Wedding
What is the RSVP deadline?
Please RSVP by October 1st, 2025
Are kids welcome at the wedding?
We understand it is difficult for parents to go away and leave children behind, which is why they are more than welcome to join. They will be included in your invite, so please RSVP for them to keep track of numbers. That being said, please keep in mind that the dance floor will likely get rowdy as the night goes on and might not be the best place for young children.
Why did we choose to get married in Medellin, Colombia?
Colombia is a very special place to us not just because we are in love with this country and its culture, we also got engaged here. Most importantly, Michael's family is from Medellin and he spent a lot of time there growing up. We also wanted to give people the opportunity to explore a part of the world they might not have made it to otherwise. We hope you'll love it as much as we do!
Is there transportation to and from the wedding venue?
We will be providing transportation back to the city from the venue at the end of the night. We ask that for getting to the venue, you please take an uber, this will cost about $10-$20 from the Envigado/El Poblado area. It is a known venue and drivers will know where they are going. When you order the uber, simply put in "Forest Campestre". The ceremony is at 4:30pm and we ask that you aim to arrive at 4pm.
Is the wedding indoor or outdoor?
We plan to have the ceremony and cocktail hour outdoors, and reception indoors. However, if there is rain we will keep it all indoors or will have a tent set up.
What is the dress code?
The dress code is semi-formal and we ask that people wear a pop of colour.
Please refrain from wearing solid black or any white.
With the backdrop of the venue being tropical mountains, it is not recommended to wear dark green for the purpose of photos.
On another note, temperature can vary from 15-28 degrees in Medellin in January and can also rain quite a bit, we recommend bringing an umbrella and dressing weather accordingly.
Is there a wedding theme?
There is not really a wedding theme per-say but we do wish to see people wearing a pop of colour.
Is there a set dinner menu?
We are having a buffet style dinner that will be mostly Colombian themed food but we will have variety and options for vegetarians and vegans. Please reach out directly if you have any allergies to be aware of.
Will there be a live stream of the ceremony?
We are planning on setting up a live stream of the ceremony for those who can not be there, stay tuned for details.
Do I bring a gift?
To have the people we love present is the greatest gift of all, especially with it being a destination wedding. That being said, if you still wish to provide a little something (which really is not necessary), we will provide a box for cards ans there is an e-transfer link under the registry tab. We just appreciate you making the trip to be part of this special day!
We understand that it is not feasible for everyone to be there. If you can not make the trip and would like to send a gift, please see the registry tab to find e-transfer information.
Travel
Is it safe to travel to Medellin, Colombia?
We would not invite all the people we care about to a part of the world that is not safe. There is political unrest and violence along the areas of Colombia that border with Venezuela, Panama and Ecuador, but Medellin is central and far from these areas. That being said, any large city has it's share of crime. If you have any concerns or questions, as we understand travel can be stressful for some, please don't hesitate to reach out.
If anything changes in terms of safety prior to the wedding, we will be reaching out to inform our guests.
What travel advice would you give regarding safety?
If you are an inexperienced traveler, it is best to not venture out alone. El Poblado and Envigado are the most touristy areas and are best to stick to if you're weary, but don't be afraid to venture to other areas in the city.
It is not ideal to walk around with a hand bag, we recommend wearing either a fanny pack, backpack (advise using a travel lock for the zipper or wearing it on your chest) or cross body satchel. Like any big city, there is a chance of pickpocketing. When walking through high traffic areas, ALWAYS be mindful of your belongings and keep a good grip on your phone if taking photos etc. Travel smart and you'll be fine.
We would advise not wearing flashy expensive jewelry or carrying designer bags as it can make you more of a target for theft.
Are there any areas in the city to avoid?
Medellin has taken many measures over the years to decrease crime. Communa 13 was once the high crime area but has undergone many changes and is now a historical tourist attraction that is a must see! Be aware of your surroundings everywhere and use caution. The main thing to worry about will be theft.
El Centro is good to explore during the day (just be aware of pick-pocketing) but at night not the best place to be. Other areas to avoid Parc de las Luces at night time. Neighbourhoods around La Minorista and Barrio Antioquia have higher levels of petty crime and drug activity so should be avoided.
Do they speak english in Colombia?
For the most part, most people don't speak english. You will come across some but make sure to have a translator app on your phone. When you are venturing out, carry a portable battery pack and charger with you so you are able to communicate. That being said...if you do speak spanish, Medellin has very clear spanish and it's a great place to practice!
Are there direct flights to Medellin, Colombia?
Unfortunately there are no direct flights to Medellin. You will likely have to layover through Panama City, Panama or Bogota, Colombia. Total air time is around 7.5 hours.
What are good airlines to travel with?
You can usually fly the first portion with Air Canada if you prefer something you are familiar with. Avianca air and Latam air are commonly used in Colombia. Please note that the baggage fees can be expensive with latin airlines and you are better off including baggage upon booking to save extra fees.
