Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa

WEDDING FEQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Getting Started
Staging a Destination Wedding
Calculating the Cost of a Destination Wedding
Destination Wedding Details
Legalities
More Frequently Asked Wedding Questions
About Mexico

 

Getting Started

Do you hold destination weddings at your resort?

  • Yes, we hold weddings at all of our resorts

 

Is there a dedicated wedding planner on site?

 

Can you let me know availability for the other Dreams Resorts & Spas?

  • There are dedicated wedding planners at each resort who handles their individual wedding schedule. Please contact the wedding planner at each resort for the most accurate and up to date schedule.

 

What services does your wedding planner provide? Is there a fee?

  • There is no fee for the use of our wedding planners. A specialist will assist you prior to and on your special day and is available throughout the entire experience to answer any question you may have regarding your event.

 

How much time would we need to reserve our wedding in advance?

  • Weddings should be reserved at least three months in advance but one year or more is preferable if you have exact dates in mind. Some months are more popular for weddings then others, those dates are usually reserved fast!

 

What if we want to reserve on short notice?

  • You should contact the wedding planner directly.

 

How many days do we need to arrive prior to the ceremony?

  • You are required to be in the country at least four business days prior. Saturdays, Sundays and Mexican holidays do not count. Your arrival day does not count toward the “business day” requirement. You must arrive four FULL business days prior.

 

What is the difference between legal (civil), religious and symbolic ceremonies?

  • Only a civil ceremony is legally recognized. A religious ceremony has no legal bearing and does not replace in any way the binding legal civil marriage. A renewal of vows or religious ceremony is a symbolic ceremony. It is performed by a non-denominational minister. (Please note that Catholic ceremonies cannot be performed outside the church). The bride and groom will receive a symbolic marriage which is not legally valid.

 

Do we need to send any documentation prior to arrival?

  • Yes. All legal documentation should be sent at least one month in advance to verify all information. Also, you must have all originals with you when you arrive at the resort. Details of legal documentation can be found in the legal requirement section further below in this document.

 

Staging a Destination Wedding

Which locations are available for the wedding?

For the ceremony:

  • You can choose between a lovely beach set-up and the gazebo overlooking a sparkling pool. We also have a terrace or ballroom option should there be inclement weather.

 

For the cocktail reception:

  • Options include the beach, pool or deck area

 

For the dinner reception:

  • Options include the beach, deck area, or reserve private dining at any of our restaurants (with the exception of El Patio and Bordeaux). There are two sittings to choose from 6pm-8pm or 9pm-11pm.

 

Can you email me a layout and images of these resorts? Do you have an online photo gallery or can you email me pictures of other weddings that have taken place at your property?

  • Our wedding planner can email pictures of other weddings that have taken place at Dreams Riviera Cancun. You can also browse the resort’s online photo gallery

 

What do you offer in the way of decorations?

  • We can provide decorations such as flowers and centerpieces, tables and linens, white chair covers or garden chairs. Please browse the Wedding Guide for additional options and pricing or contact the wedding planner directly.

 

What time of day do most destination weddings occur? Why?

  • Many guests choose to marry around sunset, but any time is beautiful! Please be sure to leave time after the ceremony for pictures!

 

Will there be other weddings taking place at the same time as ours?

  • Your special time is yours and yours only; however, there may be other weddings performed on the same day at different times or locations. We typically host two weddings per day.

 

If we want our wedding on the beach, how is it set up?

  • The basic set up includes: chairs for your guests, a ceremony table with white table cloth and a walkway to the aisle.

 

How do I get the free wedding that is advertised?

  • Simply book a Preferred Club Ocean View room or higher for a minimum of 7 nights (or 5 rooms for a minimum of 3 nights in any room category).

 

Is the ceremony performed in English or Spanish?

  • Most of our judges perform the legal ceremonies in Spanish. You can select to have a translator at an additional charge. Ministers are fluent in English and are able to perform symbolic ceremonies in either language.

 

What if I don’t have a witness?

  • If you do not have witnesses available, they will be provided by the resort.

 

Calculating the Cost of a Destination Wedding

What is the cost of a destination wedding at your resort, or is it included in the price of our stay?

  • We offer three wedding packages. Rates and inclusions depend on which package you choose. We do offer a complimentary wedding package available when staying 7 nights in the specified room category (or book 5 rooms in any category for a minimum of 3 nights). Please refer to the main wedding package section of the website for details.

 

Do you offer a set wedding package, or do we choose the elements individually?

  • We offer set packages however; you can add anything extra that you wish. Browse the Wedding Guide for details.

 

Can you email a price list to me? Do you expect those prices to change by the date of my wedding?

