OFFICIAL Gran Bahia Principe Riviera Maya Thread

TATrisha · September 2, 2011

This is the new OFFICIAL Gran Bahia Principe Riviera Maya Thread!

Here you will find the answer to almost all of your questions! If you don't see the answer, feel free to ask, but please look through the information first.

Post #2 - Basic Information (Resort Info, Contact Info, Legal Requirements)

Post #3 - Wedding Packages

Post #4 - Wedding Locations

Post #5 - Dinner Locations, Options & Cost

Post #6 - DJ Options and Costs

Post #7 - Cake

Post #8 - Details (ceremony details, hacienda stuff, random questions and answers)

Post #9 - Flowers

Post #10 - Spa

Post #11 - Tropic One Studio (the onsite photographers)

Post #12 - Wedding Reviews

Post #13 - Wedding Photos & Video Links

Post #14 - Resort Reviews

Post #15 - Bride Roll Call! Shoot me a PM with your user name, wedding date, and dates you'll be at the resort (ie: tlseege, 4/11/2008, 4/7-4/14) and I'll add you to the list

Post #16 - Faber Photography's Photo Tours

Post #17 - Reserved for future use

Again, if you have anything to add to this, please feel free to send me a PM or shoot me an email and I will gladly update the thread.

The old Gran Bahia Thread is still alive and active, but hopefully that thread will be more for brides to discuss their weddings and form a sense of community. Thanks!

TATrisha · September 2, 2011

The Resort Website

Resort's wedding Pinterest website

Overall Coordinator is Ms. Paloma Flores / Groups & Convention Manager

[email protected] or [email protected]

Tel: 052 984 87 5 50 00 Ext. 28117 Â· Fax: 052 984 87 5 50 01

Maps of the Resort:

Here is a new 2011 map of the resort, including the golf facility across the road. To view it zoomed, go HERE.

http://www.locogringo.com/maps/tour/bahia-p-t.html

Post # 1897

Tulum

Tulum was the first hotel of the complex with 858 rooms, only 84 junior suites and the rest of them standard rooms

Wedding Coordinator is Jazmin - [email protected]

Wedding Sites: Beach, Gazebo

Wedding Dinner Choices: Tequila or Gran Tortuga

Akumal

Akumal was the second in built with 630 rooms, 72 standard and 558 junior suites

Wedding sites: Hammocks, Garden

Rain location: Akumal Lobby Bar, Club Coba (deceiving name, as itâ€™s actually in the basement of the Akumal Lobby)

Wedding Dinner choices: Dolce Vita (Italian) and Frutos Del Mar (Fish)

Coba

Coba the last one built with 1080 rooms all junior suites

Wedding sites: Choice between Akumal and Tulum locations

Wedding Coordinator - Karla [email protected]

Post #2238 - Distance to beach/Akumal area/etc

Wedding Applications you'll be asked to fill out.

Welcome Packet from a previous bride

Day Passes are $90 USD for guests who aren't staying at the hotel

Hair & Makeup Day Passes are $300 USD

Local outside photographers are NOT allowed, however you can fly in your photographer and have them stay at the resort as a guest.

Legal Requirements:

Below you can find all required documents to celebrate a legal wedding in Mexico, there are different options according to the different needs due to special circumstances.

Option 1: Marriage certificate WITHOUT parents name in it AND with the actual full name that appear in valid passport (Basic documentation required with single status of Bride & Groom)

- VALID PASSPORT – (Bride, Groom & 4 witnesses over 18 years old)

- BLOOD TESTS – (Bride & Groom) In Mexico Blood Tests for a legal wedding are mandatory, these are to determine blood type and also to check for HIV or STD’s. Tests must be done on site. Bahia Principe has a medical center located at the Hacienda Doña Isabel, which provides this service with a cost of $95 USD per person (cash).

