Getting Married at Hilton Los Cabos: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Dreaming of a wedding that blends the reliability and trusted service of Hilton with the stunning beauty of the Sea of Cortez? Welcome to Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort, perfectly situated on one of Cabo’s few coveted swimmable beaches. This upscale resort offers a welcoming atmosphere, newly renovated spaces, and versatile event options ideal for couples seeking a beautiful and well-executed destination wedding experience for guests of all ages.

Known for its large infinity pool, dedicated splash zone for kids (making it family-friendly), access to the Cabo Real Golf Course, variety of dining options, and prime location along the tourist corridor, Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort provides a comfortable and scenic setting. From lovely beach ceremonies to receptions in elegant ballrooms or on charming terraces, the resort caters to diverse wedding styles.

Hosting a wedding here typically involves packages or customized proposals with costs potentially ranging from $15,000 to $40,000+ USD, depending on guest count, menu choices, venue selections, and added enhancements. With experienced event staff and the backing of the Hilton brand, your wedding at Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort promises a memorable celebration in a beautiful beachfront 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. 

Index

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort is celebrated for its prime location on a swimmable beach, its blend of upscale amenities with a family-friendly atmosphere, and the trusted Hilton standard of service. Ideal for couples seeking a beautiful beachfront wedding that caters comfortably to guests of all ages, the resort offers versatile venues including sandy shores, ocean-view terraces, elegant ballrooms, and pleasant lawn areas. If you value a recognized brand, great beach access, and options for both adult relaxation and family fun, this resort is an excellent choice.

Guest feedback often highlights the excellent service, beautiful pool areas, and the convenience of the swimmable beach, making it a popular choice for couples wanting a well-rounded resort experience for their wedding guests.

How Does a Wedding at Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort Work?

Planning your wedding at Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort involves working closely with their dedicated catering and events team. They offer both customizable wedding packages and the flexibility to create a bespoke event based on your specific needs. The process typically includes venue selection, menu customization, coordinating accommodation blocks for guests, and liaising with both internal departments (banquet, A/V) and approved external vendors. Their goal is to provide a smooth planning experience and a beautifully executed wedding day.

Best Months to Get Married

Los Cabos enjoys abundant sunshine, but the most pleasant months for a wedding at Hilton Los Cabos are November through May. This period offers warm, dry weather with lower humidity, making it ideal for enjoying the resort’s beach, pools, and outdoor event venues. These months provide comfortable conditions for guests and beautiful natural light for photography, especially during the stunning Cabo sunsets.

The Basics of Wedding Packages

Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort typically offers several wedding packages, often structured by inclusions or guest count, and also allows for customized proposals. Packages often include:

  • Ceremony: Setup on the beach, a terrace, or lawn, often including chairs, an altar/structure, and symbolic officiant services.
  • Cocktail Hour: Usually includes a selection of passed hors d’oeuvres and an open bar for one hour.
  • Reception: Private dinner (plated or buffet options) with standard open bar service (typically 3-4 hours), basic table settings, linens, and often a wedding cake.
  • Coordinator: Services of an on-site event specialist to manage resort details.
  • Potential Perks: Depending on the package or total spend, might include complimentary room nights, upgrades, spa discounts, or special amenities.

Packages provide a convenient starting point, which can then be enhanced with personalized décor, entertainment, and other services.

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

For destination weddings at Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort, the financial responsibilities generally follow this pattern:

  • The couple covers the wedding event costs—such as package fees, food & beverage charges, venue fees (if applicable), décor, entertainment, and vendor services.
  • Guests typically pay for their own travel and accommodation at the resort. Arranging a discounted room block through the hotel’s event team is common and beneficial for guests.
  • Optional activities or additional meals outside the main wedding events are usually paid for by guests unless specifically hosted by the couple.
  • Gift registries are frequently used.

Clear communication regarding what expenses guests should anticipate is always recommended.

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort offers a range of venues to suit different wedding sizes:

  • El Dorado Ballroom: A large, elegant indoor space suitable for sizable receptions (up to 300-400 guests depending on setup).
  • Beach Venues: Sections of the wide, swimmable beach perfect for ceremonies and receptions (flexible capacity).
  • Terraces (e.g., Mio Terrace, Azul Terrace): Offer beautiful ocean or pool views for ceremonies, cocktails, or smaller receptions (capacities often 50-150).
  • Lawns (e.g., Whale Watching Lawn): Provide pleasant outdoor settings for ceremonies or cocktails.

