Getting Married at Hotel El Ganzo: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Searching for a truly unique wedding venue that blends boutique luxury, cutting-edge art, live music, and a sophisticated yet laid-back vibe? Welcome to Hotel El Ganzo, an adults-oriented creative hub located at the Puerto Los Cabos marina, just outside San José del Cabo. More than just a hotel, El Ganzo is a center for arts and culture, offering a distinctive setting for couples seeking a wedding experience that’s anything but ordinary.

Known for its striking minimalist design softened by ever-changing murals from visiting artists, its iconic rooftop infinity pool with stunning marina and Sea of Cortez views, an underground recording studio (“The Underground”), regular live music sessions, access to a private beach club via water taxi, and a focus on curated experiences, Hotel El Ganzo offers an inspiring and unconventional atmosphere. From ceremonies on the rooftop overlooking the yachts to intimate receptions in unique spaces or potentially buyouts of their restaurant, every event here feels artistic and exclusive.

Hosting a wedding at Hotel El Ganzo is a bespoke experience focused on artistry and personalization. Costs reflect its boutique luxury status and unique offerings, potentially ranging from $25,000 to $70,000+ USD, depending heavily on guest count, venue choices (rooftop is prime), menu customization, and entertainment elements. Your wedding at Hotel El Ganzo promises a one-of-a-kind celebration infused with creativity, music, and modern style.

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?

Hotel El Ganzo stands apart with its dedication to arts, music, and contemporary culture, offering a boutique hotel experience rather than a sprawling resort feel. Ideal for creative couples who value unique design, live music integration (potential for rooftop sessions or utilizing the recording studio environment), and a sophisticated, adults-oriented atmosphere, the hotel provides stunning views of the Puerto Los Cabos marina and Sea of Cortez. Its location offers tranquility yet proximity to San José del Cabo. If you seek a wedding venue with a strong artistic personality, excellent food and cocktails, and a chic, intimate vibe, Hotel El Ganzo is a truly special choice.

Its appeal lies in its unique artistic identity, focus on music, stunning rooftop pool/bar, intimate scale, and location at the marina, attracting couples looking for an alternative to traditional luxury resorts.

How Does a Wedding at Hotel El Ganzo Work?

Weddings at Hotel El Ganzo are highly customized events, planned in close collaboration with their dedicated events team. They prioritize creating unique experiences tailored to the couple’s vision, often incorporating the hotel’s artistic and musical elements. The process involves selecting distinctive venues (like the iconic rooftop, beach club, or indoor spaces), designing bespoke menus featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, curating beverage selections, arranging accommodations in their stylish rooms, and coordinating with preferred vendors for décor, entertainment, and other specific needs. The focus is on a personalized, artistic, and smoothly executed celebration.

Best Months to Get Married

Located near San José del Cabo, Hotel El Ganzo benefits from Cabo’s generally excellent weather. The most desirable months for a wedding are typically October through June. This period avoids the most intense summer heat and the brief rainy season, offering comfortable temperatures ideal for enjoying the rooftop pool, beach club (accessible by boat), and outdoor event spaces overlooking the marina and sea. Clear skies during these months maximize the beautiful views.

The Basics of Wedding Planning (Bespoke Artistic Approach)

Hotel El Ganzo generally operates on a bespoke planning model rather than fixed packages, focusing on tailoring each event. Planning typically involves:

  • Creative Consultation: Working with the events team to understand your aesthetic, desired vibe (e.g., incorporating live music, art elements), and logistical needs.
  • Venue Selection: Choosing from key locations like the Rooftop (poolside or terrace sections), Ganzo Downstairs event space, the private Ganzo de Playa beach club (requires boat access), or potentially restaurant areas, each with specific rental fees or minimum spends.
  • Menu & Beverage Design: Crafting custom menus focused on fresh, often locally sourced ingredients, paired with creative cocktails and beverage selections.
  • Accommodation Coordination: Arranging rooms for guests within the boutique hotel (capacity is limited).
  • Vendor Collaboration: Integrating services from approved external vendors for florals, décor, rentals, specialized entertainment, and photography, ensuring they fit El Ganzo’s style.

The process is collaborative, aiming for a unique event reflecting the hotel’s artistic spirit.

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

For a boutique luxury wedding at Hotel El Ganzo:

  • The couple/hosts are responsible for all event costs: This includes venue rental fees or minimum spends, customized food and beverage, décor, florals, entertainment, external planner fees (often recommended), vendor services, taxes, and service charges.
  • Guests typically pay for their travel and accommodation. Accommodation options at El Ganzo itself are limited (primarily stylish rooms); guests might also stay in nearby Puerto Los Cabos hotels or San José del Cabo and require transport to the hotel for events.
  • Additional activities or meals outside the wedding events are usually guest expenses.
  • Gift registries are standard.

