|
FAQ
Who
are the Wedding Coordinators and what do they do?
The wedding coordinators are in charge of booking your wedding date,
assisting you before, during and after your wedding.
The
Judge
By jurisdiction, the Judge of Playa del Carmen (Solidaridad
Municipal) is the only one that can perform a legal ceremony in all
the Mayan Riviera, that is from Puerto Morelos to Tulum, therefore
we are subject to his/her availability when confirming the time and
date for a ceremony. And since there is only one Judge to performed
the ceremonies she can decide arbitrarily to not perform weddings in
a given day or change the time of the ceremony a day before or even
the same day and we can not do much about it.
The Judge will not perform ceremonies on Religious and National
Mexican Holidays as Sundays, Eastern, Labor Day, Independence Day,
All Saints holiday, etc. All paperwork involved in the legal
ceremony are requested directly by the Civil Register, if any of
this papers are not in order or missing the Judge will not perform
the ceremony and the hotel can not be hold responsible for that,
since it is already stated in the Wedding Package information.
The Judge needs to have all paperwork and Wedding application at
least 3 days prior the weddings, this is why we required that the
wedding couple and witnesses to be here at least 4 working days in
advance (from Monday to Friday) not counting the arrival or the
wedding day, since they have to make blood test the following
morning and then meet with the wedding coordinator to fill out all
the paperwork to then she can submit it to the Judge.
The Ceremony will be performed in Spanish, since is the official
language here in Mexico. The wedding coordinator will translate into
English so everybody else can understand the ceremony. Since it is a
legal ceremony it can not be interrupted by any other kind of
marriage ceremonies or rituals (as readings, poems, sand or candle
ceremonies, etc). If the couple it is interested in something like
this, it can be done only after the Judge has finished the official
ceremony.
The couple must check prior to their visit if the Mexican Marriage
License that they will get will be valid for any legal procedures
that they might need in the future, since some states require and
Apostil and others don’t. The Apostil is a seal that the Main Office
of the Civil Register in the Capital of the State, Chetumal, must
put in a official copy of the Marriage License. The process of
getting the Apostil will take between 2 and 3 months.
Mexico Wedding Package Details
The price of the different wedding packages is fixed, also the items
included. We do not make any discounts, even if there is something
that they are not interesting in having, the price will be the same.
Iberostar considers as confirmation only a written request with all
the information specified in the wedding package information (date,
time, names of the couple, date of arrival, name of the hotel, etc)
attached with a credit card copy and the passports or picture id of
the bride & groom. Before we have this information the date is not
considered as confirmed and since we do have a great amount of
request, if we do not receive this paperwork within 1 week after the
initial request we will release the date and offer it to another
couple.
The wedding ceremony can only be performed at the Hotel that the
couple has reserved to stay. That is, if they are booked in the IB.
Paraiso del Mar & Beach the wedding must be performed in their
locations (Gazebo in the gardens or the beach by the Paraiso del Mar
side); if the couple is booked at the IB. Paraiso Lindo & Maya, the
wedding must be performed in they beach location and the designated
gazebo. No exception will be done. This is because these are two
resort of different category and the guests of IB. Paraiso Del Mar &
Beach are not allowed in the grounds of the IB. Paraiso Lindo &
Maya, and also because these two resorts have different management
and different wedding coordinators & services that are not
exchangeable.
In the same subject, giving the case that a guest of the IB. Paraiso
del Mar & Beach would like to assist to a wedding in the IB. Paraiso
Lindo & Maya, they must pay for a day pass of 50USD per person on
day of the weddings, for the rest of their stay it is not permitted
for them to used the facilities or services of that resort.
The location of the ceremony is also set, at the IB. Paraiso del Mar
and Beach there is a location by the beach, next to the diving
center in the IB. Paraiso del Mar side, and a Gazebo in the middle
of the gardens behind the theatre. At the IB. Paraiso Lindo they
have a beach location in front of the IB. Paraiso Maya and a Gazebo
in the middle of the pool (the pyramid with the waterfalls). Both
properties share the Chapel located at the Shopping Center of the
complex (subject to availability). Due to logistics matters we can
not change these locations.
