Getting Married at Ex Convento Regina, Mexico City: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Dreaming of a wedding where historic grandeur meets timeless elegance in the heart of Mexico City? Welcome to Ex Convento Regina—a magnificent former convent that offers a stunning blend of colonial architecture, serene courtyards, and a deeply sacred ambiance for your special day. With its ornate facades, breathtaking vaulted ceilings, and a tranquil, luxurious setting, Ex Convento Regina provides an unparalleled backdrop for your celebration. Whether you envision a grand ceremony within its historic chapel or a sophisticated reception in a majestic salon, this exquisite venue promises a wedding experience as unforgettable as its rich heritage.

Renowned for its beautifully preserved spaces and a profoundly elegant atmosphere, Ex Convento Regina seamlessly blends Baroque artistry with modern luxury. Its exquisite event areas—from the breathtaking main courtyard to the grand salons and intimate cloisters—are designed to reflect your unique love story, all while showcasing the captivating beauty of Mexico City’s historic center. Let the timeless splendor and exclusive charm of this venue set the stage for your dream wedding.

Planning your perfect wedding in Mexico City? Explore some of the best wedding photos in Mexico City in this stunning destination, showcasing breathtaking moments captured in paradise.

Index

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

 

Ex Convento Regina stands out for its magnificent historic setting in Mexico City, offering breathtaking colonial architecture and an exclusive, serene ambiance. The venue’s elegant and spacious design, featuring grand courtyards, majestic salons, and a sophisticated, timeless atmosphere, creates a luxurious and distinguished environment perfect for grand celebrations. Couples seeking a grand yet intimate historic and ballroom wedding experience, within a prestigious urban oasis, will find Ex Convento Regina provides a picturesque and exclusive setting.

Recent guest surveys indicate that **couples increasingly prioritize unique, elegant settings and personalized guest experiences**. With its exquisite blend of historic elegance and refined architectural design, and a focus on attentive service, Ex Convento Regina offers a truly distinctive backdrop for your wedding photos and a memorable escape for your guests.

 

How Does a Wedding at Ex Convento Regina Work?

 

Planning your wedding at Ex Convento Regina is designed to be a personalized and seamless process. Their dedicated on-site team or recommended local planners guide you through every step, ensuring your vision is brought to life with meticulous attention to detail. The venue offers flexible event spaces and bespoke wedding arrangements that can include everything from ceremony setup and delicious catering to professional coordination and vendor management.

This dedicated support means you can relax and savor the moments while the venue helps handle the logistics, allowing you to focus on celebrating your love in a beautiful, stress-free environment.

 

Best Months to Get Married

 

Mexico City enjoys a mild climate, but the best months for a wedding at Ex Convento Regina are typically from March to May and September to October. This period offers pleasant temperatures and lower chances of heavy afternoon rains, creating ideal conditions for outdoor cocktail hours in the courtyards and seamless transitions to indoor receptions. The drier season also provides consistent, beautiful natural light for photography.

Marrying during these months ensures optimal weather, while the summer months (June-August) can experience more frequent afternoon showers, and the winter (Nov-Feb) can be cooler, potentially offering cost savings but requiring stronger backup plans.

 

The Basics of Wedding Arrangements

 

Ex Convento Regina offers thoughtfully designed wedding arrangements tailored to various styles and sizes. These typically include:

  • Ceremony Setup: Options for historic chapel ceremonies, grand courtyard vows, or elegant indoor settings, with refined décor that complements the venue’s heritage.
  • Reception Venues: Majestic grand salons, stunning main courtyards (often with a retractable roof for weather protection), or sophisticated cloisters.
  • Catering: Exquisite gourmet cuisine, emphasizing high-end Mexican specialties and international dishes, with options for plated dinners, elaborate buffets, or live stations, provided by an acclaimed in-house culinary team or exclusive caterers.
  • Decor and Floral Arrangements: Collaboration with elite floral designers for luxurious, bespoke arrangements and sophisticated decor that reflect the venue’s colonial style and your personal taste.
  • Entertainment: Assistance with coordinating music (local musicians, DJs, bands) and other entertainment to create the perfect atmosphere, considering the acoustics of the historic spaces.