Option 2: Marriage Certificate WITH parents name in it: In case the wedding couple want their parents name to appear in the marriage certificate, the following documentation is required:

*Please verify your parents name appears in the Certify copy of birth certificate (Long version)

- NOTARIZED COPY OF BIRTH CERTIFICATE (Bride & Groom) – Apostilled AND the translation into Spanish Apostilled too *Please notice this documents will remain with the Judge in Mexico

- VALID PASSPORT - (Bride, Groom & 4 witnesses over 18 years old)

- BLOOD TESTS – (Bride & Groom)

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: If the Bride or Groom has changed their last names for any reason, so that the name that appears on the passport is not the same name as on the birth certificate, (due to different reasons e.g. divorce, widowed, adoption, legal change of name, etc.) please consider the following requirements :

- NOTARIZED COPY OF BIRTH CERTIFICATE (Bride & Groom) – Apostilled AND the translation into Spanish Apostilled too *Please notice this documents will remain with the Judge in Mexico

- VALID PASSPORT - (Bride, Groom & 4 witnesses over 18 years old)

- BLOOD TESTS – (Bride & Groom)

MORE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

If Bride or Groom or both are divorced from a previous marriage

- Notarized Decree absolute - Apostilled AND the translation into Spanish Apostilled too *Please notice this documents will remain with the Judge in Mexico

If Bride or Groom are widowed

- Notarized Deceased Decree absolute - Apostilled AND the translation into Spanish Apostilled too *Please notice this documents will remain with the Judge in Mexico

If Bride or Groom are adopted

- Notarized Adoption certificate- Apostilled AND the translation into Spanish Apostilled too *Please notice this documents will remain with the Judge in Mexico

CANADIAN CITIZEN – APOSTILLED MEANS LEGALIZED BY A LEGAL OFFICIAL TRANSLATOR IN CANADA.

Post #1945 - It's really THAT easy!

UK Legal Requirements (updated 8/17/2012):

Deed Poll (if you have changed your name)

Adoption Certificate (even if only adopted by step father/mother)

Birth Certificates (even from the person who has an adoption certificate). In the UK (not sure about other countries) the adoption certificate super seeds the birth certificate... this means that the birth certificate can not be used for any legal purpose.. But the Mexican authorities require it... the general registry office in London is very reluctant to produce on of these, but will in the end.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & CONDITIONS:

- Bride, Groom and all official witnesses must be over 18 years old.

- In order to review all this specific and required documentation with the Judge, it is extremely important that you scan the requested information and send it to us with a minimum of 3 months previous to the wedding day.

- Wedding couple must arrive 4 business days prior to the wedding day with all necessary documents, in order to complete blood tests and legal procedures. (Please note Saturday & Sunday is not considered a business day)

- Witnesses can be friends or family, Bahia Principe can also provide the witnesses ( suggested tip $10 USD per witness)

Ala Carte Information:

If guests stays for 4 or 7 nights how many nights can they eat at the a la cart restaurant?

3 or 4 nights 1 dinner

5 or 6 nights 2 dinners

7 or 9 nights 3 dinners

If you take the dinner included in the wedding package, that counts as one of your guests ala carte meals.

Random Information:

The bars located by the pool and beach area close at 5:00 pm , bars located in the lobby from 10 am till 11:00 pm Music Bar from 6:30 pm till 10:30 pm , Bars located at Hacienda DoÃ±a Isabel from 7:00 pm till midnight and Disco from midnight till 2:00 am

Everything is paid for at the end of your stay, and they do accept credit cards. (Except the blood work, that is in cash at the time of your appointment)

The internet access is at the Hacienda so you have to pay in cash (it can't be charged to the room - I don't think). I used it once for under 10 minutes and I think it was close to $7-8 (so about $1/min). I don't remember exactly though. I paid in USD but they take pesos too. Diamond club members get free internet access in the lobby.

Brides and Grooms are given Gold bracelets, my family all were "Gold class" but got yellow bracelets. As it was explained to us, actual gold bracelets are VIP. They do not keep track of your a la cartes.

Rehearsals arenâ€™t done at this resort. But the coordinators will not let you screw up.

Legal ceremonies cannot be altered and must be read in Spanish and translated to English. You can add readings or sand ceremony type items after the legal portion has been completed. This can either be read by the translator or a guest.

