A Destination Wedding in Cabo San Lucas: Choosing a Venue
Planning any kind of wedding in 2020-2021 has been extremely difficult for engaged couples. In the era of COVID-19 and social distancing, most weddings have been put on hold or rescheduled. We had held off planning for a year and now feel comfortable planning our big day!
I have always dreamt of having a beautiful destination wedding; and I ironically met my future husband in a Mexican pool bar. We thought where better to hold our nuptials than the city where it all started; Cabo San Lucas. With the vaccine roll out, and a hopeful end to travel restrictions we have begun our wedding journey.
Besides our love for travel and actually meeting in Cabo, Mexico in 2016, we wanted to be sure that our wedding reflected what is most important: our marriage. The idea of turning our wedding into a vacation is undeniably alluring, the unfortunate reality of cost and logistics often derails destination wedding plans.
Just like any wedding, proper preparation can mean the difference between a memorable event and an absolute nightmare. Therefore, I contacted multiple resort wedding agents and packed our bags to explore a handful of wedding options in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. When initially looking at venues we had a small list of credentials: all inclusive, affordable accomodations, kid friendly, and a venue to accomodate 100+ guests. Overall, it was very important that our friends and family would have an amazing time too.
Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort
Nestled in the mountains of the Baja Peninsula, this stunning all-inclusive resort provides incredible views overlooking the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. With extensive grounds and a magnificent large private beach, Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach offered most of what we would need for our wedding. Recognized as one of the “Top 10 Resorts in Mexico,” this spectacular getaway is located just 10 minutes from the action and nightlife of Cabo San Lucas and 40 minutes from the SJD airport. Karen was our contact at Sunset and I truly cannot put into words how amazing her communication, professional manner, and special touches were to us.
The Rooms at Pueblo Bonito Sunset
Junior Ocean View Suites, Executive Queen View Suites, and Super Executive Suites $187-$552
IN-ROOM SERVICES & AMENITIES
Complimentary WiFi
24-hour room service
In-room massage (fee)
Twice-daily housekeeping
Fully equipped kitchenette
Television with premium cable
Feather-top mattress and pillow menu
Premium bath amenities
Plush bathrobes
In-room safe
Wake-up calls
Secluded hotel beach *Where we want our ceremony
Pool decks *Sky Pool- Where we want our cocktail hour and reception
Oceanfront terraces
Ballrooms
Hotel Gardens
THE MARKET AT QUIVIRA
The Market at Quivira is a one stop shopping and dining experience. Inspired by the great food halls of Europe, this urban marketplace is a food-lover’s dream offering on-the-go favorites and full-service dining from early morning to late night.
Open Daily | 7 am – 10 pm
Pueblo Bonito Rose' and Los Cobos Downtown
Located in downtown Cabo, this busy smaller resort is overlooking the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and the arch of Cabo. Rose' has distinctive rosé-tinted walls, gleaming domes, marble busts and a towering statue of Neptune set the Greco-Roman theme of this upscale, full-service resort. Next door you can stay at the Los Cabos Downtown resort. This side portrays a Mediterranean-style, withe full-service amenities and boutique services. Noted for casual elegance and all-inclusive ease, oceanfront Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos overlooks El Médano Beach and the Sea of Cortez, affording its guests stunning views of the arch.
The Rooms at Pueblo Bonito Rose'
Junior Suite and Luxury Suite $161-$407
VENUE OPTIONS FOR ROSE AND LOS COABOS DOWNTOWN
Two Terraces for less than 100 people: Paloma Terrace and Belavita Terrace
Sea of Cortez Terrace on the Los Cabos side *Where we would have the reception
Public/ Private Beach *We want our wedding on the beach, but a lot of vendors around
Hotel Riu Baja California (adults only), The Riu Palace , and Riu Santa Fe
These properties are a 10 minute drive from downtown nightlife and has some of the best views of the arch of Cabo San Lucas. The Riu Santa Fe is very nastalgic as it is where Kelly and I met. Since 2016, the hotel added two additions: Baja California which is adults only and the Riu Palace, which is family friendly and an upgrade from the Santa Fe Party side. If you stay at either of these resorts your wristband allows you to go to the others. Even though we toured the whole property, if we were to have the wedding at the Riu we would choose the Palace. At the hotel RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas you can take advantage of the Renova Spa equipped with a gym, sauna, the RiuLand Kids club, and sporting activities. In addition to the 24-hour room service, there are a handful of food options on site: Mexican, Japanese and Indian cuisine, incredible buffets with show cooking stations.
