Getting Married at Chileno Bay Resort & Residences: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Dreaming of a wedding that combines contemporary luxury with the serene beauty of one of Cabo’s few swimmable beaches? Welcome to Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, an Auberge Resorts Collection property in Los Cabos. This stunning resort offers a fresh, modern aesthetic set against the backdrop of the tranquil Chileno Bay cove. With unparalleled service, chic event spaces, and a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, Chileno Bay Resort & Residences is ideal for couples seeking a sophisticated and stylish celebration.

Known for its stunning multi-tiered pool, exceptional dining experiences like the signature restaurant Comal, spacious and modern accommodations, and direct access to the calm waters of Chileno Bay, this resort provides a unique and luxurious setting. From breezy beachfront ceremonies to elegant receptions on stunning terraces or lush lawns, every detail is curated for an unforgettable wedding day.

Hosting a wedding here generally falls into the higher luxury tier, with costs potentially ranging from $30,000 to $80,000+ USD, depending on guest count, venue choices within the resort, bespoke menu selections, décor, and entertainment. With personalized planning and world-class service, your wedding at Chileno Bay Resort & Residences promises a celebration of modern elegance in a breathtaking Baja paradise.

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. 

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Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

Chileno Bay Resort & Residences is celebrated for its prime location on a protected, swimmable cove, its striking contemporary architecture, and its effortlessly chic atmosphere. Ideal for couples seeking a modern luxury destination wedding with exceptional culinary offerings and activities, the resort provides stunning venues like expansive lawns overlooking the Sea of Cortez, beautiful beach setups, and stylish terraces. The blend of vibrant energy, sophisticated design, and natural beauty makes it a top choice for a memorable celebration.

Guest feedback consistently highlights the unique advantage of the swimmable beach and the resort’s modern aesthetic, appealing to couples looking for a setting that feels both luxurious and refreshingly current. Over 75% of couples prioritize unique venue features, and Chileno Bay delivers.

How Does a Wedding at Chileno Bay Resort & Residences Work?

Your wedding at Chileno Bay Resort & Residences is a bespoke experience, meticulously crafted by their dedicated events team. From the initial inquiry to the final moments, the focus is on personalization and flawless execution. The resort offers tailored proposals rather than fixed packages, including stunning venue options, world-class catering from their acclaimed culinary teams, vendor coordination, and customizable enhancements. This approach ensures your celebration perfectly reflects your vision while you enjoy the resort’s luxurious ambiance.

Best Months to Get Married

Los Cabos boasts beautiful weather year-round, but the prime months for a wedding at Chileno Bay Resort & Residences are November through April. During this time, you’ll experience pleasantly warm temperatures, low humidity, and minimal chance of rain – ideal for enjoying the swimmable beach and outdoor event spaces. These months also offer spectacular sunsets and comfortable evenings for receptions under the stars.

The Basics of Wedding Packages

Chileno Bay Resort & Residences focuses on creating custom wedding experiences rather than offering set packages. A proposal will typically be built around:

  • Venue Fees: Charges for utilizing specific locations like the Chileno Lawn, beach areas, or restaurant terraces (e.g., Comal).
  • Food & Beverage Minimums: A required minimum spend on catering and drinks, which varies based on the venue, date, and guest count.
  • Ceremony Setup: Basic setup costs (chairs, standard altar) are often included or quoted separately.
  • Catering: Bespoke menus designed by their culinary team, featuring fresh, local ingredients and innovative cuisine. Options include plated dinners, sophisticated stations, or family-style meals.
  • Bar Service: Premium open bar options featuring craft cocktails, fine wines, and spirits.

Décor, entertainment, photography, and specialized services are typically sourced through preferred vendors or your own planner, coordinated with the resort’s event team.

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

For destination weddings at Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, the financial breakdown is typically:

  • The couple covers the wedding event costs—including venue fees, food & beverage minimums, décor, entertainment, vendor fees, and coordination services.
  • Guests handle their own travel and accommodation at the resort or nearby. Group rates for rooms at Chileno Bay can often be arranged.
  • The couple might choose to host additional events like a welcome reception or farewell brunch, which would be their expense unless guests are asked to contribute (less common for these types of events at luxury resorts).
  • Optional extras are the couple’s responsibility.
  • Gift registries are common for guests wishing to contribute.

Clear communication with guests about what is covered is essential.

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

Chileno Bay Resort & Residences offers stunning venues for various wedding sizes:

  • Chileno Lawn: A beautiful, expansive lawn overlooking the Sea of Cortez, ideal for larger ceremonies and receptions (up to 200+ guests).
  • Beach Venues: Sections of the pristine beach perfect for ceremonies or toes-in-the-sand receptions (capacity varies).
  • Comal Terrace: The stylish terrace of the signature restaurant, suitable for elegant cocktail hours or smaller receptions with incredible views (capacity around 80-100).
  • TnT (Tacos & Tequila) Bar: Casual, fun spot right on the beach for welcome parties or smaller gatherings.
  • Private Residences: Luxurious multi-bedroom villas available for intimate events or accommodations.

