Resort Information

Mailing Address:
Dreams Cancun
Punta Cancún s/n, Zona Hotelera
Cancún, Q. Roo
C.P. 77500

Hotel Direct:
52 (998) 848 7000 phone
52 (998) 848 7001 fax

Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa - Mexico

WEDDING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I start?
Ceremony and reception locations
Cost of a destination wedding at Dreams Cancun
Wedding details and decor
Legalities
What about family and friends who cannot attend?
Other questions

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 they be reached by email?

There is a dedicated wedding coordinator on site at Dreams Cancun as well as an assistant. Please see the email contacts below:

Wedding Coordinator weddings.drecu@dreamsresorts.com

Can you let me know availability for the other properties?

Please contact the wedding coordinator at each resort as each handles their own wedding schedule.

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

There is no fee for the use of our wedding coordinators. A specialist will assist you prior to and on your special day and are 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!

How can we confirm our wedding date?

There is a Wedding Request Form listed on each of our resorts’ wedding pages. Just fill out this form and if the date is available, the weddings department at the resort will be happy to reserve a tentative date. After we receive a deposit and the signed contract, we will reserve that date for you.

What if we want to reserve on short notice?

You should contact the wedding coordinator directly.

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

Mexico requires that you 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 must 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.

Staging a Destination Wedding

Questions about the ceremony and reception:

What private indoor and outdoor areas of the resort are available for a wedding? Are indoor spaces air-conditioned?

You may choose the wedding gazebo, beach or garden areas which are all outdoors. You may also choose the ballroom which is indoors and air-conditioned.

What about guests not staying at the resort?

Guests who chose to come only for the event will have to purchase a day pass. This will be an additional cost. There are also special discounted children’s rates available for our family friendly resorts.

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?

We do not have online photos at this time, but we can email photos at your request. Please tell us what kind of photos you would like to see.

What do you offer in the way of decorations?

We provide basic decorations such as flowers and centerpieces. All other decor may be requested through the wedding coordinator and will be an additional charge.

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

Most guests chose to marry at sunset, simply because it is the most romantic time.

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

The beach set up consists of a ceremonial table and chairs all with white covers.

How do I get the free wedding that is advertised?

This package is available when staying seven nights in the specified room category.

Is it performed in English or Spanish?

Most ceremonies at Dreams Cancun are performed in English.

What if I don’t have a witness?

If you do not have witnesses available, these will be provided by the resort at no additional cost.

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 several packages. Rates and inclusions depend on which package you choose. 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 have several set packages however; you can add anything extra that you wish.

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

Yes, we can email the prices to you. However, until a contract is signed 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.

Do you have vendor fee?

Yes, when using a vendor that is not the resort's Preferred Vendor, there is an additional fee of $150 for each service provided.

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 would require an additional charge. Please ask you wedding coordinator for pricing details.

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 Package, 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?

If you cancel at least six months prior there will be no charge.

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 Christian Minister). If you would like to bring your own minister you are more then welcome to do so.

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 about 20 minutes. The cocktail party and reception follow shortly after.

What do brides and grooms typically wear at your resort 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 barefooted. 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 package.

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

Yes, we do have several options in this instance. These will be reviewed with the wedding coordinator during your meeting.

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

Sunset times and temperature vary depending on season. Please ask the wedding coordinator once you have selected your date.

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

We do not have a florist onsite, however tropical flowers are available all year. The wedding coordinator has a flower catalog for you to choose from.

Is live music available? Can you email me an mp3 file of your house musicians?

Live music is available. The wedding coordinator will be happy to provide you with a list of options. Some of them even have web pages or CD samples.

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 coordinator will be happy to send them to you.

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

The wedding cake will be chosen by you. Once you arrive at the resort you will meet with the wedding coordinator to choose your cake.

Do you provide photography/videography services? What is the cost and what do we get for that amount?

Yes, we do offer video and photo packages. Various packages and prices may be requested through the wedding coordinator.

