Getting Married at Acre Baja: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by lush palm trees, agave plants, and the vibrant energy of a unique sanctuary nestled in the foothills near San José del Cabo. Welcome to Acre Baja, a stunning 25-acre property blending organic farming, stylish treehouse accommodations, private villas, and unique event spaces. Acre offers a distinctive, chic, and slightly wild atmosphere, perfect for couples seeking a non-traditional, highly memorable wedding experience focused on nature, design, sustainability, and sophisticated fun.

Known for its award-winning restaurant and bar featuring farm-to-table cuisine and innovative cocktails (especially mezcal), its iconic treehouse hotel rooms, luxurious villas, animal sanctuary (hello, rescue puppies and peacocks!), and stunning pool area, Acre Baja provides an immersive and unforgettable environment. From ceremonies in a lush mango orchard or a tiled open-air event space to lively receptions under the stars or within their main restaurant area, every celebration here feels effortlessly cool and uniquely Baja.

Hosting a wedding at Acre Baja is a bespoke, sought-after experience, often involving significant venue fees or buyouts due to its popularity and unique offerings. Costs can potentially range from $50,000 to $150,000+ USD, varying greatly based on guest count, chosen spaces, menu customization, bar selections, and the required level of external vendor coordination. Your wedding at Acre Baja promises a truly unique celebration blending jungle chic, refined dining, and unforgettable natural beauty.

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?

Acre Baja is celebrated for its unique blend of lush, natural landscape, distinctive architecture (including treehouses and modern event spaces), commitment to sustainability, and a cool, sophisticated vibe. Ideal for couples seeking an unconventional yet high-end wedding venue that prioritizes experience, great food and cocktails, and a connection with nature, Acre offers enchanting settings away from the typical beach scene. If you envision a stylish “jungle-chic” celebration with a focus on organic elements and a memorable atmosphere, Acre Baja is a fantastic and highly sought-after choice.

Its appeal lies in the unique treehouse accommodations, the vibrant restaurant scene, the animal sanctuary adding character, and the overall feeling of being in a hidden oasis. It attracts couples looking for something truly different and effortlessly cool.

How Does a Wedding at Acre Baja Work?

Weddings at Acre Baja are custom-designed events managed by their dedicated events team, often requiring collaboration with an external full-service wedding planner due to the venue’s unique logistics. The process starts with understanding your vision and guest count, followed by selecting event spaces (often involving buyouts), crafting bespoke menus featuring ingredients from their farm and innovative cocktails, arranging any on-site accommodations (treehouses/villas), and coordinating with approved external vendors for rentals, décor, music, etc. The focus is on creating a unique, seamless event that embodies Acre’s distinctive style.

Best Months to Get Married

Located in the foothills near San José del Cabo, Acre Baja enjoys pleasant weather for much of the year. The most popular and comfortable months for a wedding are typically October through June. This period avoids the peak summer heat and potential humidity/rain, allowing guests to fully enjoy the lush outdoor spaces, pool area, and open-air event venues. The natural surroundings are particularly vibrant during these months.

The Basics of Wedding Planning (Bespoke Acre Experience)

Acre Baja operates on a bespoke planning model, not standard packages. Event costs are typically structured around:

  • Venue Rental Fees / Buyout Costs: Significant fees associated with reserving exclusive use of spaces like the Mango Orchard, Tiled Event Space, Pool Area, Restaurant areas, or potentially combinations thereof. Weekend dates often require substantial buyouts.
  • Food & Beverage Minimum Spends: A required minimum expenditure on Acre’s highly-regarded food (farm-to-table focus) and beverage (craft cocktails, mezcal) program.
  • Custom Menu Design: Menus are tailored based on seasonal availability and couple preferences, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients.
  • Staffing & Service: Professional service staff is included, reflecting Acre’s high standards.
  • External Vendor Coordination: Planning involves integrating services from approved external vendors for florals, décor, rentals, entertainment, photography, and transportation.

The emphasis is on creating a unique, high-quality experience tailored to each couple.

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

For a distinctive destination wedding at Acre Baja:

  • The couple/hosts cover all event costs: This includes substantial venue fees/buyouts, food & beverage minimums, mandatory external planner fees, all vendor services, rentals, transportation, taxes, and service charges.
  • Guests manage their travel and accommodation expenses. Acre offers unique but limited on-site treehouses and villas. The majority of guests will stay at nearby hotels or villas in the San José del Cabo area and require transportation to Acre for events.
  • Additional events (welcome drinks, brunches) are typically hosted and paid for by the couple/hosts.
  • Gift registries are standard.

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

Acre Baja offers several unique and stylish event spaces:

  • Mango Orchard: A magical, natural setting beneath mango trees, suitable for ceremonies or receptions (capacity varies, potentially 150+).
  • Tiled Event Space: An open-air, covered space with beautiful tilework, often used for receptions or dancing (capacity potentially 150+).
  • Restaurant / Bar Area: Sections may be available for smaller events or welcome drinks.
  • Poolside: The chic pool area could potentially host cocktail hours.
  • Other Lawn/Garden Areas: Various spots within the lush 25 acres might be utilized.

