Getting Married at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Seeking a wedding destination that embodies minimalist luxury, Japanese-inspired elegance, and world-renowned culinary artistry? Welcome to Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, a chic and sophisticated retreat located on the dramatic Pacific coastline within the Diamante development. Blending the signature Nobu aesthetic with the natural beauty of Baja, this hotel offers a serene yet stylish atmosphere, perfect for couples desiring a refined, modern, and exclusive wedding celebration.

Famed for its iconic Nobu Restaurant, its sleek design featuring natural materials and clean lines, luxurious accommodations with soaking tubs and ocean views, multiple serene pools, the Esencia Wellness spa, and access to nearby championship golf courses, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos provides a distinctively upscale experience. From intimate ceremonies on pristine terraces overlooking the Pacific waves to elegant receptions in sophisticated indoor or outdoor settings, every event is curated with precision and style.

Hosting a wedding at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos means indulging in high-design and exceptional service. Planning is typically bespoke, with costs reflecting this luxury positioning, potentially ranging from $40,000 to $100,000+ USD depending on guest count, venue choices, custom menus featuring Nobu cuisine, and desired level of personalization. Your wedding at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos promises a unique blend of Japanese refinement and Baja soul, creating an effortlessly chic and memorable 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?

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos is celebrated for its unique fusion of Japanese minimalism and Mexican warmth, creating a tranquil yet incredibly chic atmosphere. Ideal for couples with a strong sense of style who appreciate high design, exceptional food (especially the Nobu brand), and a sophisticated, understated luxury, the resort offers stunning Pacific Ocean views and elegantly designed spaces. If you envision a modern, serene, and exclusive wedding celebration focused on quality, aesthetics, and culinary excellence, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos provides a distinctive and refined setting.

The hotel’s appeal centers on its renowned culinary reputation, sleek architectural design, luxurious tranquility, and connection to a global luxury lifestyle brand. It’s perfect for couples seeking a sophisticated escape rather than a high-energy party resort.

How Does a Wedding at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos Work?

Planning a wedding at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos involves a bespoke approach, collaborating closely with their dedicated events team, often alongside an external planner specializing in luxury events. The focus is on tailoring every detail to the couple’s preferences, reflecting the Nobu philosophy of understated elegance and quality. This includes selecting unique venue spaces (terraces, pool decks, potentially restaurant areas), crafting custom menus featuring Nobu’s signature cuisine or other high-end options, arranging luxurious guest accommodations, and coordinating with top-tier vendors for décor, entertainment, and other services, all managed with meticulous attention to detail.

Best Months to Get Married

While Los Cabos offers abundant sunshine, the most desirable months for a wedding at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos are generally November through May. This period provides the most pleasant weather, with warm, dry days and comfortable evenings, ideal for enjoying the resort’s serene outdoor spaces and Pacific Ocean vistas. The clear skies and comfortable temperatures ensure guest comfort and beautiful conditions for photography against the hotel’s minimalist architecture.

The Basics of Wedding Planning (Bespoke Nobu Style)

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos typically does not offer standard wedding packages, focusing instead on entirely customized event creation. The planning process revolves around:

  • Personalized Consultation: In-depth discussions with the events team to capture the couple’s specific vision and style.
  • Venue Curation: Selecting from minimalist terraces, poolside locations, elegant indoor spaces, or potentially exclusive use of restaurant areas, each with associated venue fees or minimum spends.
  • Culinary Excellence: Designing bespoke menus, often featuring signature dishes from Nobu Restaurant or other customized gourmet options, reflecting the highest quality ingredients.
  • Premium Beverage Program: Curating selections of sake, fine wines, Japanese whiskies, craft cocktails, and premium spirits.
  • Vendor Collaboration: Working with high-end, approved vendors for floral design, décor, music, photography, and rentals that align with the Nobu aesthetic.
  • Detailed Proposal: A comprehensive outline of all selected elements and associated costs.

The emphasis is on quality, customization, and seamless execution reflecting the Nobu brand.

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

For a luxury destination wedding at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos:

  • The couple/hosts cover all wedding event costs: This includes venue fees or minimum spends, custom food and beverage, high-end décor and florals, entertainment, planner fees, vendor services, taxes, and service charges.
  • Guests are responsible for their travel and accommodation expenses. Nobu offers luxurious rooms and suites at a premium price point. Group rates might be available, but guests should anticipate high-end accommodation costs.
  • Additional events or activities outside the main celebration are typically covered by the couple/hosts if formally organized.
  • Gift registries are standard.