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

Hotel El Ganzo offers unique, stylish venues best suited for intimate to medium-sized weddings:

  • Rooftop: The iconic infinity pool deck and adjacent terrace offer stunning panoramic views of the marina and sea, ideal for ceremonies, cocktails, or receptions (capacity needs confirmation, potentially 50-100+ depending on setup and specific area used).
  • Ganzo Downstairs: A versatile indoor/outdoor event space below the main hotel level.
  • Ganzo de Playa (Beach Club): Accessible via a short panga boat ride across the marina, offering a relaxed, sandy setting for ceremonies or parties (logistics and fees apply).
  • Restaurant Areas: Potentially available for smaller gatherings or buyouts.

Accommodations: The hotel features a limited number of chic, art-filled rooms and suites. Booking well in advance is crucial for accommodating wedding guests on-site. Many guests will likely stay at nearby properties.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

Hotel El Ganzo facilitates a uniquely stylish event flow:

Ceremony: Exchange vows on the stunning rooftop terrace with sweeping marina and ocean views as your backdrop, or opt for the relaxed vibe of the Ganzo de Playa beach club.

Cocktail Hour: Guests could enjoy signature cocktails and music on the rooftop near the pool, in the Ganzo Downstairs space, or remain at the beach club post-ceremony.

Reception: Host a chic dinner party on the rooftop under the stars, enjoy a stylish meal in the Ganzo Downstairs area, or have a relaxed beachfront reception at the Ganzo de Playa.

Pro tip: Incorporate the hotel’s unique features – perhaps arrange a private music session viewing in “The Underground” studio for the wedding party, or utilize the water taxi for a memorable guest arrival at the beach club.

Understanding Venue Fees & Minimum Spends

Weddings at Hotel El Ganzo involve venue rental fees for their distinct spaces (especially the rooftop and beach club) and/or Food & Beverage minimum spends. These costs generally cover:

  • Exclusive or Semi-Exclusive Use: Of the contracted venue area(s) for the specified time.
  • Core Hotel Staffing: Including event management liaison, banquet staff, bartenders.
  • Basic Setup: Use of existing furniture where applicable (e.g., restaurant seating); specific event rentals are almost always required for typical wedding setups.
  • Venue Ambiance: The unique design, art, and basic lighting.

Customized menus, premium beverages, floral design, décor rentals (tables, chairs, linens, lighting, dance floor), entertainment, A/V equipment, boat transport to the beach club, and external planner fees constitute the bulk of the budget beyond the base venue cost/minimum.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

Given the emphasis on outdoor spaces like the rooftop and beach club, backup plans are important:

  • Ganzo Downstairs: This indoor/outdoor space often serves as a primary backup location.
  • Indoor Function Rooms: Smaller indoor rooms may be available.
  • Tenting: Potentially an option for some areas with advance planning and budget.

Discuss weather contingency options and associated logistics thoroughly with the El Ganzo events team and your planner.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking a wedding at the boutique Hotel El Ganzo typically involves:

Initial Deposit: A significant non-refundable deposit is required to secure the date and prime event spaces like the rooftop.

Payment Schedule: The contract outlines subsequent non-refundable payment milestones.

Final Payment: The final guaranteed guest count and remaining balance are usually due 30-60 days prior to the event.

Cancellation Policy: Due to its boutique nature and high demand, cancellation policies are likely strict, often involving forfeiture of all payments. Event insurance is highly recommended.

On-Site Event Coordination & Planning Services

Hotel El Ganzo provides an on-site events team:

Venue Experts: They manage booking of El Ganzo’s unique spaces, coordinate the hotel’s F&B services, oversee hotel staff, and handle internal logistics.

Artistic Integration: Can help incorporate the hotel’s art and music elements into the event.

Vendor Liaison: Coordinate access and requirements for approved external vendors.

Important Note: Similar to Flora Farms, due to the boutique nature and specific logistics (like boat transport, potential need for extensive rentals), hiring an experienced external wedding planner is generally essential for a smooth and successful event at El Ganzo.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

Hotel El Ganzo’s culinary team focuses on fresh, often locally sourced ingredients and can typically accommodate dietary needs:

  • Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, and other common requirements can be catered to creatively within their custom menus.
  • Allergies are handled carefully when communicated clearly during the menu planning process.

Detailed discussion of all dietary needs is part of the bespoke menu design process.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

Music is core to El Ganzo, but rules apply:

  • Live Music & DJs: Encouraged, especially styles fitting the chic, artistic vibe. The hotel frequently hosts its own live music sessions.
  • Noise Curfew: Strict noise curfews apply, especially for outdoor spaces like the rooftop (likely 10:00 PM or 10:30 PM), due to the marina location and hotel guest rooms. Indoor spaces like Ganzo Downstairs may allow later end times.
  • Vendor Approval: All external entertainment must be approved and coordinate closely with the hotel regarding technical needs and sound levels.

Confirm specific restrictions and timings for your chosen venue well in advance.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Guest logistics for Hotel El Ganzo:

Location: Situated at the Puerto Los Cabos marina, about 30-40 minutes from SJD airport.