Here is a post where some additional random questions are answered

Here too.

Hotel safe = $6 extra a day. Some people have gotten this as a perk, some people haven't. Just be prepared to pay it and be pleasantly surprised if you don't have to.

Mosquitoes in October/November

All three resorts now use key cards instead of traditional keys.

Hurricane Information:

In 2011 Tropical Storm Rina hit the Gran Bahia. In the days leading up to landfall it was a Hurricane 2 and then a 1. One of our brides was visiting the resort at this time has reported back:

"I have never been exposed to really bad weather there and have to say the Bahia kept us well informed about the path of the storm and how that would affect the hotel and guests. They prepared for the worst but it ended up being not too bad. They pulled the hurricane shutters, evacuated Building 66 at Akumal (right on the beach), removed all lounge chairs from the beach and pool areas, removed signage/garbage cans etc that could be blown around or damaged.

They removed strips of thatching from the Grand Tortuga roof to allow the wind to blow through...and then repaired it when the storm passed.

They did the same thing with the Premier Lobby bordering Coba and Akumal. It was good to experience how they handle such weather/storms...I always felt safe and well informed."

TATrisha · September 2, 2011

Wedding Packages 2015. If you are sent a more up to date version, please PM me.

Post #2333 has the Civil Ceremony Order

SUNSHINE - Tulum & Coba - $1,570 (Legal) $1,395 (Symbolic) Akumal & Sian Kaan - $1,690 (Legal) $1,515 (Symbolic)

- Winter 2014/15 Maximum 20 people. $25 each additional guest

Late check out (subject to availability) for the couple and parents.
Room upgrade (subject to availability upon arrival) for the couple and parents.
VIP Amenities in the room.
Professional Services of an Onsite Wedding Planner
Romantic Ornamental decoration of the wedding site (location assigned after arrival).
Standard wedding cake or variety of Chef´s customs pastry dessert choice
Celebration Toast (Domestic Brand) after the ceremony .
Music for the marriage ceremony with recorded CD (couple may bring their own).
Professional digital pictures of the Wedding full color photograph**. 10 Pictures
Witnesses (if required)
Bride’s bouquet (Tropical Local Flowers)
Groom’s boutonniere
15% Discount on Spa Treatments (except pedicure, manicure, hairdresser and makeup).
Sit-Down Wedding reception Dinner in one of our restaurants with set menu.
Romantic decoration in couple room
Luxury Turndown service for the couple and parents.
Special welcome surprise
Bottle of domestic wine upon arrival in room (just for the couple)
Newlywed´s Romantic Breakfast in bed the morning after the wedding
VIP Treatment for the couple

UNFORGETTABLE Tulum & Coba - $1,840 (Legal) $1,665 (Symbolic) Akumal & Sian Kaan - $1,990 (Legal) $1,815 (Symbolic)

- Winter 2014/15 Maximum 30 people. $35 each additional guest

Late check out (subject to availability) for the couple and parents.
Room upgrade (subject to availability upon arrival) for the couple and parents.
VIP Amenities in the room for the couple and parents.
Professional Services of an Onsite Wedding Planner
Romantic Ornamental decoration of the wedding site (location assigned after arrival).
Standard wedding cake or variety of Chef´s customs pastry dessert choice
Champagne Luxury Toast with Moet Chandon after the ceremony (max 4 bottles)
Music for the marriage ceremony with recorded CD (couple may bring their own).
Live Music (at the wedding ceremony or at a private wedding dinner*)
Professional digital pictures of the Wedding full color photograph**. 15 Pictures
Witnesses (if required)
Bride’s bouquet (Tropical Local Flowers)
Groom’s boutonniere
Special fresh, elegant floral Decor on the Bridal Table
20% Discount on Spa Treatments (except pedicure, manicure, hairdresser and makeup).
Sit-Down Wedding reception Dinner in one of our restaurants with set menu.
Romantic decoration in couple room
Luxury Turndown service for the couple and parents.
Special welcome surprise
Bottle of international wine upon arrival in room (just for the couple)
Newlywed´s Romantic Breakfast in bed the morning after the wedding
Romantic Candlelight Dinner with Reservation
VIP Treatment for the couple

