Getting Married at Casa Dorada Los Cabos: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Thinking about a vibrant wedding celebration right on Cabo’s most famous swimmable beach, Medano Beach? Welcome to Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa, an upscale resort offering an unbeatable location with direct access to beach clubs, water activities, and stunning views of Land’s End. With its lively atmosphere, comfortable suites, and versatile event spaces, Casa Dorada is perfect for couples wanting a fun, convenient, and quintessentially Cabo wedding experience.

Known for its prime Medano Beach location, spacious suites (many with ocean views), multiple dining options including the popular Maydan beach club, family-friendly amenities, and proximity to downtown Cabo San Lucas nightlife and marina, Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa offers both relaxation and excitement. From ceremonies directly on the bustling beach to receptions on pool decks or terraces overlooking the bay, the resort provides classic Cabo settings.

Hosting a wedding here typically involves selecting from various packages or creating a custom event, with costs potentially ranging from $15,000 to $40,000+ USD, depending on guest count, menu choices, venue, and level of customization. With experienced planners and its fantastic location, your wedding at Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa promises a lively and memorable celebration in the heart of the action.

Are you dreaming of the perfect wedding day in Cabo? Explore some of the best wedding photos in Cabo in this stunning destination, showcasing breathtaking moments captured in paradise. 

Index

 

 

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

 

Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa is celebrated primarily for its unbeatable location directly on Medano Beach, the heart of Cabo San Lucas’s beach scene. Ideal for couples who want their guests to be steps away from the swimmable ocean, beach bars, water taxis to the Arch, and walking distance to downtown, this resort offers convenience and a lively atmosphere. With comfortable suite accommodations and classic beachfront wedding venues, it’s perfect for a fun, accessible, and quintessential Cabo celebration.

Guest feedback often highlights the prime Medano Beach access and the stunning views of Land’s End as major draws. If location, beach access, and proximity to activities are your top priorities, Casa Dorada is an excellent option.

 

How Does a Wedding at Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa Work?

 

Planning a wedding at Casa Dorada involves working with their events or catering team. They typically offer wedding packages designed to simplify the process, covering essential elements like ceremony setup, basic reception components, and coordination of resort services. Customization is also possible. The process includes selecting venues (beachfront, pool deck, terrace), choosing menus, arranging guest accommodations (room blocks are common), and coordinating event timing and logistics with the resort staff.

 

Best Months to Get Married

 

Los Cabos generally has great weather, but the most popular months for a wedding at Casa Dorada are November through May. This period avoids the peak summer heat and humidity, offering pleasant conditions for enjoying Medano Beach and outdoor events. Clear skies and comfortable temperatures make it ideal for guests wanting to explore the nearby town and participate in water activities.

 

The Basics of Wedding Packages

 

Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa typically offers several wedding packages, often based on guest count or level of inclusions. Common elements usually feature:

Symbolic Ceremony: Setup on the beach or a designated terrace, including chairs, basic altar décor, and symbolic officiant.

Cocktail Hour: Often includes a selection of appetizers and a standard open bar for one hour.

Reception Dinner: A private event with options for plated or buffet menus, standard open bar service (typically 3-4 hours), basic table settings, and sometimes a wedding cake.

Coordinator: Access to an on-site coordinator for managing resort-related details.

Possible Extras: Depending on the package, may include things like a complimentary basic suite for the wedding night, discounts at the Saltwater Spa, or simple floral arrangements.

These packages serve as a convenient starting point, with options to upgrade décor, menus, bar service, and add external vendors.

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

 

For weddings at Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa:

  • The couple usually covers the cost of the wedding package and any upgrades, external vendors (photography, extensive florals, specific entertainment), and potentially additional hosted events.
  • Guests typically pay for their own travel and accommodation at Casa Dorada or other nearby hotels/condos (Medano Beach offers many options). Group rates at Casa Dorada can often be arranged.
  • Activities, meals outside wedding events, and local transportation are usually guest expenses.
  • Gift registries are common.

 

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

 

Casa Dorada offers classic Cabo wedding venues:

Medano Beach: The resort’s prime beachfront is perfect for ceremonies and receptions directly on the sand, accommodating various group sizes.

Pool Deck / Terraces: Areas overlooking the pool and Medano Bay offer great settings for cocktail hours or receptions (capacity varies, often suitable for 50-150 guests).

