Your Riviera Maya Photographer for Moments Worth Remembering

Cenotes, Caribbean coastline, ancient ruins, and jungle canopies -- our team knows how to use every backdrop to create images as extraordinary as the destination itself.

Book Your Session
500+
Sessions Delivered
50+
Cenote Sessions
USA · CA
Primary Clientele
Couple photo session at cenote with natural light beams Riviera Maya by IVAE Studios
Why IVAE in Riviera Maya

A luxury photographer who understands the landscape and the light

Our team has photographed across every major Riviera Maya location -- from cenotes with dramatic light beams to the clifftop ruins of Tulum. We know which cenotes allow morning access before the crowds, which beach angles catch golden hour perfectly, and which jungle paths create the most editorial compositions. That familiarity translates directly into better images.

We work exclusively with travelers from the United States and Canada, communicate in fluent English, accept USD payments, and deliver the premium experience international guests expect from Riviera Maya's finest resorts.

Our Services

Luxury photography experiences across Riviera Maya

Every session is crafted around your group, your resort, and the locations that best match your vision.

Family portrait at luxury resort Riviera Maya

Family Portraits

Multi-generational sessions at your resort or private beach. We work with children of all ages and keep the energy relaxed and genuine.

Couples session at cenote Riviera Maya

Couples Sessions

Romantic sessions for honeymoons, anniversaries, or celebrations. Cenotes, ruins, and golden-hour beaches elevate every frame.

Destination wedding at Riviera Maya resort

Destination Weddings

From intimate elopements at Tulum's ruins to grand celebrations at Rosewood Mayakoba, documented with editorial precision.

Honeymoon photography Caribbean Riviera Maya

Honeymoon Photography

Your first days as a married couple, captured against the Caribbean. Candid moments blended with softly directed editorial frames.

Maternity session golden hour Playa del Carmen

Maternity Sessions

Celebrating new life in paradise. Soft golden-hour light and flowy fabrics against turquoise water create timeless compositions.

Surprise proposal at cenote Riviera Maya

Proposals

Our team works discreetly to capture the authentic reaction. Cenotes, private resort settings, and secluded beaches make unforgettable backdrops.

Gallery

Riviera Maya moments

Couple beach session Riviera Maya
Family resort session Riviera Maya
Wedding ceremony beach Riviera Maya
Honeymoon pier Caribbean
Jungle path session Riviera Maya
Couples session beach Riviera Maya
Beach session golden hour
Family tropical garden session
Anniversary beach session
Couple beach walk Riviera Maya
Group celebration resort
Best Locations

Where we photograph in Riviera Maya

Our team has scouted every major location and guides you to the spots that best match your vision and the light conditions on session day.

Professional photography session inside a Riviera Maya cenote with natural light beams

Cenotes

Riviera Maya's signature landscape. We photograph at Cenote Azul, Suytun, Dos Ojos, Ik Kil, and Zací -- each demanding different equipment and timing. Our team arrives prepared for every light condition.

Couple photo session at the Tulum archaeological ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea

Tulum Archaeological Zone

The only Maya ruins overlooking the sea. We arrive at 8 AM when the site opens, capturing images with soft eastern light illuminating El Castillo before midday crowds.

Golden hour beach photography session on the white sand shores of Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen Beaches

Wide, powdery beaches with east-facing coastline ideal for sunrise sessions. Golden-hour light reflecting off calm waters creates extraordinary warmth in every frame.

Portrait session on a lush jungle path at a luxury Riviera Maya resort

Jungle Paths

Dense tropical jungle between the coast and cenotes provides lush canopy backdrops. Resort trails at Banyan Tree and Rosewood Mayakoba create an editorial, ethereal atmosphere.

The IVAE Process

How your session unfolds

01

Inquiry & Planning

Share your travel dates, resort, and vision. We respond within 24 hours with location recommendations and a detailed session plan.

02

Styling & Preparation

Receive a personalized styling guide tailored to your locations, plus a timeline with meeting points and golden-hour windows for your dates.

03

Session Day

We arrive early to scout light conditions. Gentle direction blended with organic moments keeps the energy relaxed and natural throughout.

04

Editing & Delivery

Hand-edited gallery delivered in 10-14 business days via private online gallery. High-res files with print release included. Rush delivery available.

