FAQs

Question

When is the RSVP deadline?

Answer

Please submit your RSVP through this website by August 15, 2026! If you need to change your RSVP before the deadline, please edit your RSVP here on our Zola website. To change after the deadline, please text the bride and/or groom directly.

Question

What is the expected weather?

Answer

During the day, expect temperatures in the 70-80°F range with strong sun. At night, temperatures drop significantly to 50-60°F. Rain is unlikely, but possible (<10% chance)

Question

What should I wear?

Answer

Our dress code is cocktail or garden party attire! For men - wear a suit, sportscoat, or nice button-down. A tie is not required. For women - wear a dress or nice blouse with skirt/pants suitable for spring/summer weather. We suggest not going for a sharp heel, as the cocktail hour area will be grassy. As temperatures can fall later in the evening, please consider bringing a shawl or jacket. Please refrain from wearing white.

Question

What should I bring?

Answer

Sun protection! Debit & Credit Card: Credit cards can be used at many restaurants around the lake, but small stands and markets will only accept the local currency (Quetzales). US Dollars can only be converted if they are in pristine condition, but ATMs are plentiful. Your typical packing list A spirit of love and adventure! <3

Question

What do I need to do to prepare for my entry to Guatemala?

Answer

Passport: Valid passport that does not expire within 6 months of the trip Entry Form: Complete the Guatemala Regional Travel Affidavit on the SAT website about 3 days before departure. You will be asked to show your obtained QR code upon arrival. This will also need to be completed when leaving Guatemala. Website: https://cdn.c.sat.gob.gt/declaDelViajeroGt-web/pages/public/declaracionJuradaDelViajero.html Vaccinations: No vaccinations are required. The CDC recommends being up-to-date on all routine vaccinations, as well as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid. If you are extending your travel to rural areas (not Lake Atitlán, Guatemala City, or Antigua), Malaria medicine and Rabies pre-exposure vaccination are also recommended. Elevation: If you do not have experience at elevation or have experienced elevation sickness in the past, please speak to your doctor about preventative medication. There are also some over-the-counter options. Panajachel is ~5000ft above sea level (similar to Denver, CO). Travel Insurance: As with any international trip, travel insurance is highly recommended, but not required.

Question

What is the venue like?

Answer

Jardines del Lago is a beautiful lakefront hotel consisting of 3 separate buildings. Guest accommodations will be in the main building, which provides WIFI, TV, lake views, easy access to the wedding area, and pool access. Please note that these rooms are not air-conditioned (the vast majority at the lake are not), but are equipped with fans. We will be providing accommodations for our guests on Dec 3 & 4. Breakfast is included during the stay. There are also 2 restaurants, 2 cafes, and 1 bakery on-site. Flor de Cafe was rated best view in Panajachel! The ceremony will take place on the lake dock. The hotel is a short walk to Calle Santander - the main street of Panajachel where you can find restaurants, street vendors, nightlife, and more. Various activities can be booked through the hotel - including jet skis, Mayan herbal steam baths (Tuj), massages, and Guatemalan coffee tastings. Website: https://jardinesdellago.com/

Question

What time should I arrive to the ceremony?

Answer

The ceremony will begin promptly at 4PM. Please arrive to the dock area by 3:40PM to allow time for seating. Our wedding planner, Darya, will greet you and show you where to be seated.

Question

Are pictures allowed during the wedding?

Answer

For the ceremony: No. This will be an unplugged event to allow us to focus on our love and commitment. For the cocktail hour and reception: Yes. Take all the pictures you want and please share them with the bride & groom after the event! Just please be mindful and respectful of the photographers to avoid blocking their views.

Question

Should I bring a gift?

Answer

Gifts are certainly not required; we are just happy to have you celebrate with us! If you would like to give a gift, our preference would be a contribution to one of our registry cash funds. These can be found in the Registry tab & are paid via Credit Card. Alternatively, we would be happy to accept gifts to our address at 1146 Villa Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203 or via Venmo to @Bryan-Bernstein-1

Question

I'm arriving in Guatemala City early and/or at night. Where can I stay there?

Answer

Overall, zones 4, 9, & 10 are the best areas to stay in & have a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. Our recommendations can be found in the “Hotels” tab. Many hotels have a shuttle or transport options from the airport. Uber is also an option. Please stay in Guatemala City if your flight arrives later than 3PM, as the roads near the lake are very dark and winding at night, leading to possibly dangerous driving conditions.

Question

What transportation options are available?

Answer

Transportation will be provided by us at 2:45PM on Dec 3 from the GUA airport. If this doesn't work for your timing, transportation can be arranged by the venue Jardines del Lago. Please contact them via their website. Other Private Transport Options: Revealing Destinations, Mayalandia Tours, Quetzal Shuttle Shared Shuttle Options: GuateGo, Marvelus Travel

Question

Do you have more information about transportation?

Answer

Transport Time: The journey from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlán is approximately 3hrs. For this reason, we strongly recommend to not arrive in the country on the same day as the wedding (Dec. 4). This journey can be broken up into 2 smaller sections by visiting Antigua or Chichicastenango. From Guatemala City, the latest shuttle leaves at 2PM daily. However, private services may be able to leave later. Renting a car: It is possible to rent a car in Guatemala, but we do not recommend this. Road conditions can be challenging with heavy city traffic and dark, winding roads closer to the lake. There are plenty of shuttle and private transfer options available. Taxis: In cities, apps like Uber are preferred. White taxis can be unregulated. Shuttles: Shared shuttles should be booked in advance as they can fill up. They may run late due to picking other passengers up at their respective hotels. Getting around in town: Panajachel is very walkable. Tuk-tuks can be hailed from the street. Ask drivers a price beforehand; it should only cost 5-15Q pp.

Question

I want to stay elsewhere; what are my options?

Answer

There are many places to stay in Panajachel! We suggest staying in town, as boat transport schedules are unpredictable, and roads are subject to unforeseen traffic. Our recommendations can be found in the “Hotels” tab. Please look at reviews to determine what is right for you! There are plenty of Airbnbs, as well. Please keep in mind distance to the venue, as taxis must be arranged in advance.

Question

Can I extend my stay?

Answer

Of course! To extend your stay at Jardines del Lago, please contact them via their website.

Question

I need to buy something in Guatemala; where do I go?

Answer

There are large supermarkets (including Walmart) in Guatemala City, where the airport is located. La Torre is a walkable grocery store from the venue. Right outside of the venue, there is a convenience stand that sells snacks and drinks.

Question

What else should I know?

Answer

Stray Dogs: There are many stray dogs in Guatemala. For the most part, they are very friendly and taken care of. Of course, exercise caution if you want to pet or feed a stray. Possible Crime: For safety, travelers should not visit -San Marcos Department (not to be confused with the lake town) on the SW border -Huehuetenango Department on the NW border -Zone 18 of Guatemala City -Villa Nueva (town SW of Guatemala City) Apart from these areas, Guatemala is considered safe for tourists, especially Lake Atitlán and Antigua. Exercise a typical amount of caution for pickpockets in crowded areas. Booking Activities: When booking with Guatemalan businesses, we highly suggest using Whatsapp, as responses will be more timely and you can avoid international text fees. Language: Spanish is the language of Guatemala. English is only taught in college, but many service workers have a small understanding. A translation app can be very helpful. Basic phrases: https://www.journeylatinamerica.com/travel-inspiration/travel-tips/15-essential-spanish-phrases/ Water: Tap water is not safe to drink. Hotels have filtered water stations, and bottles can be bought at the convenience store just outside the venue.