THE
RELIGIOUS CEREMONY (RENEW OF VOWS) it is not legal here in Mexico,
nor in the United States or any other country. Here in Mexico the
only legal ceremony is the one performed by the Civil Judge of the
Civil Register. The Religious ceremony is performed by a non
denominational minister and it is basically a blessing.
Dinner
For a wedding group larger than 25 people, the chef needs the Bride
& Groom to choose a fixed menu. This applies also for a rehearsal
dinner or any other group dinner that they decided to have. We
usually give 2 or 3 different options for every menu. In case
someone in the group is allergic or vegetarian please advice.
The restaurants in the IB. Paraiso Lindo & Maya can not be in
private. We share them with the rest of our guests of the hotel. At
the IB. Paraiso Lindo & Maya Iberostar does not offer open air
dinners (beach or other open air spaces). Long pants are required
for gentleman. Children under 12 years old are not allowed at the
Gourmet Restaurants “El Museo” or “L´etoile” at the IB. Paraiso
Lindo & Maya
Special Events
Cocktails can be held only in the areas assigned for those purposes.
None of the lobby bars at the IB. Paraiso Lindo & Maya hotels such
as the Melody, Kukulkan or Acuario can be used as private rooms for
events. The service in every bar is offered for all our guests. The
rental from the Galaxy Disco is only from 8:30pm to 10:30pm upon
availability.
Room Upgrades
The hotel does not guarantee any free upgrades, these are based upon
availability.
Flowers
The hotel relies and offers a certain variety of flowers. In case
the Bride chooses to have any other kind of flower not offered, it
would have an extra charge and it is based upon the provider’s
availability. The hotel can not guarantee seasonal flowers.
Service providers & outside vendors
PHOTOSHOP: We have an exclusive contract with the Photoshop
concession located in our resorts. This means that the only
photographer and video photographer that the clients can use are the
ones provided by the Photoshop. They have different packages at
different prices, we can provide a website and a contact email
address in case they will have direct questions or will require
seeing some samples. In case the clients are interesting on hiring
and outside photographer or photographer they Iberostar needs to pay
a $300 USD penalty fee, directly to the Photoshop.
If the couple decides to hire outside vendors, as musicians,
Iberostar can book the services for them, but we can not be
responsible if they do not arrive on time or if they do not show up.
Even if Iberostar has a list of reliable good musicians, they always
come from the outside and they go from one hotel to another so they
might be late.
How do I book a wedding date?
You should ask for a date and check for availability with the
coordinators. As soon as a date has been placed ON HOLD, you have
maximum 2 months to confirm. In order to confirm the date, the
wedding coordinators must receive written proof of the room booking
from the Tour Operator (manifest).
When do I have to pick the wedding package?
You should pick your wedding package in the same moment that you are
booking your wedding date.
How and when do I meet with the wedding coordinator?
The wedding coordinator will let you know when and where to meet her
before you arrive the hotel, you will also receive a letter when you
check in that will give you all of the indications you must follow.
How and when do I pay for the wedding?
The wedding package and extras should be paid here after we have our
meeting (I will let you know when we will meet when we get closer to
the date), You will go with the coordinator to the Front Desk, you
can pay with cash, travelers checks, Visa, MasterCard or American
Express.
For persons coming from outside, there is a cost for the day pass
for each person and also they would have to pay the cost for the
wedding dinner.
Please remember that all of the prices are subject to change without
notice.
Can I pick the ceremony time?
The
time of the ceremony usually depends on the Judge (only performs
ceremonies on the hour) or Minister availability. There are no legal
weddings on holidays nor Sundays in Mexico. If you prefer a specific
time we will pass your request but we can not guarantee it.
Considering the time change here in Mexico, sunset between October
and March is around 5:30 pm and from April till September around
6:30 pm. Most couples choose 4pm and 5pm mostly because the heat of
the day has passed and you have still enough light to take quality
photos after the ceremony. The judge does the ceremony in Spanish,
there will be a wedding coordinator that will translate the ceremony
into English.
How many days before the wedding must I arrive at the hotel?
When you require a Legal ceremony, you have to be in Mexico for at
least 4 working days before the ceremony (Monday-Friday) not
counting the arrival date. For example, if you want to get married
on Saturday, you must arrive on Monday. For a Blessing ceremony, you
only need to be here 3 days before, even when it falls on a weekend.
