The Truth About Vendor Fees at All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico: What Indian Wedding Couples Need to Know for their Destination Wedding
- Saptapadi Studio
- Aug 8
- 4 min read
Planning an Indian destination wedding in Mexico? You’ve probably come across the term vendor fee — sometimes called an outside vendor fee. It shows up in almost every resort contract, and yet, it’s one of the most misunderstood parts of the planning process.
As a photo and video team specializing in Indian weddings across Cancun, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta, we’ve seen it all — and we’re here to help you understand exactly what vendor fees are, when they apply, and how to avoid surprise costs.
💰 What Is a Vendor Fee?
A vendor fee is a charge that a resort applies if you bring in a service provider (like a photographer, videographer, makeup artist, florist, or AV company) who isn’t on the resort’s “approved” or in-house vendor list. These fees can range from $500 to over $1,500 per vendor, per day, and in some cases, they even charge per person.
But here’s a little-known truth:👉 Most resorts will waive the fee for photo and video teams if you host them at the property as guests.
This has become a common and widely accepted workaround that allows couples to work with the vendors they love while staying within budget.
🤔 Why Do Resorts Charge Vendor Fees for Destination weddings?
The reason is simple: it’s about business, not safety or quality.
Many all-inclusive resorts have in-house vendors and partnerships that earn them commission. So when you bring in your own vendors, the resort misses out on that revenue — and the vendor fee is how they recoup that loss.
🎥 Are Vendor Fees for Indian couples Always Non-Negotiable?
Yes — vendor fees are almost always non-negotiable when it comes to all-inclusive resorts in Mexico. These fees are part of the resort’s policy and business model, and they rarely make exceptions.
That said, there are a few commonly accepted workarounds and policies to be aware of:
📸 1. Photo and video vendor fees are typically waived when the team is hosted at the resort as guests.
💳 2. Some resorts will waive vendor fees for personal vendors — like photography, videography, or makeup — if you commit to a certain level of spending on their in-house services such as decor, florals, and AV.
💡 3. Some resorts offer attractive perks — like complimentary food and beverage for a set number of guests, room upgrades, or extra event nights — but require you to use their in-house vendors for decor, florals, and AV, restricting external options for those categories.
This isn’t about quality — it’s about protecting their revenue. Resorts rely on in-house services for a large part of their profit, especially when offering discounted or “free” wedding packages. Fee waivers are sometimes used as an incentive to get couples to spend more on the resort’s own offerings.
💡 How to Avoid Surprise Charges
Here’s how to keep your budget intact:
Ask early: “Do you waive photo/video vendor fees if we host them as guests?”
Read the fine print: Don’t assume — some policies are buried in contracts.
Hire a local vendor: Teams based in Mexico (like us!) often qualify more easily for fee waivers.
Host your team: Booking your photographer or videographer as guests is often cheaper than paying the full vendor fee.
Bundle services: Photo + video with one team can reduce overall cost — and sometimes only require one vendor slot.
Work with a planner and a travel agent: They can coordinate access, handle communication with the resort, and help you make strategic decisions to stay within budget while still hiring the vendors you love.
📸 Why Couples Choose Saptapadi Studio
Our couples want a team that understands their culture, their emotions, and the flow of an Indian wedding — from Haldi to Reception. And even if a vendor fee applies, they often say we’re worth every peso.
We’re also based in Mexico, which means:
No international travel fees
We’re familiar with resort logistics and paperwork
We already have relationships with many resorts and planners
And yes — we’re usually hosted as guests, so no vendor fee surprises!
“They weren’t just photographers — they were part of our story. Saptapadi made us feel seen, celebrated, and relaxed the entire time.”— Alexa and Nigal, 2025
✈️ Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Vendor Fees Dictate Your Wedding
Vendor fees can be frustrating — but they shouldn’t stand in the way of your dream team.Once you understand how they work (and how to work around them), you can plan smart, stay within budget, and create a celebration that feels true to you.
🎥 Planning an Indian Wedding in Mexico?
Explore our portfolio and see how we capture authentic moments across Cancun, Los Cabos, and beyond — from the tiniest tears to the wildest dance floors.