Frequently Asked Questions - F.A.Q.'s -

I have decided to get married in Mexico, how do I get started?

We are pleased with your decision to marry in Mexico, specifically with Real Resorts. There are several things to consider, which Real Resort? There are 4 Resorts from which to choose, two brands and the best locations in two destinations. The "Gran´s" and "THE ROYAL´s" are our brands located in Cancun and Playa del Carmen – Riviera Maya. The "Gran´s", 5 stars, Gran Caribe Real (Cancun) and Gran Porto Real (Playa del Carmen) are geared more towards family and friends and the 5-star luxury Star Diamond awarded "THE ROYAL´s", in Cancun and Playa del Carmen are "adults only" (16 years and up) resorts that cater to a more upscale clientele for couples and singles. Will there be children attending? What best suits your friends and families lifestyles and budgets? Additionally, Real Resorts has taken into consideration that those who travel together may have different needs, tastes and budgets which is why we have placed our resorts next to one another, the Gran Caribe Real and THE ROYAL in Cancun are conveniently located right next to each other on the best part of the Hotel Area, walking distance to discos, shopping center and more, as are the Gran Porto Real and THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen with the best location in the Riviera Maya on the beach by downtown Playa del Carmen, just few steps away from the Cosmopolitan World famous 5th Avenue full of action.  So, just select which resort, destination and the different suite categories and wedding locations of each Resort you prefer.

No matter which Real Resort you choose you will be pleased with your stay and wedding, as we strive to always to “Exceed Your Expectations”

Now that I have decided on which Real Resort and wedding location I wish to have my wedding, what types or kind of ceremonies are offered?

• Definitions of Ceremony Types:
• Civil Ceremony: a ceremony performed by an official judge from Mexico authority that is legal throughout the world
• Symbolic or Religious Ceremony: a ceremony performed by a Non Denominational Christian minister, this is not a legally recognized ceremony.  Couples typically choose this ceremony if they have already been legally married in their own country.
• Catholic Ceremony: a ceremony performed by a Catholic Priest in a Catholic Chapel which is located at the Gran Caribe Real in Cancun.  This is not a legally recognized wedding ceremony; it is recognized by the Vatican and the Roman Catholic Church.
• Mayan Ceremony: a spiritual pre-Hispanic wedding ritual that is practiced by the Mayan culture and dates back thousands of years.  This local and  colorful marriage celebration is not a legally recognized ceremony.

I would like to have both a Religious and Civil Ceremony, is that possible?

Yes, you can have both. You would need to pay for the Minister for a Religious wedding or a Judge for the Civil (Legal) Ceremony. We offer a catholic oceanfront chapel in our Classic and Royal Catholic packages which includes a Priest and you can add the judge cost. Please let your Professional Wedding Planner know when you reserve your wedding.

1) What types of Wedding Packages do Real Resorts offer?

We offer the best and the most affordable wedding packages in Cancun and Playa del Carmen with an array of locations: on the beach, ocean front wedding gazebo, tropical garden and our exclusive ocean front Catholic Chapel in Cancun. Our wide range of packages include our convenient Free wedding, Romance wedding, Exclusive Catholic weddings, a spiritual Mayan wedding, our fantastic Luxury package and many variations in between. We also offer many additions that can take any package and make it your own.
You can find a detailed list of our packages on Wedding Packages page for inclusions, prices and more information.

2) What are the qualifications to be considered for the Complimentary or "Free Wedding" offered by Real Resorts?

You must stay at a Master or Presidential Suite for 5 or more nights at any of the 4 real resorts beach front properties. You can also qualify if you have guests that book a minimum of 20 ocean view suites with a minimum of 5 nights at any of the 4 real resorts beach front properties. If the couple is having a Civil (Legal) wedding they and their witness must arrive 3 full business days before their wedding.

3) Is there any additional fee for the Complimentary or "Free Wedding" offered by Real Resorts?

Everything listed as part of our Free Wedding is really free. If the couple is  having a Civil (legal) wedding, they will have to pay for blood tests. Since the Free Wedding is just for the couple, if you wish to include Real Resorts guests or non guests for your ceremony there is a fee for each. Should you have any additional questions, please consult your Wedding planner for more details.

