Getting Married at Pueblo Bonito, Los cabos: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Considering a wedding venue that offers breathtaking Pacific Ocean sunset views, expansive resort amenities, and options for every member of the family? Welcome to Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort, dramatically perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Cabo San Lucas. As part of a large, well-established resort complex, Sunset Beach provides a wide array of activities, dining options, and beautiful settings suitable for couples seeking a comprehensive and scenic destination wedding experience.

Known for its stunning cliffside location providing incredible sunset vistas (though on a generally non-swimmable beach), multiple free-form swimming pools, access to the acclaimed Quivira Golf Club, the Armonia Spa, a variety of restaurants and bars (often part of optional all-inclusive plans), and even an on-site chapel, Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach caters to diverse needs. From ceremonies in the charming chapel or on ocean-view terraces to lively receptions in elegant ballrooms or unique outdoor spaces like the Sky Pool terrace, the resort offers numerous possibilities.

Hosting a wedding here often utilizes customizable packages, potentially with all-inclusive options for food and beverage, with costs possibly ranging from $15,000 to $40,000+ USD. This depends greatly on guest count, package selection, chosen venues, and desired level of customization. With experienced coordinators and extensive facilities, your wedding at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort promises dramatic views and a well-catered celebration for your guests.

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?

Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort is celebrated for its spectacular cliffside setting on the Pacific Ocean, offering dramatic sunset views unmatched by many resorts on the Sea of Cortez side. Ideal for couples seeking an expansive resort experience with numerous pools, restaurants, activities catering to families and adults, and access to top-tier golf (Quivira), it provides a comprehensive destination feel. The availability of a beautiful on-site chapel is a unique draw for those desiring a traditional ceremony setting with stunning views. If you value breathtaking sunsets, extensive amenities within a large resort complex, and diverse venue options including a chapel, Sunset Beach is a strong contender.

The resort’s dramatic Pacific views, extensive facilities, and family-friendly nature combined with luxury touches make it appealing for couples hosting guests with varied interests and ages.

How Does a Wedding at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Work?

Planning a wedding at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach typically involves working with their dedicated wedding coordinators and utilizing their customizable wedding packages, which may include optional all-inclusive components for the event itself. The process includes selecting from diverse venues (chapel, terraces, ballrooms, Sky Pool), choosing menu options, arranging guest accommodations within the large resort (room blocks recommended), and coordinating logistics like transportation within the expansive property. The resort’s team aims to leverage their extensive facilities to create a memorable event tailored to your preferences.

Best Months to Get Married

While Los Cabos is sunny most of the year, the ideal months for a wedding at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach are November through May. This period avoids the peak summer heat and the short rainy season, offering warm, dry days and comfortable evenings perfect for enjoying the resort’s cliffside location and outdoor venues. The Pacific sunsets are particularly spectacular during these months, providing an incredible backdrop for ceremonies and photos.

The Basics of Wedding Packages

Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach offers various wedding packages, often tiered, which can sometimes be combined with all-inclusive options for the event. Common components usually include:

  • Ceremony: Choice of location (chapel, terrace, gazebo, potentially beach area for setup), chairs, basic décor, symbolic officiant services. Chapel use often incurs a separate or higher fee.
  • Cocktail Hour: Typically one hour with appetizers and standard open bar service.
  • Reception Dinner: A private event (usually 3-4 hours) with plated or buffet menu options, standard open bar, basic table setup, and often a wedding cake.
  • Coordinator: Services of an on-site Pueblo Bonito wedding specialist.
  • Potential Perks: May include items like a complimentary suite for the wedding night (conditions apply), discounts at Armonia Spa, simple floral pieces, or special turndown service.

These packages offer a starting point, with flexibility for customization and upgrades.

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

For weddings at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort:

  • The couple typically covers the cost of the wedding package and any additional services, venue fees (like for the chapel), upgrades, or external vendors.
  • Guests generally pay for their own travel and accommodation. Sunset Beach offers various suite types and may offer all-inclusive or European plans. Group room blocks are common. Guests also have the option of staying at sister Pueblo Bonito resorts (Pacifica, Rosé, Blanco) and utilizing the complimentary shuttle service.
  • Optional activities and meals outside the hosted wedding events are usually guest expenses.
  • Gift registries are standard.