Accommodations: Acre is famed for its dozen luxurious Treehouses. They also offer several multi-bedroom Villas. On-site accommodation is limited and highly sought-after. Most wedding guests will stay off-property, making guest transportation a key logistical element.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

Acre Baja creates a seamless flow within its enchanting environment:

Ceremony: Exchange vows in the dreamy Mango Orchard, on a dedicated lawn area surrounded by palms, or in another curated natural setting.

Cocktail Hour: Guests might gather near the main bar for Acre’s renowned cocktails, by the pool, or in a transition space between ceremony and reception venues.

Reception: Enjoy a family-style feast under the stars in the orchard, an elegant dinner in the Tiled Event Space, or utilize the main restaurant area, often followed by dancing in a designated zone like the ‘Fausto’s’ area or the Tiled Space.

Pro tip: Fully embrace the unique setting – incorporate the farm’s natural elements, maybe even arrange encounters with the resident animals (peacocks, puppies!) for guests during cocktail hour.

Understanding Venue Fees & Minimum Spends

Weddings at Acre Baja involve significant venue rental fees or buyout costs, plus substantial Food & Beverage minimums. These typically cover:

  • Exclusive Use of Contracted Area(s): Ensuring privacy for your celebration.
  • Base Acre Staffing: Includes event management liaison, culinary team, servers, bartenders.
  • Existing Venue Ambiance: The natural beauty, core structures, basic ambient/string lighting.
  • Standard Furniture (Limited): Use of existing restaurant furniture may be possible for smaller groups; larger events require full external rentals (tables, chairs, linens, dance floor, specific lighting).

The bespoke nature means most décor, rentals, entertainment, and specific staffing needs are planned and budgeted separately, often coordinated by the required external planner.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

As Acre Baja relies heavily on its beautiful outdoor spaces, weather contingency planning is vital:

  • Tiled Event Space / Covered Areas: This open-air but covered space often serves as the primary backup for ceremonies or receptions originally planned for fully open areas like the Mango Orchard.
  • Restaurant Interior: Depending on size and buyout agreements, parts of the main restaurant might be utilized.
  • Tenting: High-quality tenting can be arranged for lawns or other areas, but requires significant lead time and budget.

Thorough discussion of backup options, costs, and decision timelines with the Acre events team and your planner is essential.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking a highly desirable venue like Acre Baja involves strict financial terms:

Initial Deposit: A substantial non-refundable deposit (often 50% of venue fees/minimums) is required to secure the date and space(s).

Payment Schedule: Contracts detail further non-refundable payments due at set milestones before the event.

Final Payment: The final balance based on guaranteed guest counts and services is typically due several weeks to a month prior.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation policies are very strict, usually resulting in forfeiture of all payments made, especially as the date nears. Event insurance is strongly advised.

On-Site Event Coordination & Planning Services

Acre Baja provides an on-site events team to manage venue logistics:

Venue Management: Overseeing space booking, coordinating Acre’s culinary and beverage service, managing farm staff for the event.

Acre Experience Integration: Helping incorporate the farm’s unique elements.

Vendor Logistics (On-Site): Managing approved vendor access and basic operations while on property.

Important Note: Acre Baja generally requires couples to hire an approved, professional full-service wedding planner. This external planner is crucial for handling the extensive coordination required for rentals, transportation, detailed timelines, external vendor management, overall design, and execution, working closely with the Acre team.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

Acre’s culinary program excels at farm-fresh, seasonal cuisine and readily accommodates dietary needs:

  • Menus heavily feature organic produce grown on-site.
  • Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, and other requirements are handled creatively and thoughtfully.
  • Allergies are managed with care by the experienced kitchen team.

Discussing dietary needs during the bespoke menu planning ensures all guests can enjoy the exceptional food experience.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

Entertainment at Acre Baja should complement its chic, natural setting:

  • Styles: Live acoustic music, stylish DJs, jazz bands often work well. High-volume or heavy bass music may face restrictions.
  • Noise Curfew: Strict noise curfews are enforced (commonly 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM, confirm for your specific space/day) due to the natural setting and proximity to treehouses/villas.
  • Vendor Approval: All external entertainment must be approved by Acre and adhere to their logistical and sound guidelines.

Early discussion with Acre and your planner about entertainment choices and sound levels is essential.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Logistics for guests attending an Acre Baja wedding:

Location: Acre is located in the foothills area near San José del Cabo, requiring a drive through local roads off the main highway. It’s roughly 30-40 minutes from SJD airport.

Transportation: Arranging dedicated guest transportation (shuttles, vans) is absolutely essential. Taxis or ride-shares can be unreliable for pickup, especially late at night. This is a major planning item for your wedding planner.

