Getting Married at Sheraton Grand Los Cabos: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Dreaming of a wedding infused with the charm and romance of Old Mexico, set against the stunning backdrop of the Sea of Cortez? Welcome to Sheraton Grand Los Cabos Hacienda del Mar, a beautiful resort designed to resemble a traditional Mexican village, located on the tourist corridor. Offering warm hospitality, picturesque architecture, and lovely ocean views, this resort provides a charming and welcoming atmosphere for couples seeking a classic Cabo destination wedding experience.

Known for its distinctive hacienda-style architecture with colorful buildings, cobblestone pathways, multiple pools including an infinity edge pool overlooking the ocean, access to the Cabo del Sol golf courses, varied dining options, and the Cactus Spa, Sheraton Grand Los Cabos Hacienda del Mar offers a unique sense of place. From ceremonies in charming plazas or on beachfront terraces to elegant receptions in grand ballrooms or intimate restaurant settings, the resort provides diverse and atmospheric venues.

Hosting a wedding here typically involves working with their events team to customize packages or create bespoke events, with costs potentially ranging from $18,000 to $50,000+ USD, depending on guest count, venue choices, menu selections, and desired level of decoration. With experienced staff and its unique architectural charm, your wedding at Sheraton Grand Los Cabos Hacienda del Mar promises a romantic and culturally rich 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?

Sheraton Grand Los Cabos Hacienda del Mar is celebrated for its authentic Mexican hacienda-style architecture, creating a unique village-like atmosphere with romantic charm. Ideal for couples who appreciate traditional aesthetics, beautiful landscaping, oceanfront views, and the reliable service of the Sheraton Grand brand, this resort offers picturesque plazas, lovely terraces, elegant ballrooms, and beachfront settings. If you envision a wedding with a distinct sense of place, cultural richness, and classic Cabo beauty, Hacienda del Mar is an excellent choice.

The resort’s unique architectural style, beautiful grounds, and romantic ambiance are frequently mentioned by couples seeking a venue that feels different from standard modern resorts while still offering upscale amenities.

How Does a Wedding at Sheraton Grand Los Cabos Hacienda del Mar Work?

Planning a wedding at Sheraton Grand Los Cabos involves working with their dedicated events and catering team. They offer customizable wedding packages and can also create bespoke event plans. The process includes selecting from their diverse and charming venues (plazas, chapel overlook, terraces, ballrooms), choosing menu options that often blend international and Mexican cuisine, coordinating guest room blocks, and managing all resort-related logistics. The team aims to leverage the resort’s unique atmosphere to deliver a personalized and smoothly executed wedding celebration.

Best Months to Get Married

Los Cabos offers beautiful weather most of the year. The most favorable months for a wedding at Sheraton Grand Los Cabos are November through May. This period provides warm, sunny days, lower humidity, and minimal chance of rain, making it ideal for enjoying the resort’s beautiful outdoor plazas, pools, and beachfront terraces overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Comfortable evenings enhance outdoor receptions.

The Basics of Wedding Packages

Sheraton Grand Los Cabos Hacienda del Mar typically offers several wedding packages, often customizable, catering to different guest counts and styles. Common elements might include:

  • Ceremony: Choice of location (beachfront terrace, garden plaza, chapel view point), setup with chairs, basic altar/structure, symbolic officiant services.
  • Cocktail Hour: Usually one hour with passed appetizers and standard open bar service.
  • Reception Dinner: A private event (typically 3-4 hours) with options for plated dinners or buffets, standard open bar, basic table settings, linens, and potentially a wedding cake.
  • Coordinator: Services of an on-site Sheraton event specialist.
  • Potential Perks: Depending on package and spend, may include menu tasting, special room rates for guests, a complimentary suite for the couple on the wedding night, spa discounts, or Marriott Bonvoy points.

These packages offer a framework that can be tailored with specific décor, upgraded menus, premium bar selections, and entertainment.

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

For weddings at Sheraton Grand Los Cabos Hacienda del Mar:

  • The couple typically covers the wedding event costs: This includes package fees, food & beverage expenses, venue-specific fees (if any), décor, entertainment, external vendors, etc.
  • Guests usually pay for their own travel and accommodation. The resort offers various room and suite types, and group rates can often be negotiated for wedding blocks.
  • Optional activities or meals outside the hosted wedding events are typically guest expenses.
  • Gift registries are common.

