Getting Married at Solaz, Los Cabos: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Imagine celebrating your wedding amidst striking contemporary architecture that cascades towards the Sea of Cortez, blending seamlessly with the Baja landscape. Welcome to Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos, a visually stunning property renowned for its unique design, focus on local artistry, and luxurious amenities. Located on the desirable tourist corridor, Solaz offers a sophisticated and artistic ambiance, perfect for couples seeking a modern, elegant, and culturally rich destination wedding experience.

Known for its impressive architecture featuring clean lines, native woods, and terraced levels offering panoramic ocean views from every room, its multiple infinity pools, the indigenous-inspired Ojo de Liebre Spa, diverse culinary options, and the Gabinete del Barco exhibit showcasing regional history and art, Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort provides a distinctive and enriching environment. From ceremonies on breathtaking terraces overlooking the ocean to chic receptions in elegant ballrooms or unique outdoor spaces, the resort offers truly memorable settings.

Hosting a wedding at Solaz involves immersing yourselves in a world of design and luxury. Costs typically reflect this high-end positioning, potentially ranging from $30,000 to $80,000+ USD, influenced by guest count, venue selection (including potential buyouts of specific areas), bespoke menu choices, and elaborate customizations. With dedicated event specialists and the cachet of The Luxury Collection brand, your wedding at Solaz promises a sophisticated, artful, and unforgettable celebration.

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?

Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos, is celebrated for its breathtaking contemporary architecture that mirrors the Baja landscape, its emphasis on Mexican art and culture, and its luxurious amenities. Ideal for couples seeking a sophisticated, design-forward wedding venue with stunning ocean views from almost every vantage point, Solaz offers unique spaces that feel both modern and deeply connected to the region. If you appreciate high design, art, luxurious comfort, and desire a venue that provides a truly unique and elevated experience, Solaz is an outstanding choice.

The resort’s architectural significance, integration of local art, expansive infinity pools, and luxurious suites with private terraces/plunge pools make it particularly appealing to couples seeking a visually impactful and upscale celebration.

How Does a Wedding at Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort Work?

Planning a wedding at Solaz involves working closely with their dedicated events team to craft a personalized celebration. While they may offer package frameworks, the emphasis is often on creating bespoke events tailored to the couple’s vision. This includes selecting from their architecturally stunning venues, designing custom menus with their culinary experts, coordinating guest accommodations (often with group rates), and managing all resort-related logistics. The Solaz team collaborates with couples and their planners to ensure every detail reflects the resort’s luxury standards and unique aesthetic.

Best Months to Get Married

Los Cabos enjoys excellent weather for much of the year. The prime months for a wedding at Solaz are typically November through May. During this period, the climate is most favorable, featuring warm, sunny days, low humidity, and minimal rain, making it ideal for enjoying the resort’s beautiful outdoor terraces, infinity pools, and beachfront setting. Clear skies maximize the stunning ocean views and provide beautiful conditions for photography.

The Basics of Wedding Planning (Customized Approach)

Solaz, as part of The Luxury Collection, often focuses on customized event planning rather than rigid packages. The process typically involves:

  • Initial Consultation: Discussing your vision, guest count, budget, and desired style with the Solaz events team.
  • Venue Selection: Choosing from distinctive locations like the Calypso Ocean Front Deck, various terraces with stunning views, elegant ballrooms, or potentially beachfront areas (confirm specific options), each carrying associated fees or minimum spends.
  • Menu Design: Collaborating with the resort’s chefs to create bespoke menus featuring high-quality ingredients and potentially drawing inspiration from their signature restaurants.
  • Beverage Curation: Selecting premium bar packages, wine pairings, or signature cocktails.
  • Vendor Integration: Working with preferred or approved external vendors for specialized services like floral design, enhanced lighting, entertainment, and photography, ensuring they align with the resort’s aesthetic and logistical requirements.
  • Detailed Proposal: Receiving a comprehensive quote outlining all estimated costs.

This approach allows for significant personalization to create a truly unique event.

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

For a luxury destination wedding at Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort:

  • The couple/hosts typically cover all wedding event expenses: This includes venue fees or minimum spends, custom food and beverage costs, décor, florals, entertainment, planning services (internal or external), vendor fees, taxes, and service charges.
  • Guests are generally responsible for their own travel arrangements and accommodation costs. Solaz offers high-end rooms, suites, and residences; securing a group room block is advisable and may offer preferred rates.
  • Any additional activities or meals outside the officially hosted wedding events are usually guest expenses.
  • Gift registries are standard practice.

