Wednesday, February 28, 2007

What’s New on StrayWeddings.com - Weddings at Palace Resorts

Palace Resorts offers specialized wedding services catered to American and Canadian couples looking to get married in Mexico. The resort chain owns numerous properties across Mexico, but has six properties that are particularly suited to hosting wedding events. All six of these All-Inclusive resorts offer a variety of wedding packages and extra services to personalize your event, and you’ll be happy to hear that many of them offer free wedding packages!

1. Le Blanc Spa, Cancun
On the sugar white sandy beach of the Cancun Hotel Zone, you’ll find Palace Resort’s highest-end property, Le Blanc Spa Resort. This adults-only property is best known for its first-class dining, luxurious suites, and superior spa – a perfect destination for the discerning couple seeking an elegant wedding affair. Free wedding packages are available. For more information and photographs visit www.strayweddings.com/find_resort_details.php?resort_id=147

2. Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, Mayan Riviera
Located just south of Cancun, the spectacular Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort is great for large wedding groups that need a variety of amenities to keep their guests entertained. With a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, a full-service spa, 10 restaurants, 9 bars, nightly entertainment, a disco, a variety of sports and activities, a kids club, and two of the largest lagoon-style pools in the area, the resort has plenty to keep you busy day and night. If you are looking for a Catholic ceremony, the Moon Palace is one of the few resorts in the area that can host a Catholic ceremony on the premises. Free wedding packages are available. For more information and photographs, visit www.strayweddings.com/find_resort_details.php?resort_id=158

3. Aventura Spa Palace, Mayan Riviera
For a tropical, romantic, peaceful escape, consider the Aventura Spa Palace. Beautiful, lush gardens, Mexican hacienda-style architecture, an opulent spa, a lagoon-style beach, and the brilliant turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea make this a wonderful setting to exchange your wedding vows. Free wedding packages are available. For more information and photographs, visit www.strayweddings.com/find_resort_details.php?resort_id=160

4. Playacar Palace,
Playa del Carmen
This intimate and luxurious resort is ideally located on a pristine beach near the bustling streets and shops of Playa del Carmen. Your guests will enjoy the modern décor, fine dining, top-shelf drinks, and luxurious rooms complete with Jacuzzis. And for the golfers in your group, the 18-hole championship golf course at the Playacar Spa & Golf Club is just a few minutes away. Free wedding packages are available. For more information and photographs, visit www.strayweddings.com/find_resort_details.php?resort_id=150

5. Cozumel Palace, Cozumel
Cozumel Island, the largest island in Mexico set 11 miles off the Yucatan Peninsula coastline, is a diver’s paradise and a spectacular place to hold a destination wedding. Cozumel Palace offers you a family-friendly, all-inclusive experience. Sample the cuisine at one of the resort’s three restaurants, enjoy the live music in the lobby bar, or simply relax and soak up the beauty that surrounds you. For more information and photographs, visit www.strayweddings.com/find_resort_details.php?resort_id=156

6. Vallarta Palace,
Nuevo Vallarta
Vallarta Palace is set on the beautiful beaches of Bahia de Banderas in the heart of Nuevo Vallarta, on the Pacific Coast. Twenty minutes from the vibrant center of Puerto Vallarta, you can host a peaceful, tropical wedding away from the hustle and bustle of the city. As with all Palace Resorts, Vallarta Palace is all-inclusive and nothing short of luxurious. The resort has a beautiful, contemporary-style wedding gazebo overlooking the ocean in a semi-private area of the grounds. Free wedding packages are available. For more information and photographs, visit www.strayweddings.com/find_resort_details.php?resort_id=154

*Note: For up-to-date resort and wedding information, please be sure to contact the hotel directly as prices and services change frequently and without notice. All images are copyright of Palace Resorts and are used with permission. For more information about these and other resorts across Mexico, visit www.strayweddings.com.

Posted by StrayWeddings.com at 2:39 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Ethical Destination Weddings: Saying 'I Do' With a Clear Conscience - Tip #1 Choose a Responsible Hotel

The term 'responsible tourism' has been used to describe tourism that is not only fun for visiting tourists, but also gives back to the world and local community by protecting nature and contributing to the lives of local people. This series of blogs will give you tips on how to contribute to the Mexican culture and economy, while preserving its beautiful land and ecological sites.