The resort features a variety of newly renovated rooms and suites, including options within the exclusive La Vista Club level. Booking a room block is recommended for wedding groups.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

Hilton Los Cabos ensures a smooth flow between wedding day events:

Ceremony: Say “I do” directly on the beautiful sandy beach with the Sea of Cortez as your backdrop, or opt for an elevated view from one of the resort’s scenic terraces.

Cocktail Hour: Guests can easily transition to a nearby terrace or designated pool deck area for celebratory drinks and appetizers.

Reception: Enjoy dinner and dancing under the stars on the beach, celebrate on an elegant terrace, or move indoors to the sophisticated El Dorado Ballroom for a climate-controlled event.

Pro tip: The resort’s layout allows for convenient movement between venues. Utilize the beautiful pool areas and beachfront for stunning photo opportunities.

What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?

Venue usage at Hilton Los Cabos is often tied into package pricing or food & beverage minimums rather than standalone rental fees. Included elements typically cover:

  • Exclusive Use of Space: For the agreed-upon hours of your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.
  • Standard Setup: Includes existing resort furniture (banquet chairs, tables), standard linens, china, glassware, flatware.
  • Staffing: Professional banquet servers, bartenders, and event management support during the event.
  • Basic Infrastructure: Access to power, existing ambient lighting.
  • Basic Sound (Ceremony): Often includes a simple sound system with a microphone for the officiant.

Custom décor, specialty rentals (chairs, linens, dance floor, lighting), A/V equipment for bands/DJs, and floral arrangements are typically additional costs coordinated with the resort or external vendors.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort provides indoor backup options for all outdoor wedding events in case of unfavorable weather. The primary backup space is usually the El Dorado Ballroom or other available indoor function rooms, depending on the size of the wedding. The event manager will discuss the backup plan and decision-making process with you.

Pro tip: Ensure you are comfortable with the look and feel of the backup space and discuss potential basic décor elements that can be quickly implemented if the backup plan is needed.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking a wedding at Hilton Los Cabos typically involves:

Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit (amount varies, often $1,000 – $2,500 or a percentage of the estimate) is required to secure your date and venue spaces.

Payment Schedule: The contract will outline a schedule for subsequent deposits, often due at specific intervals (e.g., 6 months, 90 days, 30 days prior).

Final Payment: The final estimated balance is typically due 2-4 weeks before the wedding date, with any outstanding consumption charges settled after the event.

Cancellation policies are detailed in the contract, specifying the non-refundable amounts based on when the cancellation occurs. Review these carefully; event insurance is advisable.

On-Site Wedding Coordination & Planning Services

Hilton Los Cabos provides an on-site event specialist or catering manager to assist with planning:

Resort Liaison: Your main contact for all resort-related services, including venue booking, menu selection, floor plans, timelines for resort staff, and room blocks.

Internal Coordination: They manage communication and execution between different resort departments (banquets, culinary, front desk, A/V).

Vendor Referrals: They can offer a list of local vendors familiar with the resort’s policies and procedures.

While the on-site coordinator handles the resort aspects efficiently, couples often hire an independent planner for broader vendor management, detailed design concepts, and personalized guest communication.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

The culinary team at Hilton Los Cabos is well-equipped to handle various dietary requirements for wedding guests:

  • Vegetarian, Vegan, and Pescatarian meals can be arranged.
  • Common allergies (gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, shellfish-free) are managed with care.
  • Other specific dietary needs can usually be accommodated with advance notice.

It’s crucial to provide a final, detailed list of all dietary restrictions, linked to specific guests if possible (especially for plated meals), to your event coordinator usually 2-4 weeks prior to the wedding.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

Hilton Los Cabos accommodates typical wedding entertainment with some guidelines:

  • DJs & Live Music: Welcome in designated event spaces (ballrooms, specific terraces, beach areas).
  • Noise Curfew: Amplified music outdoors generally needs to conclude by 10:00 PM. Events can continue later indoors in the ballroom.
  • Vendor Policies: External vendors (DJs, bands, etc.) usually need to be approved by the resort and comply with setup times, power requirements, and potentially insurance documentation.

Discuss your entertainment plans early with the event coordinator to confirm feasibility and any specific restrictions for your chosen venue.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Logistics for guests at Hilton Los Cabos:

Airport Transfers: The resort is located on the tourist corridor, roughly a 30-minute drive from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). Guests arrange their own transfers via pre-booked shuttles, taxis, or private cars. The resort concierge can assist with booking recommendations.

Parking: Valet and self-parking options are available for guests staying at the resort or attending the wedding.

Location: Conveniently situated between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, offering relatively easy access to activities in both towns (taxi or rental car needed).

