Moments That Matter

Resorts Reviews Here is listing of the resorts we've visited in the area. We have compiled this list of each of their external photographer policies (at the time of our wedding shoot). Please keep in mind their rules change often. You must always confirm permission to have us enter the resort as your external photographers. If you are looking for a resort that is not listed here, we have not yet had the opportunity to capture a wedding there. Aventura Spa Palace: Upon arriving at the resort the bride was told external photographers were not allowed, but they would make an exception, just once (and we've only been there once). Azul Sensatori: $500USD fee, or minimum 3 nights stay. Barcelo Maya Colonial, Barcelo Maya Palace Deluxe, Barcelo Maya Caribe, Barcelo Maya Beach, Barcelo Maya Tropical: Barcelo Maya resorts often change their policies. Most recently we are required to be guests of the hotel for the night. In the past, they have had a $300 fee but have on other occasions completely refused external photographers attending weddings. Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: We were able to access the resort without a problem. The bride took care of details but I believe they were required to purchase day passes for us. Catalonia Yucatan, Catalonia Riviera Maya: Both times we attended we spent the night as guests of the hotel (for a TTD shoot the next day). It is possible you could get away with purchasing day passes only. Either way, we've never had an issue. Ceiba Del Mar: Rules have recently changed. There is no fee to enter the resort, but they do require a copy of all the images taken at the hotel. Dreams Tulum, Dreams Cancun: Day passes only. Entrance is always a breeze. I believe day passes are $45USD but could be double when extending coverage into the evening. Dreams Puerto Aventuras: Required we have a room booked for the evening, staying as guests of the hotel. El Dorado Seaside Suites, El Dorado Royale: $500USD fee or minimum 3 nights stay at the hotel. Excellence Riviera Maya: Day passes required. Excellence Playa Mujeres: Day passes required Gran Bahia Principe Akumal, Gran Bahia Principe Tulum, Gran Bahia Principe Coba: We have shot here twice, as exceptions to their rule. Recently they have stopped allowing external photographers on the premises. They offer one local photography company for use at your wedding. Since they do make exceptions, it is worth asking your wedding coordinator but I believe their rules have gotten more strict lately. Grand Coco Bay: No fees, no problems. Grand Palladium White Sands, Grand Palladium Kantenah, Grand Palladium Colonial, Grand Palladium Riviera Maya, Grand Palladium Royal Suites: Required we spend the night. Grand Riviera Princess, Grand Sunset Princess: Day passes required for each of us. Evening passes required past 5 or 6pm. They are/were $45 each. Iberostar Paraiso Beach, Iberostar Pariso Lindo: Mixed answers. We have shot there approximately 4 times. A couple times they required we spent the night, and the others were told we weren't allowed but they would make an exception. Maroma Resort & Spa: Completely welcome here. No charge. ME Cancun & Beach Palace: Permission was not an issue although I'm not sure if there was a fee at all. Either day passes, or nothing at all. Moon Palace: We haven't heard a straight answer to this question yet. We have shot there twice now and haven't had a problem. We do require brides are upfront with the wedding coordinators and specify we are local photographers. We've had to spend the night twice and most recently we are only required to have a day pass. They have their own photographers on location and push hard for you to use them. From experience here, if your package includes video and photography there will be ALOT of photographers fighting for space. If you hire us it is best to cancel the photographer included in your Moon Palace package. Occidental Grand Xcaret: Day passes required. Ocean Turquesa: Originally the bride was told she couldn't have external photographers but when she mentioned she wouldn't be booking her wedding there without us, they quickly bent the rules. We required day passes and accessed the resort without a problem. Paradisus Riviera Maya: Day passes required. RIU Palace Riviera Maya: $100 fee per photographer Royal Playa Del Carmen: $100 fee per photographer Secrets Maroma Beach: Day passes required. Entrance is never a problem (and we love shooting at this resort!!) Sandos Playacar: Another "exception". Bride was originally told "yes" but upon arrival was given another story. The wedding coordinator said we were not allowed, but they would make an exception. In conclusion, there is usually an exception to every rule here in Mexico. If you ask before confirming your wedding they'll be more likely to bend the rules for you. We ALWAYS require the couple to contact their wedding coordinator for permission. This listing above is based on our experience but here you just never know. Please contact the resorts directly to confirm their policies. Â

