FAQs
Question
Ceremony Dress Code
Answer
Glam Formal Attire. Dress to impress! This means suits, elegant & colorful dresses, loafers, and comfortable heels. We recommend block heels or wedges as pavers are uneven at times. Attire examples: https://pin.it/7ElCB35 Cartagena is a tropical city on the Caribbean Sea, which makes for a perfect vacation. The weather is expected to be in the high 80s low 90s, so we recommend an attire that will keep you cool, while also looking your best. Please, no jeans, shorts, sneakers, casual dresses/sundresses, or flip flops.
Question
Other events
Answer
We are thrilled to extend a warm invitation to those who are able to join us for the pre-wedding events. While some of these events are optional, we kindly request that guests RSVP if they plan to attend, as this will help us accommodate everyone. For further information about the events and the dress code, please refer to the "Events" tab.
Question
Airbnb Accommodations
Answer
Check the "Travel" tab for a link to our recommended colonial housing options which include a variety of pricing options and party sizes. The ceremony and venue will take place within the Plaza San Diego in the walled city/city center. The venue, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, is a good point of reference when looking up houses in the area. Keep in mind that anywhere in the walled city is walkable (all within 10 minutes), so we recommend you find something close to the venue. The Airbnb options are highly recommended and inexpensive for those traveling in large groups, like kids and relatives. The options include houses with a private pool and are a fun way of enjoying your vacation in Cartagena. All accommodations are within a 5 minute walk to the church and reception. If you choose to opt for an Airbnb outside of our recommended list, try to reserve close to the venue and always make sure that it is not a scam.
Question
Hotel reservation with Nacar Hotel
Answer
We have both stayed in this gorgeous colonial hotel before, which is located between the church and our venue reception. The hotel offers a rooftop pool and bar, and includes breakfast. For reservations, please click on the "Travel" tab.
Question
Hotel reservation with Bastion Luxury Hotel
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* UPDATE: As of Nov. 30th, the room block has one room left available. * __ This beautiful, award-winning colonial hotel is the recommended stay for our guests! - Check the "Travel" tab for the link to make your reservation. Select the number of nights and type in the code: BODAVALERYROCHA. Nightly rates have been set to 1/29 - 2/5. Breakfast included in all rates.
Question
Hotel Reservation with Sofitel Santa Clara
Answer
* UPDATE: As of September 1st, the hotel has no availability for the night of February 2nd. However, the nights leading up and after the 2nd, are completely available. Please email the contact below in case a room has become available for that night. Some guests may choose to stay here prior to the 2nd (the night of the wedding), and then stay somewhere else. * __ The Sofitel Santa Clara is a luxurious 5-star hotel and the top option for those who don't want to venture out too much. This place has it all! FOR RESERVATIONS: E-mail Adaluz Ramirez at adaluz.ramirez@sofitel.com Wedding Block Name: Valery Rocha - The room rates have been blocked from 1/30 - 2/3 (4 nights). - Rates include breakfast. - For more information on rooms, click on the link found in the "Travel" tab or copy and paste: https://www.sofitellegendsantaclara.com/accommodation/
Question
Are kids welcome?
Answer
While we love your kids, this is an adults only celebration. However, this does not mean that they can't travel with you! Some guests have chosen to fly with relatives in order to have someone look over their kids. Others may choose to hire a local nanny for when there are events going on. If you would like to learn more about the nanny service we recommend, please visit @cartagenanny on Instagram, or reach out to them via WhatsApp at +57 318 6294974.
Question
I'm traveling with kids, where do you recommend we stay?
Answer
Traveling with kids in Cartagena is a little different, as most hotels are European style (smaller in size) and don't accommodate large parties. However, the colonial houses found all around the city make for a perfect family vacation. These are usually large houses with amenities such as a private pool are very inexpensive! Please refer to the "Travel" tab for the Airbnb recommendations for those traveling with families/large parties.
Question
Is there transportation to and from the hotel to the ceremony?
Answer
The ceremony and reception will be within a 2 minute walk from each other! The housing accommodations we have recommended for you are all within a 5 minute walk to the ceremony and venue. If you decide to seek your own housing accommodations, we recommend for you to stay close to the venue. There are always taxis or horse carriages in the area in case you're too hot to walk!
Question
Can I take pictures during the Ceremony?
Answer
Our ceremony is “unplugged" - no pictures. A professional photographer will be present to capture all special moments and those photos will be available to all guests. However, feel free to take all the pictures and videos you want while we party it up at the cocktail hour and reception!