4) Where can I have my Complimentary or “Free Wedding”?

At any of our four ocean front Real Resorts. Please ask your Wedding Planner or visit our Wedding a la Carte System for available locations, dates and times.

5) Can I have my wedding at a Real Resort even if my guests and I are not staying with you?

Yes! However, to take advantage of our wonderful Wedding Packages, the Bride and Groom must be guests of our resorts. If they are not guests, the wedding can be done a la carte.

6) We have guests that are not staying at Real Resorts and would like to attend my wedding ceremony and/or my reception, is there a fee?

Yes, we have a non-guest fee and they are very welcome. Please ask your Wedding Planner or visit to Wedding Packages section for more details.

7) Do the Real Resorts perform weddings on Sundays?

Yes, we do!. Please ask your Wedding planner for more details or visit our Wedding a la Carte System.

8) How many weddings are performed in a day at Real Resorts?

The number of weddings will vary from day to day with more weddings per day on the weekends. We always give plenty of time between weddings so no one is rushed. On a busy day we can have up to 3 weddings a day in one location.

Please understand that the number of weddings performed at Real Resorts is based on the needs of our Brides and Grooms, the type of the ceremony, the resort you are at and the destination. Please visit our Wedding a la Carte System for available dates, locations, times and more…

9) What are my choices for ceremony locations?

The majority of our weddings are in our Ocean Front Wedding Gazebos or on the Beach. However, depending on the resort you could also choose the gardens, a roof top terrace or a ballroom. Please consult the “Venues” menu for offerings of locations at each Real Resort at Wedding a la Carte System

10) What is the maximum capacity for Wedding ceremonies at the Real Resorts?

Most of our weddings are performed outdoors with indoor back up locations reserved in case of inclement weather conditions.

Gran Caribe Real Cancun – Up to 250 guests outdoor with indoor choices back up for weather conditions.
THE ROYAL in Cancun – Up to 200 guests outdoor with indoor choices back up for weather conditions.
Gran Porto Real Cancun – Up to 100 guests outdoor with indoor choices back up for weather conditions.
THE ROYAL in Playa del Carmen – Up to 300 guests outdoor with indoor choices back up for weather conditions.

11) Can my bridal party come to my room Suite and help me dress on the day of the wedding even if they are not staying at any Real Resorts Hotel?

Yes, your bridal party can come free of charge into your suite in order to help you 3 hours prior to the ceremony, up to 4 Real Resorts guest adults only.
All others or Non Real Resorts guest should pay a day pass.

12) If I stay at the Gran's, can I get married at THE ROYAL's or viceversa?

Yes, it may apply extra fee and please contact your wedding consultant in order to verify the availability and fee at the requested resort.

13) May I bring my own photographer or makeup artist?

Yes, it applies extra fee for each outside vendor, please consult your wedding specialist for further information.

How do I reserve my wedding ceremony?

Please visit our Wedding a la Carte System for reservations, availability, packages and optional services.

Or please visit our Contact Us Page.

Or by telephone in USA, Canada or Europe please call 1.800.466.1289 or 52 (998) 287 36 67 for available times, locations and resorts. In Mexico please call 52 (998) 881 7312.

I. What are the requirements for a Symbolic, Religious, Catholic or Mayan Ceremony?

1) The wedding couple must be in the hotel in Cancun one or two full business days prior to the wedding (Monday-Saturday).

This is necessary to complete all paperwork and finalize wedding plans with the wedding planner.

2) Does the couple need to be legally married to celebrate a Religious or Mayan Ceremony?

No, these are symbolic ceremonies

3) Do I need to have witnesses for a Religious, Catholic or Mayan Ceremony?

It is not necessary to have witnesses for Religious or Mayan ceremony. Catholic weddings do require two witnesses. Please consult your Wedding Specialist for more details.

4) Will the judge, minister or Priest perform the Ceremony in English?

The ministers and priests speak English and Spanish. Most of the Judges or Justice of the Peace, speak English. If they only speak Spanish however, Real Resorts can provide a translator for your ceremony.