  • Prices for our wedding packages are included on our website. For those little extra touches, a separate price list can be obtained from the wedding planner. Prior to your signed contract, prices are subject to change as services are provided by outside vendors.

 

If I want to bring friends and family members, do you offer a discount on the price of rooms?

  • Special group rates are available when booking nine rooms or more – and be sure to ask about any other special promotions that may be available around your chosen travel dates.

 

How many guests are included in your standard wedding package? What do you charge if we exceed that number?

  • Packages are valid for either 10 or 20 guests. Additional guests will incur a charge from $26 USD per person for the cocktail reception and from $48 USD per person for the dinner reception (additional taxes and service charges will apply).

 

What about guests not staying at the resort?

  • Guests who choose to come only for the event must purchase a wedding pass.

 

Do you require a down payment? How much? When is the balance due?

  • For the Wedding in Paradise Package, a $100 deposit is required. For the Dreams of Love and Dreams Ultimate Wedding Packages a $500 deposit is required. The deposits are necessary to hold and confirm the wedding dates and will be applied to the total cost of the wedding package.

 

What is your cancellation policy?

  • The wedding can be canceled six or more months prior to the confirmed date without penalties. If the wedding is canceled within six months, the non-refundable deposit will be kept as a penalty. If the wedding is canceled, but the couple still travels as planned, the deposit can then be applied toward any additional room charges made during their stay.

 

Destination Wedding Details

Who performs the ceremony at your resort?

  • A local judge or minister will come to the resort to perform your ceremony.

 

What if we want a ceremony that honors a particular religion; can someone of that faith be provided?

  • We offer Civil Ceremonies (Justice of the Peace) or non-legal ceremonies (Symbolic by a Minister). If you would like to bring your own minister you are more then welcome to do so. Please note, that if you do choose to bring your own minister, no credit will be given for choosing not to use the one included in the wedding package.

 

On the other hand, what if we want a ceremony that is not religious?

  • Non-religious ceremonies are an option at all of our resorts.

 

How long is the ceremony?

  • The ceremony lasts 20-30 minutes. The optional cocktail party and reception follow shortly after.

 

What do brides and grooms typically wear at your resort for destination weddings?

  • Brides usually wear the beautiful white gown they have always dreamed of. Grooms often choose to wear khakis and a white dress shirt. Most couples also prefer to go barefoot if they wed on the beach; however, the choice of your attire is up to you.

 

Will someone be available to iron my wedding dress?

  • Wedding dress preparation is included in the wedding packages. If you do not select a wedding package, or your wedding party wants to iron/steam their outfits, our laundry service can also prepare their garments.

 

What happens if we choose an outdoor ceremony and reception -- and it rains? Do you have a back up plan?

  • If conditions do not allow for an outdoor wedding, it can be moved into the ballroom. Additionally, receptions can be moved to one of our restaurants, should availability allow.

 

What time does the sun set and what is the approximate temperature an hour before?

  • The sun sets between 5pm and 8pm depending on the season. The temperature also depends on the season. When you have an exact date you may request this information from the wedding coordinator.

 

What types of flowers are available locally? Is there a florist onsite?

  • Tropical flowers are available year round. We work directly with a local florist to accommodate your vision. Our wedding planner also has a floral catalog for you to choose from.

 

Is live music available?

  • We offer a variety of live music like- Mariachi, Salsa and Jazz bands or violinists, guitarists, and saxophonists. Browse the wedding guide and work with the wedding planner for more details.

 

Can we supply our own music on CD?

  • Yes, however, there will be an additional rental equipment fee for this.

 

Can you email me suggested menus for the reception?

  • We have several different menus available. The wedding planner will be happy to send them to you.

 

What can you supply in the way of a wedding cake?

  • The cake included in the wedding package is one round or square layer with white icing. You can select chocolate, vanilla or tres leches (a traditional Mexican cake made with three different milks and topped with fruit- delicious and very popular!).

  • Tiers can be added for an additional cost. If you have a specific design in mind, please send a picture to the wedding planner and our pastry chef will be happy to create it!

  • The standard cake is included with the wedding packages and serves up to 20 guests. An additional $4 USD will be charged to each guest over 20 (plus tax and service charge)

Do you provide photography/videography services? What is the cost and what is provided?

  • Our preferred photographer is Adventure Photo – they are amazing! The wedding coordinator can send you sample photography. When you arrive a meeting will be arranged to meet with the photographer so you can discuss wedding shots and preferences. Additionally, we work with a videographer called Grupo JMC. They have worked on projects for Discovery Channel, CNN, and National Geographic. A sample of their work can be seen at www.grupojmc.com. Browse the wedding guide and work with the wedding planner to discuss pricing.

