This was the first time my husband an I had visited an all inclusive resort. We stayed at Excellence El Carmen from 08/28 - 09/04. Their facility is beautiful and their staff is excellent. We have already decided that we want to return as soon as possible.

The wedding coordinators were very helpful in getting things planned via email, prior to us arriving. We met with them the morning after we arrived to finalize all our selections. It was like meeting members of our new family-they were so sweet and assuring. There were a couple changes to the dance floor we wanted, but no big deal. They also suggested changing our reception from the beach to the beachfront rooftop lounge which was gorgeous. Unfortunately, there was a chance for rain the day of, so we had to move inside to the ballroom, but this was fortuitous because it was so humid and the mosquitoes were very bad. I had a private suite in the spa to get ready with my sisters and mother. We had hair and makeup done, which turned out beautifully. I felt so gorgeous! They really know how to give you and entrance and it was so emotional to see all our friends and family, and my future husband's surprised look as I approached him. The ceremony was short but sweet and we finished with photos on the beach before the reception, while guests enjoy the Cielo Bar directly behind the wedding gazebo. We got some really nice photos from the on site photographer, Seasons Photo Studio. At the reception, the DJ asked us what type of music we wanted him to play but he already had a good idea of what we were looking for based on our song list for our entrance, first dance and cake cutting. He did an great job and everyone enjoyed the music. We danced our butts off the whole night! It was a little warm in the room, but it was much more comfortable than it would have been outside. We had a huge selection of food, which was very good. We decided on a buffet because it gave our guests more choices, vs choosing plated dinners, which was only one choice for everyone. The cake was beautiful and delicious! Initially I thought we could only have vanilla or chocolate but they asked if we wanted anything inside, so I chose strawberries, and I loved it (even though I don't normally like cake!) Our wedding was more beautiful, fun, and stress free than I could have ever imagined!
For the price, there were only a couple things that we purchased because we had the Gold wedding package complimentary (due to the number of guests who attended), which included many of the things you normally pay a la carte for. We paid $1200 for the DJ and $750 for the dance floor. Photos were $650 but we only asked for 2 hours and it included 40 photos. They stayed longer than 2 hours, and I was getting tired of posing at that point so luckily it wasn't too much longer.

I highly recommend a destination wedding at Excellence El Carmen. The resort is gorgeous and our guests told us it was so relaxing and the best wedding they've ever been to!

Wedding planners switched half way through and the wedding coordinator I dealt with from el Carmen was very non responsive for a while, which obviously would make any bride nervous. But at the end of the day, she did a wonderful job and my wedding was beautiful ! Also, all of my guests had a phenomenal time. Would definitely do this again