Mailing Address:
Dreams La Romana
Playa Bayahibe, La Romana,
P.O. Box 80
Dominican Republic
Hotel Direct:
(809) 221-8880 Phone
(809) 221-2776 Fax
Email: info@dreamsresorts.com
Dreams La Romana Resort & Spa - Dominican Republic
WEDDING FEQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where do I start?
Ceremony and Reception Locations
Cost of a Destination Wedding at Dreams La Romana
Wedding Details & Decor
Legalities
What about our family and friends that cannot attend?
Miscellaneous 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 she be reached by email?
- There is a dedicated wedding coordinator on site at Dreams La Romana. Please see email contact information below:
Wedding Coordinator weddings@dreamslaromana.com.do
What services does your wedding planner provide? Is there a fee?
- There is no fee for the use of our wedding coordinators. Our specialist will be with you from day one until your special day. She will be there to answer any question you may have regarding your day!
How much time would we need to reserve our wedding in advance?
- Weddings should be reserved at least three months in advance
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 confirm!
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 4 days prior
What is the latest time that we can arrive at the resort for it to count toward the business day requirement?
- Arrival day does not count. You must arrive 4 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 not legally valid.
Do we need to send any documentation prior to arrival?
- All documents must be at the hotel at least 15 days prior to your arrival.
Staging a Destination Wedding
Questions to ask about the ceremony and reception:
What private indoor and outdoor areas of the resort are available for a wedding?
- You may choose from one of our beautiful terraces, beach or our wedding gazebo.
Are indoor spaces air-conditioned?
- Yes, they are
How many people can each of them accommodate?
- We can accommodate any number of guests, from 2 to 500
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 childrens rates available for our family friendly resorts.
Can you email me a layout and images of these places?
- The wedding coordinator will be happy to send you any pictures you request.
Do you have an online photo gallery or can you email me pictures of other destination weddings that have taken place at your property?
- We will be happy to send these upon request, via email
What do you offer in the way of decorations?
- Decorations will be available at an additional charge and are made to the brides liking
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, what is the set-up?
- It's your day... you tell us how you want this day set up and we will arrange it!
How do I get the free wedding that is advertised?
- This package is available when staying 7 nights in the specified room category.
Is it performed in English or Spanish?
- Most are ceremonies are performed in Spanish however, if you are lucky, the officiate may speak English.
What if I don't have a witness?
- If there are no witnesses available, these will be provided by the resort.
Will there be other weddings taking place during the same time as ours?
- No. Your special time is yours and yours only.
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 packages. Rates and inclusions depend on which you prefer.
Do you offer a set destination wedding package, or do we choose the elements individually?
- We have three 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?
- These prices are always 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?
- Group rates are available when booking 9 rooms or more.
How many guests are permitted at your standard destination wedding?
- Packages are valid for either 10 or 20 guests.
What do you charge if we exceed that number?
- Additional guests would incur an additional charge.
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?
CANCELLATION POLICY OF ENTIRE GROUP:- 121 days or more, prior to scheduled group arrival date, no cancellation liability charges will be assessed.
- 120-91 days: Complete cancellation will result in a Two-night charge per person reserved.
- 90-61 days: Complete cancellation will result in a Three-night charge per person reserved.
- 60 days prior to group arrival date: Complete cancellation will result in Total charge for the entire stay.
Client reserves the right of cancellation without liability if the group cannot meet because of significant physical changes in the Hotel caused by new construction or extensive renovation, fire damage, change of ownership of Hotel or labor strikes.
In the event the Hotel is successful in reselling canceled rooms, no liability charges will be assessed for those rooms. The Hotel will provide on request daily occupancy reports for all affected dates.
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?
- Yes, and the bride may also bring her own minister should she chose to do so.
On the other hand, what if we want a ceremony that does not bring in religion?
- Non religious ceremonies are an option at all of our resorts.
How long is the ceremony?
- The ceremony itself only lasts about 20 minutes however, the cocktail and reception shortly follow.
What do brides and grooms typically wear at your resort for destination weddings?
- Brides usually wear the beautiful white gown as they have always dreamed of, while guys usually prefer kakis and a white dress shirt. Most couples also prefer bare feet, of course.
Will someone be available to iron my wedding dress?
- Wedding dress preparation is included in the wedding package.
What do you do if I schedule an outside ceremony and reception -- and it rains? Do you have a picture of the back up plan?
