Frequently Asked Questions

Our aim is to ensure your wedding is easy and stress-free, as well as gorgeous and memorable.

  • How do I qualify for the Free Sweet Wedding?

The free wedding package offered by El Dorado Royale, Casitas Royale and El Dorado Seaside Suites is only available when requested and confirmed at least 30 days before the ceremony date. To qualify, the wedding couple must stay in one of the designated room categories, plus have an additional five rooms booked in any category for three nights or more by wedding guests. If you do not qualify for the free wedding package, you must purchase either the Silver or Gold Wedding Package.

  • How many days do I need to be at the resort before we can get married?

For civil ceremonies, you must be at the hotel three full business days before the wedding. Saturdays, Sundays and Mexican national holidays are not considered business days.

For symbolic and religious ceremonies, there must be a full business day between hotel arrival and the ceremony. So if you are marrying on a Saturday, you’ll need to arrive at the hotel on Thursday.

  • What are the Mexican national holidays?

In 2009, they are January 1; February 2; March 16; April 9-11; May 1; September 16; November 16; and December 24-25. 

  • Are there any restrictions on dates or times for the ceremony?

You can get married on any day of the week except Mexican national holidays. And you can have your ceremony at any time of the day or night. 

  • Are weddings performed in Mexico legal in the U.S.?

Yes, civil ceremonies performed by a judge in Mexico are legal in the U.S. You’ll have to register your legalized marriage certificate at your local City Hall or Courthouse once you return home.

  • Can children attend the wedding?

Children of all ages are welcome at the three Azul Hotels. But the El Dorado Spa Resorts are adults-only properties. At El Dorado Royale, Casitas Royale and El Dorado Seaside Suites, wedding attendees must be at least 18 years old. At El Dorado Maroma, wedding attendees must be at least 16 years old.

  • Can people who are not staying at the hotel attend the wedding?

Yes, guests staying at a different hotel can join you for your ceremony and reception, but they must purchase a wedding day pass to enter the resort for a fee of $72. The pass is good for eight hours. Passes should be organized by the On-Site Wedding Coordinator. 

If these non-hotel guests want to join you at the hotel on any other day, for example the rehearsal dinner or the day after the wedding, they must purchase a day pass for $99 that covers food and activities for eight hours. A full day pass is $130.

Note: There are no reciprocal arrangements between any of the Azul Hotels or El Dorado Spa Resorts. If attending guests are staying at any hotel other than the one where your wedding will be held, they will require a day pass to get into the property.

  • Is the ceremony performed in English or Spanish?

Legal/civil ceremonies performed by a judge are conducted in Spanish and translated to English by our On-Site Wedding Coordinator. Symbolic ceremonies performed by a minister are conducted in English.

  • What if we are not traveling with witnesses for the ceremony?

For a legal wedding in Mexico, you’ll need four witnesses; two for the bride and two for the groom. We can provide witnesses for a fee of approximately $20 per witness.

  • Can I have my blood test done in advance at home?

Blood tests for the legal/civil ceremony are required to be performed in Mexico by law. A certified physician performs the tests in a private wedding room at the hotel. The fee is $125 per person; tests are included in the Gold Wedding Package.

  • What is an Apostille Certificate?

The Authentications Office of the U.S. Department of State provides U.S. citizens with authentication services on documents that will be used for legal and administrative purposes overseas. An Apostille Certificate with a raised or stamped seal is issued to authenticate a public document for official use in a foreign country. For more information: www.state.gov/documents/organization/84450.pdf

  • Can I use my own photographer?

Photographers and videographers are not allowed on hotel property unless pre-approved by the hotel. Mexican law requires foreign/U.S. workers to obtain proper licensing and work certificates while working in Mexico. If these requirements are met, there is a $500 fee for outside photographers and videographers. This fee is waived if the outside photographer is a hotel guest for three or more nights.

Note: The same rules apply for all vendors, such as florists, decorators and musicians. Your wedding planner can help coordinate all the services you desire through our network of approved suppliers.

  • Are tuxedo rentals available?

Yes, we can arrange for tuxedos. Submit your measurements at least a week in advance. The fee is $250. The rental does not include shoes.

  • Can I bring my own music for the ceremony?

Each resort has a selection of music to choose from for the procession and the ceremony. If you have a specific song or piece of music you’d like to feature, please bring it with you on CD.