Your 4 witnesses must arrive in the same time frame because they
must sign the legal papers also.
As
we are All-Inclusive, do we need to pay the 20 USD charge for extra
guests, more than the 10 included in the package?
Weddings are not part of the All-Inclusive package, therefore you do
need to pay the extra charges, as larger groups cost more and take
extra service. The 20 USD charge includes cake, champagne and chairs
for your entire wedding group.
Some of our guests will be staying in another Iberostar resort, but
we would like them to join our celebrations. Is this possible?
They can purchase our wedding day pass (75 USD), which able them to
come into the Grand Hotel Paraiso for the ceremony and the wedding
dinner. Please ask them to bring a photo ID with them.
What happen if it rains on our wedding day?
In the rare event of rain, we will have Plan B in place and move the
wedding to a covered location.
Can we rent tuxedos when we get to Mexico?
There is a place in Cancun that rents tuxedos, but we highly
recommend you to bring your own outfits. This saves you any
unnecessary stress, as you know that your outfits are perfect
because you have tried them on before you come here.
Will there be a hairdresser to style my hair?
We have a Spa located within our hotel. They have excellent
hairstylists, and a selection of photos that you can look through to
get some ideas. They are also able to provide massages, manicures,
pedicures, facials. All these services have an extra charge, and are
payable to the Spa directly. You can make the appointments with the
Spa once you are in the hotel or previously by requested to the
wedding coordinator.
Can we arrange to get gift bags sent to the rooms of our guests?
If you would like us to send gift bags to the guests’ rooms after
arrival, we can assist you with that. Please write down the name and
the arrival date on the bag or the envelope. We can only send the
gifts to the rooms after the guests checked in, to avoid confusion
in case the guests change rooms upon arrival. There is a provider of
gift bags and wedding favors here in Playa del Carmen,
Richard@destinationfavours.com
Can I hire an external photographer or video photographer from
Cancun?
We have an exclusive contract with the Photoshop concession located
in our resorts. This means that the only photographer and video
photographer that you can use are the ones provided by the
Photoshop. They have different packages at different prices; we can
provide a website and a contact email address if you have direct
questions or would like to see some samples. In case you are
interested in hiring and outside photographer or photographer you
will need to pay a $300 USD fee, directly to the Photoshop.
When do we pick our flowers?
You will pick the flowers here when we have our pre-wedding meeting
or briefing.
When do we pick our menu?
The wedding Coordinators will send you the menu options , you should
pick one set menu for all of your group (pick one first course,
soup, main course and desert). As soon as you have decided on your
choices please send it to us.
What type of music will there be at our wedding ceremony?
Included in the packages, there is wedding march from a CD, or you
can bring your own favorite ones with you. You can also have live
music with an extra charge - A very popular option with previous
couples is the Mariachis. This is a group of Mexicans dressed in
traditional outfits, playing a mixture of music with guitars, a
violin and a trumpet.
When do we need to make all our final decisions concerning the
flowers, cake etc?
We will start going over wedding details 2 months before you arrival
date thought email. We will send you pictures and general
information. Besides when you arrive to the hotel, we will have a
meeting with you, so you can decide exactly what you would like to
have.
Iberostar Grand Paraiso is an adults only resort, however will be
possible to have children for at least the ceremony?
As it is an adults-only, we cannot make any exception even for the
wedding ceremony. We can offer you a ceremony at the Chapel and then
hire baby sitting service during dinner.
Where will our wedding dinner be? Can we have a private reception?
You can choose from one of resort's A La Carte Restaurants (there
will be other guests at the restaurants). If you want to have a
private reception, you can rent a restaurant (1000 USD) plus a set
menu (50 USD per person).
What are the differences between Civil, Religious and Renewal of
Vows?
Mexico: Only the Civil ceremony is legally recognized. A Religious
ceremony has no legal bearing and does not replace in any way the
binding Civil Marriage. Please notice that on Saturdays in Playa del
Carmen, Civil Ceremonies can be performed until 2:00pm.
Once the Civil Ceremony is over, the couple receives a copy of the
marriage license and the original is sent within 5-6 months directly
to your home (please note that the Mexican Government can take
longer to send these documents). Once the documents are received you
should translate them into English and take them to City Hall for
legalization.
