What is required by the State of Qatar, the county of Doha for a legal wedding ceremony?
Foreign couples in Qatar perform civil marriage ceremonies at the embassy or consulate only. However, they should meet the civil and religious requirements of their home country. Certain embassies and consulate staff can perform civil marriage ceremonies provided that certain requirements are met. Please contact your embassy for more details.
What do I need to know before contacting the hotel?
You should know the estimated number of guests, a date and an approximate budget for your event. If possible, choose a few alternate dates in case your first choice is not available.
How far in advance should I reserve the date?
Although The Ritz-Carlton, Doha often fills the most popular dates as far as two years in advance, other dates are typically available with less notice. A minimum of one year is recommended in order for us to accommodate you on your preferred dates.
When do I need to tell The Ritz-Carlton exactly how many guests will be attending my wedding?
The catering department must be notified of the exact number of guest attending a function at least 14 days prior to the start of the event. This will be considered a guarantee, for which you will be charged, even if fewer guests attend the function.
Do the bride and groom get a complimentary room for the wedding night?
The hotel provides a complimentary guest room for the bride on the day of the wedding for her preparations. An Executive suite is provided for the bride and groom on the night of their wedding. These complimentary guestrooms are offered with a minimum of 120 guests in attendance at the reception.
Are there special room rates for wedding guests?
For family and friends of the wedding party, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha will be happy to quote preferential rates for the week of the event. Rates offered are subject to availability.
What local laws affect events at The Ritz-Carlton?
Guests bringing their own alcohol on property should first obtain the following:
- A letter of approval from Qatar Distribution Company (QDC)
- A signed letter from the event organizer stating that they are fully responsible for this alcohol that they are bringing to the event.
What weather should I expect at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha?
The weather in Doha is generally sunny all year round with the temperature ranging from an average high of 31 degrees Celsius during the day to 22 degrees Celsius at night. Qatar's subtropical desert means that from November through February the country's weather is extremely pleasant. Rainfall is rare.
Any other suggestions for planning my wedding?
Create a wedding binder. Clip pictures from magazines and make notes about what you have liked at other weddings. This will help you select your flowers, cake, room decor and other special touches to make your wedding uniquely yours.
May I hold my ceremonies and/or reception outside?
Islamic wedding ceremonies must be held in the court and expatriates weddings can only take place in certain embassies.
The reception may be held outside in The Fountain Courtyard. This consists of landscaped terrace gardens, three fountains and a myriad of palm trees.
We also cater weddings in the venue of your choice, whether it is your home, garden or private marquee.
How do I arrange my wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha?
Our wedding professionals will organize and coordinate all aspects of your wedding ceremony and reception to help create your vision. Your wedding professional will:
- Assist with etiquette and protocol for your ceremony
- Create a timeline for your entire wedding day
- Coordinate the wedding ceremony
- Recommend special event professionals to provide floral arrangements, music, photography and invitations
- Act as menu consultant for all food and beverage selections
- Arrange and attend your menu tasting
- Oversee the ceremony and reception
Do I need a wedding coordinator?
No, you do not need a wedding coordinator, as our wedding professional will help you organize every detail and be there for the event itself for whatever you need.