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort

For an average wedding of about 50 guests, budget considerations might include:

  • Wedding Package / F&B Minimum: $12,000 – $25,000 USD (Covering venue, basic setup, standard food & beverage for ceremony/cocktail/reception).
  • Entertainment: $1,500 – $5,000 USD (DJ or local band).
  • Photography/Videography: $4,000 – $8,000 USD (Professional local vendors).
  • Florals & Décor Upgrades: $1,500 – $6,000+ USD (Enhancing standard package inclusions).
  • Taxes & Service Charges: Typically 16% VAT and a 15-18% service charge are added to resort food, beverage, and potentially venue/setup costs. Verify this in your contract.

Total estimated costs commonly range from $20,000 to $45,000+ USD, varying based on package choice, guest count, and extent of customizations.

Splurge vs. Save

Save: Choose a package that bundles most of your needs. Opt for buffet over plated dinner if it’s more cost-effective per person. Utilize the standard linens and chairs provided. Host your wedding on a weekday or during the shoulder season (May-June, Oct). Minimize optional add-on events.

Splurge: Select the highest-tier package. Upgrade menu selections and bar offerings (premium liquors, extended hours). Invest in custom lighting, draping, and high-end floral arrangements. Rent specialty chairs or linens. Hire a popular live band. Add late-night snacks or interactive food stations.

Wedding Packages and What’s Included

Hilton Los Cabos offers several packages (names may vary, e.g., “Diamond,” “Platinum,” “Gold”) designed to cater to different preferences and budgets. Typical inclusions increase with the package level:

  • Ceremony: Location, setup (chairs, basic altar), symbolic officiant, simple floral décor (more elaborate in higher tiers).
  • Cocktail Hour: One hour, selection of hors d’oeuvres, standard open bar.
  • Reception: 3-4 hours private dinner (plated or buffet options), standard open bar, basic centerpieces (higher tiers), wedding cake.
  • Services: Event coordinator, menu tasting (often for couple), standard linens/setup.
  • Perks: May include discounted spa services, room upgrade for the couple (subject to availability), special turndown service, late checkout (subject to availability).

Pro tip: Review package details carefully to understand exactly what décor elements (centerpieces, altar flowers) are included, the specific menu options, and the hours of bar service provided.

Activities for Other Days

Keep guests entertained with activities at or near Hilton Los Cabos:

  • Enjoy the large infinity pool complex and the swimmable beach.
  • Utilize the services at the eforea Spa.
  • Play a round of golf at the adjacent Cabo Real Golf Course.
  • Take advantage of the resort’s various dining outlets and bars.
  • Arrange group excursions like snorkeling/diving trips (Cabo Pulmo), sunset cruises, ATV tours, or zip-lining adventures through the concierge.
  • Explore nearby San José del Cabo’s historic Art District (especially during the Thursday Art Walk season) or the lively marina and downtown Cabo San Lucas.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Leverage the Beach: Make the most of the beautiful and swimmable beach for photos, the ceremony itself, or even a casual welcome bonfire (if permitted/arranged).

2) Consider Guest Demographics: Since the resort is family-friendly, clearly communicate if specific wedding events are adults-only. Utilize the resort’s amenities that appeal to different age groups.

3) Factor in Corridor Location: While convenient between towns, guests will need transportation (taxis, shuttles, rental cars) to explore significantly beyond the resort and golf course.

Two Bride Reviews

“We had our wedding at Hilton Los Cabos and it was fantastic! The beach location is amazing, and the staff were so helpful throughout the planning. Our guests loved the resort, especially the pool and swimmable beach. Everything went smoothly on the day!” – Sarah K. (Example Review)

“Choosing the Hilton was great because it offered something for everyone attending our wedding, from families to couples. The wedding coordinator was organized, the food was delicious, and the setting for our ceremony on the beach was perfect. A reliable and beautiful choice.” – Jessica P. (Example Review)

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort offers a consistently beautiful and reliable setting for wedding photography. The key advantage is the expansive, well-maintained swimmable beach, providing classic Cabo ceremony backdrops with lovely turquoise water. The infinity pool reflecting the sky, the clean lines of the renovated resort architecture, and the various terrace viewpoints offer diverse photo opportunities. It’s a venue that feels bright, open, and geared towards enjoying the sunshine. While perhaps less unique in architectural drama than some ultra-luxury resorts, it provides a polished, upscale canvas with great light, especially during golden hour over the ocean. The efficient staff and clear event spaces make it straightforward to capture the key moments and the joyful atmosphere of a destination wedding.

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