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FAQs

ALL QUESTIONS General Ceremony Questions Mexico Wedding Requirements Reserving A Wedding-event Staying And Dining At Grand Velas Wedding Payments Wedding Services

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    • Will the ceremony be performed in English or Spanish?
      The legal ceremony is performed in Spanish with the services of a Professional Translator if required.
    • What is the best time of year to get married, weather-wise, at each destination?

      November through April offers ideal weather across all our destinations—Riviera Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Maya, and Los Cabos—featuring sunny skies, pleasant ocean breezes, and warm temperatures perfect for outdoor ceremonies.

    • How many weddings do you host in a single day?

      Only one: yours. Your wedding is an important, once-in-a-lifetime celebration that deserves exclusivity - and that's just what you'll find at our luxury resorts. Your personal wedding coordinator will ensure that no detail is overlooked. We offer an enticing array of thoughtful services and wedding packages in Mexico to make your day complete.

    • Can children attend our wedding?
      If the ceremony/reception takes place at the Garden or Pool area, we are not able to make any exceptions due to the "adult-only" policy. All guests must be 18 years or older. However if the ceremony/reception will take place at the Beach Club, children are welcome. Families with children can stay at Velas Vallarta. Please consult your Wedding Planner for details.
    • How long is the average wedding ceremony at your resorts?
      Most ceremonies last for approximately 30 minutes. Traditional religious ceremonies, such as Catholic weddings, are usually a bit longer. If you plan to take your vows just before sunset, your reception will get started as twilight descends. After dinner, you'll be able to dance under starry skies
    • What time of day do most weddings at your resorts take place?
      Wedding ceremonies usually begin 1.5 hours prior to sunset for the most beautiful skies. Depending on the time of year, this can mean anywhere from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. In the summer months, a sunset ceremony offers milder temperatures by avoiding the heat of the day. Our personal wedding planners can help you figure out the perfect time to say "I do."
    • What is the difference between a legal, religious and symbolic ceremony?
      Legal ceremonies are officiated by a judge who is authorized by the Mexican government to issue a marriage certificate which is valid in Mexico only. In order to be registered in a foreign country, it must be translated and legally stamped. One of the requirements for a legal wedding in Mexico is a blood test that must be taken at least three business days before the wedding. Symbolic ceremonies are led by a non-denominational minister who will give a reading about love and the partnership of marriage. The minister will issue a certificate with no legal value. Religious ceremonies are sacred rituals led by a pastor, priest, rabbi, or another spiritual leader. Hindu, Jewish, and Catholic weddings are a few of the religious ceremonies that we offer.
    • How do I secure a wedding reception date?

      To reserve the date and location, an initial deposit of 5% of the total room block and 5% of the total event cost will be required to secure your group's booking.

    • Can you make a webcam available during the ceremony for guests that cannot attend?
      Yes, we offer professional live streaming at all of our resorts in Mexico. You'll be able to share every moment of your ceremony with family and friends anywhere around the world. Our social media concierge will also update Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for you as the wedding unfolds. Afterward, we'll create a special Pinterest board with the best images from the day.
    • Is it possible to ship my wedding dress, wedding favors or other packages to the resort?
      Yes, any package can be shipped directly to the property. However the resort is not responsible for any inconvenience during the shipping process (Customs taxes, document requirements, etc).
    • When should I expect to be contacted after submitting a reservation request form?
      You will receive email confirmation usually within 24-48 business hours. Also, please feel free to contact us directly by telephone or by emailing weddings@velasresorts.com or bodas@velasresorts.com
    • How many days do I need to be at the resort before the wedding date?
      The couple must arrive at Velas Resorts at least 3 business days (Monday-Saturday) before the scheduled civil ceremony date.
    • Are same-sex marriages legally recognized and performed at Velas Resorts?

      Yes. All Velas Resorts properties proudly host legal and symbolic same-sex weddings, offering an inclusive, welcoming, and unforgettable environment for all couples.

