Secrets Marquis Los Cabos wedding FAQs

Getting Started?
Ceremony and Reception Locations
Cost of a Destination Wedding
Wedding Details & Decor
Legalities
Miscellaneous Questions

Getting Started?

Do you hold destination weddings at your resort?

Yes, we hold weddings at all of our resorts.

Is there a dedicated wedding planner on site? Can she be reached by email?

There is a dedicated wedding coordinator on site at Secrets Marquis. Please see email contact information below:
Wedding Coordinator weddings.semlc@secretsresorts.com

What services does your wedding planner provide? Is there a fee?

There is no fee for the use of our wedding coordinators. A specialist will assist you prior to and on your special day and they are available throughout the entire experience to answer any question you may have regarding your event.

How much time would we need to reserve our wedding in advance?

Weddings should be reserved at least three months in advance. If you have a specific date in mind, we recommend booking your date a year in advance.

How can we confirm our wedding date?

There is a Wedding Request Form listed on the wedding page. Just fill out this form and if the date is available, the weddings department at the resort will be happy to reserve a tentative date. After we receive a deposit and the signed contract, we will reserve that date for you.

What if we want to reserve on short notice?

You should contact the wedding coordinator directly.

How many days do we need to arrive prior to the ceremony?

Mexico requires that you be in the country at least four business days prior. Saturdays, Sundays and Mexican holidays do not count. Your arrival day also does not count toward the "business day" requirement. You must arrive four FULL business days prior.

What is the difference between legal (civil), religious and symbolic ceremonies?

Only a civil ceremony is legally recognized. A religious ceremony has no legal bearing and does not replace in any way the binding legal civil marriage. A renewal of vows or religious ceremony is a symbolic ceremony. It is performed by a non-denominational minister (please note that Catholic ceremonies cannot be performed outside the church). In these case, the bride and groom will receive a symbolic marriage not legally valid.

Do we need to send any documentation prior to arrival?

Yes. All legal documentation must be sent at least one month in advance to verify all information. Also, you must have all originals with you when you arrive at the resort.

Ceremony and Reception Locations

What private indoor and outdoor areas of the resort are available for a wedding?

You may choose from one of our beautiful terraces, beach or our wedding gazebo.

Are indoor spaces air-conditioned?

Yes, they are.

What about guests not staying at the resort?

Guests who chose to come only for the event will have to purchase a day pass.

What time of day do most destination weddings occur?

Many couples select a sunset ceremony. We suggest you choose a time that allows enough time for pictures following the ceremony when there is still plenty of light. Or, some couples choose to have a "first look" photo shoot and take their pictures before the ceremony. The coordinator can help you determine what is right for you.

If we want our wedding on the beach, what is the set-up?

It's your day... you tell us how you want everything set up and we will arrange it!

How do I get the free wedding that is advertised?

This package is available when staying 7 nights in the specified room category.

Is the wedding performed in English or Spanish?

Legal ceremonies are performed in Spanish, however the wedding coordinator will translate for you! Symbolic ceremonies (renewal of vows) are performed in English.

What if I don't have a witness?

If you do not have witnesses available, they will be provided by the resort at no additional cost.

Cost of a Destination Wedding at Secrets Marquis Los Cabos

What is the cost of a destination wedding at your resort, or is it included in the price of our stay?

We offer three packages. Rates and inclusions depend on which package you choose. Please refer to the main wedding package section of the website for details. You may, of course, add any additional elements you wish.

Can you email a price list to me? Do you expect those prices to change by the date of my wedding?

Yes, we can email the prices to you. However, until a contract is signed prices are subject to change as services are provided by outside vendors.

If I want to bring friends and family members, do you offer a discount on the price of rooms?

Group rates and special promotions are available.

How many guests are permitted at your standard destination wedding?

Packages are valid for either 10 or 20 guests. Additional guests would require an additional charge. Please ask your wedding coordinator for pricing.

Do you require a down payment? How much? When is the balance due?

For the Wedding in Paradise Package, a $100 deposit is required. For the Secrets of Love and Ultimate Wedding Package, a $500 deposit is required. The deposits are necessary to hold and confirm the wedding dates and will be applied to the total cost of the wedding package.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation policies vary depending on the size of your group. The groups department will be happy to provide you the policies for your group event.

Wedding Details & Decor

Who performs the ceremony at your resort?

A local judge or minister will come to the resort to perform your ceremony.

What if we want a ceremony that honors a particular religion. Can someone of that faith be provided?

Yes, and the bride may also bring her own minister should she chose to do so.

On the other hand, what if we want a non-religious ceremony?

Non religious ceremonies are an option at all of our resorts.

How long is the ceremony?

The ceremony lasts about 20 minutes. The cocktail party and reception shortly follow after.

What do brides and grooms typically wear at your resort for destination weddings?

Brides usually wear the beautiful gown they have always dreamed of. Grooms often choose to wear khakis and a white dress shirt. However, the choice of your attire is up to you.

Will someone be available to iron my wedding dress?

Wedding dress preparation is included in the wedding package.

What do you do if I schedule an outside ceremony and reception and it rains? Do you have a picture of the back up plan?