Resorts Reviews Here is listing of the resorts we've visited in the area. We have compiled this list of each of their external photographer policies (at the time of our wedding shoot). Please keep in mind their rules change often. You must always confirm permission to have us enter the resort as your external photographers. If you are looking for a resort that is not listed here, we have not yet had the opportunity to capture a wedding there. Aventura Spa Palace: Upon arriving at the resort the bride was told external photographers were not allowed, but they would make an exception, just once (and we've only been there once). Azul Sensatori: $500USD fee, or minimum 3 nights stay. Barcelo Maya Colonial, Barcelo Maya Palace Deluxe, Barcelo Maya Caribe, Barcelo Maya Beach, Barcelo Maya Tropical: Barcelo Maya resorts often change their policies. Most recently we are required to be guests of the hotel for the night. In the past, they have had a $300 fee but have on other occasions completely refused external photographers attending weddings. Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: We were able to access the resort without a problem. The bride took care of details but I believe they were required to purchase day passes for us. Catalonia Yucatan, Catalonia Riviera Maya: Both times we attended we spent the night as guests of the hotel (for a TTD shoot the next day). It is possible you could get away with purchasing day passes only. Either way, we've never had an issue. Ceiba Del Mar: Rules have recently changed. There is no fee to enter the resort, but they do require a copy of all the images taken at the hotel. Dreams Tulum, Dreams Cancun: Day passes only. Entrance is always a breeze. I believe day passes are $45USD but could be double when extending coverage into the evening. Dreams Puerto Aventuras: Required we have a room booked for the evening, staying as guests of the hotel. El Dorado Seaside Suites, El Dorado Royale: $500USD fee or minimum 3 nights stay at the hotel. Excellence Riviera Maya: Day passes required. Excellence Playa Mujeres: Day passes required Gran Bahia Principe Akumal, Gran Bahia Principe Tulum, Gran Bahia Principe Coba: We have shot here twice, as exceptions to their rule. Recently they have stopped allowing external photographers on the premises. They offer one local photography company for use at your wedding. Since they do make exceptions, it is worth asking your wedding coordinator but I believe their rules have gotten more strict lately. Grand Coco Bay: No fees, no problems. Grand Palladium White Sands, Grand Palladium Kantenah, Grand Palladium Colonial, Grand Palladium Riviera Maya, Grand Palladium Royal Suites: Required we spend the night. Grand Riviera Princess, Grand Sunset Princess: Day passes required for each of us. Evening passes required past 5 or 6pm. They are/were $45 each. Iberostar Paraiso Beach, Iberostar Pariso Lindo: Mixed answers. We have shot there approximately 4 times. A couple times they required we spent the night, and the others were told we weren't allowed but they would make an exception. Maroma Resort & Spa: Completely welcome here. No charge. ME Cancun & Beach Palace: Permission was not an issue although I'm not sure if there was a fee at all. Either day passes, or nothing at all. Moon Palace: We haven't heard a straight answer to this question yet. We have shot there twice now and haven't had a problem. We do require brides are upfront with the wedding coordinators and specify we are local photographers. We've had to spend the night twice and most recently we are only required to have a day pass. They have their own photographers on location and push hard for you to use them. From experience here, if your package includes video and photography there will be ALOT of photographers fighting for space. If you hire us it is best to cancel the photographer included in your Moon Palace package. Occidental Grand Xcaret: Day passes required. Ocean Turquesa: Originally the bride was told she couldn't have external photographers but when she mentioned she wouldn't be booking her wedding there without us, they quickly bent the rules. We required day passes and accessed the resort without a problem. Paradisus Riviera Maya: Day passes required. RIU Palace Riviera Maya: $100 fee per photographer Royal Playa Del Carmen: $100 fee per photographer Secrets Maroma Beach: Day passes required. Entrance is never a problem (and we love shooting at this resort!!) Sandos Playacar: Another "exception". Bride was originally told "yes" but upon arrival was given another story. The wedding coordinator said we were not allowed, but they would make an exception. In conclusion, there is usually an exception to every rule here in Mexico. If you ask before confirming your wedding they'll be more likely to bend the rules for you. We ALWAYS require the couple to contact their wedding coordinator for permission. This listing above is based on our experience but here you just never know. Please contact the resorts directly to confirm their policies. Â