    • Are weddings performed at Velas Resorts legally recognized in the United States?
      Yes. Civil/legal weddings performed in Mexico are legal in the United States. To find out more about the legal and translation requirements for registering your marriage certificate obtained in Mexico, contact your local courthouse. Remember that you are responsible for any additional charges imposed by your state or country to register your marriage or provide additional paperwork.
    • What are the document requirements for a legal wedding in Mexico?
      • Marriage Application
      • Proof of legal stay in México (Original & Copy)
      • Blood test (Completed no more than 15 days prior to the wedding day)
      • Death certificate of previous spouse if applicable (certified translation to Spanish)
      • Four (4) Witnesses, can be relatives except parents (must present proof of legal stay in México and photo ID. If the witnesses are Mexican citizens, an official photo ID is required)
      • Passport or Driver's License
      • Birth certificate (certified translation to Spanish)
      • Divorce certificate if applicable (certified translation to Spanish)
      • Health certificate (Completed no more than 15 days prior to the wedding day)
      • If neither person to be married is not a Mexican citizen it is necessary to obtain authorization from the Mexican Immigration Office, at an extra charge.

      Consult your Velas Resorts Wedding Planner about legal requirements for your wedding and travel to Mexico.
    • If my name is different from the passport and birth certificate will this be an issue?
      Yes. All names must be exactly the same, including middle names. In addition, a Tourist Visa is required by the Mexican Government to carry out the wedding. You will automatically obtain this upon arrival at the Cancun or Puerto Vallarta Airport. It is the card placed in your passport after passing through immigration. If either the bride or groom has ever been adopted, divorced, widowed, or had a name change, an original or certified copy of the related document is required.
    • What if a document is missing? Can the judge still perform the ceremony?
      No. There are no exceptions to this rule. All documents must be in order, so please verify well in advance that you are in possession of all documents before departure.
    • Should we mail our documents before we arrive?
      Yes. Documents must be presented to your Velas Resorts wedding coordinator at least 30 days prior to the wedding day and must be personally presented to the Judge at the time of your interview.
    • Are witnesses required?
      For a legal ceremony, four witnesses must be present. Each of your witnesses must provide valid identification. Most witnesses use their passports, however other forms of government-issued identification are acceptable too.
    • How far in advance should the couple arrive in order to be able to have the ceremony?
      Most ceremonies last for approximately 30 minutes. Traditional religious ceremonies, such as Catholic weddings, are usually a bit longer. If you plan to take your vows just before sunset, your reception will get started as twilight descends. After dinner, you'll be able to dance under starry skies
    • The couple must arrive at Velas Resorts at least 3 business days (Monday-Saturday) before the scheduled civil ceremony date.
      Legal ceremonies are officiated by a judge who is authorized by the Mexican government to issue a marriage certificate which is valid in Mexico only. In order to be registered in a foreign country, it must be translated and legally stamped. One of the requirements for a legal wedding in Mexico is a blood test that must be taken at least three business days before the wedding. Symbolic ceremonies are led by a non-denominational minister who will give a reading about love and the partnership of marriage. The minister will issue a certificate with no legal value. Religious ceremonies are sacred rituals led by a pastor, priest, rabbi, or another spiritual leader. Hindu, Jewish, and Catholic weddings are a few of the religious ceremonies that we offer.
    • Is it possible to contact the Mexican Immigration Authorities directly prior to our arrival?
      Yes. You can contact them at www.inami.gob.mx.
    • What services does your wedding coordinator provide? Is there a fee?
      Our talented wedding planners do it all - and there's no additional fee. Weddings at Velas Resorts are all-inclusive. We'll arrange your flowers, decor, entertainment, catering, photography, and everything else. We take care of the details so that you can focus on enjoying your wedding celebration in paradise.
    • Should I contract an external wedding planner?
      An external wedding planner can help with items such as sending the invitations, managing the guest list and RSVP, helping to create the theme and style of the wedding. Everything else is included in your wedding package for exclusive experiences at our resort. Our wedding planners will help arrange musicians, flowers, decor, catering, cakes, live-streaming, drone filming, and more.
    • Can I create my own menu?
      Of course! Your wedding menu can be customized according to your budget and taste. You'll collaborate with our wedding planners and chefs to ensure that every bite meets and exceeds your expectations. Whether you desire hot Mexican food or haute cuisine, a themed buffet or a posh plated banquet, our professional culinary teams will design a wedding feast that delights your senses. We offer personalized wedding packages with diverse global cuisines, including delicious entrees, appetizers, hors d' oeuvres, desserts, and beverages.
    • Does the resort provide the wedding cake?
      Let them eat cake! A classic white wedding cake from the Velas Collections is included in all of our wedding experiences. We also offer customizable menus with fresh, innovative international cuisine for your wedding celebration, rehearsal dinner, poolside cocktail party, or beach reception.
    • How far in advance should I plan my destination wedding?
      Most guests start planning their wedding 9-12 months before the big day. Not only does this give you enough time to visualize your ideal celebration, it also provides the best availability at our sought-after resorts. Check out our Mexico Wedding Checklist Calendar for a full timeline to make planning easier.
    • Who will be my wedding coordinator, and when do I get assigned one?