ROMANCE EXTRAVAGANZA - Tulum & Coba - $3,170 (Legal) $2,995 (Symbolic) Akumal & Sian Kaan - $3,320 (Legal) $3,145 (Symbolic)

- Maximum 30 people. $40 each additional guest

Late check out (subject to availability) for the couple and parents.
Room upgrade (subject to availability upon arrival) for the couple and parents.
VIP Amenities in the room for the couple and parents.
Professional Services of an Onsite Wedding Planner
Romantic Ornamental decoration of the wedding site (location assigned after arrival).
Standard wedding cake or variety of Chef´s customs pastry dessert choice
Champagne Luxury Toast with Moet Chandon after the ceremony (max 7 bottles)
Music for the marriage ceremony with recorded CD (couple may bring their own).
Live Music (at the wedding ceremony or at a private wedding dinner*)
Professional digital pictures of the Wedding full color photograph**. 25 Pictures
Witnesses (if required)
Manicure and pedicure for the bride
Bride’s bouquet (Tropical Local Flowers)
Groom’s boutonniere
Special fresh, elegant floral Decor on the Bridal Table
Cocktails and canapes served after the ceremony. (1 hour)
Discount on Spa Treatments (except pedicure, manicure, hairdresser and makeup). Free 30 minute massage
Sit-Down Wedding reception Dinner in one of our restaurants with set menu.
Open bar after reception Dinner. (2 hours)
Romantic decoration in couple room
Luxury Turndown service for the couple and parents.
Special welcome surprise
Bottle of international wine upon arrival in room (just for the couple)
Newlywed´s Romantic Breakfast in bed the morning after the wedding for the couple and parents.
Romantic Candlelight Dinner with Reservation
VIP Treatment for the couple
3 Nights free – Special wedding present from Bahia Principe

MAYAN BLESSING - $1,150

Post #2256

It is a traditional cultural ceremony where ancient Mayan blessed love of wedding couples in harmony of nature and with the authorization of the Gods, the 4 elements and the 7 spiritual directions, the smoke of copal cleans all souls and allows an eternal blessing of love, with the sound of the sea shells and the colors of the flowers. in this case the couple does not have to bring any legal documentation

· Fees for the Religious Mayan Officer “Shaman”…

· Exclusive in Bahia Principe Riviera Maya

· Marriage ceremony with music of drums and seashells…. Partly performed in Mayan language and translated into English

· Mayan Decoration of the location; the wedding location will be assigned after arrival.

· Al the services of the package you choose – Romance Extravaganza, Unforgettable or Sunshine

TATrisha · September 2, 2011

WEDDING SITES

Tulum:

Gazebo

Palapa/Beach Location:

Beach Location:

Just wanted to add that at this location you get the sunflower arrangements on both sides for free - if you don't like them, I'm sure you can not have them. They are silk I believe (but I never did get a good look at them).

Rain Option - Tequila Restaurant:

Akumal Locations:

Garden:

Hammock/Beach Location:

This location has recently been changed to look like the Tulum Beach location. A large new structure was built. If you have pictures of this structure, please send them to me and I will add them to this file. Thank you!

These next two pictures show you the "aisle" you walk down:

Here is a picture of my wedding decorations (blue) and those similar. As you can see, I brought down additional fabric. Post #4394 talks about it.

Gran Bahia Akumal Beach Wedding v4.bmp

TATrisha · September 2, 2011

DINNER OPTIONS

Menus for all restaurants can be viewed here.

Tulum Dinner Options:

Tequila - Tables of 4, 8, or 10 - white linens

Gran Torguta - Round and square tables (the round ones seat 6, the square seat 4). Can be pushed together to have a table of 10. White table clothes and little vases with flowers in them.

Akumal Dinner Options:

Frutos Del Mar (Seafood) - 100 PAX

Dolce Vita (Italian) - 100 PAX (the top picture is the new chairs, but the older pictures show the table arrangements a little better)

Arlequin

Coba Dinner Options:

Mediteraneo - 2 dishes guests can choose from are Linguine Pasta (vegetarian, and everyone thought it was delicious, including me!) and Lemon chicken, which our guests raved about!