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach boasts a wide array of venues due to its large scale:

  • Chapel: A beautiful, traditional chapel on the property offering stunning ocean views, ideal for ceremonies (capacity likely under 100, confirm).
  • Oceanview Terraces: Numerous terraces throughout the resort offer panoramic Pacific views for ceremonies, cocktails, or receptions of varying sizes.
  • Sky Pool Terrace: A popular venue with dramatic infinity pool views, great for cocktails or receptions.
  • Beachfront Areas: While the beach is generally non-swimmable, areas can be set up for ceremonies or photos with the dramatic Pacific backdrop.
  • Ballrooms: Large, elegant indoor spaces capable of hosting sizable receptions and serving as weather backups.

The resort features all-suite accommodations spread across the hillside, offering diverse options for guests. Coordinating room blocks and explaining the resort’s internal shuttle system is important due to its size.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach coordinates events across its expansive property:

Ceremony: Choose the unique Chapel setting, a cliffside terrace for dramatic sunset vows, or a designated beachfront area for photos and potentially the ceremony itself.

Cocktail Hour: Guests might gather on a terrace near the ceremony site, perhaps at the popular Sky Pool deck, enjoying drinks and the magnificent views.

Reception: Host an elegant dinner on a spacious terrace overlooking the Pacific, utilize the Sky Pool deck for a chic party, or move indoors to a grand ballroom for a large celebration.

Pro tip: Allow ample time for transportation within the resort using their shuttle system, especially when moving guests between different event locations (e.g., Chapel to a reception terrace).

What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?

Venue usage at Sunset Beach is often part of a package or tied to F&B minimums, though specific locations like the Chapel typically have a distinct rental fee. Inclusions generally cover:

  • Use of the Contracted Venue: For the specified time block.
  • Standard Resort Setup: Includes existing tables, chairs, standard linens, place settings.
  • Base Staffing: Banquet servers, bartenders, event setup crew, on-site coordinator supervision.
  • Basic Infrastructure: Existing lighting, power access.

Custom menus, premium bar service, specific décor (florals, lighting, rentals), entertainment needs, and external vendor services are typically additional costs beyond the base package or venue fee.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach provides indoor backup options, usually their well-appointed ballrooms or function spaces, for outdoor events affected by weather. The specific backup venue and the decision-making process will be confirmed with your wedding coordinator during planning.

Pro tip: Given the potential distance between outdoor venues and indoor backups, discuss the logistical plan for moving guests and décor quickly if the backup is invoked.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking a wedding at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach typically involves:

Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is required to secure the date and primary venues (including the Chapel, if applicable).

Payment Schedule: Contracts outline subsequent non-refundable payments due at specific intervals before the wedding.

Final Payment: The final balance, based on guaranteed numbers, is usually due 30-45 days prior to the event.

Cancellation Policy: Details the forfeiture amounts based on when cancellation occurs. Review carefully; event insurance is recommended.

On-Site Wedding Coordination & Planning Services

Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach provides on-site wedding specialists:

Resort Coordinators: They manage booking of resort venues (including chapel coordination), assist with selecting resort F&B options, handle room blocks, and oversee resort staff during the event.

Internal Management: Coordinate logistics between various resort departments across the large property.

Vendor Guidance: Offer lists of local vendors familiar with the resort complex.

Given the scale of the resort and potential logistical complexities (like intra-resort transport), many couples find hiring an independent planner beneficial for overall coordination, design, and managing external vendors.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

The culinary teams across Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach’s numerous restaurants and banquet department can accommodate dietary needs:

  • Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free options are generally available.
  • Common allergies can be handled with careful planning and clear communication.

Provide a detailed list of all special dietary requirements with final guest counts and seating arrangements to ensure proper handling by the kitchen and service teams.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

Entertainment is permitted at Sunset Beach, with considerations for the expansive property:

  • DJs & Live Music: Allowed in ballrooms, specific terraces, and potentially designated beach areas.
  • Noise Curfew: Due to the resort’s cliffside nature and guest rooms spread across the property, outdoor amplified music likely has a strict curfew (around 10:00 PM). Events in indoor ballrooms can typically go later. The Sky Pool area may also have specific restrictions.
  • Vendor Policies: External vendors need resort approval and must coordinate logistics.

Confirm noise restrictions and specific venue rules early with your coordinator.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Logistics for guests at the expansive Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach:

Airport Transfers: Located on the Pacific side past downtown Cabo San Lucas, the resort is about a 45-60 minute drive from SJD airport. Guests arrange their own transfers.

Parking: Valet and self-parking options are available within the large complex.

