Mazatlan

[salsa_bride]

Since I'm the first Mazatlan Bride here, I thought I would begin writing down my "learnings" and progress in the planning here for any future brides who plan to marry in Mazatlan.

My fiance and I are planning for an April/May wedding in Mazatlan. This is when the prices for accomodations start to go down as they enter their slower tourist season. We have to make sure though, that we book AFTER Holy Week - as prices are at its premium during the Easter Season. Ideal time is probably late April into May. The weather I hear at that time is perfect. Not to hot, and not cold - if anyone hears differently, let me know!! I'm always concerned about hurricane seasons!!

Ceremony:
We will be having a Catholic Ceremony there - there is a large cathedral in the downtown area that would be beautiful, however, due to its location, it is not going to give any privacy as it can be a busy touristy area and may come with the problems of it being "downtown" (e.g. transportation there from the main resort strip, locals/tourists wandering on the grounds etc). There is a Catholic church that is within the resort vicinity (10 minute walk or so from the the Royal Villas resort) where an Irish priest can give the ceremony in either English or Spanish. Not sure of the name of the church yet or any other details.

Reception:
There are two resorts I'm looking at the moment for the reception. First one is El Cid Marina Beach Hotel (apparently they can provide shuttle service to and from the church). My girlfriend who lives there has been to a couple of weddings there and says it's a beautiful spot, where you can take a short ferry ride to a private reception area (ballroom - all glass, so you have a view of the ocean on all sides) and you can watch the sunset.
The second resort that I've read as one of the most beautiful locations for a wedding is Torres Mazatlan (apparantly their grounds are amazing for photography).

Catering: Since I'm flying guests in from Canada and other parts of the world, I would really like to provide an authentic Mexican meal at the reception. Going this route is much much cheaper rather than having the hotel provide it. My girlfriend has suggested a local catering company called Panama (for her casual party at home, they charged approximately $5 a head which includes clean up, utensils/plates, service - and the food is excellent!!) and they make the corn tortillas fresh in front of you!! For a wedding event, it will probably cost a little more, but even if it's double, who can beat $10 a head for a great authentic Mexican meal??

Hm that's it for now... will update as I learn more!!

[Tammy Host]

thank you so much for this great info. you sound very informed and organized.

you are correct about prices going down late april (you also miss spring break

I can't wait to hear more about your wedding and what you find!

[Jackie]

These two resorts sound lovely. Do they have websites?
I agree with going the authentic route as far as food. What better way to celebrate the fact that your in Mexico than to serve authentic Mexican food.

[salsa_bride]

El Cid website is : El Cid Resorts | Mazatlan & Cozumel Mexico

I'm having probs finding an official website for Torres mazatlan, I've just been getting their info from other travel sites. If you happen to come across an official website, let me know!

Thanks!
Darlene

[Nrvsbride]

Darlene thank you for posting all this information. These places look stunning!!! It will def help future brides who want to get married here. I haven't gotten in touch yet with my aunt but as soon as I do I will get as much information as I can for you. Best of luck with everything.

-Glenda

[salsa_bride]

Here is some additional information for Mazatlan I just collected from my friend there. Her friend's daughter (a local) is getting married this month at El Cid Marina Beach Hotel. You take a short ferry to the reception site (it is a round building glass all around where you can watch the sunset, you are able to walk out onto a patio i believe). For 150 guests, price is about $10-15k depending on the menu and bar service you select. This price includes decorations, cake, everything... excluding music - but in Mazatlan, you can rent a DJ for about $600 for the night, or even better, get a live 10 piece band.
For those of you looking to have a Catholic ceremony - there is a priest in Mazatlan that I think does many DW weddings. His name Father Young - he is Irish, speaks English (and Spanish_ and will marry anyone as long as you are there at least 3 days prior to ceremony, I believe the cost is a donation you give. He is a school chaplin, does a lot of volunteer work... Otherwise, if you get married by other priests, you may have to go through a "marriage preparation course" similar to what they require here in many churches in Northa America.

Another possible wedding location is Faro Mazatlan... Hotel en Mazatlan - Mazatlan hotel- Mazatlan Hoteles
My friend has been to a wedding there... very beautiful and private... on a cliffside I believe, over the ocean.

That's it for now!!

[Aimless911]

Any newbies planning or lookin at getting married in Mazatlan!?

Just thought would be fun to chat and compare locations and ideas!!!

Thanks!

[dinogomez]

Congratulations!!

d!no

[Angie4896]

CONGRATS CONGRATS CONGRATS!!!

I can recommend a GREAT place to host a welcome dinner. Ernie Tomatoes. Ask for Dylan (his uncle owns the place)! I spent about a month and a half in Mazatlan in college, made some great friends! Good Luck!!