Riu Ocho Rios Vow Renewal

Has anyone renewed their vow as Riu Ocho Rios? From what I've gotten information on we have to pay for the Classic wedding package. It's just going to be the two of us, and I only want a bouquet and some pictures - possibly my hair done.

 

Any info you can give me about vow renewals specifically would be helpful as Chandlyn is not so quick to respond to my questions. Thanks a bunch!

I can always help set you up for a vow renewal in a jiffy at a Sandals resort- here's the info plus it's only $200.00 if you stay for 7 nights!

 

 

Details of Vows Renewal

Renewal of Vows cost $200 for guests staying 7 nights or longer in a Deluxe Category or higher. Full payment is due within 7 days of the original booking date. Cancellations made outside 45 days of travel may receive a full refund, within 45 days of travel, all monies are non-refundable.

 

When staying less than 7 nights, a $500 fee applies for all renewal of vows, all islands. A $200 deposit is due within 7 days of original booking date and the balance is due 60 days prior to travel. Cancellations made outside 45 days to arrival may receive a complete refund, within 45 days of travel all monies are non-refundable.

 

The only document needed prior to arrival is a copy of your marriage certificate with your Renewal of Vows booking number (given at time of booking). To reserve your time slot, please call your travel agent (that would be me !)

 

 

If you'd like more info feel free to PM me!

 

warmest Regards-

TA Jennifer

I just renewed my vows at the RIU. The RIU does have a free wedding package (look on the website to see what it includes). Whatever you don't need, you don't have to have. We paid $165 for our vowel renewal and we didn't have to stay for a certain amount of time to get it. The only thing that you may need is a copy of your marriage certificate to verify that you're already hitched (although they didn't even ask for mine). I don't know a lot about Sandals, but the RIU is right next door to one and the RIU is much better by far (in my opinion). The RIU is huge and there is so much to do. The staff is wonderful, the food is great, there is entertainment and tours, etc. You'd have a wonderful time. If you and your hubby want to keep it intimate, you can still have that for your ceremony. You do not have to purchase the Classic package if you dont want to have all of the other extras. We used the Free package and just added on stuff that we wanted. It worked out very well.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask about anything else.

I beleive the Vow Renewal is in the same category as the Symbolic ceremony when you sign up for it on the Riu site. Originally I was going to also say you can do the free package... which is $165 for 2008 and $265 for 2009. But now that I think about it, it says something about needing to book 5 or more rooms. I wonder if this is a strict requirement?

 

Also, do you have a specific date in mind? I know the ROR books up fast - so that would be my other concern for you.

Both resorts are nice and I've been to Riu Ocho Rios and Sandals Dunnes River Villagio.

 

SDRV from the Riu may not look as nice as that is really the side of the resort and not where anything but rooms are- the interior of the resort and the rooms are amazing!

 

From the front of SDRV the Riu oisn't amything to look at either but again when you get into the resort it is really nice!

 

I book both resorts for my clients but where I recommend really depends on what the client wants for their vacation- they are so completely different!

 

The Riu is quite large, has an upbeat and active atmosphere. There are lots of choices for restaurants but you are limited in a la cartes dinners durng your stay to how many nights you'll be there. Most of the time your king bed is actually 2 doubles pushed together. There are usually alot of families and a great mixture of adults! Very new property!

 

SDRV is an adults only all inclusive - the liquor is more top shelf, includes a few more watersports including diving and motorized activities. The atmosphere is a little more romantic overall but the swim up bar can get rowdy! The resort itself is older but in excellent shape with a European flair (freso's on the ceilings of hallways, statues ect) and all of the rooms are extremly nice and newly rennovated. There are alot of restaurant choices(especially if you include the exchange priveledges with Sandals Grande Ocho Rios)-no reservations needed ( except for the Japanese & Gordons-white gloved dining).

 

Both properties have great pools- the Riu has a little better of a beach!

 

At any rate it really depends on what a couple is looking for!

I've already been in contact with them and reserved our date and time. The problem is it's $465 for the ceremony since we don't have 5 rooms. If we were to have the 5 rooms the ceremony would be free. That's why I'm going back and forth with this. Is it really worth it to spend $465 just for two people on the beach when I really don't want all the other "frills" included in the package. Thanks for your helps so far!

I think that if it is something that you are considering and would add a romantic advantage to your trip- plus deep down you want to do it, then go for it. What is $500 in the grand scale of things? I know that I can drop that in a golf store or a clothing store and not think twice about it. Well, I think twice about it, but you know what I mean.

 

~~