We at WGM absolutely love Cabo for a destination wedding. It’s romantic, beautiful and there are so many great resorts to choose from. Cabo San Lucas, often simply called “Cabo,” is a popular getaway for both Mexican and international tourists. Built as a balneario, (or planned resort town), Cabo has a prolific marine life, making it a natural hub for fisherman and water sport enthusiasts. Because it was planned as a vacation town, Cabo weddings provide you top-rate amenities and services, along with some of the country’s best spas. Pro tip: A Cabo wedding vacation is not complete without a trip to Al Arco, a stunning natural rock formation that juts into the harbor just offshore.
To get even more insider information, we reached out to Christine Sholander, Certified Destination Wedding Specialist at DestinationWeddings.com, to round out some of the key Q&A’s about planning a wedding in Cabo.
1. What are the marriage license requirements in Cabo San Lucas?
For Civil Ceremonies: Couples must arrive on property 3 business days before the wedding. Blood tests must be done on property. Judge fees and documentation fees apply; ceremony date and time are subject to the judge’s calendar and are not confirmed until closer to ceremony date.
Note: Karisma Hotels enjoy the services of a judge (not sharing with other hotels) so it’s much easier to confirm a civil ceremony in advance; usually within 30 days of confirming the wedding date/time.
The ceremony is performed in Spanish by the judge; there may be a fee for English translation. After the ceremony, it can take up to 3 months for the paperwork to be completed and then mailed to the couple to take to their local courthouse to file.
For vow renewal or symbolic ceremonies: Couples must arrive on property 3 business days before the wedding. Some hotels will allow 2 days. The couple can be married at home prior to arrival or just enjoy a Symbolic commitment ceremony. No paperwork is necessary; the ceremony is performed by an officiant (usually a hotel staff member) and in Spanish with English translation. Some hotels have a fee for officiants and for English translation.
2. What’s the best time of year for a wedding here?
The optimal time to travel is May-June; it’s less crowded and the weather is lovely. October-November have great travel values however hotels sell out quickly during this time so early planning is a must. These are also the most active months to expect tropical weather. Average temperature is 78°F. I just returned from this area in mid-February and the weather was perfect.
3. Why do you love it here?
The beaches of the Pacific are beautiful and go on forever. However, it’s important to note almost all beaches in this area are non-swimmable owing to the strong undertow. Medano Beach by the marina enjoys a long stretch of swimmable beach and water taxis are easily arranged to the famous El Arco, Lover’s Beach or Divorce Beach; these areas also offer snorkeling.
4. What are some of your favorite venues for weddings?
The Sandos Finisterra Mountain Terrace and Breathless Cabo’s rooftop ceremony/pool deck reception.
5. What’s the average cost of a wedding here?
There are many hotels in Mexico catering to Destination Wedding couples. This makes for competitive offers which can help offset the costs of hosting a wedding, even one with a large number of guests. A hotel for every couple’s budget can be found in Mexico.
6. What’s the #1 piece of advice you would give a bride planning a destination wedding in Cabo?
Regardless of your destination, find the resort that speaks to your style and vision and where you can picture yourself celebrating with friends and family. If your dream is an adults-only experience but there are children in the family who simply must be included, consider a short
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