Gran Bahia Principe Akumal/Tulum/Coba - POST HERE!

[yeemein]

oh I forgot a one important thing in my review. If anyone is thinking about taking their TTD photos in a different area outside the resort, check on the rules & policy first. I really wanted to do our TTD photo session at the Tulum Beach at the Tulum Ruins, however federal law states that no wedding pictures are to be taken inside the historical site. We did not know this and was very disappointed when we arrived. We took a taxi to the Tulum Ruins because there was a few of us (my parents and few friends wanted to check out the ruins) and I was in my dress so it was obvious what I was going to do. The taxi driver didn't advise anything, although he knew! We were not happy with him at all. We ended up taking the TTD photos at a local public beach just outside the Tulum ruins, called Paradise Beach. Everything worked out in the end. =)

[andrea2006]

It doesn't matter when you do the legal ceremony in Canada. I wanted to do it right before we left. But because of scheduling we did it 3 weeks before.

[TATrisha]

Yeah, Paradise beach is where I take all of my trash the dress clients.  It's GORGEOUS there.  I cannot wait to see your photos!

[Sunshine2680]

Good to know yeemein! We're planning on going to a cenote outside of the resort - I'm hoping we won't run into the same problems - but from other TTD pics i've seen at cenotes -I've taken note which ones they are so hopefully all is well

[Coba Bride 2012]

Hi Girls, I only have 16 days until we leave and I am finishing up some of the last minute details. I was wondering about the music for the ceremony. Do they have a iPod hookup or is it a CD player? I read somewhere that it couldnt be Mp3 type or something. I also read that the customs in Mexico can be a little strict and that you are only allowed $300 per person to declare on non-personal items not including ( wedding bands, wedding dress etc). Like the OOT bag supplies and wedding supplies they might think we are reselling the stuff in Mexico. Has anyone experienced being searched at the red light? I have my receipts for everything and have My mom taking one of my duffle bags. I will be giving my Wedding party gifts before as it will be easier. Also does anyone know if there is a seating arrangement for the Portofino restaurant for 33 people with no head table. I have tried emailing Maria since April 27 and received no responses. Does anyone know any fascinating spots for photos on the resort or close to the resort. Thank you for everything! So excited

[yeemein]

Hi Coba Bride, this is an exciting time for you. I burned a CD using iTunes and they had no problems with it. I also brought my iPod as a backup but it wasn't used. For the CD I wrote on the cover which songs should be used when and there was no issues.

 

As per the immigration form a person cannot bring more than $10,000usd. I'm assuming this includes gifts and etc... I brought wedding favors and such and had no problems with immigration or declaration.

 

During your meeting with Maria she will go over the seating arrangement. I also planned to have my reception at Portofino but it was closed and our reception was moved to El Pescador but still keeping with the Portofino menu. We have 4 tables including the head table:

 

TableOne - 6

Table Two&Three -8

Table Four - 7

 

I brought my own table number cards + table name cards as they don't supply these.

 

Maria is slow in response because she literally has a wedding everyday in May to attend but no worries you will have more attention once you arrive.

 

We took our photos around the Akumal beach location, where we had our ceremony. For TTD photos we went to Paradise Beach by the Tulum Ruins, absolutely breathtaking.

 

Good luck with the remaining days and congratulations in advance!

Originally Posted by Coba Bride 2012 

Hi Girls, I only have 16 days until we leave and I am finishing up some of the last minute details. I was wondering about the music for the ceremony. Do they have a iPod hookup or is it a CD player? I read somewhere that it couldnt be Mp3 type or something.
I also read that the customs in Mexico can be a little strict and that you are only allowed $300 per person to declare on non-personal items not including ( wedding bands, wedding dress etc). Like the OOT bag supplies and wedding supplies they might think we are reselling the stuff in Mexico. Has anyone experienced being searched at the red light? I have my receipts for everything and have My mom taking one of my duffle bags. I will be giving my Wedding party gifts before as it will be easier.
Also does anyone know if there is a seating arrangement for the Portofino restaurant for 33 people with no head table. I have tried emailing Maria since April 27 and received no responses.
Does anyone know any fascinating spots for photos on the resort or close to the resort.
Thank you for everything! So excited

[TATrisha]

Your wedding is coming up so fast!  How awesome!  I'll respond below.

Originally Posted by Coba Bride 2012 

Hi Girls, I only have 16 days until we leave and I am finishing up some of the last minute details. I was wondering about the music for the ceremony. Do they have a iPod hookup or is it a CD player? I read somewhere that it couldnt be Mp3 type or something.  Most iTunes songs will work.  It appears they have upgraded their system.  However my January bride's CD would not play.  So just be prepared with backup copies (give a backup to a guest who will be seated when the DJ discovers this problem.  If it's in your room, it does no good).
I also read that the customs in Mexico can be a little strict and that you are only allowed $300 per person to declare on non-personal items not including ( wedding bands, wedding dress etc). Like the OOT bag supplies and wedding supplies they might think we are reselling the stuff in Mexico. Has anyone experienced being searched at the red light? I have my receipts for everything and have My mom taking one of my duffle bags. I will be giving my Wedding party gifts before as it will be easier.

That is correct.  You cannot have more than $300 worth of goods.  You can have up to $10,000 or something weird, but in goods, it cannot be more than $300.  One of the BDW brides did get stopped recently and she had sunglasses for her wedding party.  Expensive sunglasses.  She ended up having to pay over $1,000 in duty taxes, so be careful.  Giving your bridal party the gifts ahead of time is a great option.  And then have the receipts ready.  I also split it up between my suitcase, my husband's, and my parents.  Then I had a note in each one written in Spanish that said they were for a wedding.  I did not get the red light, so it wasn't a problem but I was prepared just in case.
Also does anyone know if there is a seating arrangement for the Portofino restaurant for 33 people with no head table. I have tried emailing Maria since April 27 and received no responses.

The wedding I photographed in January did not have seating assignments (they had 35 people).  Instead the wedding party and bride and groom sat at one table and everyone else just found their seat.  It's up to you.  If you'd like a seating arrangement, then have a plan in advance.  We had the head table of 10 people, a rectangle table of 8 (one person sat on the end making it 9) and two circle tables of 8.
Does anyone know any fascinating spots for photos on the resort or close to the resort.

The resort is amazing for photos.  I'm sure your photographer will find great spots, but I prefer the Akumal resort for photos.  The Hacienda is also great!

Thank you for everything! So excited

[Maria1301]

I knew about the $10,000 dollar limit, but didn't know about the $300 dollar limit on goods.  So, this would apply to favors for guests, linens, lanterns, and such?

But this does not apply to the wedding bands, wedding dress, grooms suit etc, because these are personal items, correct?

Should I bring the receipts for any of our personal items for the wedding?

Thank you!

[TATrisha]

It applies for anything that looks like you're going to try and sell it... so favors and decorations and stuff you wouldn't take on a vacation to Mexico.  Personal items such as the wedding bands, dresses, suits, etc don't count.  Although there are limits to how much you can take in (just like photographer's equipment).  I think you're only allowed two wedding dresses or something fun like that

[Shan2012]

ahhh i just read the 300 dollar thing you guys posted and I leave on sunday...now Im stressn! I have lots of stuff for OOT bags and noo receipts....any other advice other than praying for a green light! ....Most of my stuff I'm bringing for my OOT bags is going to be in checked baggage not cary on....does this make any diference?  I have 48 items...of seven different items ADVICE ANYONE ?