First of all, welcome to our blog. Our main purpose is to provide you with all relevant information for you, your future spouse and your family to have a wonderful wedding experience in Acapulco, México. We got married there a few years ago. We had such an awesome time and learned so many things, that we decided to help other couples that were looking for that same wonderful experience that we had by creating this blog. Our information and attention to detail became so popular with engaged couples looking for that special Acapulco wedding that we started our highly sought after Acapulco Wedding Coordination Service. MORE ON THAT LATER!Now, let's start with the basics. You want a tropical atmospheric wedding, perhaps on the beach, by the beach, or close to the beach where all of your friends and family can easily fly to and from the United States, Canada or Europe and you want to package your honeymoon around your wedding so when your friends and family leave, you have beautiful Acapulco all to yourselves - right?Great, so here are Jesse & Laura's Top 10 Things You Need to Know Before Getting Married in Acapulco.1. The Civil Judge who will conduct your civil ceremony will need copies of the following documents for all non México citizens: Copies of the bride and groom's Passports and Birth Certificates. Once you arrive in Acapulco, the judge will need to see the actual documents prior to initiating the wedding ceremony. A deposit of 75% is usually required to schedule your civil ceremony on the judge's calendar. The 25% balance is paid at the ceremony. [Note: Sometimes a 50% up front and 50% balance paid at ceremony can be arranged, however it is up to the judge].
2. You and your future spouse will need to take a blood exam prior to your wedding in Acapulco. Blood test results or vials are not acceptable. Therefore, ensure that you arrive in Acapulco at least a day or two to take the test, get the results and get on your way to marrying your significant other. These are presented to the judge prior to the civil ceremony. Some hotels may have this option available for at the hotel premises for your convenience. We'll tell you, which hotels have this great and easy service.
3. If you are Catholic, you will need to bring proof of your marriage course completion certificate, usually called the "Engaged Encounter" certificate (it may vary by diocese), where you've met the requirements of the Catholic church to marry. This document needs to be brought with you and shown prior to the Catholic Ceremony wedding. Coordination with the Catholic Church and priest is needed, many weeks prior to the wedding. [Laura and I received special permission to hold a Catholic Wedding Ceremony at a non denominational chapel overlooking the Acapulco Bay - And So Can You!]
4. If you hire a hair stylist locally, make sure she has solid references. Many weddings in Acapulco, including ours, always have their "hiccups". For some reason, hair stylists, which are vital to every beautiful bride always arrive late and are not as punctual as one would like. We know of the very best in Acapulco. So make sure you get references ahead of time.
5. Deposits and Payments for Services. Most services will require a full upfront payment for services at your wedding. For example, your music, flowers, hotel or house, limousine and catering will require a payment in advance for the services provided. Some services require a 50% or even a 75% pre-payment deposit to hold the date. It may surprise you who does NOT require a deposit!
6. Homes are Perfect for Civil Ceremonies. There are some homes that are perfectly located by the beach or up on the mountain side overlooking the bay that are capable of hosting up to 50 people. Those who want privacy, typically can rent a home and have the reception at the home with the beautiful backdrop to the Acapulco Bay behind them. These homes ask for 50% down to hold the dates and the balance paid in full on arrival.
7. Hotels are also a great option. Our wedding was held at the Mayan Palace Resort and there were many benefits to having it there. One, Laura wanted to be near the ocean but not on it (more on that later). Two, the ocean breezes perfectly complimented the outdoor temple style reception area and our wedding was open and personal. Three, we spent the wedding night there so we did not have to go far after the guests left the party. Four, wanted room service! P.S. We would not recommend your wedding at a (***) 3 star hotel. We only recommend 4 or 5 star hotels, which in our view provide great and memorable service!
8. Set up private tours for your guests. If you have a group of guests totaling more than 20, then you can rent the exclusive service of private tours, thereby allowing family members and friends can get to know one another and spend time with each other during water sporting activities, going to see the cliff divers or sight seeing in Acapulco shopping and historic districts. However, make sure that you get the right touring company to provide this service. The last thing you want is to worry about that distant cousin who takes your Mom and Dad to "Old Acapulco" and they are running late back to one of your functions!
9. Pay for the Limo. Some people try to cut costs and take Taxi's from the Airport. Although Taxi's are generally reliable, some of them DO NOT have air conditioning...so therefore, pay the extra bucks and get a professional Limo driver to take you and your guests to and from the airport. They and you will appreciate that and have that "positive mojo" working for them throughout your wedding event.
10. Fly direct whenever possible. If you are flying from the west coast, there are direct flights to Acapulco as there are from the east coast. However, try to avoid flying through Mexico City where you board on another plane to get to Acapulco. If you require to have a stop in flight, make sure it's in the US. Flying direct to Acapulco from any US destination will make your wedding experience easier...trust us on this one.
Acapulco is a very beautiful resort with great memories up for grabs for you and your family. We recommend staying in hotels that are established and are ranked very, very high on our list. Check out our TOP 3 Resorts for Luxury Weddings in Acapulco:
Due to Demand, We Will be Having a * FREE * Online Live Tele-seminar every Wednesday evening beginning April 15th, 2009 at 7:00PM (CST)!
(Send us an email at acapulcoweddings@gmail.com and tell us you want to register for the FREE seminar! Here's what we'll discuss during the call: The top 10 things you need to know before getting married in Acapulco, our most recommended hotels, and how to start a wedding check list to manage your wedding and much more.)