5) What do I have to do in order to get married in the Catholic Chapels?

If you want to get married in either one of the Catholic Chapels just contact your Priest in the place you live and let him know your intention to get married in a Chapel in Mexico. He will let you know about the paperwork and lectures you have to take locally. After you complete the entire procedure, your Priest will give you a letter with his permission to get married outside of your local Church diocese. Once you receive this document, please scan it and e-mail it to pulloa@realresorts.com, then bring the original letter to give it to your Wedding Specialist upon your arrival. She will take it to the Church of the diocese of Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Without this letter you won't be able to get married in the Catholic Chapels. Wedding Couple Certificates of Baptism are mandatory.

6) Is the Catholic marriage recognized as legal?

In Mexico the State and the Church are separated. The only marriage recognized as legal by the Mexican Government (and legal throughout the world) is the one performed by a Justice of the Peace. Check with the local authorities where you live if you can register your Catholic marriage in Mexico as legal there.

7) Do I have to give information from the Church in Mexico to my Priest?

Yes, you have to give him the following information:
Cancun:
Name of the Church: Parroquia de Cristo Resucitado
Name of the Priest in charge of the Church: Father Luis Alberto Chavarría, L.C.
Address of the Church:
Blvd. Kukulcán Km. 3.5, Hotel Zone, Cancún, Quintana Roo, México 77500

Playa del Carmen:
Name of the Church: Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen
Name of the Priest in charge of the Church: Father Fernando Rodríguez, L.C.
Address of the Church:
Av. 15 entre 12 Nte. y 12 Nte. Bis, Col. Centro, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, México 77710

8) Is Father Chavarría or Father Rodríguez the one who will perform the ceremony?

They are the priests in charge of the Churches, they will assign a Priest for your wedding.

II. What are the requirements to get married legally in Mexico?

1) If both future bride and groom have never been married

Both the Bride and Groom must have Valid passports, Tourist cards (a document that you fill out on the plane and a portion is given back to you to carry when going through Mexican customs. Please make sure that when you fill this out the name you write in matches the name on your passport).

Blood tests which must be done at the resort, are required to determine blood type, RH (blood type), HIV and RPR (for STD´s). Should the HIV or RPR test results come back positive, it is not possible to get LEGALLY married as scheduled in Mexico (blood tests are valid in Mexico for 15 days)

Four witnesses (18 years or older) with valid passports and tourist cards.  Should you not have witnesses, Real Resorts will provide them for you, please let your Wedding Specialist   know your requirements.

It is important to note that for legal wedding bride, groom and witnesses need to arrive 3 full business days prior to the wedding date. Business days are considered Monday thru Friday. And Saturday, Sunday and Mexican Holidays are not considered business days.

2) Either or both future bride and groom are divorced

If the bride has been divorced for less than one year she must have a pregnancy test. If the results are positive, a civil (legal)wedding can not be performed, however, a symbolic, religious or mayan wedding may be substituted.

If either the bride or the groom has been previously married and divorced, they must provide a certified copy of their original birth certificate and divorce papers. These document (s) must be apostilled or legalized in your country* and translated into Spanish by an official translator

If either the future bride or groom has been divorced more than once, you must bring certified copies of the last divorce decree only. These document (s) must be apostilled or legalized in your country* and translated into Spanish by an official translator.

3) If you were Adopted or have Legally Changed Your Name

You must bring the certified copy of the original adoption certificate. These document (s) must be apostilled or legalized in your country* and translated into Spanish by an official translator.

If either the bride or groom has changed his or her name, he or she must bring the original, certified document. This document is commonly referred to as a "Deed Poll" in the UK. This document must be apostilled or legalized.* and translated into Spanish by an official translator.

4) If either the Bride or Groom is a Widow or Widower

He or she must bring a certified copy of the original former spouse´s death certificate. This document must be apostilled or legalized* and translated into Spanish by an official translator.

How do I find an Official Translator?

Ask your government, The secretary of State, The local Mexican consulate or look them up in your phone book. You can also send by e-mail your apostilled documents to our hotel one week before your arrival and we can have them translated for you (approximate cost is $50 USD per page for translation). Please ask your Wedding planner for more details.