Religious ceremonies or Renewal of vows are symbolic. They are
performed by a Non denominational Minister. The bride and groom will
receive a symbolic marriage certificate without legal bearing.
*Please notice that in Mexico Catholic ceremonies are not performed.
Dominican Republic: Civil ceremonies are performed by a Judge and
Catholic ceremonies are performed by a Priest. Both ceremonies are
legally recognized. Renewal vows are symbolic weddings, they are
performed by a Non-denominational Minister. This type of ceremony
has no legal bearing.
*Please notice that in Puerto Plata Catholic ceremonies are not
performed.
Jamaica: A Civil ceremony is performed by a Judge and a Religious
ceremony is performed by a Minister. Both are legally recognized.
Symbolic weddings and Renewal of vows are also performed by a
Minister but they do not have legal bearing.
*Please notice that in Jamaica Catholic ceremonies are not performed
Are the Civil weddings performed at Iberostar Hotels & Resorts legal in
my country?
The Civil ceremonies are legally recognized in all the countries.
We suggest that once you have received the Original Marriage
Certificate you should take it to your City Hall or Registry's
Office to let your government know that your legal status has
changed.
Tourist Card
It is given to every foreigner on the flight to
Mexico.
What documents are required to get legally married?
Mexico:
Riviera Maya
Regular Copies of Passports (Bride, Groom and 4 witnesses)
Regular Copies of the Tourist Card (provided at your arrival to
Mexico).
Regular Copy of the Divorce Decree, if applicable
All documents must present the same names or have a legal document
that states
that
the name has been changed.
The documentation must be presented upon arrival to the wedding
coordinator.
Vallarta
Notarized Copies of Birth Certificates.
Regular Copies of Passports or Driver licenses. (Bride, Groom and 4
witnesses).
Regular Copies of the Tourist Card (provided at your arrival to
Mexico).
All documents need to be at the hotel at least 15 days prior to the
wedding date.
Clients from the United Kingdom who have their wedding in Mexico
must bring the following documentation:
*Statutory declaration
*Apostilled Birth Certificates
*Apostilled Divorce Decree (if applicable)
*Passport
*Tourist Card
Please verify that names are the same on all documents or bring
legal confirmation of a name change (Apostilled and translated).
If the Bride or groom is a minor, his or her parents must be present at
the ceremony and the individual's parents must present copies of
their passports three days prior.
If the Wedding is between a Mexican and a foreigner, the foreigner
must personally request a permit at the Mexican immigration Office.
Dominican Republic:
Birth Certificate with the parent's name (Translated into Spanish.
Must be certificate
by an
official Judge at the Dominican Republic Consulate at your country).
Regular copies of passports
Regular copies of two witnesses passports (Relatives can not be
witnesses)
Single declaration (Translated into Spanish. Must be legalized by an
official Judge at the Dominican Republic Consulate at your country).
Notarized/certified copies of divorce papers in Spanish (if applicable)
Notarized/certified copies of death certificate (if applicable)
The
Dominican Republic consulate nearest your hometown can prepare the
single status or divorce act papers; call 888-374-6361 for the
location of your nearest consulate.
Waiting Period: There is no waiting period or minimum stay.
Fees:
US$60-$100, depending on the judge
Witnesses: You will need two witnesses. If you provide witnesses,
they will each need to bring their passport. Hotels can also provide
witnesses.
Blood Test: No blood test is required.
The couple will need to send by fax their legal documentation one
month before the wedding date to the On site wedding coordinator and
take with them the original documents to the Dominican Republic.
For Catholic weddings in Punta Cana, couple will need to send the
copies of the documents in one package TWO MONTHS BEFORE the wedding
date through International Carrier (only UPS or FEDEX).
For Catholic weddings in Punta Cana, please send the documents to
the following address:
*Obispado de la Altagracia
Calle Vetilio Alfau (Libertad)
Higüey, República Dominicana
In attention to Padre Jean A. Lacaille, Archivista diocesano.
Jamaica:
Notarized copies of Birth Certificate
Notarized copies of Passports or driver’s license
Notarized copies of divorce papers (if applicable)
Notarized copies of death certificate (if applicable)
Notarized Documents stating name changes (if applicable)
Notarized, written parental consents (if under 21 years of age)
*All documents have to be notarized and presented in English 30 days
prior to the ceremony.