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

Solaz offers architecturally impressive venues for various wedding sizes:

  • Calypso Ocean Front Deck / Terraces: Stunning outdoor spaces built into the cascading architecture, offering panoramic ocean views ideal for ceremonies, cocktails, and receptions (capacity varies by specific terrace).
  • Ballrooms: Elegant, modern indoor spaces suitable for larger receptions or as primary weather backups (can accommodate several hundred guests).
  • Beach Area: While the resort fronts the beach, direct event setups might be focused on elevated decks or lawns overlooking the sand, leveraging the views while providing stable footing.
  • Unique Spaces: Potentially including areas near the art gallery or specific restaurant terraces for smaller gatherings.

Accommodations feature luxurious rooms, suites, and residences, nearly all with private entrances, patios/balconies, and stunning ocean views, many including private plunge pools.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

Solaz ensures a sophisticated and seamless flow for wedding events:

Ceremony: Exchange vows on a breathtaking terrace seemingly cantilevered over the landscape, offering dramatic views of the Sea of Cortez, or choose an elegant lawn space.

Cocktail Hour: Guests can transition effortlessly to another stunning terrace or a stylish lounge area, enjoying artisan cocktails and gourmet bites amidst the resort’s striking design.

Reception: Host an unforgettable dinner on an open-air deck under the stars, allowing the architecture and ocean to be the backdrop, or celebrate in a grand ballroom transformed to match your theme.

Pro tip: The resort’s architecture, with its clean lines, natural materials, terraced levels, and infinity water features, provides endless opportunities for unique and artistic wedding photography.

Understanding Venue Fees & Minimum Spends

Wedding costs at Solaz are typically driven by venue fees for specific prime locations and/or achieving significant Food & Beverage minimum spends. These costs generally cover:

  • Exclusive Use of the Contracted Venue(s): For the agreed duration.
  • Core Resort Staffing: Includes event managers, banquet captains, servers, bartenders appropriate for the event size.
  • Standard High-Quality Setup: Use of resort’s tables, chairs, standard linens, fine china, glassware, flatware.
  • Existing Venue Ambiance: Leveraging the architectural design, landscaping, and basic ambient lighting.

Custom menus, premium beverage selections, floral arrangements, specialized décor rentals (lighting, furniture, dance floor), entertainment, and A/V are typically budgeted separately and contribute towards meeting minimum spends or are quoted à la carte.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, provides elegant indoor backup spaces, primarily their modern ballrooms, for outdoor events in case of inclement weather. The events team works closely with the couple and planner to ensure a smooth transition, maintaining the event’s luxurious feel even if moved indoors.

Pro tip: The ballrooms feature contemporary design; discuss how décor can effectively translate your outdoor vision to the indoor space if the backup plan is activated.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking a wedding at Solaz involves significant financial planning:

Initial Deposit: A substantial non-refundable deposit (percentage based on estimated total or minimum spend) is required to secure the date and venues.

Payment Schedule: The contract will specify a schedule for subsequent non-refundable payments, often due several months in advance.

Final Payment: The final guaranteed guest count and estimated balance are typically due 30-45 days prior to the event.

Cancellation Policy: Terms are strict, typically involving forfeiture of all deposits made, especially for cancellations closer to the event date. Review the contract carefully; comprehensive event insurance is advisable.

On-Site Event Coordination & Planning Services

Solaz provides experienced event specialists and managers aligned with The Luxury Collection standards:

Resort Experts: They guide couples through venue options, menu possibilities, resort policies, and room block management.

Internal Execution: Manage all resort-provided services, including culinary, banquet, A/V, and operational teams.

Vendor Liaison: Coordinate with approved external vendors regarding on-site logistics, access, and setup within resort guidelines.

While the on-site team ensures flawless execution of resort components, the complexity and bespoke nature of weddings at Solaz often benefit greatly from the involvement of a dedicated full-service wedding planner hired by the couple.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

Solaz’s sophisticated culinary teams are well-prepared to handle diverse dietary needs:

  • Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Pescatarian, and other requirements can be catered to with high-quality, creative dishes.
  • Allergies are managed with meticulous attention when clearly communicated in advance.
  • Custom menu planning allows for seamless incorporation of these needs.

Submitting a detailed list of all dietary restrictions, ideally linked to guest names for plated service, usually 30-45 days prior ensures the culinary team can provide exceptional experiences for everyone.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

Entertainment choices at Solaz should complement the resort’s sophisticated and artistic ambiance:

  • Styles: Elegant live music (jazz, bossa nova, classical ensembles), contemporary acoustic sets, or stylish DJs are often suitable.
  • Noise Curfew: Amplified music outdoors generally must end by 10:00 PM or 10:30 PM due to resort and potentially community regulations. Indoor ballroom events allow for later end times.
  • Vendor Approval: External entertainment providers need to be approved by the resort and comply with logistical and technical requirements.