Tip #1 – Choose a Responsible Hotel

Certain hotels pride themselves on the fact that they have gone the extra mile to be ecologically sound in their building, their policies and their practices. Hotels can find many ways to help the environment and local communities. Here are some ways hotels can be ecologically friendly and foster growth in their community (remember Reduce, Reuse, Recycle?):

  • Conserve energy and use renewable energy sources
  • Recycle water and 'xeriscape' (landscape with water-conserving techniques)
  • Cut back on waste by using bulk soap and shampoo dispensers, composting, and using recycling bins
  • Reuse sheets and towels
  • Use environmentally-safe cleaners
  • Pay staff fair wages
  • Purchase organically-grown food from local farmers
  • Contribute to local charities
  • Help preserve local historical sites

Mexico has stepped up as a world leader in responsible tourism. Several hotels and resorts throughout Mexico have committed to this goal by becoming members of the World Heritage Alliance. The Alliance was created by Expedia, the travel industry giant, and the United Nations in 2005 to promote sustainable tourism and protect the world heritage sites, including the famous Chichén Iztá in the Yucatan Peninsula. In fact, Mexico has 26 UNESCO World Heritage sites!

One simple way you can help protect the land and contribute to the local communities is to choose a hotel that is also committed to these principles. This in no way means you have to compromise quality or service by staying in a glorified campground. In fact, many of the World Heritage Alliance members are also some of the most luxurious properties found anywhere in the world. If you're thinking about getting married in Mexico, here are five properties that are not only up-scale and romantic, but are also World Heritage Alliance members:

1. Maroma Resort & Spa
Named "The Top Beach" on The Travel Channel's "The World’s 10 Best Beaches," and "World’s Best Honeymoon Destination" in Modern Bride, this boutique hotel in the Mayan Riviera was one of the first in the area, and still wins awards every year. Romantic and secluded, you'll be treated like one of the many celebrities who have also stayed at Maroma, including Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Cameron Diaz, Farrah Fawcett, Sean Penn, Sharon Stone, Minnie Driver, Prince Charles, and the list goes on. With an amazing spa, gorgeous accommodations, and a pristine beach, it's hard to find a more romantic spot for your wedding day. To visit their website go to www.maromahotel.com *Image copyright Orient Express Hotels.

2. Paraiso de la Bonita Resort & Thalasso
With only 90 suites, this small luxury hotel makes an excellent wedding destination in the Mayan Riviera. The resort combines the elegance of traditional Mexican architecture with the great Mayan culture hallmark of the Yucatan Peninsula. If you're looking for a spa experience, Paraiso de la Bonita's Thalasso Center and Spa offers an extensive menu of exotic treatments. This property can boast winner of the 2007 AAA Five Diamond Award for excellence and service - by the way, only seven hotels in Mexico were honored with the prestigious award this year. To visit their website go to www.paraisodelabonita.com *Image copyright Paraiso de la Bonita Resort & Thalasso.

3. Fairmont Mayakoba
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a leader in sustainable tourism and a World Heritage Alliance member. Their 5-star Fairmont Mayakoba beach and golf resort, found in the Mayan Riviera of Mexico, has been paired with a local tourism network from the nearby Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage site. As with all Fairmont properties, you can expect nothing but the best. And if you're a golfer, you may be impressed to know that this hotel recently hosted the first PGA Tour event ever held in Mexico. To visit their website go to www.fairmont.com *Image copyright Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

4. Camino Real Oaxaca
With over 20 hotels across Mexico, Camino Real is a leader in the Mexican hotel industry. Camino Real Oaxaca is located in the historic colonial city of Oaxaca – another protected World Heritage Site. A former convent of Santa Catalina de Siena dating back to 1576, the property has been converted into a luxury hotel. A wonderful spot for a wedding celebration, couples can choose to have a Catholic wedding in one of the four nearby magnificent churches, including the famous Santo Domingo. Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Oaxaca! To visit their website go to www.caminoreal.com *Image copyright Hoteles Camino Real.

5. Camino Real Zaashila
This Mediterranean-style resort is located on a private stretch of beach of Tangolunda Bay in the romantic Huatulco, Oaxaca. In fact, due to its location, the only way to get to Rincón Sabroso beach is through the hotel! With only 148 rooms, you can enjoy all the amenities of a resort complex, while maintaining a peaceful, tropical atmosphere. To visit their website go to www.caminoreal.com *Image copyright Hoteles Camino Real.