Question
What time should I arrive to the ceremony?
Answer
The ceremony will start at 3:30 PM. Please arrive 15 minutes prior.
Question
How long is the wedding?
Answer
Weddings in Colombia, like many other countries, last past midnight. Ours will be until 3am! At midnight we like to have “la hora loca” or “crazy hour”, which marks the end of the wedding and the start of the after party. One thing about us, you know we love to party it up, so make sure you come prepared!
Question
Hair & Makeup
Answer
We have partnered up with a high regarded salon located right within the walled city and we are offering our guests who would like to get their hair & makeup done for the day of the wedding, to make an appointment with them. They are the Portada Peluqueria and you can check out their insta @portadapeluqueria. The wedding starts at 3:30PM which means that you would need to have your appointment no later than 12PM. The pricing is 280.000COP for both hair and makeup - which comes out to roughly $70USD. Price is subject to increase slightly if you wait to pay the day off since it'll then be 2024 pricing, if not, the price would be marked under the 2023 year. To make the appointment, please send a message to Maria through WhatsApp at +57 316 9450845 and state the following: - Your name and date of appt (2/2/24) and let her know Valery Rocha referred you to them - If you'd like both services, or just one. - If the 12PM appointment time is okay with you. If not, please let her know what earlier time works for you. We're always able to help you in case you'd like us to reach out to her on behalf of you.
Question
Can I bring a date?
Answer
If your invitation says plus one, then you are welcomed to bring a date!
Question
Guest arriving from different states & countries
Answer
We are so fortunate to have guests arriving from different states and countries! Florida: MIA -> CTG: 2hr 40m New York: JFK -> CTG: 4hr 40m California: SAN -> CTG: 8hr London: LHR -> CTG: 12hr Spain: MAD -> CTG: 12hr Poland: GDN -> CTG: 15hr
Question
How can I pay for things once I am in Colombia?
Answer
In Colombia, they use Colombian Pesos. The current exchange rate is about 4,000 COP to $1 USD. Most places accept credit cards, just make sure to use a CC that does not charge a foreign transaction fee. We recommend exchanging no more than $100 USD when you arrive at the airport in order to pay for your taxi or anything small. After that, we urge guests to exchange any dollars to pesos at a bank - they will give you the best exchange rate possible. Learn more about what $1 USD gets you in Cartagena: http://hikersbay.com/prices/colombia/cartagenadeindias?lang=en
Question
COVID-19 & Immigration
Answer
Please research your country's travel protocols prior to traveling, as these change often. ENTERING COLOMBIA No tourist visas are required, but passports must not expire within 6 months of your travel date. Fill out the CheckMig form required before entering the country, up to 72 hours in advance of travel date. This can be filled out here: https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/en/DatosViaje LEAVING COLOMBIA The United States Ministry of Health no longer requires proof of vaccination or Covid test upon entering the USA.
Question
Is Cartagena Safe?
Answer
Yes! 90% of our guests will spend their entire time in the areas of the Walled City, a high tourist area, which has significant police presence. While it is extremely unlikely that you will encounter anything that could be considered unsafe, nothing in life is certain.. So like many tourist destinations, make sure to not look flashy and always keep an eye out for petty scams. Most people in Cartagena make a living by selling their goods on the streets, and while it can be annoying at times, you can choose to ignore them or just say "No, gracias".
Question
Learn the Colombian Slang
Answer
- If you want a beer, you say = una cerveza por favor - Hello/good morning/afternoon/night = Buenas - No, thank you = No, gracias - If you think something is cool = Chevere - "Guaro" - you'll know this one by the end of your trip - as this is the short version of "Aguardiente", which literally means "Burning Water". And we will have tons of it! It's our staple liquor.
Question
Must Knows
Answer
- National Emergency Number: 123 | U.S. Embassy in Colombia: (+57) (1) 275-2000 - Make sure to ask for the rate prior to getting in the taxi. - Don't worry about not speaking Spanish, as most people speak English. - Tip is around 10% and is usually given when a service is provided. Nicer restaurants will automatically add a service charge (Propina in Spanish) to your bill, so make sure to check before paying. - Tipping is not customary for things like taxis, but many locals have grown accustomed to Americans tipping, so don’t be surprised when asked for a tip. - While most tourist locations have safe drinking water, stick to drinking from bottled water. - Never give out your passports! We recommend you bring a photocopy with you. - You don't need an adapter. Colombia uses the same plugs and outlets as the USA. - When entering the USA, make sure to claim any goods bought while in Colombia.