EL DORADO Royale - frequently asked questions

Q: What is the Apostille Document/Seal?
A: The Apostille document/seal is a special certification document that is accepted to countries that are a party to the rules of the 1961 Hague Convention.  This Apostille document enables you to bypass further certification from the US Department of State and immediately send or take your documents to the country of intended use.  Please contact your Secretary of State office for information on how to obtain the Apostille document or log on to: http://www.state.gov/m/a/auth/c16921.htm.

Q: How many days do we need to be at the hotel before we can get married?
A: For a legal/civil ceremony - The Bride, Groom and 4 witnesses must arrive in Mexico at least 3 business days before the wedding.  For all other ceremonies, the Bride and Groom must have at least one full day between the arrival date and ceremony date.

Saturdays and Sundays are not considered business days.  Mexican holidays are also not considered business days - Mexican holidays for 2008; January 1st, February 4th, March 17th – 22nd, May 1st, May 5th, September 16th, November 17th, December 12th and December 24th – 31st.

Q: Is the ceremony performed in English or Spanish?
A: Legal (also known as civil) ceremonies performed by a judge are conducted in Spanish and can be translated to English by the hotel’s onsite wedding coordinator.  Symbolic ceremonies performed by a minister are conducted in English.

Q: Are the weddings performed in Mexico legal in the United States?
A: Only the legal/civil wedding ceremonies performed in Mexico are legal in North America.  Please check with your local courthouse on how to register your marriage certificate upon your return home.

Q: What happens if I do not have a witness for the ceremony?
A: The hotel can provide witnesses at a cost of $20 per witness, payable in cash at the hotel.

Q: Which day of the week can I get married on?
A: Weddings are not performed on Mexican holidays - Mexican holidays for 2008; January 1st, February 4th, March 17th – 22nd, May 1st, May 5th, September 16th, November 17th, December 12th and December 24th – 31st.

Q: What time of day can I get married?
A: Wedding ceremonies can take place every hour, from 11am to 4pm during the months of January thru March and October thru December and every hour, from 11am to 6pm during the months of April thru September.  El Dorado Royale will be as flexible as possible to accommodate your wishes for a time outside of those noted. 

Q: How many people can the Chapel accommodate?
A: Up to 100.  However, the ballroom can accommodate up to 600.

Q: Can I have guests join us who are not staying at the Hotel?
A: Yes.  Outside guests can join you and are required to purchase a day pass for the hotel.  This will give them access to all amenities on the property for that particular day.  A day pass for the day of the wedding is $72 per person and for any other day during your stay is $99 per person.

Q: Are children allowed to attend our wedding at El Dorado Royale?
A: No.  El Dorado Royale is an adults-only resort and no one under the age of 18 is allowed on property – no exceptions.

Q: Can I have my blood test done before I come to the hotel?
A: No.  The blood test must be done in Mexico and will be performed on property.

Q: What is the price of the blood test?
A: Blood test costs $125 + tax, per person. Tests are performed everyday on property.

Q: Do I have to bring my own music for the ceremony?
A: No.  The hotel has a selection of music that you can choose from.  However, if you do bring your own music, we recommend that you bring it in CD format.

Q: Are there any deposits required?
A: Yes.  A $100 non-refundable deposit is required once the ceremony date is confirmed back to you.  The balance is due 45 days prior to arrival.

Q: Is there a penalty for canceling my wedding?
A: A $300 cancellation fee will apply to confirmed weddings canceled within 30 days of arrival.

Q: How can I find out what other options are available for my wedding?
A: Your travel professional or Ask Me Romance Expert can assist you with all the options available to personalize your wedding day. 

Q. How long will it take to confirm a date?
A. If your wedding is within six months: Once we receive the completed wedding application, we will need 48 hours to confirm the time and date with the judge or minister.  It is best to provide several options in case the first choice is not available. 

If your wedding is outside of six months: The civil judges and ministers will not schedule or confirm appointments outside of six months.  Therefore, we can not finalize the wedding date until six months out.  We will be happy to tentatively reserve the date and time and in most instances, your request will be honored and again, confirmed six months out.  Again, please complete and submit the wedding application. 

Q. Is there a maximum group size El Dorado Royale will host for our wedding?
A: Yes.  The hotel can accommodate a maximum of 120 rooms for a wedding group.

Q: I have guests attending our wedding, who are not all staying at the hotel, is there anything in particular I should know?
A: For operational reasons, El Dorado Royale does require that at least 80% of your wedding group stay at the same hotel as the wedding.

Q. Do I need to pay extra for my wedding dinner?
A. The choice is yours. Many couples opt for special dinner arrangements as they want their wedding day to be special not only for them, but also for their guests. The costs will vary depending on the selections and amenities you choose.  Again, your travel professional or Ask Me Romance Expert will be more than happy to assist you with every important detail of your wedding.

Q: When do I meet the wedding coordinator at El Dorado Royale?
A: Both the Bride and Groom (and witnesses, if applicable) are required to attend a wedding consultation, at which time they will meet the onsite wedding coordinator, reconfirm and finalize all event details.  This typically takes place the day after arrival.  Wedding consultations are held at the resort, Monday-Friday at 9:30am