Well, why not? These days, loved ones are often scattered throughout the country, staying connected by email, cell phones and text messages. Chances are, when you announce your wedding plans and begin making your guest list, you will notice a great number of family and friends who are going to have to travel for your wedding already. Why not have your guests come together at a lovely resort where meals and drinks are all included, where you will be catered to, and your time can be spent with those you love. I hear over and over again, “Thank you! The time our loved ones spent together at our destination wedding is something we will cherish forever!”

 

It all depends on your plans, but in most cases, yes, the cost of your destination wedding will be less expensive than a traditional wedding back home. Why? Well, all Riu resorts are all-inclusive. This means that all of your meals, snacks and drinks are included in the travel costs. This also means that you can have a semi-private reception at your Riu resort for no charge. Imagine no per plate charge for your reception dinner! Also, keep in mind the Riu resorts that offer free wedding packages that include flowers, music and additional amenities. 

 

The beauty of Riu resorts is that they all come with their own wedding coordinators. The wedding coordinator at the resort you choose will help you through all of the wedding ceremony and reception details. And, if you use Shelli’s Vacation Travel to book your travel, we become your wedding coordinator organizing not only your travel, but your guests’ travel as well. Also, we will remain a contact for the resort, making sure everything is happening when and how it should, ensuring brides and grooms a seamless planning process.

 

With so many destinations and resorts to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide on the perfect location. Do you want to take advantage of a free wedding? Do you want to keep travel time to a minimum? Do you want the benefit of having exchange privileges at neighboring Riu hotels? Do you need to travel at a certain time of year (summer vacation?) Do you want to avoid hurricane threats? All these questions can help narrow down your options.

 

Well, that's up to you, really. However, from our experience, you should expect each guest to pay at least $800 for a 3-4 night all-inclusive package. This is the minimum, and it is only an estimate. But, for $800, each guest should be able to cover most expenses including air, hotel, transfers to the hotel, all meals, all drinks, tips and taxes. Don't forget to add travel insurance. This is usually approximately $100 per person. Costs vary, of course, depending on the hotel you choose, the airport you and your guests are departing from, the time of year and the length of stay. Riu has a 3 night minimum stay requirement and allows 3 adults per room.

 

Yes, Riu hotels are located in countries where passports are required by everyone.

 

Let Shelli’s Vacation Travel take care it for you! Our relationship with the Riu wedding coordinators is a huge asset to us. We will contact the hotel’s wedding coordinator directly to inquire about your desired time and date. Planning is key. Destination weddings are booked over a year in advance. To get the time and date you prefer and the hotel you have chosen, it is important to plan ahead. Way ahead! Click the link below to be taken to the Riu Destination Wedding planning calendar to see if your date and time are available:

 

 

 

The majority of your guests will stay right at the same hotel as you. Some guests may choose to stay elsewhere, and that is okay, but keep in mind this one very important rule:

 

 

So if you have guests with a time share that they want to use, or if some guests want to stay at a less expensive Riu hotel, they can, but watch your numbers. The Riu is very strict on this rule. Guests not staying at the Riu must purchase a day pass to enter the hotel’s facilities. Day passes are between $50 and $100 per person, per day.

 

Playa del Carmen, Cancun or Los Cabos: The bride, groom and witnesses (if required) need to be at the resort at least three full business days prior the wedding for Civil ceremonies and two full business days for Religious or Renewal of Vows ceremony. (In Cancun & Los Cabos, your arrival day, Saturdays and Sundays do not count as a full business day.)

Puerto Vallarta: The bride and groom need to be on destination at least two full business days prior the Civil, Religious or Renewal of vows ceremony.