If you would like to learn more about ecotourism and responsible tourism, here are some useful resources: Ethical Destination Weddings: Saying 'I Do' With a Clear Conscience:

Posted by StrayWeddings.com at 4:05 PM 0 comments

Ethical Destination Weddings: Saying 'I Do' With a Clear Conscience - Introduction

Image: Flamingos in the Yucatan © Mexico Tourism Board

If your idea of a vacation is relaxing on a sugar white beach with a cold margarita in your hand, Mexico's the perfect place for you. If you have a passion for diving and love exploring caves and coral reefs, Mexico's the perfect place for you. If you're a nature enthusiast with a love for rare plants and animals, Mexico's the perfect place for you. And if you want to step back in time to experience ancient cities and cultures, Mexico's the perfect place for you! It's no wonder Mexico captures the hearts of thousands of couples every year who journey to this wonderful land to exchange their marriage vows. Not only is it a romantic setting for a wedding event, there is no shortage of sites and attractions to keep your guests entertained throughout their stay.

The term 'responsible tourism' has been used to describe tourism that is not only fun for visiting tourists, but also gives back to the world and local community by protecting nature and contributing to the lives of local people. This series of blogs will give you tips on how to contribute to the Mexican culture and economy, while preserving its beautiful land and ecological sites. You'll be surprised to find out how simple it can be to ensure your destination wedding has a positive impact on the land and people.

Ethical Destination Weddings: Saying 'I Do' With a Clear Conscience:

Posted by StrayWeddings.com at 4:01 PM 0 comments

Friday, February 23, 2007

The New 7 Wonders of the World: Vote for Chichén Itzá

Image: Chichen Itza © Mexico Tourism Board

If you’ve ever been to Chichén Itzá in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, you know what an incredible historical monument it is. Dating back to before 800 A.D., this ancient Mayan city and temple has been nominated as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

On July 7, 2007, the New 7 Wonders of the World will be officially declared in Lisbon, Portugal. The 21 sites nominated include: The Acropolis of Athens, The Alhambra, Angkor, The Pyramid at Chichén Itzá, Christ Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, The Roman Colosseum, TheStatues of Easter Island, The Eiffel Tower, The Great Wall of China, The Hagia Sophia, The Kiyomizu Temple, The Kremlin and Red Square, Machu Picchu, Neuschwanstein Castle, Petra, The Pyramids of Giza, The Statue of Liberty, Stonehenge, The Sydney Opera House, The Taj Mahal, and Timbuktu.

Go to www.new7wonders.com to cast your vote today!

Posted by StrayWeddings.com at 1:59 PM 0 comments

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Friday, February 16, 2007

Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

The following is a summary of civil marriage requirements between foreigners in Puerto Vallarta.

  • Completed marriage application form.
  • Bride, groom and witnesses should be in Mexico at least 3-5 business days before the wedding.
  • Two witnesses for bride and groom (total of 4 witnesses). Witnesses must be over the age of 18.
  • Birth certificates for bride and groom (original and Apostilled* copies).
  • Valid passports for bride, groom, and witnesses.
  • Tourist cards for bride, groom, and witnesses (original and copies). Tourist cards are issued at the airport upon arrival.
  • Blood test (STDs, blood type, Rh factor) and medical certification for bride and groom. Blood tests must be done in Mexico (results are valid for 15 days).
  • Mandatory Prenuptial Video Briefing and Certificate of Attendance.
  • If divorced, the final Divorce Decree must be presented (original and Apostilled* copy). Check with your wedding coordinator for further details.
  • If widowed, the Death Certificate must be presented (original and Apostilled* copy). Check with your wedding coordinator for further details.
  • All documents need to be translated by an authorized translator of the Superior Tribunal of Justice of the State of Jalisco in Puerto Vallarta.
  • Weddings must be performed in Spanish (although they can be translated into English).
  • Symbolic and religious ceremonies do not require bride and groom to have official documentation or blood tests.
  • Civil ceremonies are not performed on Sundays or Mexican holidays.

*Note: Americans need to have their documents Apostilled. Canadians need to have their documents stamped and signed by the Mexican consulate officer in Canada.

Useful Links for Americans

Useful Links for CanadiansThe above information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. For complete details, talk to your wedding coordinator, the Registro Civil, the Mexican Embassy, or the Mexican Consulate in your area.

Posted by StrayWeddings.com at 9:45 AM 0 comments

Thursday, February 15, 2007

What's New on StrayWeddings.com - Weddings at the Gran Bahía Príncipe Riviera Maya

Image: © Gran Bahía Príncipe Riviera Maya

Q: I'm a Canadian looking to get married in Mexico and every travel agent I talk to recommends the Gran Bahía Príncipe resort in the Mayan Riviera. Do you have any information about this hotel?