Maydan Beach Club: The resort’s popular beach club area can potentially be used for welcome parties or casual receptions.

Indoor Spaces: Ballrooms or meeting rooms are available for receptions or as weather backups.

The resort features spacious one, two, and three-bedroom suites, as well as penthouses, making it comfortable for families and groups. Arranging a room block is recommended.

 

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

 

Casa Dorada facilitates a straightforward wedding day flow:

Ceremony: Exchange vows directly on the famous Medano Beach with Land’s End in the distance, or choose a terrace for an elevated view of the bay.

Cocktail Hour: Guests can easily gather on the main pool deck or a designated terrace area, enjoying drinks and the lively Medano Beach atmosphere.

Reception: Celebrate with a fun beach party reception, an elegant dinner on the pool deck under the stars, or move indoors for a traditional ballroom event.

Pro tip: Medano Beach is public and can be busy. Discuss with the resort how they define and manage your private event space on the beach. Utilize the iconic Land’s End view for classic Cabo wedding photos.

 

What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?

 

Venue usage at Casa Dorada is generally included within their wedding package pricing or tied to achieving a Food & Beverage minimum spend. The cost typically covers:

Use of the Event Space: Access to your chosen beach area, terrace, or ballroom for the contracted time.

Standard Furniture & Setup: Includes existing resort tables, chairs, standard linens, china, glassware, and flatware.

Staffing: Banquet servers, bartenders, and event supervision during your event.

Basic Infrastructure: Access to power and existing venue lighting.

Specific décor elements (beyond very basic package inclusions), floral arrangements, entertainment systems (beyond basic ceremony sound), specialty rentals, and external vendor services are usually additional costs.

 

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

 

Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa provides indoor backup spaces, typically their ballrooms or function rooms, in case of rain or unsuitable weather for outdoor events. Your on-site coordinator will discuss the designated backup location and the decision-making process with you during planning.

Pro tip: Ask about how the backup space can be decorated to reflect your style, even if the change happens relatively last minute.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

 

Booking a wedding at Casa Dorada generally involves:

Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your wedding date and venues (amount varies based on estimate).

Payment Schedule: Contracts typically outline a schedule for subsequent payments, often due at intervals like 6 months, 90 days, or 45 days before the event.

Final Payment: The final estimated balance, based on confirmed guest counts and services, is usually due 30-45 days prior to the wedding.

Cancellation policies specify non-refundable amounts based on the timing of cancellation. Review these terms carefully in your contract.

 

On-Site Wedding Coordination & Planning Services

 

Casa Dorada provides an on-site wedding coordinator or event manager:

Resort Contact: Your main point person for booking venues, selecting menus, arranging resort services, and managing room blocks.

Internal Management: They coordinate the resort’s banquet, culinary, and operational teams for your event.

Vendor Referrals: They can provide a list of local vendors who frequently work at the resort.

The on-site coordinator focuses primarily on executing the resort’s contracted services. Couples often hire independent planners for comprehensive design, external vendor negotiation and management, and personalized guest communication.

 

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

 

Casa Dorada’s culinary team can accommodate common dietary needs:

  • Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free options are generally available upon request.
  • Common allergies can be handled with careful planning and communication.
  • Discuss any specific or less common dietary requirements well in advance.

Providing a final list of all dietary restrictions with guest names and seating assignments to your coordinator is essential, usually needed 3-4 weeks before the event.

 

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

 

Casa Dorada allows standard wedding entertainment with typical considerations:

DJs & Live Music: Permitted in event areas (beach, terraces, ballroom).

Noise Curfew: Medano Beach can have ambient noise from nearby bars, but resort-hosted amplified music outdoors likely has a curfew around 10:00 PM or 10:30 PM. Indoor events can go later.

Vendor Policies: External vendors usually need resort approval and must comply with their logistics (setup times, power, insurance).

Confirm specific noise rules and vendor requirements for your chosen venue with the resort’s event team.

 

Parking and Guest Logistics

 

Guest logistics for Casa Dorada:

Airport Transfers: Located on Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas, the resort is about a 45-minute drive from SJD airport. Guests typically arrange their own airport transfers (shuttles, taxis, private cars).

Parking: Valet parking service is usually available for guests.