These arrangements serve as a foundation and can be customized extensively to perfectly align with your dream wedding.

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

 

In destination weddings at Ex Convento Regina, typically:

  • The couple covers the primary wedding costs, such as the venue rental or buyout, catering, and coordination services.
  • Guests are usually responsible for their own travel and accommodation, although the venue or local planners can suggest nearby upscale options in Mexico City’s historic center or surrounding neighborhoods.
  • The couple might choose to host additional events, like a welcome dinner or farewell brunch, covering those costs for their guests.
  • Extra expenses for personalized decor, enhanced entertainment, or pre/post-wedding activities are typically the couple’s responsibility.
  • Gift registries or contributions towards travel/experiences are common, allowing guests to contribute in meaningful ways.

This structure allows the couple to tailor the main event while guests manage their personal travel arrangements.

 

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

 

Ex Convento Regina features versatile spaces suitable for medium to large-sized weddings:

  • Main Event Space (e.g., Grand Salon/Main Courtyard): Ideal for medium to large-sized weddings, accommodating 80-300+ guests, depending on the setup. The main courtyard often features a versatile, weather-protected setup.
  • Historic Chapel: Perfect for ceremonies up to 150 guests (seated), offering a sacred and picturesque setting.
  • Cloisters/Smaller Salons: Ideal for more intimate gatherings, cocktail hours, or breakout spaces.
  • Entire Property Buyout: The entire property can often be booked for exclusivity, perfect for a grand celebration, enhancing the private and distinguished experience.

The venue primarily focuses on event spaces and does not offer on-site accommodation. For guests, a wide array of luxury and boutique hotels are available in the surrounding Historic Center and Colonia Roma/Condesa neighborhoods of Mexico City, with preferential rates often arranged.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

Ex Convento Regina’s team or your chosen planner expertly manages the flow of your day from saying “I do” to your final dance. A typical sequence might look like this:

Chapel or Courtyard Ceremony: Exchange vows within the sacred ambiance of the historic chapel or beneath the grandeur of the main courtyard, surrounded by the stunning colonial architecture and ornate details.

Elegant Cocktail Hour: Guests enjoy signature cocktails and gourmet canapés in the beautiful cloisters or an adjacent historic salon, allowing them to admire the venue’s artistry.

Grand Reception: Move to the majestic Grand Salon or the transformed Main Courtyard for an exquisite seated dinner, heartfelt toasts, and a vibrant celebration, often beneath soaring vaulted ceilings or a stylish retractable roof.

Pro tip: Embrace the venue’s historic grandeur and unique colonial charm. Consider a Baroque-inspired or classically elegant theme, incorporate rich floral designs and dramatic lighting, and let the architectural beauty and artistic details of Ex Convento Regina be your magnificent backdrop.

What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?

While specific inclusions vary, the core venue fee or buyout cost at Ex Convento Regina typically includes:

  • Exclusive Use of Property: Ex Convento Regina typically offers exclusive use of designated event areas for weddings, ensuring complete privacy and use of its historic spaces for the allocated time.
  • Basic Setup: Provision of existing venue furniture (tables, chairs), setup for ceremony and reception spaces. Linens, additional furniture, and specific décor might be sourced externally or through their preferred vendors.
  • Staffing: On-site staff for setup, basic service during the event, and cleanup. Specialized staff like bartenders or full catering teams are often arranged through partner vendors or the in-house team.
  • Basic Sound System: A simple sound system may be available for background music or speeches; recommendations for professional AV rental can be provided for more extensive needs, specifically considering the acoustics of the historic structure.