We can move your ceremony into our ballroom.

What time is the sunset and the approximate temperature an hour before?

The sun sets between 5pm and 8pm depending on the season. The temperature also depends on the season. Once you have an exact date, the wedding coordinator can supply more specific information.

What types of flowers are available locally? Is there a florist onsite?

We do not have a florist on site however, just about all flowers are available locally. All special flower requests must be made at least 20 days prior to your wedding.

Can you email me suggested menus for the reception?

We have several wedding menus. You may request these from the wedding coordinator.

What can you supply in the way of a wedding cake?

The wedding cake will be chosen by you. Once you arrive at the resort you will meet with the wedding coordinator to choose your cake.

Legalities

Is there someone who can handle the legal details for us and will guide us through the process?

Yes, the wedding coordinator deals directly with the local officials to coordinate the legalized wedding process.

What are the requirements to get a marriage license in Mexico?

Valid passport
Tourist Cards (blue sheets that you receive at the airport)
Apostille certified birth certificates for Bride & Groom (see below)
If applicable, final Record of Divorce
If applicable, Death Certificate
Health certificate and blood test provided by a Mexican Official*
Bride & Groom must arrive 4 days prior to the ceremony! (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays do not count). *Additional costs apply.

Are witnesses required?

Yes, four witnesses must arrive 4 days prior to the ceremony with passports and tourist cards (blue sheet received at the airport), witnesses can be provided by the hotel if needed.

What is an Apostille document, why do I need it and where do I get it?

Apostille is a French word which means a certification. It is commonly used in English to refer to the legalization of a document for international use under the terms of the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents. Documents which have been notarized by a notary public, and certain other documents, and then certified with a conformant apostille are accepted for legal use in all the nations that have signed the Hague Convention. (courtesy of Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille)

I was divorced less then one year ago. Can I have my civil ceremony at the resort?

Unfortunately no. If you have been divorced you will need to wait at least one year before remarrying, and you must bring a copy of your divorce decree.

Can I translate my divorce decree and apostille document prior to my arrival to the resort?

No, this must be done in Mexico upon arrival and should be handled by the wedding coordinator. An extra fee applies.

Do we need proof of any medical tests?

Yes, a blood test must be taken (see below).

What diseases does the blood test check for?

Your blood tests must be performed in Mexico and should not be performed more than 14 days prior to the ceremony. The blood will be tested for HIV, RPR (sexually transmitted diseases) and blood type. The results, together with a certificate of the blood test, will be ready in 24 hours. Upon arrival, your wedding coordinator sets the appointment for the next morning at 8.00 A.M. The test requires an empty stomach. The doctor will perform the blood test either in your room or in the coordinator's office.

Can I have a doctor perform the test in my country and take the results to the resort?

No, the test must be taken in Mexico in order to be valid, no exceptions.

Will I be able to participate in the wedding ceremony if the test comes back positive?

No, according to Mexican Law, if your test comes back positive you can not be legally married in Mexico. A symbolic ceremony can still be performed.

If we have to travel offsite to get the license, does your resort provide transportation?

The wedding coordinator provides the license to you immediately after the ceremony, no transportation required.

If my name is different from the passport and birth certificate will this present problem?

Yes, in order for the documents to be finalized and legal in Mexico, there must be proof for different names in order to get married (ie. divorce, birth certificates, etc).

Will the judge perform the ceremony if all of our documents are not in order? Are there any exceptions?

No, there are no exceptions. All documents must be presented and they must be in order for the ceremony to take place. Your wedding coordinator will help assure everything is in order.

For Your Friends and Family Who Can't Attend Your Destination Wedding — Help them be here in spirit.

Can you make a webcam available during the ceremony?

Plans are currently underway to have webcams available for our wedding ceremonies. Please contact the wedding coordinator for details.

How long will it take to get our pictures back and can they be quickly posted on an online album?

If you choose a photographer provided by our wedding coordinator, expect to receive your photos and photo album the day after the ceremony. Depending on the package chosen, your images will appear on DVD or in a lovely album that also includes the digital files.

Miscellaneous Questions

Is there a private terrace or outdoor area where we can hold a rehearsal dinner?

We can accommodate a rehearsal dinner at any one of our restaurants (depending on group size), as well as a private location, for an extra charge.

Is there a charge for guests to participate in sports at the resort?

We have many activities throughout the day that are available at no additional charge. There are however, some water sports that may carry an additional charge such as scuba diving.

Can you arrange a special tour or activity for our guests?

These may be arranged through the preferred tour company set up in the resort lobby. They are more then happy to arrange the best group outing to fit your needs.

About Mexico

Do I need any immunizations before traveling?

You do not need any immunizations to travel to Mexico.

What is the time zone?

Los Cabos, Mexico is in the Mountain Time Zone

Can I drink the water?

Purified bottled water is readily available. Please be careful when venturing out of our resorts.

Can I bring dollars?

Yes, US dollars are recognized and accepted

Is it easy to enter into Mexico?

You must have a valid passport to enter Mexico. Due to the large number of passport applications, the US Government has allowed some passport flexibility to these countries. Please visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html for details