Portifino

Post #2960 and Post #4411 have additional information on the Portifino

Pool side dinner options: - Round tables of 10

Post #1414 contains a video from a Tulum Pool Reception

These posts have additional information and the last two are Coba specific:

Poolside Dinner Pricing:

Post #55 includes the menus for all options

***Note: All the dinners include local drinks inside of the All inclusive program and have a maximum duration of two hours. It will be an extra charge for wine of the wine list and champagne.

Theme Dinners - Must pay for a minimum of 50 people

Gala Dinner - $72 per person

BBQ Dinner - $46 per person

Mexican Dinner - $46 per person

Caribbean Dinner - $48 per person

Additional Private Meals - Must pay for a minimum of 35 people

Paella (seafood) - $20 per person

Mixed Grill - $20 per person

Taquiza (tacos) - $15 per person

American (hot dogs & hamburgers) - $12 per person
***All of these meals will be served with disposable cutlery and dishes. (although I had the mixed grill and it was on beautiful white china...)

Lobster Dinner/Special Luxury menu

At a specialty restaurant - $60 per person

At a location out of the restaurants - $100 per person

*** Additional cost for lobster inside the restaurant with the menu of the restaurant 35 USD per order.

Poolside Reception (Cocktails) Only Reception Prices:

Special Cocktails - Sparkling wine, Beer, Margaritas, Pina Colada - $5 per person for the first hour, $3 each additional

National Bar - Beer, Rum, Vodka, Tequila, Cocktails, Gin - $17 per person for the first hour, $12 each additional

International Bar - Beer, Tequila, Rum, Vodka Absolute, Whiskey JW, Chivas, Regal, Cutty Sark, Cocktails, Gin Beef eaters - $24 per person for the first hour, $18 each additional

There is rumor and this one photo that you might be able to have your cocktail reception under the new Tulum beach location. If anyone has had this option presented to them, please let me know so I can provide more information to the forum.

Poolside Reception (Cocktails and DJ or Music) Only Reception Prices:

These options are for 30 persons maximum, in case there's more people will have an extra charge.
This packages includes 3 hours of open bar, set up, soft lighting, cocktail tables, Tiffany chairs, microphone, and music. (so this includes DJ).

National Bar:
Beer, Rum, Vodka, Tequila, Cocktails, Gin, Whiskey              $1900 USD
Special Cocktails:
Beer, PinaColada Cocktail, Margarita Cocktail & Sparkling Wine   $1100 USD
Special Cocktails without DJ but with Speakers so we can play our own music: 585 USD

50 Persons Poolside Reception

National Bar
Beer, Rum, Vodka, Tequila, Cocktails, Gin, Whiskey $2680

Special Cocktails
Beer, Pina Coladas, Margaritas, Sparkling Wine $1400

This option is for 50 persons maximum , in case there´s more people will have an extra charge.
This packages includes 3 hours of open bar, set up, soft lighting, cocktail tables, white tiffany chairs microphone and music DJ

ADDITIONAL SPARKLING WINE OR CHAMPAGNE

Domestic Sparkling Wine (price per bottle) 25.00 USD

Freixenet (price per bottle) 39.00 USD

Moet Chandon (price per bottle) 85.00 USD

MUSIC

Mexican Party with live show and Mariachi - $2,000 for 1 hour

Mexican Guitar Duet (set 45 minutes) $272.00 USD

Mexican Guitar Trio (set 45 minutes) $295.00 USD

Mariachi (set 45 minutes) $370.00 USD

Saxophonist (set 45 minutes) $390.00 USD

Marimba (set 45 minutes) $325.00 USD

Live Band (set 45 minutes) $999.00 USD

DJ (set 1 hour, only in private events) $211.00 USD

Violin $390.00 USD

*Private group entertainment (Olympic games, treasure hunt, etc) - $5 per person

TATrisha · September 2, 2011

DJ INFORMATION

Resort DJ:

Resort DJ - $210 an hour â€“ PAID IN CASH! â€“ bring an ipod or CDs of specific music you want/need played

Reviews:

He's originally from New Jersey, $475 for 2 hour receptin or $650 for full dinner & dance

Allowed at the resort with a day pass

DJ Bob Email: [email protected]

Reviews:

Post #2924

Post #2938

DJ Bijan: (No longer allowed on the resort?)