*Apostille or Legalization

A) What is the Apostille and where can I get one?

The Apostille is a sealed document that certifies the authenticity of another document (such as a birth certificate, divorce decree, etc), this apostille will enable your documents to be legal in Mexico.  The apostille is necessary in Mexico.  The Apostille document is a special certification document that is accepted within countries that are a party to the rules of the 1961 Hague convention. The Apostille document enables you to bypass further certification from the U.S. Department of State immediately send or take your documents to the country for intended use.

For more information,
Americans: please contact the Secretary of the State where you were born.  Send your birth certificate with a letter stating that you are to be married in Mexico and you need an Apostille.
British: please contact the Legalisation Department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.  For more information, please go to www.apostille.biz

B) What is legalization?

Canadians In order for a document(s) to be valid in Mexico, Canadian issued documents must be legalized either by the Mexican Consulate that has jurisdiction in the region (in Canada) where the documents were issued.  Or you may contact the Consular Section of the Embassy of Mexico in Canada (if you have different documents from different provinces, it is recommended that you legalize your documents through the Mexican Embassy. Please consult: http://www.sre.gob.mx/canadaingles/ for detailed information

5) Can we as a couple mail any or all of the documents required prior to our arrival to Real Resorts?

No, all documents must be carried with you and presented to your Wedding Specialist during your appointment prior to your Wedding Day.

III. IMPORTANT NOTES FOR CIVIL (LEGAL) WEDDINGS ONLY:

1) All documents required (either certified copies of originals or originals) become the legal property of the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. We STRONGLY recommend that the documents you bring are certified copies of the originals and NOT the original documents. If originals are brought they will not be returned by the authorities

All documents must be complete and correct. If ANY of your documents is INCORRECT or INCOMPLETE, the Civil Legal Ceremony will be CANCELLED by the authorities which make this rule; there are NO exceptions.

2) In the event that the bride or groom test positive for a sexually transmitted disease, the Civil Ceremony WILL BE CANCELLED by the Mexican authorities.

3) Consent: Those under the age of eighteen (both male and female) may not marry in Mexico without parental consent. With parental consent there is a minimum age limit of 16 years for the groom and 14 years old for the bride.

4) Additional Information: If the bride or groom is a Mexican national, additional requirements apply; please consult your Wedding Specialist for more information.

5) Can I have the blood tests and the medical certificate done in my own country?

Currently, all blood tests and medical certificates must originate in Mexico. We have a Doctor at Real Resorts who will do the test and send them to a Mexican board certified lab.

6) What diseases are the blood tests for?

HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea and Herpes.

7) What is the cost of the blood test?

The cost for blood tests per couple in official qualified high quality labs in Mexico is $170 USD (at time of printing)

8) Regardless of my status married, unmarried, etc, how far in advance do I need to arrive at the Real Resort in which I am staying?

The future bride and groom must arrive at least three business days prior to the scheduled wedding date. Business days are considered Monday through Saturday in Mexico. Mexican Holidays and Sundays do not count as business days; please consult your Real Wedding Planner for more information. (Certain packages at Real Resorts allow for you to arrive two days prior to wedding date, see packages for details).

9) How far in advance do my witnesses need to arrive?

Your witnesses need to arrive three business days prior to the scheduled wedding, depending on your package. Real Resorts can provide witnesses for you if your witness cannot arrive early. Please let your Real Wedding planner know in advance.

10) I am missing one of my required documents for my legal wedding; can I still be married as scheduled?

You can still get married, but it will not be recognized legally. Should you find yourself in this situation, please contact your Real Wedding Specialist to make arrangements for a Symbolic or Religious Ceremony.

11) I have been divorced for less than one year; can I still get married in Mexico?

You may still marry in Mexico as long as it is a symbolic or religious ceremony. This marriage will not be recognized legally. We can provide you with an "unofficial" wedding certificate, if you wish, please ask your Real Wedding Specialist for more details.

12) My name is not exactly the same on my birth certificate and passport, is that a problem?

Names on both documents need to be exactly the same (including middle names). These are legal documents. Should you have questions, please consult your Local Government offices for more information.

