Resort and Flight

Resort Accommodations Only

From:

To:

Depart:

Return:

Adults:

Children:

Resort Information

Mailing Address:
Dreams Puerto Vallarta
Playa Las Estacas S/N
Carretera Barra de Navidad Km. 3.5
Puerto Vallarta, Jal. 48300 Mexico

Hotel Direct:
52 322-226-5000 phone
52 322-221-6000 fax

Email: info@dreamspuertovallarta.com.mx

This Area requires JavaScript and the Flash Player. Get Flash.

Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa - Mexico

WEDDING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where do I start?
Ceremony and Reception locations
Cost of a destination wedding at Dreams Puerto Vallarta
Wedding details and décor
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 Puerto Vallarta. Please see the email contact listed below.

weddings@dreamspuertovallarta.com.mx

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.

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 resort’s 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. Saturday, Sundays and holidays do not count as business days.

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?

Dreams Puerto Vallarta requires that they have all documents in hand at least 5 weeks prior to your wedding day. This may be sent via fax or email.

Questions About Staging the Wedding and Reception

What private indoor and outdoor areas of the resort are available for a wedding?

We have a beach area as well as two terraces, one by the main pool area and the other one by the adults pool.

Are indoor spaces air-conditioned?

Yes.

How many people can each of them accommodate?

Las Palmas terrace banquet: 70-80 people, La Palmas terrace cocktail: 120. Main Pool terrace: banquet 300 people, cocktail: 400 people.

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 places? Do you have an online photo gallery or can you email me pictures of of the destination weddings that have taken place at your property?

Here are some examples.

Should you require any additional pictures, please email the wedding coordinator.

What do you offer in the way of decorations?

We offer the table linens, tikki torches and candles.

What time of day do most destination weddings occur?

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?

See photos below.

How do I get the free wedding that is advertised?

This package is available when staying 7 nights or more in a minimum required room category.

Is it performed in English or Spanish?

Most 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. See pricing information under Wedding Packages.

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 nine rooms or more.

How many guests are permitted at your standard destination wedding? What do you charge if we exceed that number?

Packages are valid for either 10 or 20 guests. 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?

No penalties will be charged.

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?

Catholic priests will not perform a wedding outside of the church. We can host a Jewish wedding however the bride and groom must provide their own Rabbi.

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

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

How long is the ceremony?

The ceremony itself lasts about 20 minutes. 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 they have always dreamed of. Grooms often wear kakis and a white dress shirt. Of course, you may wear whatever you like. Many couples also prefer bare feet.

Will someone be available to iron my wedding dress?

Wedding dress preparation is included in the wedding package and is done by an outside dry cleaning service.

What do you do if I schedule an outside ceremony and reception — and it rains?

We can host your ceremony in the lobby of the Preferred Club Tower which overlooks the ocean or we can utilize the meeting facilities.

What time is the sunset and the approximate temperature an hour before?

The sun sets between 7:30 and 8:30 PM in the summer months. In the autumn and winter sunset is between 6 and 6:30 PM.

What types of flowers are available locally?

Roses, lilies, gerbera daisy, bird of paradise, orchids, etc.

Is there a florist onsite?

No, not onsite. But several are available nearby.

Is live music available?

Definitely. Please request more information with the wedding coordinator.

Can you email me an mp3 file of your house musicians?

Unfortunately, this is not available at this time.

Can we supply our own music on CD?

Yes, you may rent a sound system for $160.00 for your event.

Can you email me suggested menus for the reception?

These may be requested through 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?

Yes, we will give you the name of one or more photographers and you may contact the them directly.

Important Legalities for Mexican Destination Weddings

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 your destination?

Requirements to get married in Mexico:

Valid passport
Tourist Cards
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. (Additional costs apply.)
Bride & Groom must arrive 4 full days prior to the ceremony! (Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and the day of your arrival do not count).

Are witnesses required?

Yes, four witnesses must also arrive 4 business 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. Note: Parents cannot be 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. (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 divorced you will need to wait at least one year before remarrying, 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).

What diseases does the blood test check for?

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. Upon arrival, you will meet with the wedding coordinator to schedule your transportation to the lab for this test. To be considered valid the test must be taken in Mexico and should not be taken more than 14 days prior to the ceremony.

What is the price of the blood test?

The payment varies by resort, but anywhere from $150 to $270 per couple. The payment must be made directly with the doctor in either cash or traveler's checks or can be charged to your room account. 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?

Sorry, no. According to Mexican Law, if your test comes back positive you cannot 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 so no transportation required.

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

Possibly. In order for the documents to be finalized and legal in Mexico, there must be proof for different names in order to get married (ie divorce, birth certificates, etc). You should discuss this with your wedding coordinator.

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

All documents must be presented, and they must be in order for the ceremony to take place. There are no exceptions made.

For the Guests Who Can't Attend Our Destination Wedding.

Help them to be there in 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.

About Mexico and the Dominican Republic

Do I need any immunizations before traveling?

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

What is your time zone?

Puerto Vallarta is located in the Central Time Zone

Can I drink the water safely?

Yes. All of our resorts have their own water purification system allowing the water you drink to be clean and pure. Bottled water is also readily available in your room and elsewhere. Please be careful when venturing out of our resorts.

Can I bring dollars?

Yes, American dollars are recognized and accepted in Mexico.

Is it easy to enter into Mexico?

You must have a valid passport to enter Mexico. However, due to the overwhelming amount of passport applications, the U.S. 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?