He's originally from Vancouver, $150 an hour or $400 for 2.5 hours

$90 guest pass needed

Reviews:

Mood Event Services:

Reviews:

Ipod Speakers:

Post #2922 - Akumal Location Specific

Lobby Bar:

Post #3098

The Disco is no longer available for private rental.

The disco opens at 11pm.The bars in the Hacienda open at 7pm and there is live music in front of them with people dancing and all from 9-11pm every night.We didnt do that on uor wedding night however we went the next night and we all had a great time.The dancers will take the public to dance and it gets really fun.

Here is the layout:

TATrisha · September 2, 2011

MMM CAKE

Cake options are round, 3 tiered round, and heart shaped. These are the cakes the come with the packages and are said to only feed 10 people. You can skip dessert with your included dinner reception and upgrade your cake for free.

We chose the tres leche (3 milk cake) and it was really good. Our family and friends enjoyed it too. It was moist and creamy and tasted like it was fresh out the oven. The only thing we didn't like was the fondant, but it wouldn't be a wedding cake if it didn't have that on top. Just peel it away and eat the good stuff. :-)

Post #3179

Post #3569

TATrisha · September 2, 2011

RANDOM DETAILS

Chair covers & white sashes are included for the ceremony

Maracas are for sale at the Hacienda for $1-2 each

Vegetarian meals are available at no extra charge

Dress steaming is available - $15-25

$250 to rent the equipment to play a slideshow

Collectivo Information (Riviera Maya's Public Transportation)

Hacienda Review

Fiesta Information (Thursday Night Party at Hacienda)

Ceremony Songs:

Post #2706

Post #1628

Symbolic Ceremony Order of Events:

-seating of guests

-processionals

-arrival of the bride

-giving of the bride

-opening blessing

-reading

-sermon

-exchange of vows & giving of rings

-signing of the certificate

-pronouncement

-recessional

Fitness Center Information

The Akumal & Coba resorts use ACTUAL keys, not cards. Tulum has switched to keycards.

Golfing at the Bahia

Drinks are served in small 6-8oz plastic cups

Restaurant Info, Mini Club Schedule, Adult Activity Schedule

Different Ceremony Chair options. These pictures are off of the GBP Pinterest account. http://pinterest.com/bahiaprincipe/caribbean-weddings/

TATrisha · September 2, 2011

FLOWERS

Here is the flower document. I appoligize that it has to be in attachment form, but it's too large to place otherwise. PLEASE remember it is "illegal" on this forum to ask for people to email you things. You can get banned for this. Please just contribute to different threads to get above the 150 post mark and then download it legally or purchase the upgrade to download immediately.

Gran Bahia Flowers 1.doc

Gran Bahia Flowers 2.doc

These are not the ONLY flowers you can get. As long as you provide a picture of what you want and it incorporates the types of flowers you see in these brochures, it should be included.

You can email your coordinator a picture of the flowers you want and they should be able to recreate them. If they have exotic flowers in them such as orchids then it'll cost you extra. Roses/Lilies/etc are included in your wedding package price.

You can bring your own flower ribbon & pins and they will use that. Otherwise white is included. You can also request to not have the huge white bow that is pictured in most of the images in the catalog.

EXTRA FLOWERS - Prices depend on type of flowers and size.

$36 Bridesmaids bouquets

$15 Boutonniere

$25 Bracelet of flowers

$18 Corsage

$6 Lilies or gerbers for the hair

$40 Centerpieces

$10 Bag of petals for decoration of tables or aisle

$25 Flowers for the cake

$6 Flower for decoration of the chairs

Here are some posts about flowers:

Post #983