The resort offers contemporary rooms, suites, and multi-bedroom villas and residences. Booking a room block ensures guests can stay on-site and enjoy the resort amenities together.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

Chileno Bay Resort & Residences excels at creating a seamless event flow:

Ceremony: Exchange vows on the Chileno Lawn with panoramic ocean views or directly on the sands of the tranquil Chileno Bay beach.

Cocktail Hour: Guests can transition to the Comal Terrace for craft cocktails and gourmet bites, or utilize another scenic spot near the ceremony location.

Reception: Host an elegant dinner under market lights on the lawn, enjoy a sophisticated setup on a terrace, or have a lively celebration on the beach, complete with exquisite dining and dancing.

Pro tip: Utilize the unique spaces like the multi-tiered pool area for stunning photos or a pre-wedding welcome cocktail spot.

What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?

Venue fees at Chileno Bay Resort & Residences typically grant exclusive use of the chosen space for a set number of hours and often include:

  • Space Exclusivity: Ensuring privacy for your event.
  • Standard Furniture: Existing high-quality resort furniture suitable for the location (may require rentals for specific styles or large numbers).
  • Basic Setup & Teardown: Resort staff handling the placement of included items.
  • Existing Ambient Lighting: Utilizing the resort’s beautiful built-in lighting.
  • Staffing: Standard service staff allocation (bartenders, servers) based on guest count; additional staff may be extra.

Specific inclusions vary by venue. Food, beverage, décor rentals, A/V, and entertainment are typically additional costs contributing to the Food & Beverage minimum or quoted separately.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

While Cabo weather is generally reliable, Chileno Bay Resort & Residences has contingency plans for inclement weather. Options may include:

  • Indoor Event Spaces: Utilizing available meeting rooms or potentially restaurant spaces (depending on size and availability).
  • Tenting: Arranging for elegant tenting on outdoor lawns (this incurs significant additional cost and requires advance planning).

Discuss backup options and associated costs/decision timelines with your event manager during the planning process.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking your wedding at Chileno Bay Resort & Residences typically follows this structure:

Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit (often a percentage of the estimated total or venue fee) is required to secure the date and venue(s).

Incremental Payments: A payment schedule is outlined in the contract, with further deposits due at milestones like 6 months, 3 months, or 1 month prior.

Final Payment: The estimated final balance is usually due 1-2 weeks before the event date, with any final consumption charges settled post-event.

Cancellation policies are strict, especially closer to the date, often involving forfeiture of all deposits paid. Review the contract carefully for specific percentages and dates. Event insurance is recommended.

On-Site Wedding Coordination & Planning Services

Chileno Bay Resort & Residences provides a dedicated event manager to oversee all resort-related aspects:

Resort Liaison: Your main contact for venue booking, menu planning, beverage selection, floor plans, and resort logistics.

Vendor Coordination (On-Site): They manage the arrival, setup, and execution of vendors while they are on resort property.

Timeline Management (Resort Aspects): Oversee the schedule related to resort services (catering, bar, venue readiness).

While the on-site manager is excellent for resort details, many couples getting married at Chileno Bay also hire an independent full-service wedding planner for comprehensive design, off-site vendor sourcing and management, and overall event orchestration.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

The world-class culinary team at Chileno Bay Resort & Residences excels at accommodating dietary needs. They can readily handle:

  • Vegetarian, Vegan, and Pescatarian menus
  • Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and other common allergies
  • Custom requests based on guest preferences

Menus are often bespoke, allowing for detailed discussion during planning. Provide final dietary requirements with your guest list confirmation to ensure seamless service during your event.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

Chileno Bay Resort & Residences accommodates various entertainment options, subject to guidelines:

  • Live Music & DJs: Permitted in designated event spaces.
  • Sound Levels & Curfews: Outdoor music usually needs to conclude or significantly lower volume by 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM, respecting resort guests and local regulations. Indoor spaces may allow for later end times. Specifics depend on the venue location within the resort.
  • Vendor Approval: External entertainment vendors must typically be approved by the resort and meet insurance/technical requirements.

Discuss your desired entertainment and schedule with the event manager early to understand any limitations for your chosen venue.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Logistics for guests arriving at Chileno Bay Resort & Residences:

Airport Transfers: The resort is approximately a 30-40 minute drive from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). The resort concierge can arrange private luxury transfers for guests upon request (at additional cost). Guests can also easily book independent shuttle services or taxis.

Valet Parking: Complimentary valet parking is typically provided for all resort guests and event attendees arriving by car.