      You are assigned a dedicated Romance Concierge immediately upon confirming your wedding date. Your coordinator will oversee every step of your planning process, from vendor selection and design details to flawless execution on your special day.

    • What is included in each wedding experience, and how do they differ?

      Our luxury wedding experiences are crafted to suit different group sizes and styles, featuring symbolic ceremony setups in breathtaking oceanfront, beach, or garden venues, bridal bouquets, boutonnieres, audio equipment, wedding cakes, and sparkling wine toasts. Tailored embellishments and haute cuisine menus can be fully customized with your Romance Concierge.

    • Can I hire outside vendors (photographer, florist, planner) for my wedding, and are there fees?

      You are welcome to bring outside vendors. An outside vendor fee applies per vendor, per day. Alternatively, our resorts and hotels partner with world-class local photographers, florists, and designers who meet our strict quality standards, allowing you to waive outside vendor fees.

    • When do we meet our wedding planner?
      You will be in close contact with your Velas Resorts Wedding Planner in the months leading up to your arrival. Upon arrival, couples may establish a meeting with the Wedding Planner or will receive a letter from the Wedding Planner in their room or at the front desk specifying an appointment time and date to meet.
    • What types of decorations do you offer?
      We offer infinite décor - from moonlit gardens dripping with candles to beach wedding decorations in Mexico - enhanced by the sea, sand, and sky. If you can imagine it, our talented designers can bring it to life! Some of the decor we offer includes fireworks, beach beds, gazebos, centerpieces, table linens, pathways, bonfires, candles, ambient lighting, and cozy romantic areas that enhance the natural beauty of Mexico's coast.
    • Does the resort provide the wedding cake?

      Let them eat cake! A classic white wedding cake from the Velas Collections is included in all of our wedding experiences. We also offer customizable menus with fresh, innovative international cuisine for your wedding celebration, rehearsal dinner, poolside cocktail party, or beach reception.

    • What types of flowers are available?
      Choose from many types of traditional and tropical flowers with creative accents and innovative designs, including native flowers of Mexico. From flowered altars on a sunset beach to fragrant garden gazebos to elegant centerpieces, our professional flower designs add a naturally beautiful aesthetic. Dazzling flower arrangements include table centerpieces, stunning gazebos, bouquets, and boutonnieres.
    • Do the resorts offer a steaming or pressing service for a wedding dress?
      Velas Resorts offers a basic steaming service (depending on the details, size, material of the dress, etc.). However there are off-property services that can handle the steaming of the dress. Prices are determined based on the dress details.
    • Do you provide photography and video services?
      Don't miss a moment with our exceptional photography and video services. We don't just take pictures - we capture the mood and the epic romance of your wedding day with live streaming, drone filming, and professional videography. We'll also take care of any special media requests you have to make your night spectacular.
    • What type of music services do you book?
      Choose your favorite live music to create a festive atmosphere, including mariachi, salsa, jazz bands, traditional bands, classic quartets, solo violinists, Mexican trios, and professional DJs - to name a few. Everything sounds great on our state-of-the-art sound system. Dance the night away under star-studded skies as the band plays "your" song.
    • Can we bring our own wedding music?
      Yes. We provide a wide selection of music, however, clients are welcome to bring their own wedding music, CDs or iPods to ensure that the music is exactly what they desire for their wedding ceremony and reception.
    • What services does your wedding coordinator provide? Is there a fee?

      Our talented wedding planners do it all - and there's no additional fee. Weddings at Velas Resorts are all-inclusive. We'll arrange your flowers, decor, entertainment, catering, photography, and everything else. We take care of the details so that you can focus on enjoying your wedding celebration in paradise.