Does Colombia have any entree fees for the country?
Yes, there is an entry fee of $85.00 per person to enter the country as a Canadian citizen. Make sure to work this into your travel budget.
How do I get into the city from the airport?
It is about a 45 minute drive from the airport to El Poblado/Envigado area depending on the time of day. You can either order an uber at the airport or take a taxi. Once we start getting RSVP's, we will be making a facebook page for guests to connect so that if anyone is on the same flight, ride shares can be coordinated.
Is there accommodations at the venue?
The venue is about 15 minutes outside the city, there are a few things close to it but you are better off finding accommodations in the city (we recommend Envigado or El Poblado, El Poblado being the more touristy of the two)
Where is the best place to stay?
The wedding will be held about 15 minutes outside Envigado (toward the south eastern edge of Medellin). El Poblado is nearby as well and a huge tourist hub with lots to do. There are plenty of boutique hotels and air bnbs in both these areas. For this, you can check air bnb, booking.com, Agoda, etc. If you are looking at an area to book and you aren't sure about it, feel free to reach out!
Is it better to stay in an air bnb or a hotel?
This is totally your preference. If you are travelling with other family members or a large group, you can rent an entire house/villa on air bnb or booking.com for a good price. If you are wanting to eat out lots and have more taken care of for you, a boutique hotel is a good way to go. If you like to cook for yourself and are travelling with a small amount of people, you can get an apartment style air bnb that has a kitchen (this is what we did and our place was about $40 CAD/night)
How do you travel throughout the city?
You can get around by walking in some areas (it is quite hilly so bring good walking shoes), but if you are trying to get to different areas within the city, you can take ubers, taxis, public transit like the city bus and metro cable car. If you are an experienced traveller and like to indulge in the authenticity of different countries, don't be afraid to take the bus, it's very affordable and convenient.
Will I be able to use my phone?
If you have a service provider in Canada, they likely have daily fees you can pay to use your phone internationally. Otherwise, you can get a sim card through companies like WOM or Tigo in the city. You may also find sim card at convenience stores in the airport upon arrival. It is also possible to purchase an E-sim and activate it upon arrival. You can do some research and find what would be best for you. (We got ours through WOM in a mall for about 12$ each that gave us 9GB and 2 weeks worth of service). Note that you will need your passport when purchasing a SIM card.
Do I need a travel adapter to plug things in?
No you do not! Colombia uses the same plug style that we do so don't worry about an adapter.
What is the currency in Colombia?
Colombia works on Colombian pesos (COP), to put into perspective, 1 COP is equal to 0.00032 CAD (our money goes a long way). If there is any spanish you should focus on knowing, it is numbers. When it comes to street vendors and many shops, they will tell you the price in spanish, so either have your translator app ready or get studying!
How can I exchange money/get money from ATM?
If you are planning on getting cash out of the ATM, the best place to do this is at Bancolombia, you will find them throughout the city. For exchanging money, there are many money exchange places as well, we found the best rate at Western Union. You WILL require your passport when exchanging or taking out money from a teller. This being said, they will not accept any bills that are not in mint condition, so if you are travelling with USD or CAD (either will work), keep it in an envelope and prevent it from getting bent or ripped.
You can also take Colombian Pesos out at a bank back home to save the hassle, you are just likely to get a better rate in Colombia.
Can I pay with credit card?
The majority of places in the city will accept credit card. That being said, heres a protip: when the machine prompts to pay in CAD or COP, select pay in COP as it will not charge you extra.
Do I need a travel visa?
Colombia does not require a travel visa, you just have to pay the entry fee as described previously.
Do I need any travel vaccinations?
For Medellin specifically, it is not necessary to have any additional vaccines other than routine ones that you likely already have. It is recommended to have your hepatitis A vaccine for travelling to a lot of destinations. With Medellin being at a higher altitude, there is no risk of yellow fever or malaria. If you plan on travelling to other areas in the country, it doesn't hurt to book a consult at a travel clinic (for example, when we travelled to the Amazon, we were vaccinated for yellow fever and were told to take malaria pills).
How is the food in Medellin?
Medellin is a culinary capital in Colombia. You can find world class restaurants to amazing street food and everything in between. There is plenty of latin inspired food and some fusion as well. The basic traditional foods you'll come across are empanadas, rice, fish, chicken, pork, bandeja paisa, and sancocho.
Don't be afraid to try street food, its delicious!
If you do have a serious allergy, it is likely best to stick to eat in restaurants where you can communicate well with your server.
Where is the best place to get groceries?
"Exito" is a good option to find a lot of stuff you might need especially if you are doing your own cooking, it would be comparable to a Walmart. Some other options include Carulla, Consumo, Jumbo and Euromart.