Getting Married at Hotel Presidente InterContinental: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Dreaming of a wedding where iconic luxury meets breathtaking cityscapes in Mexico City? Welcome to Hotel Presidente InterContinental—a landmark of elegance and sophistication in the heart of Polanco, offering unparalleled views of Chapultepec Park and a truly world-class experience for your special day. With its grand ballrooms, exquisite culinary offerings, and impeccable service, Hotel Presidente InterContinental provides a magnificent backdrop for your celebration. Whether you envision a lavish reception in a majestic salon or an intimate ceremony overlooking the city, this iconic hotel promises a wedding experience as unforgettable as its prestigious address.

Renowned for its timeless elegance and a vibrant, luxurious atmosphere, Hotel Presidente InterContinental seamlessly blends modern comforts with classic Mexican hospitality. Its exquisite event areas—from the stunning rooftop terraces to the opulent ballrooms—are designed to reflect your unique love story, all while showcasing the captivating beauty of Mexico City’s most distinguished neighborhood. Let the sophisticated ambiance 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?

 

Hotel Presidente InterContinental stands as a beacon of luxury and convenience in Mexico City, offering panoramic views of Chapultepec Park and a central location in the upscale Polanco district. The hotel’s elegant ballrooms, versatile event spaces, and comprehensive luxury amenities create a distinguished and vibrant environment perfect for grand celebrations. Couples seeking an iconic, full-service hotel wedding experience, where guests can stay on-site and enjoy world-class service and gourmet dining, will find Hotel Presidente InterContinental provides a sophisticated and convenient setting.

Recent guest surveys indicate that **couples increasingly prioritize convenience, exceptional service, and a memorable urban experience**. With its exquisite blend of contemporary luxury and traditional elegance, and a focus on personalized service, Hotel Presidente InterContinental offers a truly distinctive backdrop for your wedding photos and a seamless experience for you and your guests.

 

How Does a Wedding at Hotel Presidente InterContinental Work?

 

Planning your wedding at Hotel Presidente InterContinental is designed to be a streamlined and luxurious process. Their dedicated team of wedding specialists and event managers guide you through every step, ensuring your vision is brought to life with meticulous attention to detail. The hotel offers flexible event spaces and bespoke wedding arrangements that can include everything from ceremony setup and gourmet catering to professional coordination and vendor management, all integrated with the hotel’s five-star services.

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

 

Best Months to Get Married

 

Mexico City enjoys a mild climate year-round. The best months for a wedding at Hotel Presidente InterContinental are typically from March to May and September to October. This period offers pleasant temperatures and lower chances of heavy afternoon rains, which is ideal if you plan to use any of the hotel’s terraces. However, given the hotel’s extensive and elegant indoor ballrooms, weddings are splendidly hosted at any time of the year, providing consistent comfort and luxury regardless of the season.

While summer months (June-August) can experience more frequent afternoon showers, the hotel’s robust indoor options ensure your celebration is not impacted. Winter (Nov-Feb) offers cooler temperatures, which can be delightful for an indoor event, potentially with cost savings during off-peak times.

 

The Basics of Wedding Arrangements

 

Hotel Presidente InterContinental offers thoughtfully designed wedding arrangements tailored to various styles and sizes. These typically include:

  • Ceremony Setup: Options for grand ballroom ceremonies, elegant terrace settings with city views, or intimate salon spaces, with refined décor and seating.
  • Reception Venues: Expansive, luxurious ballrooms (e.g., Grand Ballroom, smaller elegant salons) with customizable layouts and state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems.
  • Catering: Exquisite gourmet cuisine prepared by the hotel’s acclaimed culinary team, emphasizing diverse international and high-end Mexican dishes, with options for multi-course plated dinners, elaborate buffets, or interactive food stations.
  • Decor and Floral Arrangements: Collaboration with preferred luxury floral designers and decorators to create sophisticated, bespoke arrangements that complement the hotel’s elegant ambiance and your personal vision.
  • Entertainment: Assistance with coordinating top-tier music (live bands, DJs, orchestras) and other entertainment, often with in-house AV support, to create the perfect celebratory atmosphere.

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

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

 

In destination weddings at Hotel Presidente InterContinental, typically:

  • The couple covers the primary wedding costs, such as the venue rental or minimum spend, catering, and dedicated wedding coordination services.
  • Guests are usually responsible for their own travel and accommodation, although the hotel can offer preferential room rates for wedding blocks, making it convenient for guests to stay on-site.
  • The couple might choose to host additional events within the hotel, like a welcome reception at one of the hotel’s acclaimed restaurants or a 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 and enjoy the convenience of a full-service hotel.