Transportation: Arranging dedicated transport for guests is highly recommended, especially if most are staying off-property. Access involves entering the Puerto Los Cabos development.

Parking: On-site parking is available but may be limited; valet service is typically offered.

Beach Club Access: Requires a short, scheduled panga boat ride across the marina channel – a unique logistical element to plan for.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Hotel El Ganzo

For an average wedding of about 50 guests, considering the boutique luxury and unique venue aspects:

  • Venue Rental/Buyout Fee & F&B Minimum: $20,000 – $60,000+ USD (Rooftop and Beach Club likely at the higher end or require significant minimums).
  • Custom Catering & Craft Bar: Per-person costs will be high ($250 – $500+ pp) reflecting quality ingredients and mixology.
  • External Planner Fee: $6,000 – $18,000+ USD (Generally essential).
  • Florals, Decor & Rentals: $5,000 – $20,000+ USD (Rentals often needed for specific setups).
  • Entertainment: $3,000 – $10,000+ USD (Often leaning towards live music or curated DJs).
  • Photography/Videography: $5,000 – $12,000+ USD.
  • Guest Transportation / Boat Fees: $1,000 – $4,000+ USD (Factor in boat transfers if using beach club).
  • Taxes & Service Charges: Applied to venue fees, F&B, etc. (Verify percentages).

Total estimated costs often range from $45,000 to $120,000+ USD, heavily dependent on venue choices, guest count, and level of customization.

Splurge vs. Save

Save: Consider a smaller guest count focused on an intimate experience. Utilize the Ganzo Downstairs space instead of the rooftop. Choose simpler menu selections within their quality offerings. Keep décor minimalist to highlight the existing art and design.

Splurge: Full buyout of the rooftop for ceremony and reception. Arrange a private performance by a visiting musician associated with the hotel. Host exclusive events at the Ganzo de Playa beach club. Offer guests stays in the coveted Treehouses. Highly customized menus and premium bar featuring rare mezcals.

Wedding Planning Inclusions

As planning is bespoke, the contract/proposal details what venue fees and F&B minimums include:

  • Exclusive/Semi-Exclusive Use: Of designated event spaces.
  • Core Hotel Staff: Event liaison, culinary team, service staff.
  • Base Furniture/Tableware: Existing hotel inventory (rentals often needed).
  • Unique Ambiance: Access to the hotel’s artistic environment.
  • Collaboration: Working closely with your required external planner.

Pro tip: Hire a planner experienced with El Ganzo’s unique logistics (marina location, boat transfers, limited on-site rooms, artistic focus). Ensure clear understanding of what rentals are needed beyond the hotel’s basic inventory.

Activities for Other Days

Guests can enjoy Hotel El Ganzo’s unique offerings:

  • Relaxing at the stunning rooftop infinity pool with cabanas and bar service.
  • Taking the panga boat across to the private Ganzo de Playa beach club for sunbathing and lunch.
  • Enjoying treatments at the spa.
  • Experiencing live music sessions often held on the rooftop or potentially downstairs.
  • Exploring the ever-changing art installations throughout the hotel.
  • Dining at the hotel’s restaurants or enjoying craft cocktails at the bar.
  • Potentially arranging a tour of the underground recording studio (inquire about availability).
  • Exploring the Puerto Los Cabos marina or taking a short taxi ride to the San José del Cabo Art District.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Embrace the Art & Music: Incorporate these signature elements into your celebration for a truly unique El Ganzo experience.

2) Plan Accommodations & Transport Early: Due to limited on-site rooms, secure your block quickly and arrange reliable transport for guests staying off-site. Factor in boat transfer times if using the beach club.

3) Hire the Right Planner: Choose a planner who understands El Ganzo’s specific logistics, aesthetic, and vendor requirements for a successful event.

Two Bride Reviews

“Hotel El Ganzo was the coolest, most unique place for our wedding! It’s not your typical Cabo resort, which is exactly what we wanted. The rooftop views are insane, the art is amazing, and the vibe is just perfect. Our guests loved the boat ride to the beach club.” – Olivia R. (Example Review)

“We had the most stylish and fun wedding at El Ganzo. The hotel itself is a work of art. The food was incredible, the cocktails were top-notch, and having live music on the rooftop for our reception felt so special. It required detailed planning, but totally worth it!” – Sophia C. (Example Review)

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

Hotel El Ganzo is an absolute gem for wedding photography, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional resort backdrops. Its strength lies in its unique character: the striking minimalist architecture punctuated by bold murals, the incredible rooftop infinity pool seemingly blending into the marina and ocean, the intimate vibe of the Ganzo Downstairs space, and the rustic charm of the Ganzo de Playa beach club. It’s a venue that encourages creative, editorial-style shooting, playing with lines, reflections, art details, and the contrast between modern design and the surrounding natural beauty/marina life. Capturing the sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, the musical elements, and the artistic details results in a wedding gallery that feels cool, contemporary, and utterly unique to Los Cabos.

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