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 Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun. Please see the contact listed below:
Secrets Silversands: weddings.sesrc@secretsresorts.com
What services does your wedding planner provide? Is there a fee?
There is no fee for the use of our wedding coordinator. A specialist will be with you to assist prior to and on your special day and they are there throughout the entire experience 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 but one year is preferable if you have exact dates in mind.
How can we confirm our wedding date?
There is a Wedding Request Form listed on the Secrets Silversands wedding page. Just fill out this form and if the date is available, the wedding department will be happy to confirm availability. The wedding will be considered confirmed only when you receive a written communication stating so.
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 business 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, nor do weekends or Holidays. 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?
No.
What private indoor and outdoor areas of the resort are available for a wedding?
Indoor our ball room, outside areas could be our beach or gazebo.
Are indoor spaces air-conditioned?
Yes, our ballroom is air-conditioned
How many people can each of them accommodate?
Our main ball room has a capacity of 380 people in auditorium, but we can divide into 4 sections with a capacity of 90 people each.
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.
Are children allowed in the adult only hotels to attend a wedding?
No, unfortunately, they are not as we are an adult's only resort.
Can you email me a layout and images of these places?
Yes, please contact the wedding coordinator with the requested location.
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 have a few images on our website, but please feel free to contact our wedding coordinator.
What do you offer in the way of decorations?
All of our decorationn options will be an additional cost.
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!
Will there be other weddings taking place during the same time as ours?
No way. Your special time is yours and only yours.
How do I get the free wedding that is advertised?
This complimentary wedding package is available when staying 7 nights in the specified room category or book 5 rooms in any category for a minimum of 3 nights.
Is it performed in English or Spanish?
Legal and symbolic ceremonies will be in English.
What if I don’t have a witness?
If there are no witnesses available, these will be provided by the resort.
How do I get all of the information to my guests and keep everything organized?
Most destination brides chose to have an official wedding ebsite. Some samples are available at www.eweddings.com.
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 package 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?
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 coordinator. 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 10 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?
Yes, according to the package to block the wedding date as definite.
How much? When is the balance due?
The deposit amount varies. The package must be paid in full once the clients arrive to the hotel, before the wedding day.
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?
No, but feel free to bring your own official of that religion.
On the other hand, what if we want a ceremony that does not bring in religion?
Non religious ceremonies are definitely an option.
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 a beautiful white gown, while grooms usually prefer kakis and a white dress shirt. Most couples also prefer bare feet on the beach, of course.
Will someone be available to iron my wedding dress?
Wedding dress preparation is included in our wedding packages.
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 will move the ceremony to the ball room and dinner in one of our restaurants.
What time are the sunset and the approximate temperature an hour before?
Depending on the season, sunset can be anywhere from 5:30 – 7 pm.
What types of flowers are available locally? Is there a florist onsite?
Almost all kinds of flowers can be provided, some at an additional cost. We work with local florists to make sure the most options are available.
Is live music available? Can you email me an mp3 file of your house musicians?
Yes we have several different options for live music, as they are external suppliers we do not have mp3 samples available.
Can we supply our own music on CD?
Yes, you will only be charged for the audio system equipment.
Can you email me suggested menus for the reception?
Yes, our wedding coordinator can give you many different menu options to choose from.
What can you supply in the way of a wedding cake?
We have numerous wedding cake options available. Pictures of different cakes can be emailed to you or once you arrive at the resort you can 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 have numerous options to choose from for our video and photography services. The cost will depend on who you choose.
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?
Are witnesses required?
Yes, four witnesses must arrive 4 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 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).
Do I need a blood test and if so, what diseases does it check for?
Yes, to be considered valid the test must be taken 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 will be ready in 24 hours together with a certificate of the blood test. Upon arrival, your wedding coordinator sets the appointment for the next morning at 8.00 am, you must have an empty stomach, and the doctor will take the blood test either in your room or in the coordinator’s office.
What is the price of the blood test?
The payment is roughly 200 USD 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.
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?
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 required.
If my name is different from the 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 proof for different names in order to get married (ie divorce, birth certificates, etc).
Will the judge perform the ceremony if all of our documents are not in order? Are there any exceptions?
No, there are no exceptions. All documents must be presented, and they must be in order for the ceremony to take place. If not, there is no ceremony.
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 within 72 hours 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?
Secrets Silversands offers wireless internet throughout the resort.
Do you have a dedicated honeymoon suite? Can you show me what it looks like?
Yes, Secrets Silversands offers a Honeymoon Suite.
Is there a private terrace or outdoor area where we can hold a rehearsal dinner?
Yes, this will carry an additional cost of $200.00.
Is there a charge for guests to participate in sports at the resort?
No, non motorized sports are included.
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.
Do I need any immunizations before traveling?
In order to travel to Mexico you do not need any immunizations.
What is the time zone?
Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Mexico are 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. Please be careful when venturing out of Secrets Silversands.
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. 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 coordinator is happy to assist you in planning your perfect day, so please feel free to ask away.