Planning a destination wedding at a luxury resort like Secrets Cap Cana can seem like a dream come true—until the unexpected fees start stacking up. What many couples don’t realize until it's too late is that resorts often hide service charges, set-up fees, and vendor penalties deep within their contracts. These costs can drastically inflate your original budget if you're not informed.
As wedding planners who’ve coordinated hundreds of celebrations across Punta Cana, Sertuin Events has seen firsthand how these “surprise” charges can leave couples feeling blindsided. That’s why we’re pulling back the curtain on Secrets Cap Cana’s pricing structure—and giving you the right questions to ask before you sign.
1. The 20%+ Service Charge: It’s Not Just a Tip
Many couples assume that the service charge mentioned in resort wedding contracts is a gratuity for the staff. At Secrets Cap Cana, however, the 20% service fee is often not a tip, but rather a mandatory administrative charge applied to nearly everything, from the ceremony setup to the plated reception.
What it affects:
Wedding package base price
Food & beverage minimums
Decor upgrades
Vendor services (even those included)
SOLUTION: Ask for a line-item breakdown of what the 20% covers. Also, clarify whether it is taxed separately (which can add another 18% ITBIS tax). When working with Sertuin Events, we review your contract beforehand and help you negotiate transparent pricing with the resort’s coordinator.
2. “Set-Up” & “Tear-Down” Charges: Often Unlisted Until Final Quote
Another surprise fee couples report is a set-up or tear-down fee that can range from $300 to $1,000 USD depending on the complexity of your décor—even if you’re using resort-approved vendors.
Some brides are told this fee is for “special handling” or “logistics,” despite already paying thousands for décor and planning.
SOLUTION: Before agreeing to any custom decor, ask if there’s a separate handling or set-up charge. Be clear about what’s included in your package. If you’re bringing in a preferred planner like Sertuin Events, we coordinate directly with resort staff to pre-negotiate these logistics fees or, when possible, handle the entire setup ourselves using the resort’s guidelines.
3. Outside Vendor Fees: The Hidden Penalty for Personal Choice
Want to bring your own photographer or florist? At Secrets Cap Cana, be prepared to pay an outside vendor fee that can run from $500 to $1,000 USD per vendor.
This policy is often framed as a “quality control” measure, but in reality, it’s a profit-driven surcharge that punishes couples for wanting creative control over their big day.
SOLUTION: You can negotiate vendor waivers—especially if the vendor isn’t using resort equipment or if you book a certain room category or guest count. Sertuin Events has established relationships with many resorts and can often reduce or bypass these fees thanks to our familiarity with the resort policies and our local partnerships.
4. Mandatory Wedding Package Upgrades: The “Custom Wedding” Trap
Secrets Cap Cana offers various wedding packages, starting with basic elopement-style setups and going up to “Dreams of Love” or “Beyond Memorable.” But couples frequently find themselves pressured to upgrade due to guest count minimums or decor limitations.
Even if you start with a $3,000 package, it’s common to end up paying $8,000–$10,000 once you account for:
Per-guest meal costs
Audio/visual rentals
Cocktail hour “enhancements”
Extra seating or ceremony décor
SOLUTION: Ask for a full guest-per-head estimate and make sure to review what’s not included. Sertuin Events can help design a wedding setup that meets resort requirements while maximizing visual impact at a fraction of the cost, often using third-party rentals and styling.
5. The “Private Event” Fine Print
One of the biggest misunderstandings at Secrets Cap Cana is around private events. While your ceremony might be included in a package, the cocktail hour and dinner may not be private unless you pay extra—often $15–$25 per guest.
This means your once-in-a-lifetime reception could take place next to a loud pool party or restaurant buffet if you haven’t specifically requested exclusivity.
SOLUTION: Always confirm whether your wedding events are private. If they aren’t, ask what the surcharge is for exclusivity. When you work with Sertuin Events, we know how to schedule your timeline and layout to avoid disruptions even without full privacy.
💡 How Sertuin Events Protects You
At Sertuin Events, our mission is to shield couples from unnecessary costs and unpleasant surprises. With over 2,000 proposals and weddings executed in Punta Cana, we know the inside workings of nearly every resort—including Secrets Cap Cana.
Here’s what we offer:
✅ Contract review before you sign ✅ Transparent budgeting with no fluff ✅ Vendor negotiation support ✅ Setup, styling, and coordination outside of resort fees ✅ Real advice—not sales pitches
You deserve a destination wedding that matches your expectations without draining your savings.
People Also Ask
Are wedding packages at Secrets Cap Cana all-inclusive?
Not entirely. While the package may cover basics, many upgrades—like décor, vendor fees, or private events—are extra.
What is the service charge at Secrets Cap Cana weddings?
It’s typically 20% and is not a gratuity—it’s an administrative charge added to most services, often taxed separately.
Can I use my own photographer or florist at Secrets Cap Cana?
Yes, but you’ll likely be charged an outside vendor fee of $500–$1,000 unless you negotiate a waiver or exception.
What should I ask before signing a Secrets Cap Cana wedding contract?
Ask about service charges, vendor fees, décor setup fees, private event surcharges, and package limitations. Review everything in writing.
How can Sertuin Events help with a Secrets Cap Cana wedding?
We provide full planning, negotiation, and design services—minimizing hidden fees and customizing your dream wedding experience affordably.
Final Thoughts
Secrets Cap Cana is undeniably beautiful, but behind the palm trees and pristine beaches lies a complex web of fees, surcharges, and fine print that can derail your budget. Don't let these surprises ruin what should be the happiest time of your life.
Partner with Sertuin Events to enjoy transparent planning, smart budget management, and a wedding day that’s as smooth as it is spectacular.
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