Walkability: The resort’s prime location means guests can easily walk to numerous restaurants, bars, shops, the marina, and enjoy Medano Beach activities without needing frequent transportation.

 

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa

 

For an average wedding of about 50 guests, considering its prime location and upscale positioning, budget considerations might include:

    • Wedding Package / Venue & F&B: $12,000 – $30,000+ USD (Covering standard ceremony/cocktail/reception elements).
    • Entertainment: $1,500 – $5,000 USD (DJ or local band).
    • Photography/Videography: $4,000 – $8,000 USD.
    • Florals & Décor Upgrades: $1,500 – $6,000+ USD.
    • Taxes & Service Charges: Expect ~16% VAT and a ~15-18% service charge on resort-provided food, beverage, and potentially other services. Verify contract specifics.

Total estimated costs typically range from $20,000 to $50,000+ USD, largely dependent on package choice, guest count, and customization level.

 

Splurge vs. Save

Save: Choose a package that bundles key elements effectively. Opt for buffet if it offers cost savings. Use standard resort décor and supplement thoughtfully. Consider a Sunday or weekday wedding for potential flexibility. Keep the guest list manageable.

Splurge: Select premium menu options and top-shelf bar packages. Invest in elaborate floral arrangements and custom lighting for the beach or terrace. Rent specialty furniture or linens. Hire a well-known band or DJ. Host additional events like a welcome party at Maydan Beach Club.

 

Wedding Packages and What’s Included

 

Casa Dorada offers various packages often tiered by inclusions:

    • Ceremony: Location (beach/terrace), setup (chairs, basic altar), symbolic officiant.
    • Cocktail Hour: Typically 1 hour, standard open bar, selection of hors d’oeuvres.
    • Reception: Usually 3-4 hours, private dinner (set menu or buffet options), standard open bar, basic tablescape, wedding cake often included.
    • Coordinator: Resort coordinator for on-site details.
    • Potential Perks: May include spa discounts, simple bouquet/boutonniere, basic centerpieces, or a special amenity for the couple.

Pro tip: Carefully compare what’s included in the different package levels regarding décor, menu quality, bar service hours, and included flowers to choose the best base for your needs.

Activities for Other Days

 

Leverage Casa Dorada’s prime Medano Beach location:

  • Enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, or jet skiing right off the resort beach.
  • Relax by the resort’s pools overlooking the bay.
  • Visit the Saltwater Spa.
  • Walk to nearby popular beach clubs like The Office or Mango Deck.
  • Take a water taxi from the beach to Land’s End (The Arch) and Lover’s Beach/Divorce Beach.
  • Walk easily to downtown Cabo San Lucas for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
  • Arrange fishing trips or sunset cruises departing from the nearby marina.

 

Three Practical Tips for Brides

 

1) Embrace the Location: Medano Beach is the heart of Cabo’s daytime energy. Be prepared for a lively atmosphere, especially if having events directly on the beach during peak hours.

2) Plan for Beach Logistics: If having a beach ceremony/reception, consider practicalities like footwear for guests, potential heat, wind, and how the resort manages the public nature of the beach during your private event.

3) Utilize Walkability: Encourage guests to explore the easily accessible town and marina, reducing the need for constant planned transportation.

 

Two Bride Reviews

 

“Casa Dorada was the PERFECT location for our Cabo wedding! Being right on Medano Beach was amazing – our guests loved the convenience and the views. The wedding team was great to work with, and our beach reception was so much fun.” – Nicole R. (Example Review)

“We chose Casa Dorada because we wanted our guests to easily experience everything Cabo has to offer. The location is unbeatable! The resort itself is beautiful, the suites are spacious, and our wedding day went off without a hitch thanks to the coordinator.” – Amanda J. (Example Review)

 

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

 

Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa offers the quintessential Medano Beach wedding photography experience. Its prime location provides direct access to the iconic views of Land’s End across the bay – a must-have shot for many Cabo couples. Photographing ceremonies and receptions on the beach captures the vibrant energy of Cabo, though managing the public setting requires skill. The resort’s pool deck and terraces offer great elevated perspectives of the bay and beach activity. The light during sunset over the bay is often beautiful, casting warm tones on the sand and water. While the resort architecture itself might be less distinct than some newer properties, the combination of beach, bay views, and Land’s End makes it a classic and highly desirable location for capturing joyful, sun-filled Cabo wedding memories.

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