Ceremony at a resort we're NOT staying at, and other questions

Sophie · 03-18-2007, 12:41 AM

The more research I've done, the more I realize how insanely expensive having a wedding at the time of year we chose (unfortunately based on necessity, so no changing the date) is going to be. I found what looks like a great little hotel in Playa del Carmen (if anyone is interested, it is called Paraiso Azul's) that is very reasonable, and I kind of like the idea of "taking over" a small hotel solely with our guests.

However, I'm wondering if that eliminates the possibility of having our ceremony at one of the nearby resorts. If my fiance and I were to stay at a resort just on the night before our wedding, would we be eligible to have our ceremony there? Are there any resorts that don't make guests not staying at the hotel buy a day pass in order to attend the ceremony, or any that have day passes for a moderate price? Also, if guests buy a day pass, are they then able to eat in the resort's restaurants, use the pool, and take part in the resort's activities?

I'm considering the possibility of having our reception in a restaurant (we will probably have around 30 to 40 guests), since that seems like it might be cheaper. I'm also totally open to having my ceremony somewhere other than a resort, if I could figure out how to safely, and relatively worry-free, plan this without having to hire a wedding planner (which we really can't afford). If anyone has any ideas I'm all ears.

Thank you!

MelissaH · 03-18-2007, 04:39 AM

Hi Sophie!

I found the "official" website for that hotel Hotels Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico: Paraiso Azul - casa de gopala Hotel: Main Page
it looks so cute! I'm going to check it out while I'm in PDC in case we ever decide to stay off a resort!

I'm not sure about the rest of your questions, but I know at the Barcelo Maya if a guest buys a day pass they can use the whole resort except the A La Cartes (I'm pretty sure). I know there were a few local families who would come for a day at a time and use the resort the last time we were down there.

MrsV-to-be · 03-18-2007, 08:37 AM

Hey, Itsme just got married at Al Cielo Hotel, which is south of PDC by approximately 15-20 minutes. Looks stunning and it does not require you to stay there as a guest. Honestly when I saw this resort - I almost changed all my plans - but FI wouldn't let me. So you should check it out!

Sophie · 03-18-2007, 12:22 PM

Thank you both for the helpful responses!

Melissa: The Barcelo Maya was on my list of resorts I like, with fairly decent prices, so now I'll definitely look into it more seriously. Do you happen to know how much their day passes are? Unfortunately Paraiso Azul emailed me back and said they can't rent their whole hotel out to one group over the holidays, and could give me at most 4 of their rooms. I was very impressed that they got back to me so quickly (I emailed them at midnight, and they responded within 4 hours!), and the response was very polite. I'd love to hear what you think of it when you check it out.

Jennette: The Al Cielo Hotel looks incredible. I loved all of their pictures, and it really does look like the perfect setting for a wedding. Unfortunately their least expensive civil package is already out of my price range. Otherwise that would be a wonderful place to get married.

bride2b · 03-18-2007, 12:44 PM

If you find a resort and need a second option for your guests I would also consider Hotel Lunata Hotel Lunata as another option in PDC . We just stayed there in March, it was reasonable, very cute and included breakfast. It's located on the main street in playa so it's close to everything

MelissaH · 03-18-2007, 12:45 PM

[quote=Sophie;52691]Thank you both for the helpful responses!

Melissa: The Barcelo Maya was on my list of resorts I like, with fairly decent prices, so now I'll definitely look into it more seriously. Do you happen to know how much their day passes are? QUOTE]

The passes are $77 USD I think.

itsme7396 · 03-18-2007, 02:28 PM

hi sophie...

i was married at the Al Cielo Hotel... it definitely is a beautiful place to have a wedding...

i'm not aware of any all inclusive resort that allows non-guests to attend weddings without buying a day pass... we stayed at the Grand Palladium Kantenah with about 45 of our guests and another 15 staying at other resorts/hotels... and the night before our wedding we hosted a 'welcome party' at the Grand Palladium... we were able to negotiate day passes for $25 each... i think the normal day pass rate is $50... with the day passes all our guests from outside the resort were able to use the pools, buffets, bars, spa... and most of them came by early in the morning and spent the whole day there... they just left their bags in our room and got ready there before our 'welcome party'...

one suggestion... have you checked out the Blue Parrot (http://www.blueparrot.com/)

when we first started planning our wedding, our WC suggested we look at the Blue Parrot, which is right on the beach in PDC... and only a few blocks from the Paraiso Azul hotel... so that eliminates the need for transportation for your guests...

going without a WC is pretty tough, especially since we're here in the states... i tried it at first, but gave in... if you're looking for one, check out erica at Weddings in Playa Has Experienced Wedding Planners to Coordinate Destination Weddings, Receptions and Mayan Ceremonies in Playa del Carmen Mexico... their rates are reasonable, and they have a nice restaurant that you can have your dinner/reception at... Playa del Carmen Restaurant Yaxche Maya Cuisine Restaurant Playa del Carmen Mexico Mayan, Mexican, International and Seafood for Lunch and Dinner... plus they can probably get you better rates on other restaurants and vendors...

i'll post what i recieved from the Blue Parrot...

if you have any questions just ask...

julie

Sophie · 03-18-2007, 02:56 PM

Julie: Thank you so much for the information on the Blue Parrot! Their prices look really reasonable. I got the first two documents, but I didn't have enough for the 3rd - I think I will once I make this post, though, so I'll check it out then. It seems like they can arrange everything for you - do you think I'd still need to get a WC even if I booked everything through Blue Parrot?

Melissa: Thanks for the day pass price. Unfortunately I checked out Barcelo Maya's room rates right after I posted last time, and the cheapest I can find is $595 per night. Stupid holidays. This definitely puts it out of our guests' price ranges, and ours too, since that means we'd have to pay $77 for each guest, plus the $25 per additional guest over 20 (for the wedding package).

Bride2b: Thanks for the tip. Hotel Lunata's website looks really nice - I'll be sure to check it out further.

Sophie · 03-18-2007, 03:26 PM

By the way, thanks to everyone for the advice and information. I posted another thread to get info on summer weddings in RM, but please don't think I'm jumping ship on January. January is still my preferred choice of dates, but I figure it's best to consider other options, too.

itsme7396 · 03-18-2007, 03:50 PM

Sophie... i'm not sure if you still need a WC if you go with the Blue Parrot... if we went with the Blue Parrot we would've used our WC... plus our WC would've been able to get us a better rate at the Blue Parrot, then the one Blue Parrot quoted us... go figure... i think our WC was well worth the money...

have you checked Ajua? i know a few of the ladies here are going with Ajua as their WC... and they have a restaurant as well that you can have your dinner/reception at (Restaurant & Wedding Reception, Ajua Maya, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya Mexico...