A: The Gran Bahía Príncipe Riviera Maya Resort has become very popular in recent years, especially among Canadian travelers. This is a large, mid-priced, family-friendly, all-inclusive resort with sprawling grounds and something for everyone. If you're looking for a fun, laid back atmosphere for your wedding group, the Gran Bahía Príncipe may be a great option for you!

The complex is made up of three resorts – Tulum, Akumal, and Coba – with a total of 2,568 rooms, making it one of the largest complexes in the Mayan Riviera. Guests will enjoy all the amenities of an all-inclusive resort, including 10 restaurants, numerous bars, snack bars, non-motorized water sports, tennis courts, amphitheatres with nightly shows, a gym, and a salon & spa. In addition, the resort complex includes a commercial and entertainment center, Hacienda Doña Isabel, where guests can shop for souvenirs during the day, and enjoy dining, music and dancing in the evening. If you have golfers in your group, they will be happy to hear that the resort chain is building a stunning, 27-hole golf course across from the resort – coming soon!

Both religious and civil weddings can be held at the resort. The wedding gazebo is perfect for small ceremonies, offering a view of the ocean in the background. Receptions are typically held in one of the à la carte restaurants, with set menus for groups over 15 people. Below you will find their current wedding packages, which are valid until April 2007.

Religious Wedding Standard Package (US$575)
  • Fees for religious ceremony and minister
  • Ceremony and decorated location
  • Dinner in one of the specialty restaurants
  • Free upgrade for wedding couple (upon availability)
  • Special amenities in room

Religious Wedding Deluxe Package (US$805)
  • Fees for religious ceremony and minister
  • Ceremony and decorated location
  • Music from CD (guests can bring own music)
  • Floral bouquet for bride and buttonhole for groom
  • Wedding cake for up to 18 guests
  • 2 bottles of domestic sparkling wine
  • Dinner in one of the specialty restaurants
  • Flower arrangement on table
  • Free upgrade for wedding couple (upon availability)
  • Special amenities in room

Civil Wedding Standard Package (US$1,380)
  • All legal fees for judge, marriage license and certificate
  • Ceremony and decorated location
  • Music from CD (guests can bring own music)
  • Floral bouquet for bride and buttonhole for groom
  • Wedding cake for up to 18 guests
  • 2 bottles of domestic sparkling wine
  • Dinner in one of the specialty restaurants
  • Flower arrangement on table
  • Free upgrade for wedding couple (upon availability)
  • Special amenities in room

Extra Wedding Services (US$)
  • Bottle of Sparkling Wine or Champagne $21-$148
  • DVD (25 min with edition) $250
  • Photo Packages $540-$1,050
  • Mexican Guitar Trio (45 min) $242
  • Mariachi (45 min) $330
  • Saxophonist (45 min) $385
  • La Rancherita Disco (1 hr, including bartender, national drinks and DJ) $150
For more information, photographs, and ratings for the Gran Bahía Príncipe Riviera Maya Resort, visit www.strayweddings.com/find_resort.php For information about Bahía Príncipe www.bahia-principe.com or www.bahiaprincipegolf.com

Note: Wedding packages valid until April 2007. Prices are in USD, including tax. All prices and packages are subject to change without notice. For current offerings contact the Weddings Department at grupostulum@tulum.bahia-principe.com. All images are copyright material and are used with permission.

Posted by StrayWeddings.com at 11:17 AM 0 comments

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Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Discover Romance with Mexico's Haciendas

Thinking of getting married in Mexico? Couples who are looking to escape the crowds at big all-inclusive resorts can find a romantic escape at one of Mexico’s colonial haciendas. A hot trend in destination weddings, haciendas feature stately grounds, spacious accommodations, and private staff for a completely different wedding experience. These estates were originally made for wealthy noblemen, with some dating back to the 16th century. Today they have been restored and modernized into magnificent luxury hotels. Here are a few great picks:

The Starwood Haciendas
The Haciendas are part of the Luxury Collection™ by Starwood Hotels & Resorts. They include Hacienda Temozon, Hacienda San Jose, Hacienda Santa Rosa, Hacienda Uayamon, and Hacienda Puerta Campeche, all located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico near Merida and Campeche. These upscale properties offer spectacular rooms, first-class cuisine, and pampering spas for a luxurious and relaxed vacation. For more information, visit the following links: Hacienda Temozon, Hacienda San Jose, Hacienda Santa Rosa, Hacienda Uayamon, and Hacienda Puerta Campeche.