Dominican Republic: The bride, groom and witnesses (if required) need to be at the resort at least three full business days prior to the Civil, Religious or Renewal of Vows ceremony. (Arrival day and Sundays do not count as a full business day)

Jamaica: The bride, groom and witnesses (if required) need to be at the resort at least two days prior the Civil, Religious or Renewal of Vows ceremony. (Arrival day and Sundays do not count as a full business day)

Bahamas: The bride, groom and witnesses (if required) need to be at the resort at least two full business days prior the Civil, Religious or Renewal of vows ceremony. (Arrival day, Saturdays and Sundays do not count as a full business day)

Aruba: The bride, groom and witnesses (if required) need to be at the resort at least two full business days prior the Civil, Religious or Renewal of vows ceremony. (Arrival day, Saturdays and Sundays do not count as a full business day)

 

Mexico: Only the Civil ceremony is legally recognized. A Religious ceremony has no legal bearing and does not replace in any way the binding Civil Marriage. Please notice that on Saturdays in Playa del Carmen, Civil Ceremonies can be performed until 2:00pm. Once the Civil Ceremony is over, you will receive a copy of the marriage license. The original is mailed directly to your home approximately 6 months after your ceremony. Once the documents are received you should translate them into English and take them to City Hall for legalization. Religious ceremonies or Renewal of vows are symbolic. They are performed by a Non-denominational Minister. The bride and groom will receive a symbolic marriage certificate without legal bearing. Catholic ceremonies are not performed in Mexico.

 

Dominican Republic: Civil ceremonies are performed by a Judge and Catholic ceremonies are performed by a Priest. Both ceremonies are legally recognized.

Vow renewals are symbolic weddings and are performed by a Non-denominational Minister. This type of ceremony has no legal bearing. Catholic ceremonies are not performed in Puerto Plata.

 

Jamaica: Civil and Religious ceremonies are performed by a Minister. Both are legally recognized. If the ceremony is Civil the Minister will not mention God. Vow renewals are also performed by a Minister but they do not have legal bearing. Catholic ceremonies are not performed in Jamaica.

 

Bahamas: Civil and Religious ceremonies are performed by a Minister. Both are legally recognized. If the ceremony is Civil the Minister will not mention God. Symbolic weddings and Vow renewals are also performed by a Minister but they do not have legal bearing. Catholic ceremonies are not performed in the Bahamas.

 

Aruba: The Civil ceremony is performed by a Judge and it is legally recognized. You will receive a marriage certificate and also a symbolic marriage book. Religious ceremonies and vow renewals are performed by a non-denominational Minister and are not legally recognized. You need to have your Marriage Certificate in order to perform this ceremony. After the ceremony you will receive a symbolic marriage certificate. Catholic ceremonies and not performed in Aruba.

 

 

If you are getting legally married in Mexico, yes. Tests for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes and all other STD's are required and must be perform by a certified doctor. Your wedding coordinator will arrange the doctor’s appointment in your hotel room. No, you can’t have the blood test at home and take the results to the resort. The cost of the blood test is included in your wedding package. If the blood test results come back positive you will not be able to be legally married. If you know you test positive, you should plan a symbolic ceremony to avoid the blood test. You will need to be legally married back home.

 

Generally, there are no more than 3 weddings held at each resort on any given day. However, this can change depending on the resort, number of guests and time of year.

 

Absolutely! Whether you want to feel the sand between your toes or show off your gorgeous designed wedding shoes, you’ll find the perfect location to say your I do’s. Most resorts have the beach and gazebo as ceremony options. Garden and terrace locations may also be available.

 

Generally, as soon as you have your wedding date confirmed with the hotel and your room booked at the hotel, you should send a “Save The Date” announcement to your guest list. This should include the basic information (location, date, travel agent’s name, etc) so your guests can begin planning. You could also follow it up with a formal invitation. It is best to get the word out early so guests have enough time to plan and save.

 

It will be your carry-on. Don’t pack it or send it through as checked luggage, and don't try mailing it to a foreign country. Just keep it in the protective garment bag you brought it home in and carry it onto the plane with you. Either the flight attendants will take it and hang it where there is room, or it will be laid on top of other bags in the overhead compartments. Your hotel wedding coordinator can help with steaming any wrinkles.

 

Because the Riu hotels are all-inclusive, you can choose to have a semi-private dinner reception in one of the hotel’s specialty gourmet restaurants for no cost. You choose which restaurant. The hotel will section off an area for your reception to make it as private as possible. If you prefer, you can plan a private reception. The cost would be per person and would depend on the menu you select.

 

That’s the great thing about Riu! When you confirm your wedding ceremony with the hotel, you will be asked for your credit card number, but nothing is charged until you get to the hotel and have your meeting with the wedding coordinator. Your credit card number is given so Riu can charge your account in the case of a no show.