Exchanging vows with the turquoise Caribbean Sea as your backdrop sounds like a dream, and Moon Palace Resort in Cancun can make it a reality. This guide will answer all your burning questions about planning your destination wedding at this stunning all-inclusive resort.
Is Moon Palace Cancun a good fit?
Consider this:
Venue:
Moon Palace boasts a variety of venues to suit weddings of all sizes. Here’s a glimpse.
Intimate Gatherings (20-50 Guests): Tucan Gazebo (beachfront gazebo), Bugambilias Gazebo (beachfront gazebo),chapel
Medium-Sized Weddings (50-150 Guests): Bugambilias Terrace (poolside terrace),Lake Terrace (lakeside terrace)
Larger Celebrations (150-300+ Guests): The Grand Cancun (Grand Plaza Ballroom),Caribe Beach (beachfront ceremony location)
Style:
Moon Palace offers a variety of ceremony and reception locations to suit different styles:
Romantic Beach Weddings: Say “I do” with the sound of waves crashing in the background at Caribe Beach, Tucan Gazebo, or Bugambilias Gazebo.
Elegant Indoor Ceremonies: For a more formal feel, consider the Moon Palace Cancun Chapel or The Grand Cancun’s Chapel.
Open-Air Receptions: Several terraces with stunning views like Bugambilias Terrace and Lake Terrace are perfect for receptions under the stars.
Grand Ballrooms: The Grand Cancun offers a grand ballroom for a luxurious and spacious reception setting.
Budget:
All-inclusive weddings can simplify budgeting by covering most food, beverage, and venue costs. However, additional à la carte options, décor upgrades, and vendor fees can add up.
Understanding All-Inclusive Weddings
Convenience: All-inclusive wedding packages typically include most essentials like venue rental, catering (food and drinks for a set duration), basic set-up (chairs, tables), and some audio/visual equipment. This reduces planning stress as the resort handles many logistics.
Guest Cost: Guests typically pay their own resort stay, although some all-inclusive wedding packages might offer special discounted rates on room bookings.
Who Pays? Tradition Bends
Traditionally, the bride’s family pays for the wedding. However, destination weddings offer more flexibility. Here are some options to consider:
Couples Share the Cost: Many couples today choose to split the wedding expenses.
Guests Contribute: Some couples create a wedding registry with honeymoon or destination wedding fund options, allowing guests to contribute if they wish.
Open Communication: Discuss expectations openly with loved ones to avoid any financial surprises.
Venue Capacity and Ceremony/Reception Flow
Moon Palace offers several venues that can accommodate both ceremony and reception. Popular choices include:
Caribe Beach: Ideal for a beachfront ceremony, with a nearby reception area for a seamless transition.
Bugambilias Gazebo/Terrace: Host your ceremony at the gazebo and then move to the adjacent terrace for the reception, enjoying beautiful poolside views.
The Grand Cancun (with Chapel and Grand Plaza Ballroom): Hold your ceremony in the Chapel and then move to the grand ballroom for a luxurious reception experience.
Transitioning between Ceremony and Reception: The resort’s wedding planners will help with the logistics of transitioning between ceremony and reception spaces. This often involves a short walk or might even be within the same designated area depending on your chosen venue.
What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?
The inclusions in the venue rental fee can vary depending on the specific package you choose. Here’s a general idea:
Standard Venue Rental: This typically includes basic chairs, tables, and the use of the chosen space for a designated timeframe.
Basic Set-up: Some packages might include set-up of chairs and tables in a standard configuration.
Limited Audio/Visual Equipment: Some packages might include a basic sound system and microphone.
Important Note:
Upgraded décor, elaborate chair arrangements, dance floor rentals, and specialty lighting are often additional costs on top of the base venue rental fee.
Backup Plan for Bad Weather
Moon Palace understands the unpredictable nature of weather. Here’s what they offer:
Indoor Ceremony Locations: Beautiful chapels are available as a backup for outdoor ceremonies in case of rain.
Reception Space Flexibility: Many reception locations can be adjusted to accommodate guests indoors if necessary.
Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies
Contact Moon Palace Directly: Policies can vary depending on the chosen package, date booked, and overall resort occupancy.
Get it in Writing: Once you finalize your choices, request a written contract outlining payment terms, cancellation fees, and any other important details.
On-Site Coordination and Planning Services
Moon Palace offers dedicated wedding coordinators to help you plan your dream destination wedding:
Personalized Attention: A wedding coordinator will be assigned to work with you throughout the planning process.
Expertise and Guidance: They will guide you through every step, from selecting the perfect venue to obtaining necessary permits and coordinating with vendors.
Streamlined Communication: Having a single point of contact at the resort simplifies communication and ensures a smooth planning experience.
Dietary Restrictions
Moon Palace caters to various dietary needs to ensure a delicious and inclusive experience for all your guests:
Menu Options: Resorts typically offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other allergy-friendly options alongside their standard menus.
Advance Notice: Discuss any specific dietary needs with your wedding coordinator well in advance to ensure the resort can accommodate your requests.