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 coordinator deals directly with the local officials to coordinate the legalized wedding process

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

In order to get legally married in Cancun, there are a few requirements you need.

Bride, Groom & Witnesses must arrive to Cancun 4 working days prior to the wedding day (Saturdays, Sundays & Mexican Holidays do not count), the wedding coordinator must receive the following documents in order to start the corresponding application for a marriage in the Civil Registry Office.

Requirements:

Tourist card (you will get them at your arrival to the Cancun airport).
Birth Certificates (Bride & Groom)

These documents must be translated into Spanish while in country for them to be deemed valid. There is a cost of $50.00 usd +11% tax per birth certificate. Your wedding coordinator will arrange the translation for you.

Special Certificate (CIR)

Please send your wedding coordinator a copy of the couple's passports and birth certificates in order to request a NON marriage letter by Quintana Roo state. This letter certifies that you don't have a previous marriage registered in Quintana Roo State.The Certification letter fee is $ 120 usd + 11% tax. The letter must be requested a minimum of 30 days prior to the couple's arrival.

Valid Passports (This is essential, otherwise the wedding cannot be performed).
The blood tests are taken in Mexico; they are not valid if it is taken elsewhere. To be considered valid the test 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 will be ready in 24 hours together with a certificate of the blood test and the charge will be $300 USD+ 11% tax per couple.
4 Witnesses are required

Legal form completed with the names, addresses, nationalities, ages, occupation, relationship, for bride, groom. Wedding Coordinator will send you the legal form.
Transportation fee for justice of the peace $ 80 usd

The Marriage Certificate is only valid in Mexico. In order to make it legal internationally, the wedding coordinator will send a copy of your License to Validation Process. The fee will be $ 165 usd+ 11% tax with a translated copy in English. The process may take up to 1-4 months. Once the document is apostilled and translated into English the resort will send all documentation to your home address.

None of the above mentioned services are included in our Wedding Packages.

It is the couple's responsibility to have all the documents ready before the wedding.

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.

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. (Courtesy of Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille)

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.

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 coordinator. 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 coordinator sets the appointment for the next morning at 8.00 A.M. The test requires an empty stomach. The doctor will perform the blood test either in your room or in the coordinator’s office.

What is the price of the blood test?

The cost is $300 per couple plus 11% tax. The payment must be charged to your room account. Doctors or others performing the test are not authorized to accept payments on site. Please check with the appropriate wedding coordinator for the exact pricing.

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 in order to be valid, no exceptions.

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

No, according to Mexican Law, if your test comes back positive you can not be married in Mexico.

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

The wedding coordinator provides the license to you immediately 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 coordinator will help assure that everything is in order.

For family and friends who cannot attend - Help them be there in spirit.

Can you make an internet webcam available during the ceremony?

Plans are currently underway to have webcams available for our wedding ceremonies. Please contact the wedding coordinator for details.

How long will it take to get our pictures back, and can they be quickly posted on an online album?

If you choose a photographer provided by our wedding coordinator, expect to receive your photos and photo album the day after the ceremony. Depending on the package chosen, your images will be presented on DVD or in a lovely album that also includes the negatives.

What type of Internet access is available at your property?

Every resort offers wireless internet access in the lobby for a charge. In-room internet access varies by resort.

About Mexico

Do I need any immunizations before traveling?

You do not need any immunizations to travel to Mexico or the Dominican Republic.

What is the time zone?

Cancun, Mexico is located in the 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 out of our resorts.

Can I bring dollars?

Yes, American dollars are recognized and accepted in Mexico. Please consider that hotel is only allowed to accept $ 300 usd cash on a daily basis, but no more than $ 1500 usd cash per room. If you would like to pay for your wedding expenses then we suggest you to use a credit card.

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

You must have a valid passport to enter Mexico. Due to the large number of passport applications, the US Government has allowed some passport flexibility to these countries. Please visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html for details.

Do you mind me asking all these questions?