We’re aiming for a festive formal atmosphere, so we encourage you to use this as an opportunity to dress up and join the fun! For Men: Think sharp and stylish. Dress pants, a collared shirt and tie are great. A suit jacket is optional, but keep in mind it will likely be warm during the day. For Women: a nice dress, whether it’s long or cocktail length would be wonderful! I do recommend a light sweater or shawl for the evening just in case the wind picks up.
Something comfortable! There will be a calenda (parade) from the church to the venue where we will walk and dance through the streets of Oaxaca. Although the walk will be short, keep in mind the floor is uneven. If you choose to wear heels, we’d recommend either a small block heel or wedge. You may even want to bring a small tote to carry some more comfortable shoes in to switch into.
We've envisioned our wedding as a lively evening where adults can relax and enjoy themselves. However, we understand that as a destination wedding, many of our guests will be traveling with their families. Please reach out to us directly so we can coordinate arrangements and ensure your little ones are comfortable and well-cared for. We are happy to coordinate children's meals, and we're exploring the possibility of providing a nanny service at the wedding for those interested. Knowing the number of children attending will help us make sure everyone, big and small, has a fantastic time. Please let us know as soon as possible if your children will be joining us so we can make the necessary arrangements.
February is a great time to visit Oaxaca as it is comfortably warm and isn’t rainy season. Note the sun is stronger here than you may be used to, even in February, so don’t forget your sunscreen. The evenings are generally nice, but can occasionally be a bit windy and chilly. I’d recommend having a light jacket or shawl with you. (Note our wedding venue is outdoors).
A calenda is a festive Oaxacan wedding parade, a vibrant and joyous tradition that dates back to the colonial era. It's a way to celebrate the union of two people with music, dance, and community. Think of it as a walking party that moves through the streets, inviting everyone to join in the celebration! Here's what you can expect during our wedding calenda: A lively procession: We'll parade from the church to our wedding venue, led by a traditional brass band playing upbeat music. (Note the distance won’t be very far, only about a block). Giant puppets: You'll see "monos,” which are large, whimsical puppets representing the bride and groom. Mezcal: Expect to be offered shots of mezcal, a traditional Oaxacan spirit, as you walk along. It's a way to toast the happy couple and join in the merriment. Dancing: Make sure to wear your dancing shoes! We're so excited to share this special tradition with you and create unforgettable memories together!
See the travel tab for our hotel recommendations, however, there are numerous hotels and Air BnBs to choose from. Wherever you choose, we recommend staying in the main Centro area - no more south than El Zocalo, and no more north than our wedding venue. This will ensure you’re centrally located and can walk to all the main restaurants and attractions. Please reach out to us directly for further advice or to ask about a certain hotel! We’ve stayed at many throughout the years.
No - it’s not needed! The church where our ceremony will be held and the wedding venue are walking distance from each other (about 300 meters). If you need transportation to get to the church from your hotel, there are many Taxis nearby and should only be a few dollars.
Regular taxi cabs are not available from the airport. (You can take a yellow Taxi to the airport, but not from the airport). Uber/Lyft is also not available in Oaxaca. The cheapest way to get to your hotel is walk to the Blue Taxi sign inside the airport terminal (it’s the closest to the exit door) and take a shared taxi van. It’s a fun way to see the city and doesn’t usually take very long. You can alternatively ask your hotel if they offer transport services or book one online. Ask us if you have questions on this!
Walking! We recommend staying in a central location so you can walk to everything. It’s truly the best way to see Oaxaca as there are so many little hidden shops and restaurants you’d otherwise probably just drive by. If you do want to go a bit further or cut down on time, take a taxi. There are abundant yellow taxis driving around el centro, and it’s very cheap. Going anywhere within el centro is typically under $5 USD. Make sure to carry pesos with you.
Oaxaca is known as a foodie paradise, famed for its rich culinary traditions and diverse flavors. Some of the most popular dishes include: * Tlayudas: Large, crispy tortillas topped with beans, cheese, meat, and vegetables. * Mole Negro: A complex and flavorful sauce made with chilies, chocolate, and spices. * Chapulines: Toasted grasshoppers, a regional delicacy. * Memelitas: Small, thick corn tortillas topped with various ingredients like cheese and black beans. * Garnachas Istmeñas: Small, fried corn tortillas topped with shredded meat, cabbage, and salsa. There are SO many places to eat in Oaxaca, I don’t think we’ve ever had a bad meal here. For a list of our recommendations and personal notes, see this Google Maps list https://maps.app.goo.gl/PNh4DAUcWiovGWk47?g_st=i
Most definitely. While some of the bigger restaurants and bars do offer credit card payment, many of the smaller shops, taxis, and street vendors are cash only. I recommend exchanging dollars into pesos before your trip. There are plenty of banks in el centro you can use your debit card at to pull more cash if need be as well.