Remember that premium furniture, extensive floral installations, specialized lighting (especially to highlight architectural features), or upgraded sound/visual equipment are usually additional costs, coordinated with your planner or the venue.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

Mexico City can experience afternoon showers, particularly during the rainy season (May-October). Ex Convento Regina offers spacious and elegant indoor salons and, crucially, a main courtyard that often features a beautiful retractable roof, serving as seamless backup options for ceremonies or receptions if weather is inclement, ensuring your celebration remains magical and dry.

Pro tip: Discuss the backup options during your site visit or initial consultation. Understand where the alternative space is located and ensure it aligns with your vision, even if it’s just a contingency plan. The sophisticated design and adaptable features of Ex Convento Regina ensure that all indoor and covered spaces are equally beautiful and functional for your celebration.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking your wedding at Ex Convento Regina involves a standard payment structure:

Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit, often ranging from $7,000–$20,000 USD (or a percentage of the total buyout), is required to reserve your date and the venue, reflecting its historic significance and exclusivity.

Scheduled Payments: Further payments are typically scheduled at intervals (e.g., 6, 3, and 1 month prior) to cover estimated costs based on your arrangements and guest count.

Final Payment: The remaining balance is usually due approximately 30-45 days before the wedding date.

Cancellation policies are strict and vary depending on the timing of the cancellation relative to your wedding date. Review your contract carefully and consider wedding insurance to protect your investment against unforeseen circumstances.

On-Site Wedding Coordination and Planning Services

Ex Convento Regina offers dedicated on-site coordination for venue-related aspects or works closely with experienced local wedding planners to make your journey seamless. Their services, or those of a recommended planner, typically include:

Dedicated Contact/Planner: A main point of contact to guide you through decisions related to the venue, and to liaise with other vendors.

Vendor Liaison: Assistance with selecting and coordinating trusted local vendors for photography, music, flowers, catering, and more, all experienced in working within a historic setting.

Timeline Creation & Management: Developing a detailed schedule for the wedding day and ensuring everything runs on time.

Rehearsal Coordination: Guiding your wedding party through the ceremony rehearsal at the venue, be it in the chapel or courtyard.

Their expertise in executing beautiful, sophisticated events within the unique historic context of Mexico City is invaluable for a stress-free planning experience.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

Ex Convento Regina boasts an exceptional in-house culinary team capable of accommodating a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. They specialize in sophisticated Mexican and international gourmet cuisine, using premium, locally-sourced ingredients, with flexibility for custom requests. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-specific meals can all be expertly prepared and served, often with a nod to Mexico’s rich culinary heritage.

Consultations with the executive chef or culinary team are usually included, allowing you to tailor the menu precisely. You can arrange unique culinary experiences like a high-end mole tasting bar, a refined antojito station with artisanal ingredients, a curated selection of Mexican wines, or premium tequila and mezcal pairings to add a unique local and historic touch to your reception.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

Ex Convento Regina welcomes various entertainment options, from classical ensembles and elegant jazz bands to lively DJs or large orchestras. As a historic venue in the city center, Ex Convento Regina adheres to local regulations regarding noise levels, particularly for events that might extend late into the night. The venue’s robust walls and indoor salons are well-suited for containing sound.

Typically, while there might be a curfew for certain amplified outdoor elements, indoor celebrations are generally allowed to continue later. The venue team will advise on optimizing acoustics for different entertainment types and ensure your party continues vibrantly while respecting local policies and the sophisticated atmosphere of the historic building.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Most guests will arrive via Mexico City International Airport (MEX), which is well-connected to the Historic Center via major avenues. To facilitate guest transportation:

Airport Transfers: The venue or your planner can help arrange private car services or recommend reliable taxi/ride-sharing options from MEX. Due to its central location, accessing the venue is straightforward.

Local Transportation: Movement around Mexico City is easy via taxis, ride-sharing services (Uber/DiDi), or public transportation (Metro/Metrobus) for exploring the city. For guests staying in nearby hotels, the venue is often a short drive or even a walkable distance away within the Historic Center.