 

IMPORTANT: Destination Wedding Legalities – Mexico

Is there someone who can handle the legal details for us and will guide us through the process?

  • Yes, the wedding planner deals directly with the local officials to coordinate the legalized wedding process.

 

What are the requirements to get a marriage license in Mexico?

  • Valid passport
  • Tourist Cards (blue sheets that you receive at the airport)
  • Apostille certified birth certificates for Bride & Groom (see below)
  • If applicable, final Record of Divorce
  • If applicable, Death Certificate
  • Health certificate and blood test provided by a Mexican Official*
  • Bride & Groom must arrive four business days prior to the ceremony! (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays do not count).

*Additional costs apply.

Are witnesses required?

  • Yes, four witnesses must arrive four days prior to the ceremony with passports and tourist cards (blue sheet received at the airport). Witnesses can be provided by the hotel if needed. Please note parents of the bride and groom cannot act as witnesses.

 

What is an Apostille document. Why do I need it and where do I get it?

  • Apostille is a French word which means a certification. It is commonly used in English to refer to the legalization of a document for international use under the terms of the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents. Documents which have been notarized by a notary public, and certain other documents, and then certified with a conformant apostille are accepted for legal use in all the nations that have signed the Hague Convention.

 

I was divorced less then one year ago. Can I have my civil ceremony at the resort?

  • Unfortunately no. If you have been recently divorced you will need to wait at least one year before remarrying in Mexico, and you must bring a copy of your divorce decree. Symbolic ceremonies, however, can be performed.

 

Can I translate my divorce decree and apostille document prior to my arrival to the resort?

  • No, this must be done in Mexico upon arrival and should be handled by the wedding planner. An extra fee applies.

 

Do we need proof of any medical tests?

  • Yes, a blood test must be taken (see below).

 

Which diseases does the blood test check for?

  • The blood test must be performed in Mexico and should not be taken more than 14 days prior to the ceremony. The blood will be tested for HIV, RPR (sexually transmitted diseases) and blood type. The results, together with a certificate of the blood test will be ready in 24 hours. Upon arrival, your wedding planner sets the appointment for the next morning at approximately 8.00 A.M. The test requires an empty stomach. The doctor will perform the blood test either in your room or in the planner’s office.

 

What is the price of the blood test?

  • The cost of the blood test is $300 per couple. The payment must be charged to your room account. Doctors or others performing the test are not authorized to accept payments on site.

 

Can I have a doctor perform the test in my country and take the results to the resort?

  • No, the test must be taken in Mexico to be valid, no exceptions.

 

Will I be able to participate in the wedding ceremony if the test comes back positive?

  • According to Mexican Law, if your test comes back positive you cannot be legally married in Mexico. We can however perform a symbolic ceremony should you choose.

 

If we have to travel offsite to get the license, does your resort provide transportation?

  • The wedding planner provides the license to you after the ceremony, no transportation is required.

 

If my name is different from my passport and birth certificate will this present a problem?

  • Yes, in order for the documents to be finalized and legal in Mexico, there must be documentation for differing names in order to get married (i.e. divorce, birth certificates, or passport amended, etc).

 

Will the judge perform the ceremony if all of our documents are not in order? Are there any exceptions?

  • Sorry, if any documents are missing or incorrect there can be no ceremony. No exceptions. Your wedding planner will help assure that everything is in order.

 

More Frequently Asked Wedding Questions

Is there a private terrace or outdoor area where we can hold a rehearsal dinner?

  • We can accommodate a rehearsal dinners at multiple locations. Please see the Wedding Guide for details.

 

Is there a charge for guests to participate in sports at the resort?

  • Non motorized water sports are included in your Unlimited-Luxury® package. Please refer to the activities and entertainment section of the website for details.

 

Can you arrange a special tour or activity for our guests?

  • These may be arranged through the preferred tour company set up in the resort lobby. They are more then happy to arrange a group outing to fit your needs.

 

About Mexico

Do I need any immunizations before traveling?

  • You do not need any immunizations to travel to Mexico

 

What is the time zone?

  • Central Time Zone

 

Can I drink the water?

  • Yes, all of our resorts have their own water purification system allowing the water you drink to be clean and pure. Purified bottled water is also readily available. Please be careful when venturing off of our resorts.

 

Can I bring dollars?

  • Yes, American dollars are recognized and accepted in Mexico.

 

Are passports required? Is it easy to enter into Mexico?

 

Do you mind me asking all these questions?

  • Not at all! Our wedding planners are happy to assist you in planning your perfect day, so please feel free to ask away.

 

Contact the wedding planner directly at weddings.drerc@dreamsresorts.com and be sure to browse the Dreams Riviera Cancun Wedding Guide for further details.

 

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