 

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

 

Hotel Presidente InterContinental features highly versatile and grand spaces suitable for weddings of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large-scale galas:

  • Grand Ballroom (Salón Castilla): Ideal for very large weddings, accommodating 500-1,000+ guests for a reception with a dance floor, or up to 1,500 for a banquet setup.
  • Mid-size Salons (e.g., Versailles, Polanco): Perfect for medium to large-sized weddings, accommodating 100-400 guests, offering elegance and flexibility.
  • Terrace Spaces: Smaller, sophisticated outdoor terraces available for ceremonies or cocktail hours, often with stunning city or park views, for 50-150 guests.
  • Guest Accommodations: The hotel offers over 700 luxurious rooms and suites, providing convenient and high-end on-site accommodation for all your guests. Special group rates are typically available for wedding blocks.

The hotel’s comprehensive facilities and on-site lodging make it an ideal choice for destination weddings, ensuring comfort and convenience for everyone.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

Hotel Presidente InterContinental’s dedicated events team expertly manages the flow of your day from saying “I do” to your final dance. A typical sequence might look like this:

Ceremony (Ballroom or Terrace): Exchange vows in a beautifully adorned ballroom with elegant décor, or on a sophisticated terrace offering captivating views of Chapultepec Park or the city skyline.

Refined Cocktail Hour: Guests enjoy signature cocktails and gourmet canapés in an adjacent pre-function area, a stylish hotel lounge, or an outdoor terrace, providing a seamless transition and a comfortable space for mingling.

Grand Reception: Move to one of the magnificent ballrooms for an exquisite seated dinner, heartfelt toasts, and a vibrant celebration on a spacious dance floor.

Pro tip: Embrace the hotel’s sophisticated grandeur. Consider a timeless elegant or modern chic theme, incorporate elevated lighting designs and luxurious floral arrangements, and let the architectural beauty and panoramic views of Hotel Presidente InterContinental be your magnificent backdrop.

What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?

While specific inclusions vary based on the package and guest count, the core venue fee or minimum spend at Hotel Presidente InterContinental typically includes:

  • Exclusive Use of Designated Ballroom/Space: Use of your chosen ballroom(s) and adjacent pre-function areas for the allocated event time (e.g., 8-10 hours).
  • Basic Setup & Amenities: Provision of existing elegant hotel furniture (tables, chairs), high-quality linens, silverware, glassware, and basic setup for ceremony and reception spaces.
  • Staffing: Comprehensive on-site staff, including banquet managers, servers, bartenders, and security personnel, ensuring impeccable service throughout the event.
  • Basic Sound & AV System: The hotel’s professional sound system, microphones for speeches, and basic lighting. More elaborate AV needs can be arranged through the hotel’s in-house specialists or preferred vendors.
  • Menu Tasting: Often includes a complimentary tasting for the couple to finalize their chosen wedding menu.

Remember that elaborate floral installations, specialized lighting, custom decor, or premium entertainment are usually additional costs, coordinated seamlessly by the hotel’s wedding specialists.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

Mexico City can experience afternoon showers, particularly during the rainy season (May-October). Hotel Presidente InterContinental, being a luxury hotel, offers an abundance of spacious and elegant indoor ballrooms and pre-function areas that serve as beautiful and seamless backup options for ceremonies or receptions. These spaces are fully equipped and designed to ensure your celebration remains magical, regardless of the weather.

Pro tip: Discuss the backup options with your wedding specialist 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 of Hotel Presidente InterContinental ensures that all indoor spaces are equally beautiful and functional for your celebration.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking your wedding at Hotel Presidente InterContinental involves a standard payment structure typical for luxury hotels:

Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit, often ranging from $10,000–$30,000 USD (or a percentage of the estimated total), is required to confirm your date and secure the chosen event spaces.

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, based on your final guest count and confirmed services.

Cancellation policies are strict and vary depending on the timing of the cancellation relative to your wedding date, often involving forfeiture of deposits or a percentage of the estimated total. Review your contract carefully and consider comprehensive wedding insurance to protect your investment against unforeseen circumstances.

On-Site Wedding Coordination and Planning Services

Hotel Presidente InterContinental offers exceptional on-site wedding planning and coordination services through their dedicated team of wedding specialists. Their expertise ensures your journey is seamless and stress-free. Their services typically include:

Dedicated Wedding Specialist: A main point of contact who guides you through every decision, from menu selection to décor, and liaises with all hotel departments and external vendors.

Vendor Liaison: Assistance with selecting and coordinating trusted local luxury vendors for photography, music, flowers, specialized decor, and more, leveraging the hotel’s extensive network.

Timeline Creation & Management: Developing a detailed schedule for the entire wedding weekend, including pre- and post-wedding events, and ensuring everything runs precisely on time.