Discuss your entertainment vision and desired schedule early with the events team to confirm feasibility.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Logistics for guests attending a wedding at Solaz:

Airport Transfers: Located on the tourist corridor, Solaz is approximately 25-30 minutes from SJD airport. Guests typically arrange their own transport (shuttle, private car, taxi), although the resort concierge can assist with booking premium options.

Parking: Efficient valet parking service is available for guests.

Resort Navigation: The resort’s terraced design involves multiple levels; staff and potentially golf carts assist with navigating the property.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos

For an average wedding of about 50 guests at this luxury tier, budget estimations might include:

  • Venue Fees & F&B Minimums: $25,000 – $70,000+ USD (Highly dependent on specific venue, date, and extent of food/beverage customization).
  • Custom Catering & Premium Bar: Significant per-person costs ($400-$800+ pp) contribute heavily to minimums.
  • Entertainment: $3,000 – $10,000+ USD.
  • Photography/Videography: $5,000 – $12,000+ USD (Vendors experienced with architectural venues).
  • Florals, Decor & Rentals: $5,000 – $25,000+ USD (To complement the strong design).
  • Planning Fees: $6,000 – $18,000+ USD (External planner often recommended/required).
  • Taxes & Service Charges: Expect ~16% VAT and ~18-22% service charge on resort costs.

Total estimated costs often range from $55,000 to $130,000+ USD, varying greatly based on specific choices and level of luxury desired.

Splurge vs. Save

Save: Consider shoulder season dates or weekdays. Select venue spaces with potentially lower minimums. Opt for elegantly simple décor that lets the architecture shine. Choose curated menu options over extreme customization.

Splurge: Book prime oceanfront terraces or ballroom spaces with high minimums. Create fully bespoke multi-course menus with high-end wine pairings. Invest heavily in dramatic floral installations, custom lighting, and luxury furniture rentals. Hire top-tier entertainment. Host multiple exclusive events throughout the weekend.

Wedding Planning Inclusions

As planning is primarily custom, the detailed proposal outlines elements covered by venue fees and F&B minimums:

  • Dedicated Solaz Event Specialist: Your main resort contact.
  • Venue Access: Exclusive use of contracted spaces.
  • Culinary & Beverage Service: As per the agreed custom plan.
  • Professional Banquet Staff: Servers, bartenders, captains.
  • Standard Resort Tableware & Furniture: High-quality basics (rentals often supplement).
  • Collaboration with External Planner: Essential for seamless integration.

Pro tip: Focus planning discussions on how to best utilize the unique architectural spaces. Ensure your external planner understands the resort’s specific logistical requirements for rentals, vendor access, and power/lighting needs.

Activities for Other Days

Enhance the wedding weekend with Solaz’s luxurious offerings:

  • Relax by the stunning, elongated infinity pools overlooking the Sea of Cortez.
  • Indulge in treatments inspired by local traditions at the Ojo de Liebre Spa.
  • Explore the Gabinete del Barco exhibit showcasing Baja’s history and landscape.
  • Dine at the resort’s diverse culinary venues.
  • Enjoy cocktails at sophisticated bar areas.
  • Utilize the state-of-the-art fitness center.
  • Arrange championship golf at nearby courses or unique excursions through the Luxury Collection concierge.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Let the Architecture Inspire: Work with your designer/planner to create décor that complements, rather than competes with, Solaz’s powerful and unique architectural aesthetic.

2) Leverage the Views: Plan key moments like the ceremony or cocktail hour to take full advantage of the panoramic ocean vistas offered from the resort’s terraced design.

3) Consider Guest Mobility: The resort is built on terraces with stairs and ramps. While accessible, be mindful of guests with mobility challenges when selecting event locations within the property.

Two Bride Reviews

“Solaz was the most breathtakingly beautiful place for our wedding. The architecture is incredible and made for stunning photos. The service was exceptional, and the food was delicious. Our guests were truly wowed by the entire experience.” – Amanda K. (Example Review)

“We wanted a modern, luxurious wedding with an artistic feel, and Solaz delivered perfectly. The terraces overlooking the ocean were amazing for our ceremony and reception. The planning team was attentive, and the resort itself is just spectacular.” – Rachel G. (Example Review)

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, is an architectural marvel and a dream location for photographers seeking modern, dramatic, and sophisticated wedding imagery. The cascading design, interplay of wood, stone, and water, and the expansive terraces offer endless unique compositions and perspectives. The way the resort integrates with the landscape while maintaining clean, contemporary lines is exceptional. Infinity pools seem to merge with the Sea of Cortez, providing stunning reflective surfaces. Capturing the scale and artistry of the resort while focusing on the couple’s connection is incredibly rewarding. The emphasis on natural materials and textures adds depth to photos. It’s a venue that demands a strong eye for composition and light, resulting in a truly high-end, artful wedding gallery that stands out from typical resort photos.

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