smaller, intimate weddings.
Cons? Space. The courtyard—the most magical spot, in my opinion—can only host about 75 people. Since we’re planning for 125–150 guests, it simply wouldn’t work. Add to that the absence of a chapel, and it became clear that Sac Chich, while dreamy, wasn’t meant to be our venue.
The Final Stop: Hacienda Tekik de Regil
And then came Tekik de Regil. This hacienda is nothing short of breathtaking. It still preserves original 16th-century buildings, which instantly made it feel special and connected to history. The property has everything you’d hope for:
- A main house perfect for hosting large receptions (it can accommodate up to 1,000 guests).
- A beautiful chapel, ideal for symbolic ceremonies.
- Two swimming pools (yes, two!).
- Spacious guest bathrooms and two suites for accommodations.
The pros? It’s stunning, spacious, and unique—a true showstopper.
The cons? It’s about 40 minutes outside Mérida, which means we’ll likely need to arrange transport for out-of-town guests. But honestly, that’s a small price to pay for everything else it offers.
Why Mexico?
Choosing Mérida wasn’t just about the aesthetics—it’s about love and memory. This was the very first city we visited together as a couple. Back then, we were less than a year in and completely smitten, wandering the streets hand in hand and falling in love with the warmth of the place.
There’s also a deeper connection. After leaving Cuba, my fiancé’s family lived in Mexico for over a decade, creating ties and roots that still feel strong. For me, growing up in Texas meant frequent trips south of the border, and Mexico has always felt like a second home.
So when it came time to choose where to celebrate one of the most meaningful moments of our lives, Mexico wasn’t just a destination—it was the destination.
The Decision
And so, the winner was clear: Hacienda Tekik de Regil.
Walking through those storied halls, imagining our loved ones gathered in the chapel, and picturing the night unfolding beneath the stars—it all just clicked. It’s not Palm Beach. It’s not Miami. It’s something even better: a place filled with history, heart, and personal meaning.
When people say you’ll know the right place when you find it, they’re absolutely right. Tekik isn’t just where we’ll get married. It’s where our story will take on an even richer chapter—surrounded by family, friends, and the country we both hold dear.