If my name is different from the passport and birth certificate
will this present a problem?
In this case, you should bring a legal document that confirms that
your name has been changed.
What is an Apostille document, why do I need it and where can I
get it?
The Apostille is a certificate that authenticates the signature of
the public official who has signed the document. An Apostille
certificate confirms the person who signed a document has the
authority to do so and that the document should therefore be
recognized as legal without further evidence in another member state
of the Hague Convention. The Apostille must be required in the State
where the document was made. The Foreign offices of each state and
country can provide the Apostille.
If I was divorced, can I have my Civil ceremony at the Resort?
Mexico: The divorce must have taken place at least one year prior to
the new wedding ceremony.
If the
Bride is divorced in Canada and her passport has her ex husband last
name, she needs to bring a separate and Original Birth Certificate
certified by the Mexican Consulate and translated into Spanish as
well as the certification and her Tourist Visa Card MUST be filled
according to the Birth Certificate.
If the Bride is divorced in United States or United Kingdom and her
passport has her ex husband last name, she needs to bring a separate
and Original Birth Certificate certified through an APOSTILLE SEAL
by the Secretary of State and translated into Spanish as well as the
Apostille and her Tourist Visa Card MUST be filled according to the
Birth Certificate
Dominican Republic: Men can remarried a day after they receive the
Divorce Certificate. Women need to wait 10 months after they
received the Divorce Certificate.
Jamaica: It does not matter if you have not been legally divorced
one year. You only must present a notarized copy of the divorce
decree.
Do I need to take a blood test and, if so, what diseases do you
test for?
Yes, in Mexico tests of HIV and syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes and all
the STD's are required and must be perform by a certified doctor.
Your on-site wedding coordinator will arrange the doctor appointment
in your hotel room. The wedding coordinator will make an appointment
for you with the doctor at the Hotel Medical Center. You can not eat
or drink anything 8 hours before. There is nothing to worry about,
they use sterilized new needles and it takes just a couple of
minutes. You you can not perform the blood test in your
country and take the results to the Resort.
*Please be aware that if any of the results turned positive, you
will not be able to get legally married.
Will our Marriage Certificate be issued in English or Spanish?
Your marriage certificate will be issued in Spanish at Iberostar
Hotels & Resorts in Mexico or the Dominican Republic. Marriage
certificates will be issued in English at Iberostar Hotels & Resorts
in Jamaica.
When will the marriage certificate be delivered?
Mexico:
*Playa del Carmen
For Civil weddings: The marriage certificate will be given to the
couple five to six months after wedding day.
*Vallarta
For Civil weddings: The marriage certificate will be given to the
couple one or two months after wedding's day.
For the Religious ceremonies or Renewal of vows in Mexico: The
couple will receive a Marriage certificate without legal bearing on
the wedding day.
Dominican Republic:
For Civil weddings: The marriage certificate will be given to the
couple five to six months after wedding day.
For Catholic ceremonies: The marriage certificate will be given to
the couple three to four months after wedding day.
Jamaica:
For Civil & Religious weddings: The marriage certificate will be
given to the couple three to four months after wedding day.
For Renewal of vows: The couple will receive a Marriage certificate
without legal bearing on the wedding day.
How many weddings are held each day?
Iberostar performs 1 wedding per day at each resort (IB. Paraiso del
Mar & Beach are consider only one resort, and Iberostar. Paraiso
Lindo & Maya are consider another resort). There are practical
reasons for that such as to avoid inconveniences that brides
dislike, as bumping into another bride dress in white, wanting to
have a restaurant that is already booked by another couple, wanting
the beach site and not being available because there is another
couple that already reserved it, plus the Judge’s availability.
How long does the ceremony last?
The ceremonies last approximately 20
to 30 minutes.
Are there different ceremony locations?
Wedding ceremonies can be performed on the beach, gazebo or garden depending on the Hotel.
Disclaimer:
Weddings by Iberostar makes every effort to keep the travel
information up to date on this website, however, laws do change and
so we cannot guarantee that all information regarding rules,
regulations, and marriage requirements at particular sites are
completely accurate at the time of viewing. Before making marriage
decisions on a particular destination, we highly recommend couples
should verify all information with the consulate from their
respective countries and with the local offices before making any
plans. |