Parking: Limited on-site parking is available; coordinated group transport is strongly preferred for wedding events.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Acre Baja

For an average wedding of about 50 guests, recognizing Acre’s exclusivity and bespoke nature, budget considerations are significant:

  • Venue Rental/Buyout Fee & F&B Minimum: $40,000 – $100,000+ USD (Core cost, highly variable).
  • Farm-to-Table Catering & Craft Bar: High per-person costs ($300 – $600+ pp for reception is common).
  • Required External Planner Fee: $8,000 – $20,000+ USD.
  • Florals, Decor & Rentals: $10,000 – $30,000+ USD (Extensive rentals often needed for furniture, lighting, dance floor).
  • Entertainment: $3,000 – $12,000+ USD.
  • Photography/Videography: $6,000 – $15,000+ USD.
  • Guest Transportation: $3,000 – $6,000+ USD (Essential).
  • Taxes & Service Charges: Applied to venue, F&B, etc. (Verify percentages).

Total estimated costs frequently start around $80,000 USD and often reach $150,000 – $250,000+ USD for a well-executed Acre Baja wedding experience.

Splurge vs. Save (Within the Acre Context)

Save: Consider a weekday event. Choose simpler menu options within Acre’s style. Focus décor on enhancing the natural beauty rather than large installations. Keep the guest count intimate.

Splurge: Buy out significant portions of the property for multiple days. Host elaborate welcome parties and farewell brunches. Invest heavily in custom lighting design, high-end rentals, and immersive floral décor. Book renowned DJs or live bands. Offer unique farm experiences or mezcal tastings for guests.

Wedding Planning Inclusions

As planning is bespoke, the contract details what the venue/buyout fees and F&B minimums cover:

  • Exclusive Use of Agreed Spaces: During set times.
  • Core Culinary & Beverage Service: Based on custom plan.
  • Acre Event Staff: On-site liaison, culinary team, servers, bartenders.
  • Use of Natural Setting & Basic Structures: Includes farm ambiance, basic lighting.
  • Collaboration with External Planner: Acre team works with your required planner.

Pro tip: Your external planner is critical for managing the budget and logistics of all the elements NOT included by Acre by default – this includes most rentals, transportation, florals, entertainment setup, detailed timelines, etc. Ensure clear delineation of responsibilities between Acre and your planner.

Activities for Other Days

Enhance the wedding weekend with Acre’s unique activities:

  • Explore the Farm: Wander the grounds, visit the animal sanctuary (goats, donkeys, peacocks, rescue dogs).
  • Relax by the Pool: Enjoy the chic pool area and poolside bar.
  • Mezcal Tasting: Sample Acre’s own award-winning mezcal.
  • Treehouse Stay: Experience the unique on-site treehouse accommodations (if booked).
  • Dining: Enjoy meals at the renowned Acre restaurant or Fausto’s.
  • Wellness: Participate in yoga or other wellness activities offered.
  • Nearby Exploration: Arrange transport to explore San José del Cabo’s historic center or nearby beaches.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Prioritize Transportation: This cannot be stressed enough. Work with your planner to arrange clear, reliable transportation for all guests for all events at Acre.

2) Embrace the Outdoors (and have backups): Acre’s magic is largely outdoors. Choose attire and advise guests appropriately (consider comfortable footwear for walking on paths/grass). Have solid, well-communicated weather backup plans.

3) Trust Your Planner: A great planner familiar with Acre is key to managing the many moving parts (rentals, vendors, logistics) required for a seamless event at this unique venue.

Two Bride Reviews

“Acre Baja was the most unique and stunning wedding venue. It felt like getting married in a secret jungle oasis. The food was absolutely incredible, the vibe was perfect, and the treehouses were unforgettable. Our planner handled the logistics, which was essential!” – Sarah M. (Example Review)

“If you want a wedding that’s chic, different, and totally memorable, Acre is it. Our ceremony in the mango orchard was magical, and the reception under the lights was amazing. Guests loved the mezcal and the rescue puppies! It’s a special place.” – Chloe R. (Example Review)

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

Acre Baja is a photographer’s dream for capturing a unique, stylish, and atmospheric wedding story. It’s a welcome departure from the beach, offering lush greenery, dramatic palm trees, rustic textures, and iconic elements like the treehouses and agave fields. The quality of light filtering through the vegetation is often soft and beautiful. Event spaces like the Mango Orchard and the Tiled area provide distinct, character-filled backdrops. The challenge is navigating the expansive grounds efficiently and working with the natural light, but the opportunities for creative, editorial-style shots are abundant. It’s about capturing the ‘jungle-chic’ vibe, the connection to nature, the unique architectural details, and the sophisticated yet relaxed energy of the celebration. The resulting images are guaranteed to be different from typical Cabo wedding photos, reflecting a truly special venue.

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