Intra-Resort Transportation: A crucial element due to the resort’s size and hillside layout. Complimentary golf cart shuttles run continuously, but guests should allow ample time for transit between rooms, lobbies, pools, and event locations. This needs clear communication.

Inter-Resort Shuttle: Free shuttle service connects Sunset Beach with sister resorts Pacifica, Rosé, and Blanco (on Medano Beach), offering guests more dining and beach options.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach

For an average wedding of about 50 guests, considering the upscale nature and potential all-inclusive elements:

  • Wedding Package / Venue & F&B: $12,000 – $35,000+ USD (Chapel fee is often additional).
  • Entertainment: $1,500 – $6,000 USD.
  • Photography/Videography: $4,000 – $9,000 USD.
  • Florals & Décor Upgrades: $2,000 – $7,000+ USD.
  • Taxes & Service Charges: Typically 16% VAT + 15-18% service charge on resort F&B and potentially other services.

Total estimated costs often range from $20,000 to $55,000+ USD, influenced by package/venue choices (especially the Chapel), guest count, and level of customization.

Splurge vs. Save

Save: Choose a package covering essentials. Opt for terrace venues over the Chapel if fees differ. Utilize standard décor. Select buffet options if more economical. Be mindful of bar package duration/level.

Splurge: Rent the Chapel for the ceremony. Host a reception at the Sky Pool terrace. Choose premium menus and top-shelf bar packages. Invest in elaborate floral designs and lighting. Hire extensive entertainment. Offer transportation upgrades for guests.

Wedding Packages and What’s Included

Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach offers tiered packages often including:

  • Ceremony: Location setup (excluding Chapel fee typically), chairs, basic altar, symbolic officiant.
  • Cocktail Hour: One hour, standard bar, selection of appetizers.
  • Reception: 3-4 hours, private space, set menu (plated/buffet), standard bar, basic setup, wedding cake.
  • Coordinator: Resort wedding specialist.
  • Perks: May include spa discount, simple bouquet/boutonniere, basic centerpieces, sparkling wine toast.

Pro tip: Specifically inquire about the Chapel rental fee and booking process if interested. Understand the intra-resort shuttle system and factor travel time between locations into your schedule.

Activities for Other Days

Guests at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach have access to numerous activities:

  • Enjoying the multiple expansive pools spread throughout the resort.
  • Relaxing at the Armonia Spa.
  • Playing golf at the world-renowned Quivira Golf Club (check access policies/fees).
  • Dining at the variety of restaurants within Sunset Beach or utilizing the free shuttle to access restaurants at sister resorts (Pacifica, Rosé, Blanco).
  • Taking the shuttle to Medano Beach (via Rosé/Blanco) for swimming and water sports.
  • Participating in resort activities like cooking classes, tequila tastings, or fitness classes.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Communicate Resort Layout & Transport: Clearly inform guests about the resort’s large, hilly layout and the necessity/availability of the internal shuttle system to get around.

2) Leverage the Sunset View: Plan key moments like the ceremony (if on a terrace) or cocktail hour to coincide with the spectacular Pacific sunsets this location is known for.

3) Clarify Beach Access/Use: Ensure guests understand that while beachfront, the ocean here is typically not safe for swimming due to strong currents. Direct them to pools or the shuttle to Medano Beach for swimming.

Two Bride Reviews

“Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach was incredible for our wedding! The views are absolutely unreal, especially from the Chapel and the Sky Pool. The resort is huge with lots to do for guests. Our coordinator helped manage everything at the resort perfectly.” – Emily G. (Example Review)

“We loved having our wedding ceremony in the beautiful Chapel at Sunset Beach! The resort handled our large group well, and the all-inclusive option made things easy. Guests need to be prepared for the size and using the shuttles, but the views and amenities are worth it.” – Olivia B. (Example Review)

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach offers truly dramatic photographic opportunities, primarily due to its stunning cliffside location overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The sunset shots here are often breathtaking and among the best in Cabo. The Chapel provides a unique, traditional element with incredible views as a backdrop. Terraces and the Sky Pool offer expansive vistas perfect for capturing the scale of the landscape and the celebration. The challenge and opportunity lie in navigating the large resort to capture varied scenes – from the beach (for dramatic wave shots, not swimming) to the multiple pools and architectural elements. Understanding the light on the Pacific side (different from the bay side) is key. It’s a venue that delivers epic scenery and a grand resort feel, resulting in photos with spectacular backdrops and a sense of expansive beauty.

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