FAQs

Question

Some recent questions we have been receiving

Answer

Do I need a COVID test to leave the US/ enter Colombia? - YES! and it must be a PCR test (see FAQ below) Do I need to fill out the google form you sent via email? YES! Please do, as soon as you can. Do I need to read the emails you guys sent? - FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, YES. Whoever sees this FAQ- just know that the last five people to fill out the google form will have to take a shot at the welcome cocktails as penance. LOVE YOU ALL! SO excited to see you in less than a week <3

Question

What is the dress code for the wedding?

Answer

Formal attire and comfy shoes! Cartagena is hot and humid so plan accordingly! The ceremony will take place inside a cathedral with lots of fans and the reception will be inside with plenty of AC. Men: suit & tie (includes beige/linen suits- it is the Caribbean after-all! ) Women: long evening dress, dressy suit or formal cocktail-length dress

Question

COVID-19 and Immigration

Answer

ENTERING COLOMBIA The Colombian Ministry of Health has announced that all inbound international passengers must have a negative COVID-19 test result. Travelers arriving to Colombia must present negative results from a COVID-19 PCR test administered no more than 96 hours prior to departure. You just need to have your COVID test results printed out to share with the immigration officer upon arrival. LEAVING COLOMBIA The United States Ministry of Health has now mandated that all travelers present a negative COVID-19 test upon return from international travel dated within three days of departure. But don't worry! This shouldn't be an issue as we will arrange for a physician to come to your local address to administer a rapid test. We will confirm everyone's address at the Welcome Cocktails and/or be reaching out prior to the wedding week, as well. Tests will be administered on Friday, June 4th and Saturday, June 5th.

Question

What COVID-19 precautions are being taken throughout the wedding events?

Answer

Due to the travel protocols in Colombia, all wedding guests will have to provide a negative COVID test dated within 96 hours of entry into the country. This means that anyone in attendance at our wedding will have recently tested negative which we hope sets our guests' minds at ease. In addition, all wedding events will be hosted in private event spaces, except for the ceremony which will be in a large and well ventilated Cathedral. All front rows will be reserved for our wedding guests so there will be no direct interaction between a wedding guest and any of the Cathedral patrons. All meals and drinks will be provided in individually wrapped packaging or plated. Hand sanitizer and masks will be provided, as well. We encourage all of our guests to assess their own comfort levels and attend/travel at their own discretion.

Question

How is Colombia handling COVID-19- curfew & biosecurity

Answer

When we traveled to Cartagena to meet with our wedding planner and vendors we were very impressed with the level of biosecurity in place. We did not see a single person out in public without a mask and upon entry into any hotel, restaurant, or enclosed space we were met by an attendant that provided hand sanitizer, took our temperature, and asked us to step on their shoe sanitizing mat. We felt more safe in Cartagena than we have in many places in the US. We encourage all of our guests to assess their own comfort levels and attend/travel at their own discretion. There is currently a curfew imposed in Cartagena as mandated by the mayor. This is precautionary to maintain Cartagena's relatively low rates of COVID-19 in comparison to other major cities in the country. The curfew is 10 pm on week nights. Our wedding will be registered as an official event therefore our guests will have until 12 am to return to their lodging the night of the wedding.

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Can I drink the water in Cartagena, Colombia?

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Yes! The tap water in most of Colombia's major cities, including Cartagena, is perfectly safe to drink. If you are still concerned about the water, however, bottled and purified water is cheap and accessible everywhere.

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How can I pay for things once I am in Colombia?

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In Colombia, they use Colombian Pesos. The exchange rate is about 3,000 COP to $1 USD. Some places accept credit cards (make sure to use a cc that does not charge a foreign transaction fee) but we recommend also taking out cash when you get there. The best way to do this is bringing a debit card and taking cash out of an ATM when you arrive. This ensures the best exchange rate with minimal fees.

Question

Can I take pictures?

Answer

While our ceremony is “unplugged,” cocktail hour and the reception are not. We want our guests to be present as we say our “I do’s” and would like to see all your faces without the distraction of cellphones or cameras — let our amazing photographers work their magic. However, feel free to take all the pictures and videos you want while we party it up!

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When should I book my lodging?

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Now!! Rooms go quickly, so if you’d like to stay at the Sofitel, we suggest booking ASAP to secure your room. We have secured reduced rates for the rooms. To book, call and mention mine and Carlos' names. You can find more information on room types and rates on the room form in our photos —it’s the last picture in the photos tab. Make sure your credit card does not charge foreign transaction fees! No need to send a copy of your passport. If you are staying elsewhere, you can book as early as you’d like! There are plenty of beautiful hotels and AirBNB’s — just make sure your accommodations are in the Old City within the walls.

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How can I travel around Cartagena?

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Uber is always available but it can take some time to locate a driver. Be sure to give yourself some extra time so you don't miss out on the events. The concierge at your hotel will also be more than happy to call you a cab. A cab from the airport to the walled city (location of the ceremony and hotels) should not be higher than 10,000 COP (~4 USD.)

Question

How safe is Cartagena?

Answer

99.99% of visitors will spend their entire time in the areas of the walled city. Nothing in life is certain, but it is extremely unlikely that you will encounter anything that could be considered unsafe in this neighborhood. There is a huge police presence in and around other popular areas, especially Bocagrande and Getsemani, which may intimidate you initially and make you wonder why they could possibly need so many police. Not to worry! You will become accustomed to them soon enough and their presence is mostly just one of deterrence.