General Ceremony Questions
- Can we customize wedding décor and styling to match our personal theme (e.g. traditional Indian décor, colour palette, florals)? Yes. Grand Velas Weddings lets couples fully personalize décor. From floral arrangements, lighting, table settings, to cultural accents and a décor theme of your choice. The resort’s wedding planners will collaborate with you to reflect your vision and ensure the style you want shines through.
- Are there options for vegetarian, vegan or special dietary menus for guests at the wedding reception? Absolutely. Grand Velas offers custom menus for wedding events. If you or any guest require vegetarian, vegan, gluten‑free, or other dietary accommodations, the culinary team will tailor the menu accordingly to meet your needs and ensure all your guests enjoy the celebration.
- Can we have wedding guests who are not staying at the resort attend the ceremony and reception? Yes, non‑resort guests may attend your wedding, though they may need to purchase a “wedding pass” from the resort, and there may be restrictions or fees. It’s best to check with your wedding coordinator in advance so all guests, staying or not, are properly accommodated.
- Is there a minimum guest count or suite‑block requirement to book a wedding at Grand Velas? Typically, Grand Velas does not mandate a minimum guest count, but many resorts under the same brand require a block of suites to get special room‑block rates. For example, another Grand Velas resort requires at least 10 suites for two nights to qualify for group rates.
- How far in advance should we book to secure our preferred wedding date and venue? To maximize the chances of reserving your preferred date and venue, especially peak season or high‑demand venues, it’s recommended to book at least 12–18 months in advance. Early planning helps ensure availability and gives ample time to coordinate décor, guest accommodations, and logistics.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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."
- 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