- We can move your ceremony into our ballroom
What time is the sunset and 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?
- Unfortunately, we do not have a florist on site however, just about all flowers are available locally. All special flower requests must be made at least 20 days prior.
Is live music available? Can you email me an mp3 file of your house musicians?
- Unfortunately, we do not have this available.
Can we supply our own music on CD?
- Yes, however there will be an additional charge to rent this equipment.
Can you email me suggested menus for the reception?
- We have several wedding menus. You may request these from the wedding coordinator.
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?
- We do offer photography services at a rate of $350.00 USD per hour. You will receive a CD of all images and the best ones will be printed for you.
IMPORTANT: Destination Wedding Legalities – Dominican Republic
Is there someone who can handle the legal details for us and guide us through the process?
- You need to work directly with the Dominican Consulate in your country in order to have all your documentation translated and legalized.
- The wedding coordinator will deal directly with the local officials to coordinate the process of the marriage license after the wedding.
What are the requirements to get a marriage in the Dominican Republic
- Parties must be at least 18 years of age.
- Valid passport or photo ID
- Original copies and photocopies of birth certificates, adoption certificates (if applicable) and name deeds (if applicable)
- Single Status Affidavit in Spanish for each party (See next item). A joint affidavit is not acceptable. These must be notarized and state whether the bride or groom has ever been married, divorced, or widowed. Originals must be brought with you to the property.
- Original and photo copies of the court decree absolute if divorced. Bride must be legally divorced for a minimum of 10 months
- Two witnesses with passport or photo ID, provided by the hotel if needed. The witnesses can not be family members.
- Original and photocopies of death certificates, if applicable
- Full name of both parents
- Blood test and advanced travel are not required
What is a Single Status Affidavit document, why do I need it and where do I get it?
- A Single Status Affidavit clearly states that both parties are eligible to marry. It should be prepared by a lawyer and notarized, then sent to the Dominican Consulate for approval and translation. These documents should be brought with you and valid up to 90 days before the wedding.
I was divorced less then one year ago. Can I have my civil ceremony at the resort?
- According to Dominican Law a divorced woman has to wait 10 months before remarrying unless she is marrying the same man she divorced or she was divorced under special DR law. Then the ruling has a waiting period of 24 hours.
Do we need proof of any medical tests?
- No, there is no need for any medical tests in the Dominican Republic.
If we have to travel offsite to get the license, does your resort provide transportation?
- The Judge will duly register your Wedding Certificate at the Central Civil Board, and legalize it with the Foreign Affairs Department of the Dominican Republic; Dreams Punta Cana will then send the wedding certificate to the couple by mail (this procedure may take 8-12 weeks.)
If my name is different from the passport and birth certificate will this present a problem?
- First, middle and last names must show up identically in all of the following documents: passport, affidavit declaration and birth certificate. If not the Civil Judge might refuse the wedding
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 our Friends and Family Who Can't Attend Our Destination Wedding.
Help them to be there in more than spirit.
Can you make a 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 appear 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, but internet access in the rooms varies by resort.
More Destination Wedding Questions to Ask
It's your wedding. Ask away.
Do you have a dedicated honeymoon suite? Can you show me what it looks like?
- Yes, each resort offers a Honeymoon Suite or equivalent equipped with special Jacuzzi baths, and includes complimentary wedding or honeymoon packages based on length of stay. Visit the accommodations page of each resort to learn more.
Is there a private terrace or outdoor area where we can hold a rehearsal dinner?
- We can accommodate a rehearsal dinner at any one of our restaurants, as well as a private location, for an extra charge.
Is there a charge for guests to participate in sports at the resort?
- Daily activities are provided all day for our guests at no additional charge.
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 the best group outing to fit your needs.
About Mexico
Do I need any immunizations before traveling?
- In order to travel to Mexico you do not need any immunizations.
What is the time zone?
- Los Cabos, Mexico is in the Mountain 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. Please be careful when venturing out of our resorts.
Can I bring dollars?
- Yes, American dollars are recognized and accepted in both Mexico and the Dominican Republic
Is it easy to enter into Mexico?
- You must have a valid passport to enter Mexico. Please visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html for details.
Do you mind me asking all these questions?
Not at all! Our wedding coordinators are happy to assist you in planning your perfect day, so please feel free to ask away.