The Rooms at The Riu Palace
Junior Ocean View Suites, Executive Queen View Suites, and Super Executive Suites $122-$499
VENUE OPTIONS FOR RIU PALACE
Baja Norte Private Beach wedding *Where we would do the ceremony
Palm Tree Beach Wedding
Beach Terrace *Where we would do the cocktail and reception
Upper Terrace
Welcome Party Lobby Bar
Barcelo Gran Faro Los Cabos
Barcelo Grand Faro is situated on the sands overlooking the Sea of Cortez and about 20 minutes away from the historic downtown area, world class golf courses, and the new marina at Puerto Los Cabos. This all-inclusive resort offers over 300 deluxe rooms and suites, five swimming pools, and 7 restaurants. Barcelo Grand Faro is best known for its indoor landmark lighthouse where you can sip a cocktail while taking in an unforgettable 360-degree view of the breathtaking beachside landscape. Unfortunately when we arrived for our tour the wedding planner I had originally had contact with had since left, so it was a bit of a scramble.
The Rooms at Barcelo Grand Faro $183-$500
Superior room, Superior room with sea view, Deluxe sea view premium level room, Superioir beach front premium level, Junior suite beach front, Suite ocean front premium level, Presidential Suite
VENUE OPTIONS FOR BARCELO GRAN FARO
Private Beach wedding *Where we would do the ceremony
360 Light House
Beach Terrace *Where we would do the reception
Sandos Finisterra
This all inclusive resort has the best location in town with Ocean and Bay views. The hotel is a short walk away from downtown Cabo San Lucas, the arch, and the marina. The beach resort features luxurious views, a top notch spa and a collection of exciting bars and elegant restaurants.
Ocean View, Delux Bay View, Finisterra Casitas Bay View, and Finisterra Suites
All inclusive
2 Restaurant and several bars
Room service
Tennis, gym, daily activites
Wi-fi
VENUE OPTIONS FOR SANDOS FINISTERRA
Beach wedding *Where we would do the ceremony
Open Air Reception *We loved this space
Top Terrace *We would do our reception here
Marina Stage Terrace
Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos
Hard Rock Los Cabos all-inclusive resort offers the perfect mix of excitement and upscale entertainment. Situated on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula about 30 minutes west of downtown, and 50 minutes from the airport; the Hard Rock hotel is a stunning beachfront location. However, it is frustrating that guests are not able to swim in the ocean due to strong currents. Those hoping to cool off can head to one of the resort's five pools, which offer live music, foam parties and waterslides, as well as designated adults-only areas. Aside from the pools, we were impressed with the property's 8 restaurants, which offer everything from Mexican cuisine to Chinese and Japanese dishes.
The Rooms at the Hard Rock
Deluxe pure wellness, Delux Partial Ocean View, Deluxe swim up, Rock Royalty Ocean View, Junior Suite, Rock Suite Ocean, Rock suite Rooftop, and Rock star suite $338- $1000+
VENUE OPTIONS FOR HARD ROCK: weddings@aichotelgroup.com (USA/CAN Couples)
My main issue with the Hard Rock is everything had an extra charge attached
Beach wedding -was very windy and cannot swim
Grass Wedding
Los Gallos Terrace *Where we would have our reception
Tune 3rd Level Terrace *This is where we would have the ceremony
There's something special about getting married at a tropical destination, against a stunning ocean backdrop in the sand. Since Kelly proposed, I was excited to begin planning and this initial legwork only made our venue choice more difficult. After all, there's more to take into account than the venue itself; food, the weather at the location, and guests' availability to travel are all concerns we have had while planning this Cabo wedding. After sorting out the tours, finances, availability, locations and amenities Kelly and I decided to go with The Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort : Ashleigh and Kelly's Wedding
Lastly, I want to leave you with one more piece of advice: Negotiate! Make sure you know your budget and wrok out all of the pricing and outside vendors into your contract so that you are not blindsided in the future.
"Whatever you decide, remember that your wedding is about the celebration of your love, not where your gate-checked luggage ended up."