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

Sheraton Grand Los Cabos offers unique, atmospheric venues:

  • De Cortez Terrace / Beach Front: Locations offering direct ocean views, suitable for ceremonies, cocktails, or receptions.
  • Las Fuentes Plaza / El Kiosko Plaza: Charming open-air plazas surrounded by hacienda-style buildings, perfect for unique ceremonies or receptions.
  • Hacienda Ballroom: A large, elegant indoor space for sizable receptions or weather backups.
  • Chapel View Point: An elevated spot offering views of the ocean and the resort’s chapel structure (note: the chapel itself may have specific usage rules/fees).

The resort features guest rooms and suites designed within the hacienda village concept, offering a charming and traditional feel. Room blocks are recommended for wedding groups.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

Sheraton Grand Los Cabos facilitates events within its charming village layout:

Ceremony: Exchange vows in a picturesque plaza surrounded by colorful architecture, on a terrace overlooking the ocean waves, or at the scenic Chapel View Point.

Cocktail Hour: Guests can mingle in an adjacent plaza, on a dedicated terrace, or a pre-function area, enjoying drinks and appetizers within the unique hacienda atmosphere.

Reception: Host a romantic dinner under string lights in one of the plazas, enjoy an elegant meal on an ocean-view terrace, or celebrate indoors in the grand Hacienda Ballroom.

Pro tip: Take advantage of the resort’s unique architecture – the colorful walls, arches, fountains, and cobblestone paths provide countless opportunities for charming and romantic wedding photos.

What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?

Venue usage at Sheraton Grand Los Cabos is often tied into wedding packages or Food & Beverage minimums. Specific unique venues like plazas might have distinct rental fees. Inclusions typically cover:

  • Exclusive Use of Contracted Venue(s): For the agreed event time.
  • Standard Resort Setup: Includes existing tables, chairs, standard linens, place settings.
  • Professional Staffing: Banquet captain, servers, bartenders managed by the resort.
  • Existing Ambiance: Use of the venue’s architecture, landscaping, and basic ambient lighting.

Custom menus, premium beverages, specific floral arrangements, décor rentals (specialty lighting, furniture), entertainment A/V, and external vendor coordination represent additional costs.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

Sheraton Grand Los Cabos provides indoor backup locations, primarily their elegant ballrooms, for outdoor events potentially impacted by weather. Your event specialist will outline the specific backup plan and decision-making process during planning.

Pro tip: The Hacienda Ballroom reflects the resort’s style; discuss how your décor theme can be adapted to this space if needed.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking a wedding at Sheraton Grand Los Cabos typically involves:

Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is required to secure the date and venue(s).

Payment Schedule: Contracts detail subsequent non-refundable payments due at intervals before the event.

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

Cancellation Policy: Outlines forfeiture amounts based on cancellation timing. Review carefully; event insurance is recommended.

On-Site Wedding Coordination & Planning Services

Sheraton Grand Los Cabos provides experienced on-site event specialists:

Resort Experts: Guide couples through venue options, package details, menu selections, room blocks, and resort policies.

Internal Logistics: Manage coordination between Sheraton departments (culinary, banquets, operations) for seamless execution of resort services.

Vendor Guidance: Can provide a list of trusted local vendors experienced with the property.

While the on-site team handles resort details effectively, couples often engage independent planners for comprehensive design, external vendor management, and personalized guest communication.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

The culinary team at Sheraton Grand Los Cabos can accommodate various dietary needs:

  • Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, and other common requirements can be handled with advance notice.
  • Allergies are managed carefully when clearly communicated.

Provide a detailed list of all special dietary needs, linked to specific guests for plated meals, to your event specialist by the requested deadline (usually 3-4 weeks prior).

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

Sheraton Grand Los Cabos allows typical wedding entertainment:

  • DJs & Live Music: Permitted in ballrooms, designated terraces, and potentially plaza areas.
  • Noise Curfew: Outdoor amplified music likely has a curfew around 10:00 PM or 10:30 PM. Indoor events in ballrooms can generally continue later. Specific plaza locations might have unique sound considerations.
  • Vendor Policies: External vendors require resort approval and coordination regarding setup, power, and logistics.