Customization Possibilities: Depending on the package and resort policy, some level of menu customization might be possible for an additional fee.
Music and Entertainment
Live Music vs. DJ: Inquire about any restrictions on live bands or DJs. Some resorts might have limitations on sound levels or types of music allowed during events.
Entertainment Options: Moon Palace might offer in-house entertainment options like DJs or music ensembles. They can also connect you with approved vendors if you prefer something specific.
Vendor Fees: There might be additional fees for using outside vendors for music or entertainment.
Parking for Guests
On-Site Parking: Moon Palace typically offers on-site parking for guests, although parking fees might apply.
Alternative Transportation: Depending on the resort’s location, you might want to consider suggesting alternative transportation options for guests, especially if parking fees are high.
Total Cost Breakdown
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of potential costs to consider for your Moon Palace destination wedding:
Venue Rental Fee: This varies depending on package, chosen venue, date, and guest count. Expect a range of $2,000 to $10,000+ based on online research.
Food and Beverage: Costs can vary significantly depending on menu selections, beverage packages, and guest count.
Wedding Packages: Moon Palace offers various packages with different inclusions. Expect a range of $5,000 to $20,000+ based on online research, with inclusions like ceremony set-up, cake, photography, etc.
Flowers, Decor, Photography, Entertainment: These are typically additional costs on top of the venue and packages. Research vendor fees at the resort or consider bringing in outside vendors (potential fees might apply).
Guest Accommodation: Guests typically pay their own resort stay, although some all-inclusive wedding packages might offer special discounted rates on room bookings.
Wedding Packages
Moon Palace offers a variety of wedding packages to suit different styles and budgets. Here’s what to consider:
Contact Moon Palace for Latest Details: Package inclusions and pricing can change. Get the most up-to-date information directly from the resort.
Inclusions vs. À La Carte: Carefully review what’s included in each package. Additional costs might apply for items outside the package inclusions.
Package Customization: Some resorts might offer some flexibility to customize packages to fit your specific needs and preferences.
Discounts
Consider these options for potentially lower costs:
Off-Peak Seasons: Summer months typically see lower resort occupancy, which can translate to discounts on venue rentals and wedding packages.
Weekdays: Weddings held on weekdays might also be offered at a lower rate compared to weekends.
Wedding Photography
While not mandatory, wedding photos capture cherished memories:
Moon Palace Photographers: The resort offers on-site photographers. Research their packages and pricing to find the best fit for your needs.
External Photographers: Consider bringing in an external photographer for a unique style or specific needs. Be sure to inquire about any potential vendor fees associated with using an outside photographer.
Remember:
These are estimated costs based on online research. Contact Moon Palace directly for the latest and most accurate information.
Get everything in writing – contracts, package inclusions, and cancellation policies.
Vendor Fee:
- The Price: According to online reviews, the vendor fee at Moon Palace Resort in Cancun can be around $400 per vendor for outside photography or videography services. It’s important to note that this information might not be current, so contacting the resort directly for the latest fee details is crucial.
- Negotiation Potential: While unlikely, some resorts might be open to negotiating vendor fees, especially if you’re booking multiple services or during off-peak seasons.
- Alternatives: Moon Palace has experienced in-house photographers and videographers. Research their portfolios and pricing to see if they align with your vision and budget.
Additional Considerations
Legalities: Research any marriage license requirements in Mexico and ensure you complete the necessary paperwork well in advance. The Moon Palace wedding coordinator might be able to assist you with this process.
Guest Communication: Clearly communicate important details to your guests, such as travel information, dress code for the wedding, and any room block discounts you might have negotiated with the resort.
Welcome Amenities: Consider creating personalized welcome bags for your guests arriving at the resort. These can include local treats, maps, wedding itinerary details, and anything else you feel would enhance their experience.
Activities: Explore the resort’s offerings and plan some fun activities for you and your guests to enjoy during their stay.
Making the Most of Your Moon Palace Destination Wedding
Embrace the All-Inclusive Experience: Take advantage of the convenience of pre-paid food, drinks, and most activities for a stress-free celebration.
Incorporate Local Flair: Personalize your wedding with touches of Mexican culture, from décor to menu selections.
Relax and Enjoy: With meticulous planning and the resort’s assistance, allow yourself to relax and savor every moment of your special day.
By following this comprehensive guide and contacting Moon Palace directly for the latest information, you can plan a magical and unforgettable destination wedding in paradise.
Our Moon Palace Cancun Photography Packages
Ready to preserve every unforgettable moment of your Cancun wedding? Explore our photography packages, designed to perfectly suit your preferences and budget. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a lavish celebration, I’ll be there to capture every detail of your love story with artistry and attention to detail. Take a look at our packages!
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Wow, you’ve reached the end! I hope you found my guide useful! Before you leave, be sure to save these graphics to your Pinterest board. This way, you can easily revisit this guide whenever you need it throughout your planning journey.
RIVIERA MAYA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
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