Melia Caribe Tropical - Photographer Fee

[BoSoxChick]

I received an email today that Melia Caribe Tropical is again charging a $1,000 copyright fee for outside photographers.  Has anyone else run into this?  I found out only because my photographer emailed me about it.  It was confirmed by my WC this afternoon.  Prior to signing my contract, I had asked about this fee (they had it in the past) and I was assured that I could use an outside vendor and that they no longer had a copyright fee.  I wouldn't have signed a contract with them had they suggested that this fee might return.  I'm actually considering breaking my current contract and moving my wedding because of this. I don't want any other "surprises" along the road.

 

Feeling pretty bummed about it all.

[Mom2Bride]

What about the photogrpaher that the resort uses?  Have you seen any reviews on them?

[MeliaBride11]

I ran into the same problem!  I didn't know they were charging a fee until I contacted a photographer and they told me.  My WC keeps telling me that the outside vendor has to pay the fee but they are going to charge you it!  Its not their fault you do not want to use the resorts photographer.

I have used Arrecife Studios for family pictures and our Engagement photos this past summer, although they came out gorgeous, I would prefer someone more professional for a wedding.

[Spazdoodles]

Do you ladies know if they'll still charge this fee if you say that your photographer is just a family member taking pictures? This really iritates me, such a cash grab!!

[jennyalisha]

I contact Laura the wedding coordinator at Melia about this and she said that if the photographer is a family member or someone that you have a working relationship with back home, there will be no copyright fee. If you're choosing someone in the DR, other than Arrecife Studios, then you'll have to pay the fee.