Confirm specific noise rules and timings for your chosen venue(s) early in the planning process.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Guest logistics for Sheraton Grand Los Cabos:

Airport Transfers: Located on the tourist corridor, the resort is approximately 25-30 minutes from SJD airport. Guests arrange their own transportation (shuttle, taxi, private car).

Parking: Valet and self-parking options are typically available.

Resort Layout: The resort is designed like a village with different buildings; guests may need to walk or use resort pathways/potential shuttles to navigate between rooms and event locations.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Sheraton Grand Los Cabos Hacienda del Mar

For an average wedding of about 50 guests, considering its upscale positioning:

  • Wedding Package / Venue & F&B: $15,000 – $40,000+ USD (Depending on package, venue choice, menu).
  • Entertainment: $1,500 – $6,000 USD.
  • Photography/Videography: $4,500 – $9,000 USD.
  • Florals & Décor Upgrades: $2,500 – $8,000+ USD (Enhancing the hacienda style).
  • Taxes & Service Charges: Expect ~16% VAT and ~15-18% service charge on resort costs.

Total estimated costs commonly range from $25,000 to $65,000+ USD, varying based on package, venue, guest count, and customizations.

Splurge vs. Save

Save: Choose a comprehensive package. Utilize the natural charm of the plazas or terraces requiring less added décor. Opt for standard menu and bar options. Consider a weekday or shoulder season date.

Splurge: Secure prime venues like a main plaza for the reception. Choose high-end custom menus and premium bar service. Invest in elaborate floral arrangements, lighting, and potentially mariachi or traditional dancers to enhance the hacienda theme. Host multiple events across different resort locations.

Wedding Packages and What’s Included

Sheraton Grand Hacienda del Mar offers tiered packages often including:

  • Ceremony: Location, setup, basic décor, symbolic officiant.
  • Cocktail Hour: One hour, standard bar, selection of appetizers.
  • Reception: 3-4 hours, private space, set menu options, standard bar, basic setup, cake.
  • Coordinator: On-site event specialist.
  • Potential Perks: Simple florals, spa discount, potential room upgrade, Marriott Bonvoy points.

Pro tip: Clarify exactly which décor elements are included for ceremony and reception in your chosen package. Ask about specific venue availability, especially for the unique plaza locations.

Activities for Other Days

Guests at Sheraton Grand Los Cabos can enjoy:

  • Relaxing by the multiple swimming pools, including the infinity pool with ocean views.
  • Enjoying treatments at the Cactus Spa.
  • Dining at the resort’s various restaurants offering different cuisines.
  • Playing golf at the nearby Cabo del Sol courses (arrangements via concierge).
  • Participating in resort activities or fitness classes.
  • Taking taxis or arranging transport to explore Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Embrace the Hacienda Style: Lean into the resort’s unique architecture for your theme and décor – think vibrant colors, traditional patterns, rustic textures.

2) Understand Venue Logistics: The village layout is charming but means walking or navigating pathways between locations. Consider this for guest flow, especially for those with mobility issues.

3) Check Beach Access/Conditions: While oceanfront, direct beach access for events or swimming might be limited depending on the specific location within the resort and current conditions. Clarify options.

Two Bride Reviews

“Sheraton Hacienda del Mar was the most charming place for our wedding! It felt like our own little Mexican village. The plazas are beautiful for photos and events. The wedding team was helpful, and our guests loved the unique atmosphere.” – Megan F. (Example Review)

“We loved the traditional feel of the Sheraton. Our ceremony overlooking the ocean was beautiful, and the reception in the plaza felt magical with all the lights. The resort is lovely, and the service was great. A wonderful, romantic setting.” – Emily P. (Example Review)

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

Sheraton Grand Los Cabos Hacienda del Mar offers a distinct photographic experience compared to modern resorts. Its strength lies in the authentic hacienda architecture – colorful walls, arches, fountains, cobblestone paths, and charming plazas provide endless opportunities for romantic, character-filled images. The texture and color throughout the property are fantastic. Terraces offer beautiful ocean backdrops, and the Chapel View Point is unique. Capturing the sense of place and the village atmosphere is key. While perhaps offering less of the stark, modern lines popular elsewhere, it excels in providing warm, inviting, and culturally rich settings that translate into beautiful, timeless wedding photos with a true sense of Mexican charm.

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