Rehearsal Coordination: Guiding your wedding party through the ceremony rehearsal at the venue.

Their expertise in executing flawless, sophisticated events within a five-star hotel setting is invaluable for a truly luxurious and stress-free planning experience.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

Hotel Presidente InterContinental boasts a world-class in-house culinary team renowned for its exquisite gourmet offerings and ability to accommodate a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. They specialize in sophisticated international cuisine alongside authentic, elevated Mexican dishes, using premium, locally-sourced and imported ingredients, with extensive flexibility for custom requests. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher-style, and allergy-specific meals can all be expertly prepared and served.

Consultations and private menu tastings with the Executive Chef are a key part of the planning process, allowing you to tailor the menu precisely to your taste. You can arrange unique culinary experiences like a high-end Omakase sushi bar from their award-winning Au Pied de Cochon restaurant, a refined Mexican street food experience with a gourmet twist, or a curated selection of premium tequilas and mezcals with an expert sommelier to add a unique local touch to your reception.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

Hotel Presidente InterContinental welcomes a wide array of entertainment options, from classical orchestras and sophisticated jazz bands to top-tier DJs and vibrant mariachi groups. As a luxury hotel, they have extensive experience with large-scale productions and high-quality sound and lighting systems.

While indoor ballrooms typically have more flexibility regarding noise levels and duration, any outdoor terrace events will adhere to local regulations regarding noise, with specific curfews (often around 10:00 or 11:00 p.m.). The hotel’s event team will advise on transitioning to indoor ballrooms for extended celebrations, ensuring your party continues vibrantly while respecting local policies and the hotel’s luxurious ambiance.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Most guests will arrive via Mexico City International Airport (MEX), which is conveniently connected to the Polanco area. To facilitate guest transportation and logistics:

Airport Transfers: The hotel concierge or your planner can arrange luxury private car services, or recommend reliable taxi/ride-sharing options from MEX. Many international flights land at MEX.

Local Transportation: Movement around Mexico City is easy via taxis, ride-sharing services (Uber/DiDi), or the Metro/Metrobus for exploring the city. The hotel’s prime Polanco location means many attractions are a short drive or even walk away.

Parking: Hotel Presidente InterContinental offers extensive underground valet parking services for guests, ensuring convenience and security.

Providing guests with clear instructions on airport arrival, recommended transportation options, and local travel well in advance is highly recommended. The hotel’s concierge can also assist guests with sightseeing and reservations.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Hotel Presidente InterContinental

For an average luxury wedding of about 100-150 guests at Hotel Presidente InterContinental, a rough estimate for your budget might be:

  • Venue Rental/Minimum Spend: $15,000–$50,000+ USD (often a minimum food and beverage spend rather than a separate rental fee, depending on the ballroom and date). This secures exclusive use of your chosen event spaces for the duration.
  • Food and Beverage (per person): $150–$300+ USD per person. For 120 guests, budget $18,000–$36,000+. This includes a multi-course meal, open bar, and sometimes a wedding cake.
  • Entertainment: $3,000–$12,000 USD (DJ, live band, classical musicians, or mariachi; higher for larger orchestras/productions).
  • Photography/Videography: $5,000–$12,000+ USD (depends on hours, number of photographers, and deliverables).
  • Florals and Enhanced Decor: $5,000–$20,000+ USD (leveraging the hotel’s elegance but adding luxurious, bespoke touches).
  • Taxes and Service Fees: Typically adds 16% VAT plus a 10-15% service charge on top of F&B and other services. Budget at least 26% of total costs for this.

Total estimated costs could range from $45,000 to $120,000+ USD for a 120-guest wedding, highly dependent on specific ballroom choice, extensive menu selections, premium bar packages, elaborate decor, and added luxuries. Prioritizing what matters most to you can help manage the budget effectively.

*Please note: These are estimates. Always obtain a customized quote directly from Hotel Presidente InterContinental’s wedding specialists.*

Splurge vs. Save

To save costs, consider a weekday wedding, opting for an earlier reception ending time, or selecting a simpler, yet elegant, menu. Leveraging Hotel Presidente InterContinental’s inherent luxurious decor can reduce the need for excessive additional adornments. To splurge, consider a bespoke five-course tasting menu with sommelier-paired wines, a top-tier international band, dramatic lighting and custom visual projections in the ballroom, or securing a grand bridal suite with panoramic views for your entire stay, along with special amenities for your guests.