Hacienda Katanchel
A short drive from the Merida airport lies Hacienda Katanchel. Imagine a 17th century Spanish colonial hacienda, splendidly refurbished as a deluxe hotel on 740 secluded acres of pristine tropical jungle replete with exotic wildlife and flora. This newly opened nature resort includes majestic hacienda buildings and spacious private pavillions set in tropical gardens, 38 luxurious rooms and suites exquisitely furnished with art and antiques, featuring private wading pools filled continually with invigorating mineral spring water. For more information, visit www.strayweddings.com/find_resort_details.php?resort_id=114.

Hacienda Las Trancas
This romantic hacienda dates back 450 years and is ideally situated in a small village midway between San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato in Central Mexico. The hacienda has 9 bedrooms, but additional beds and linens can sleep up to 30 people in total. Upon opening the gates to your private domain each morning, you can look across the square to the lovely ancient church, watch the slow comings and goings of daily village life, or step out onto the silver trail. For more information, visit www.strayweddings.com/find_resort_details.php?resort_id=144.

Hacienda El Carmen Resort & Spa
This spectacular estate, located between Puerto and Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco, dates back to 1722. It has been restored and was opened to the public as a hotel and spa in 2002. The archway of its corridors and the beauty of the chapel create a mood that inspires meditation, and finding peace and harmony with nature. Throughout the 16-acre estate you will find gardens and a citrus grove, a 6-hole practice golf course, and stables with horseback riding tours available. Hacienda amenities include 24 beautifully-decorated suites, a restaurant with bar and billiards, a library, a pool and Jacuzzi, and a full-service spa. For more information, visit www.strayweddings.com/find_resort_details.php?resort_id=28.

For more information on any of these haciendas and others across Mexico, visit www.strayweddings.com/find_resort.php

Note: All images are copyright material and are used with permission.

Posted by StrayWeddings.com at 11:32 AM 1 comments

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Monday, February 5, 2007

What's New on StrayWeddings.com - Copacabana Beach & Spa Resort - Change of Ownership

In January 2007, Copacabana Beach & Spa Resort - a popular beach resort in the Riviera Maya of Mexico - changed hands and is now operating under the ownership of the Spanish hotel chain, Hoteles Catalonia. Subsequently, the resort has changed its name to the Catalonia Royal Tulum. Other hotels in the area owned by Hoteles Catalonia include Catalonia Riviera Maya, Catalonia Yucatan Beach, and Catalonia Playa Maroma. For more information, visit their website at www.hoteles-catalonia.es.

Posted by StrayWeddings.com at 4:15 PM 0 comments

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Wedding Planners in Baja California Peninsula, Mexico

If you are getting married in Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, or Rosarito Beach, here are some wedding planners in the area:

  • Perfect Weddings by Sergio
    With 10 years of experience, and over 450 weddings planned to date, Sergio can get the best team of vendors and wedding suppliers working for you. To learn more, visit www.perfectweddingsbysergio.com
  • Maye Cortinas Wedding Planner
    Maye has been in the business for over 11 years and has organized hundreds of weddings in the area. She will help you make your wedding the best day of your life. To learn more, visit www.mayecortinas.com
  • Weddings in Paradise
    Owner Mary Bragg started Weddings in Paradise over 13 years ago as the first wedding coordinator in the area. They have been in business in Mexico for 13 years and have now organized over 2,000 weddings! To learn more, visit www.weddingsparadise.com
  • Fabuloso
    www.fabulosoevents.net
  • Romantic Cabo Weddings
    www.romanticcabowedding.com
  • Caboevents
    www.caboevents.com
  • Baja Weddings
    www.bajawedding.com
StrayWeddings.com does not warranty or endorse the services of any individual or company contained within this list. Site visitors use third-party services at their own risk.

Posted by StrayWeddings.com at 2:04 PM 0 comments

Wedding Planners in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico

If you're getting married in Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, or the Riviera Maya, and are looking for a wedding planner, here is a list of wedding planners located in the area:

StrayWeddings.com does not warranty or endorse the services of any individual or company contained within this list. Site visitors use third-party services at their own risk.

Posted by StrayWeddings.com at 1:37 PM 0 comments

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