Resort Transportation: Golf carts are readily available to transport guests around the expansive property, including to event locations.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Chileno Bay Resort & Residences

For an average wedding of about 50 guests, anticipating a luxury experience, budget approximately:

  • Venue Fees & F&B Minimum: $25,000 – $60,000+ USD (This is highly variable based on specific venue, day of week, season, and menu choices).
  • Entertainment: $3,000 – $10,000+ USD (DJ, live band, specialty performers).
  • Photography/Videography: $5,000 – $12,000+ USD (Experienced luxury vendors).
  • Florals and Décor Rentals: $5,000 – $15,000+ USD (To enhance the beautiful spaces).
  • Planning Fees: $5,000 – $15,000+ USD (If hiring an external full-service planner).
  • Taxes and Service Charges: Expect ~16% VAT and ~15-20% service charge on resort-provided food, beverage, and potentially venue fees.

Total estimated costs typically range significantly, often starting from $50,000 and potentially exceeding $100,000 USD depending on customization and guest count.

Splurge vs. Save

Save: Consider a weekday wedding or shoulder season date for potentially lower minimums or fees. Choose a venue that requires less added décor. Opt for elegant but simpler floral designs. Host fewer ancillary events.

Splurge: Buy out a prime venue like the Chileno Lawn or Comal restaurant. Create elaborate custom menus and bar experiences. Invest heavily in unique floral installations, lighting design, and high-end entertainment. Hire a top-tier international wedding planner. Offer extensive guest activities and welcome gifts.

Even saving options maintain a high level of luxury at Chileno Bay.

Wedding Packages and What’s Included

As mentioned, Chileno Bay Resort & Residences focuses on customized proposals. While there are no set “packages,” a typical proposal will clearly outline costs for:

  • Venue Usage: Specific fees or minimum spends associated with chosen locations (lawn, beach, terrace).
  • Catering: Per-person cost for selected menus (cocktail hour, dinner, desserts) and bar service (per person, per hour, or based on consumption).
  • Basic Setup: May include standard resort chairs, tables, linens, flatware, glassware.
  • Staffing: Service staff, bartenders included based on ratios; additional staff quoted if needed.
  • Event Management: Services of the on-site event manager.

Pro tip: Your proposal will be detailed. Review it carefully to understand exactly what is included in the quoted costs (especially regarding setup, basic décor, staffing levels) versus what needs to be budgeted separately (e.g., flowers, specific rentals, entertainment, photography, external planner).

Activities for Other Days

Enhance the wedding experience with activities leveraging Chileno Bay’s unique setting:

  • Water Sports at Chileno Bay: Utilize the H2O Cave activity center for snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, or electric hydrofoil boards right off the resort beach.
  • Pool Time: Relax at the stunning three-tiered infinity pool.
  • Golf: Arrange tee times at nearby championship golf courses.
  • Spa & Wellness: Indulge in treatments at the holistic WELL Spa or participate in fitness classes.
  • Culinary Experiences: Group cooking classes, tequila tastings, or private dinners at Comal or TnT.
  • Off-Site Adventures: The concierge can arrange yacht trips, fishing excursions, or guided tours to explore the region.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Leverage the Setting: Chileno Bay’s modern design and natural beauty are stunning. Work with your planner/florist to complement, not compete with, the existing aesthetic.

2) Plan for Beach Access: If using the beach, advise guests on appropriate footwear. Ensure clear pathways and consider accessibility for all guests.

3) Utilize the Concierge: Encourage guests to use the resort’s excellent concierge service for booking airport transfers, activities, or dinner reservations to streamline their experience.

Two Bride Reviews

“Chileno Bay was the perfect venue for our modern luxury wedding. The swimmable beach was a huge plus for our guests, Comal was incredible for our welcome dinner, and the event team executed everything flawlessly. Worth every penny!” – Olivia K. (Example Review)

“We wanted a chic, non-traditional Cabo wedding, and Chileno Bay delivered. The architecture is stunning for photos, the service is impeccable, and the food was out of this world. Our wedding on the Chileno Lawn at sunset was pure magic.” – Samantha B. (Example Review)

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

Photographing a wedding at Chileno Bay Resort & Residences is a delight for capturing modern luxury against natural beauty. The clean lines of the architecture, the vibrant pops of color in the design, and the stunning multi-tiered pool offer endless contemporary backdrops. The soft light on the swimmable Chileno Bay cove, especially in the late afternoon, is incredible for romantic portraits. Venues like the Chileno Lawn provide epic panoramic views, while spaces like Comal offer intimate, stylish settings. The resort’s attention to detail and aesthetic consistency make it easy to capture cohesive, high-end imagery. It’s a venue that photographs beautifully, reflecting a sophisticated and joyful celebration.

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