Parking: Ex Convento Regina offers dedicated on-site parking or valet services for guests, which is a significant advantage in the bustling city center.

Providing guests with clear instructions on airport arrival, recommended transportation options, and local travel well in advance is highly recommended.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Ex Convento Regina

For an average wedding of about 100-150 guests at Ex Convento Regina, a rough estimate for your budget might be:

  • Venue Rental/Buyout Fee: $10,000–$30,000 USD (often includes exclusive use of historic salons, courtyards, and chapel for the event duration, and the unique retractable roof in the main courtyard).
  • Food and Beverage (per person): $120–$280+ USD per person. For 120 guests, budget $14,400–$33,600+.
  • Entertainment: $2,500–$9,000 USD (DJ, live band, classical musicians, or mariachi, considering the venue’s acoustics and grand spaces).
  • Photography/Videography: $4,000–$12,000 USD (depends on hours, photographers, and deliverables, with a focus on capturing historic details).
  • Florals and Enhanced Decor: $4,000–$15,000 USD (leveraging venue’s grandeur but adding luxurious and Baroque-inspired touches).
  • Taxes and Service Fees: Typically adds 16% VAT plus a 10-15% service charge on top of services. Budget at least 26% of total costs for this.

Total estimated costs could range from $35,000 to $85,000+ USD for a 120-guest wedding, highly dependent on specific buyout terms, menu selections, decor choices, and added luxuries, particularly those that enhance the historic ambiance. Prioritizing what matters most to you can help manage the budget effectively.

*Please note: These are estimates. Always obtain a customized quote directly from Ex Convento Regina’s team or your wedding planner.*

Splurge vs. Save

To save costs, consider a weekday wedding, opting for seasonal flowers that complement the colonial style, or simplifying certain decor elements, allowing the venue’s inherent beauty to shine. To splurge, consider a bespoke gourmet tasting menu with fine wine pairings, a grand orchestral performance in the main courtyard, elaborate Baroque-inspired lighting installations that highlight architectural details, or a private art exhibition within the cloisters for your guests.

Wedding Arrangements and What’s Included

Ex Convento Regina often focuses on bespoke arrangements rather than fixed packages, allowing for a highly personalized experience within its historic walls. Common inclusions in a venue buyout or wedding arrangement might be:

  • Venue Rental/Buyout: Exclusive use of the property or designated event areas for a set period (e.g., 8-10 hours for the event), including the chapel, courtyards, and salons.
  • Basic Ceremony Setup: Use of existing beautiful spots on the property (historic chapel, main courtyard), basic elegant seating, perhaps a simple, refined arch or altar decoration.
  • Minister/Officiant: Assistance with arranging services (symbolic or legal, with legal requiring separate paperwork/fees).
  • Cocktail Hour Setup: May include a designated area in the cloisters or a salon and basic setup for a welcome drink or cocktail hour, with catering providing bar service and appetizers.
  • Reception Catering Coordination: Working with the in-house culinary team or preferred exclusive caterers for a custom gourmet menu (plated, buffet, live stations), often with options that reflect Mexican culinary traditions.
  • Bar Service Options: Coordination for open bar, consumption-based bar, or premium selections, often managed by the in-house team.
  • Wedding Cake: Sourced from a trusted local high-end baker, with various flavors and designs that can complement the historic aesthetic.
  • On-Site Contact/Manager: To assist with venue logistics and coordinate with your chosen wedding planner and vendors, ensuring smooth execution in a unique venue.

Pro tip: Ex Convento Regina excels at crafting seamless, high-end events within a truly historic setting. Rely on their expertise to guide you through selecting the best options for a truly memorable and sophisticated celebration that honors its heritage.

