Mexico offers numerous destination wedding locations for couples, but for many people, Cabo San Lucas tops the list. There are multiple micro-regions to consider, including the Tourist Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cab and San José del Cabo. Many beaches are federally owned, which means planning a wedding requires obtaining permits.
The best way to plan a wedding in Cabo is to get professional assistance. Wedding planners like Beach Bridal Vacations offer complete packages for international couples who want to experience cultural ceremonies and local elements in Cabo San Lucas. In this guide, we will share considerations that you must keep in mind before the chaos starts.
Decide Between Legal and Symbolic Weddings
If you want to go for a legal civil marriage, you should know that everything is governed by the Baja California Sur civil registry. There are many formalities, and you have to be there for in-person appointments. Required documents commonly include passports, tourist permits (FMM), birth certificates (translated into Spanish), and blood tests and health certificates (requirements can vary). That’s one of the reasons why wedding planners recommend a symbolic ceremony, which doesn’t require legal paperwork, and you can always have a civil marriage in your hometown.
Budget Realities
The cost of getting married in Cabo San Lucas depends on several basic factors, including the season, venue, and guest count. Venue and ceremony fees are a given for any international wedding, but here, you have to consider beach permits. Hiring a planner may sound like an additional expense, but local teams can help you save money on other vendors and services. The wedding planner can take care of catering and bar packages, rentals (chairs, arches, lighting), photography and transportation.
Best Time to Get Married in Cabo
The peak season is between November and April when the weather is dry and evenings are cool. However, prices are likely to be much higher, as beyond the wedding guests, even tourists come to Cabo to enjoy the beaches. May to June is the shoulder season, when temperatures are considerably higher, and rates are lower. You wouldn’t have to deal with a lot of people buzzing around on beaches. From July to October is the hurricane season, which means more humidity, risk of storms and rain, and planners don’t usually recommend outdoor or beach ceremonies due to weather uncertainty.
Choosing Between Wedding Venues in Cabo
Beachfront resorts are often better because you will have help with everything. Many planners have deals with resorts, which reduces hassles on the ground during the planning process. However, using a resort may mean vendor restrictions. Public beach weddings are also allowed in Cabo, but as we mentioned, you need to get permits, and there are clear setup and teardown rules. Private villas and estates allow more customization, but costs can be considerably higher, which is why people like to work with planners who can give a realistic overview of the budget. Before you choose a vendor, consider guest capacity and backup options.
Guest Planning and Logistics
Most people land in Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), and no matter your guest count, you have to consider aspects like private transfers and travel times from the airport. Guest documentation requirements include passports, and planners can offer travel insurance recommendations.
Takeaways
Once you hire a wedding planner in Cabo San Lucas, make sure you have a clear estimate. Planners prefer to use local vendors, which can keep costs in check, and it is best to have clear preferences about what you want and what you are willing to give up. Early planning will give you more time and options and help avoid surprise expenses.