Wedding Arrangements and What’s Included

Hotel Presidente InterContinental typically offers bespoke wedding packages or custom arrangements, allowing for a highly personalized experience. Common inclusions in a comprehensive wedding arrangement might be:

  • Venue Rental/Minimum Spend: Exclusive use of the chosen ballroom(s) and adjacent areas for a set period (e.g., 8-10 hours).
  • Ceremony Setup: Use of a designated elegant space within the hotel (ballroom or terrace), with basic elegant seating, and a refined ceremony setup.
  • Minister/Officiant: Assistance with arranging symbolic or legal officiant services (legal requirements handled separately).
  • Cocktail Hour Setup: Designated area for a sophisticated welcome reception with passed appetizers and full bar service.
  • Reception Catering: Custom gourmet menu with options for plated, buffet, or interactive stations, including a premium open bar package.
  • Wedding Cake: A beautifully crafted wedding cake sourced from a trusted local high-end baker, or a dessert station by the hotel’s pastry chef.
  • Bridal Suite: Often includes a complimentary luxurious bridal suite for the wedding night, sometimes with early check-in or late check-out.
  • Guest Room Block: Preferential rates for guest accommodations in the hotel.
  • On-Site Wedding Specialist: Dedicated professional to manage all hotel-related logistics and coordinate with your vendors.

Pro tip: Hotel Presidente InterContinental excels at crafting seamless, high-end events. Rely on their wedding specialists’ expertise to guide you through selecting the best options for a truly memorable and sophisticated celebration in an iconic Mexico City setting.

Activities for Other Days

Keep your guests entertained throughout their stay at Hotel Presidente InterContinental and in Mexico City:

  • Organize private group tours to Mexico City’s world-class museums (e.g., Museo Nacional de Antropología, Soumaya Museum, Frida Kahlo House), historic centers (Zócalo, Palacio de Bellas Artes), or vibrant markets.
  • Arrange a private culinary walking tour in Roma or Condesa, a curated Mezcal and Tequila tasting experience, or a high-end shopping excursion in Polanco.
  • Host an elegant welcome dinner at one of the hotel’s acclaimed restaurants (e.g., Au Pied de Cochon, Alfredo Di Roma) or a sophisticated farewell brunch in a private dining room.
  • Guests can explore Chapultepec Park right across the street, indulge in luxurious spa treatments at the hotel, enjoy the hotel’s fitness center and pool, 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.
  • Enjoy the hotel’s diverse dining options, vibrant bars, and luxurious amenities before and after the wedding celebrations.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Embrace Hotel Elegance: Given the sophisticated ambiance of Hotel Presidente InterContinental, opt for formal attire that complements the hotel’s grandeur. Consider elegant up-dos and professional makeup designed to last through the celebration. Choose comfortable yet stylish footwear to navigate the grand ballrooms and dance floor with ease.

2) Maximize Iconic Views: The hotel offers spectacular views of Chapultepec Park and the city. Work with your photographer to schedule portraits during golden hour on a terrace (if available) or by windows overlooking the park. Consider using these views as a backdrop for a romantic first look or even a smaller ceremony.

3) Utilize Hotel Amenities & Team: As a full-service luxury hotel, take advantage of everything Hotel Presidente InterContinental offers. From room service and concierge assistance for guests to the dedicated wedding specialists who will handle every detail, lean on their expertise. Relax and enjoy the convenience of having all services under one roof, making your wedding weekend seamless and truly pampered.

Two Bride Reviews

“Our wedding at Hotel Presidente InterContinental was absolutely breathtaking. The Grand Ballroom was transformed into a dream, and the views of Chapultepec Park from our suite were unforgettable. The entire staff, especially our wedding specialist, was incredibly attentive, anticipating every need and executing every detail flawlessly. The food was simply divine – our guests are still raving about it! It was truly the luxury wedding we had always envisioned.” – Andrea M.

“Choosing Hotel Presidente InterContinental for our destination wedding in Mexico City was the best decision we made. The convenience of having our guests stay on-site, the impeccable service, and the stunning ballrooms made our celebration truly grand. From the personalized menu tasting to the seamless flow of the entire day, the team exceeded all our expectations. It’s an iconic venue that provides a truly luxurious and memorable experience. Highly recommend for a sophisticated Mexico City wedding!” – Daniela R.

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

Having photographed weddings in Mexico City’s most esteemed venues, Hotel Presidente InterContinental offers a magnificently luxurious and iconic setting for wedding photography. The grand ballrooms, sophisticated lounges, and elegant suites provide a wealth of stunning backdrops for both classic and contemporary images. The architecture and interiors exude a timeless glamour, perfect for grand portraits and editorial-style shots. The potential for dramatic lighting and reflections within the ballrooms adds an extra layer of artistry to reception photos. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that blends classic elegance with urban sophistication, world-class service, and an undeniably prestigious atmosphere, Hotel Presidente InterContinental is an exceptional choice. It photographs with a timeless, grand, and truly memorable feel, reflecting the unique spirit of your sophisticated celebration.

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