13) If I am legally married in Mexico, is it recognized in other countries?

Becoming legally married in Mexico means you are married throughout the world. Please check with your local registrar (in your own country) and ask them what requirements are necessary in order to register your Mexican Marriage certificate upon your return to your country. Each country has different requirements.

14) I know someone who speaks Spanish; can he/she translate any or all of my documents?

No, it must be done by an official translator

15) Will my legal marriage certificate be written in English or Spanish?

Each document written by the Mexican Officials is written in Spanish, however, we are more than happy to have your document(s) translated for a fee of $50 USD per page with an official stamp.

IMPORTANT (LEGAL CEREMONY) The wedding couple and witnesses sign the Marriage Application infront the onsite wedding coordinator, followed by the marriage certificate in front of the Judge. They must use the same signature that is on their Passport & official ID, if there is an error in the signature the marriage will not be valid and the ceremony can not take place. The wedding couple and witnesses should complete their own Tourist Card with the same name that is on the Passport. If the names do not match, the wedding couple can not get married. If Tourist Card is torn, stained or altered in any way, it would not be valid & the wedding couple would not be permitted to marry. In their Booking form request, the wedding couple must fill out their details clearly and the information must match their official documentation.

1) What is Real Resorts deposit policy and when is it due?

To secure and hold a date, time and location for a wedding ceremony at any Real Resort a $200 non-refundable deposit is due within 5 days of requesting your wedding venue. This applies to all wedding packages. The deposit will be applied to your wedding package. Any requested changes are made based on availability at the time of the request.

2) What about the rest of my payments for my wedding ceremony, reception, and any other services related to the wedding? When are these payment s due?

Second deposit of $300 non-refundable is due within 4 months prior to the wedding date. Final payment 45 days prior to the wedding date. In case we don´t receive this, the wedding will be cancelled automatically. The amount corresponding to your wedding package will be immediately charged to your credit card, having a deposited status. Please bear in mind that your credit card billing statement will show "E-TRAVEL RESERVATION CENTER" as the company responsible for the charge. Wedding Packages over 4,000 usd will be done through a credit card authorization form.

3) Should I have to cancel my wedding at Real Resorts, what are the policies?

The following policies apply:
Original deposit of 200 USD to confirm, secure and block the spaces = Non refundable
5 weeks prior to the wedding date = $300 USD penalty
2 weeks prior to the wedding date = $600 USD penalty
1 week prior to the wedding date = No refund

Until what time bars and restaurants stay opened?

All real resorts lobby bars have live music and are open until 11 PM. All THE ROYAL restaurants also stay open until 11pm. Additionally, all Real Resorts have 24 hour lounges with snacks and bar with selected national and international premium brands. THE ROYAL's have 24 hour prompt room service. The Gran's room service is available until 10 pm

1) What is the schedule at the Spas?

The Spas are open from Monday to Sunday from 9 A.M. to 9 P.M. However, if your wedding is taking place in the morning it is possible to schedule your services as early as 8 A.M. by booking an appointment in advance.

2) Do all Spas at the Real Resorts have Beauty Salons?

Only the Spas at THE ROYAL in Cancun and THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen have a Beauty Salon. However, guests staying at Gran Caribe Real and Gran Porto Real who require this service are welcome to take advantage of their services at the adjacent sister properties.

3) How may I book services at the Beauty Salon?

Please contact your Weddings Specialist a month before your arrival to the resort, she will gladly coordinate your schedule with them for any kind of service that you may require. We suggest that massage, manicure and pedicure appointments be made a day before the wedding day so you'll be more relaxed.

4) If I am a guest at the Gran Caribe Real, how can I get to the Spa at THE ROYAL in Cancun?

You should be in the lobby of your hotel 15 minutes before your appointment where you'll be escorted to a van and taken to THE ROYAL in Cancun's lobby and shown to the Beauty Salon. Once your service is completed, please return to the lobby from where you'll be escorted back to Gran Caribe Real lobby.

5) If I am a guest at Gran Porto Real, how can I get to THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen Spa?

Please go to the Wedding Center at THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen and a Weddings Specialist will gladly take you to the Beauty Salon.