Hi Mayan Riviera & Cancun Brides! Wedding season for 2011 is coming fast and Moments that Matter Photography is expanding! We are taking on 2 new associate photographers that will be working side by side with Lori and I (Lincoln). These photographers will be our second shooters and assistants for 2011! They are fantastic photographers with a beautiful creative edge but new to Wedding Photography. Lori and I want to take them out to shoot your wedding ABSOLUTELY FREE!!! We will both be there to work side by side with them to make sure everything is captured as they learn the flow of how to make a wedding shoot fantastic! We want to work with them to master posing, lighting and anticipation of those Moments That Matter! We are looking for a couple that is getting married in the Mayan Riviera or Cancun between Jan 1st & Jan 8th, 2011. We want to spend 4 hours with you capturing your wedding, working hand in hand with our assistants to capture Getting Ready, Ceremony, Couples Shoot & the beginning of the Reception! Eligibility: 1) Must have a great attitude and looking for fantastic wedding images! 2) Willing to share your experience with the other Best Destination Wedding brides 3) Send us an email with your information to: contact (at) MomentsThatMatterPhotography.com ( you need to fix the email address to read correctly) Please include: Your names A brief story - Why should we shoot your wedding? Date and location of your wedding (between Jan 1st & Jan 8th, 2011). Pictures of you guys... we'd love to see your smiling faces! This is a great opportunity for free fantastic wedding photos while our new associate photographers are gaining priceless knowledge and insight into Wedding Photography! You can expect much the same creative style that you see on our website mixed with a fresh, new vision from our associates! Looking forward to hearing from you soon!!! Lincoln Lehmann & Lori Lemieux ps - remember... send requests to contact (at) MomentsThatMatterPhotography.com  Note: The only cost you may incure is that we ask you to secure entrance to your resort for our team. This cost can vary from resort to resort so please check with your wedding coordinator. We also have a list of Resort Policies on our site that have the latest costs we have had to pay.

Congratulations Asia and welcome to the forums! Dream Puerto Aventuras is a great spot and we are sure you will love it! Have fun with all your wedding planning!

Sorry to hear about such a bad experience with the resorts out here. I have not heard many stories like this and hope you get the matter resolved shortly in your favor! As for the non-response and lack of action... that usually means a sign of guilt or they are ignoring you... but here in Mexico it is just par for the course. Getting everything done here takes a lot of time! I won a court case for $8000 usd on illegal taxes I paid for my condo to the Government. That was Nov 2009... the cheque was sent and then rejected and now in limbo. I believe everybody is telling me the truth... but after 2 year of living like this... I have grown patient to the length of time things take. Best of luck and hopefully it will be resolved soon!

I hate to say this... but Cancun is a party Mecca! I like to refer to it as the Las Vegas of Mexico. I live 50km south in Playa del Carmen... and I find the bars here are fantastic and geared to a more mature crowd. Sure there is Coco Bongo and the Blue Parrot... but there are so many more places to have a drink... dance and enjoy! The party atmosphere is not so "off the chain" as one might say! Best of luck with your trip!

Congratulations and welcome to the forums! From my experience... I would suggest starting with a TA as they can make the arrangements and organize everybody to be there at as close to the same time as possible. It also gives you a go between for you and the resort if problems do arise as they are experienced working with large groups for a wedding. Once you are booked.. you will most likely deal with the wedding coordinator from the hotel. They can be slow to answer emails... so please be patient with them. Best of luck with all your plans!

Congratulations and welcome to the forums! We work in the Mayan Riviera Mexico.... so if you end up deciding to come here, let us know if you have any questions about a particular resort! Best of luck and have fun with your planning!

Congratulations and welcome to the forums! I see by the answers above... you already got the info... so best of luck with everything!

Congratulations and welcome to the forums! Have fun with all your planning and best of luck! The DR is a great place with wonderful beaches!

Congratulations and welcome to the forums! Here is the best advice I can give you... you can look at the weather all you want... but it could rain on any given day! Sure... the weather is predictable during the dry season... but it still rains every once and a while and there is nothing you can do about it. We had a freak rain last for a week this April... and it rained ALL WEEK! So... its up to you. June/July are very hot... and October is much nicer for weather. I wish you the best of luck... and feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

Is this thread over? What happened? How did the shoot go? Matt... you should post some pictures! Sorry... couldn't help myself! Good job guys.... glad they got some wonderful pics. Take care Lincoln

Congratulations on your wedding! Why don't you look for a TA on this site? I have talked with a few of them and they are very helpful!

Congratulations and welcome to the forums! Best of luck with all your planning.

Congratulations Chantelle & Balford! Have fun with all your planning for you vow renewal in Jamaica!!!

Wow! Now that is a story and review all in one... good job! All tho... I still perfer Westjet. haha Best of luck with everyting. ps - Where are the pictures?

Maybe now your mom will quit smoking! haha Great story... you must youtube the video and post it here.

Sometimes the best days of our life start off with things going wrong. I think that just puts everything into perspective and makes us appreciate life that much more! Wonderful story!! Best of luck with everything.

I know its been said so many times... but its worth mentioning again. The resorts like The Royal... get soooo many inquiries everyday and I constantly see the wedding coordinators doing email when ever they can. They sometimes have their laptops with them at the reception and I see them working on email at night. It sometimes takes them a week to get back to your responses so be patient with them. As well... don't always send them a question whenever you think of something. Sit on it for a day and bundle all your questions up...makes it much easier for everybody and is more effective in getting information back to you. Best of luck with all your planning.