Activities for Other Days

Keep your guests entertained throughout their stay in Mexico City and the surrounding area, especially leveraging the Historic Center location:

  • Organize group tours to Mexico City’s renowned museums (e.g., National Palace murals, Templo Mayor, Palacio de Bellas Artes) and historic centers (Zócalo, Xochimilco), many of which are walking distance or a short ride from Ex Convento Regina.
  • Arrange a private culinary tour focused on traditional Mexican cuisine, a Mezcal and Tequila tasting experience in a historic cantina, or an immersive art walk in Colonia Roma or Condesa.
  • Host an elegant welcome dinner at a renowned Mexico City restaurant or a sophisticated brunch at Ex Convento Regina the day after.
  • Guests can explore the city’s parks (like Chapultepec), upscale shopping districts like Polanco, indulge in spa treatments, or attend a Lucha Libre show for a unique cultural experience.
  • Arrange adventurous excursions to nearby Teotihuacan pyramids for a sunrise hot air balloon ride or explore the charming colonial town of Coyoacán and its Frida Kahlo House.
  • Explore high-end boutiques, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife in Mexico City, particularly in the regenerated historic core.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Embrace the Historic Grandeur: Ex Convento Regina offers a unique atmosphere. Consider formal attire that complements the venue’s colonial sophistication and Baroque artistry. Opt for elegant hairstyles and professional makeup that lasts through the celebration. Comfortable yet stylish footwear is key for navigating the stone floors and enjoying the dance floor!

2) Cherish the Architectural Ambiance: Ex Convento Regina boasts stunning courtyards, vaulted ceilings, and ornate details. Work with your photographer to capture the beauty of the venue’s natural light filtering through the arches during the day, and the enchanting, dramatically lit interiors at night for truly magical photos. Consider uplighting to enhance the sophisticated and dramatic atmosphere.

3) Navigate with Ease & Enjoy: Mexico City is vast, but Ex Convento Regina’s central location is a plus. Provide guests with clear transportation guidance (e.g., trusted taxi services, ride-sharing apps) for navigating the city, especially to and from the Historic Center. Embrace the vibrant energy of the city and the profound elegance of Ex Convento Regina, allowing yourself to fully immerse in every moment of your celebration.

Two Bride Reviews

“Our wedding at Ex Convento Regina was absolutely breathtaking. The historic chapel and grand courtyard provided an incredibly unique and sacred backdrop for our dream celebration in Mexico City. The in-house catering was exquisite, blending traditional Mexican flavors with gourmet flair, and the team’s attention to detail was impeccable. Our guests were mesmerized by the venue’s beauty and its rich history. It truly felt like stepping into a timeless masterpiece!” – Isabella L.

“Choosing Ex Convento Regina for our wedding was the best decision we made. This venue is an unparalleled gem in Mexico City, offering both profound historic beauty and refined event spaces. Every detail, from the dramatic lighting accentuating the architecture to the custom gourmet menu, was executed flawlessly. Celebrating our love in such a majestic and private setting, infused with centuries of history, made our day unforgettable. Highly recommend for a truly distinguished and deeply meaningful Mexico City wedding.” – Camila S.

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

Having photographed weddings across Mexico, Ex Convento Regina in Mexico City offers a magnificently historic, artistic, and sophisticated setting for wedding photography. The stunning colonial architecture, ornate details, grand courtyards (often with flexible roofing), and sacred interiors provide a wealth of stunning backdrops for both grand and intimate moments. From dramatic portraits against ancient stone walls to romantic shots beneath vaulted ceilings, the venue offers diverse photographic opportunities that are deeply unique to Mexico City. The interplay of light and shadow, especially as the day turns to evening, creates a truly enchanting atmosphere. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that blends timeless romance with profound historical significance, Baroque artistry with luxurious comfort, and a truly distinguished atmosphere, Ex Convento Regina is an exceptional choice. It photographs with a timeless, dramatic, and truly memorable feel, reflecting the unique spirit of your special day.

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