Resorts We Work With

Trusted by Riviera Maya's finest properties

We coordinate directly with concierge teams at each property for seamless access.

Rosewood MayakobaBanyan Tree MayakobaBelmond Maroma Fairmont MayakobaGrand VelasSecrets Akumal Andaz MayakobaUNICO 20°87°Hotel Xcaret Arte Secrets Maroma BeachKempinskiConrad Tulum

What our clients say

We booked IVAE for a family session at our resort in Playa del Carmen and a second morning at Cenote Azul. The team knew exactly where to position us for the best light at both locations. Our gallery arrived in 12 days and every single image was stunning. The styling guide they sent beforehand was incredibly helpful.
The Mitchell Family Dallas, TX — Family Session at Grand Velas & Cenote Azul
My husband planned a surprise proposal at Cenote Suytun and IVAE captured it perfectly. They were discreet, professional, and somehow managed to get photos that look like they belong in a magazine. The light beam photos from inside the cenote are absolutely unreal. Cannot recommend them enough for couples in Riviera Maya.
Sarah & James W. Toronto, ON — Proposal Session at Cenote Suytun
We chose IVAE for our honeymoon session at Rosewood Mayakoba. From the initial message to the final gallery, the experience was effortless. They guided us through the resort's jungle paths and a private beach area, and the resulting images are warm, romantic, and genuinely beautiful. Worth every penny.
Emily & David R. Chicago, IL — Honeymoon Session at Rosewood Mayakoba
Frequently Asked

Riviera Maya photography questions

Golden hour in Riviera Maya falls between 5:30 and 7:00 PM from November through March, and between 6:00 and 7:30 PM from April through October. For cenote sessions, midday (11 AM to 1 PM) is ideal because the overhead sun creates dramatic light beams through the cave openings. Our team selects the optimal time based on your specific locations and the season of your visit.

Yes. Our team photographs at several cenotes including Cenote Azul, Cenote Suytun, Cenote Ik Kil, Cenote Dos Ojos, and Cenote Zací. Each offers a distinct aesthetic, from open-air turquoise pools to underground cathedral-like caverns with natural light beams. We coordinate access and timing to ensure the best possible conditions for your session.

Absolutely. We regularly work at properties including Rosewood Mayakoba, Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Belmond Maroma, Fairmont Mayakoba, Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Secrets Akumal, and many others. Our team understands resort protocols and works directly with concierge staff to ensure seamless access to the best photo locations on property.

We recommend booking 3 to 6 weeks in advance, especially during high season (November through April). For destination weddings or proposal sessions that require venue coordination, 8 to 12 weeks is ideal. Last-minute bookings may be available depending on our schedule. Message us to check current availability.

We offer family portraits, couples sessions, engagement photography, honeymoon sessions, maternity shoots, surprise proposals, destination weddings, and anniversary celebrations. Every session is tailored to your group, your resort, and the locations that match your vision.

Yes. The Tulum archaeological zone, perched on cliffs above the Caribbean, is one of the most requested backdrops in Riviera Maya. We typically schedule Tulum ruins sessions at opening time (8 AM) when the site is least crowded and the morning light is soft and directional. Note that tripods are not permitted inside the ruins, but our team works handheld with professional lighting equipment.

Standard sessions run 60 to 90 minutes at a single location. Extended sessions of 2 to 3 hours allow us to visit multiple locations, for example starting at your resort beach, moving to a nearby cenote, and finishing along a jungle path. We build in travel time and wardrobe changes so the experience feels completely unhurried.

Your curated, fully edited gallery is delivered within 10 to 14 business days via a private online gallery. You receive high-resolution files with a print release, plus web-optimized versions for social media. Rush delivery within 5 business days is available for an additional fee.

We provide a detailed styling guide after booking. Generally, neutral tones (whites, creams, beige, soft pastels) photograph beautifully against Riviera Maya's turquoise water and lush jungle. Flowy fabrics move well in the coastal breeze. We recommend avoiding busy patterns, neon colors, and logos. For cenote sessions, swimwear or light coverups work best.

Explore More

Home About IVAE Studios Photography Blog Couples Photography Guide Honeymoon Session Tips Destination Wedding Guide
Ready?

The Riviera Maya is calling. Let us make your images match the destination.

Send us your travel dates and resort. We will confirm availability and build a session plan tailored to your group.

Message Us on Instagram Email [email protected]