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos offers sleek, modern spaces suitable for intimate and medium-sized luxury weddings:

  • Oceanfront Terraces: Beautifully designed terraces offering stunning Pacific views, perfect for ceremonies, cocktails, or elegant receptions (capacity varies by terrace).
  • Pool Decks: Chic areas around the serene infinity pools potentially available for cocktail hours or smaller events.
  • Nobu Restaurant / Other Dining Venues: Sections or buyouts might be possible for welcome dinners or intimate receptions, offering the signature culinary experience.
  • Indoor Event Spaces: Elegant, minimalist indoor rooms available for receptions or as weather backups.
  • Beachfront: The expansive beach offers dramatic backdrops for photos, though direct event setups might focus on terraces overlooking the sand due to the strong Pacific surf.

Accommodations include luxurious rooms and suites featuring Japanese-inspired design, natural materials, spacious bathrooms with soaking tubs, and private balconies, many with ocean views.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos ensures an event flow characterized by sophisticated transitions and style:

Ceremony: Exchange vows on a minimalist terrace overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean, perhaps timed for a dramatic sunset.

Cocktail Hour: Guests can mingle in another chic space, perhaps poolside or on a different terrace level, enjoying handcrafted cocktails and Nobu-inspired appetizers.

Reception: Host an exquisitely catered dinner on an ocean-view terrace under subtle lighting, or utilize an elegant indoor space for a refined celebration featuring world-class cuisine and service.

Pro tip: The hotel’s architecture, with its clean lines, use of wood, stone, and water features, provides a stunning minimalist canvas for photography that feels both modern and timeless.

Understanding Venue Fees & Minimum Spends

Wedding costs at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos are typically driven by venue rental fees for specific desirable locations and/or significant Food & Beverage minimum spends. These generally cover:

  • Exclusive Use of Reserved Venue(s): Guaranteeing privacy for the duration specified.
  • Core Staffing: Highly trained event managers, chefs, servers, and bartenders delivering Nobu-level service.
  • Existing High-End Ambiance: Including the architectural design, basic ambient lighting, and existing quality furnishings where applicable.
  • Standard Tableware/Glassware: Use of the hotel’s high-quality standard service items.

Custom menus (especially featuring Nobu cuisine), premium beverage selections, florals, décor rentals (specialty furniture, lighting, etc.), entertainment, and external vendor coordination represent the bulk of the costs beyond the base venue fee/minimum.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos offers elegant indoor backup options:

  • Indoor Event Spaces: Sophisticated, minimalist ballrooms or meeting rooms can be utilized.
  • Covered Terraces: Some outdoor spaces offer partial cover that might suffice for smaller groups in light weather, but fully indoor options are the primary backup.

The events team ensures that any transition to a backup space maintains the event’s style and luxury standard, coordinating décor adjustments with the planner.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking a wedding at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos requires substantial financial commitment and adherence to strict policies:

Initial Deposit: A significant non-refundable deposit (often a high percentage of the estimated total or minimum spend) is required to confirm the date and venues.

Payment Schedule: The contract outlines a schedule of further non-refundable payments due well in advance of the event date.

Final Payment: The final estimated balance based on guaranteed guest counts is typically required 30-60 days before the wedding.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation typically results in forfeiture of all payments made, especially within several months of the event. Comprehensive event insurance is strongly advised.

On-Site Event Coordination & Planning Services

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos provides experienced event managers:

Hotel Liaison: Manages venue booking, coordinates internal departments (culinary, banquet, rooms), ensures adherence to hotel standards, and oversees resort-provided services.

Culinary Collaboration: Facilitates menu design and customization with the renowned culinary team.

Vendor Coordination (On-Site): Oversees approved external vendor logistics while they are on the property.

Given the bespoke nature and high standards, working with a professional full-service wedding planner experienced with luxury properties and potentially Nobu specifically is highly recommended to manage overall design, external vendors, complex logistics, and guest experience.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

With its world-class culinary focus, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos excels at handling dietary needs:

  • Allergies and restrictions (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, etc.) are accommodated with sophisticated and flavorful options.
  • The emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients allows for creative adaptations.

Clear communication of all dietary requirements well in advance is essential for the culinary team to provide a seamless and exceptional dining experience for all guests.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

Entertainment at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos should align with its chic and serene ambiance:

  • Styles: Sophisticated options like curated DJ sets (lounge, deep house), live jazz, acoustic musicians, or contemporary ensembles are most suitable.
  • Noise Curfew: Strict noise curfews for outdoor amplified music (likely 10:00 PM) are enforced to maintain tranquility for hotel guests. Indoor spaces may allow later end times.
  • Vendor Approval: All external entertainment providers must be approved by the hotel and comply with their technical and logistical guidelines.

Discuss entertainment choices early with the events team and planner to ensure they fit the venue’s atmosphere and rules.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Guest logistics for Nobu Hotel Los Cabos:

Airport Transfers: Located on the Pacific side within the Diamante complex, the resort is approximately a 45-60 minute drive from SJD airport. Guests arrange their own transport (private car services are common for this tier). The hotel concierge can assist with premium booking options.

Parking: Efficient valet parking service is provided.

Resort Access: Entry involves passing through the Diamante security gate, adding a layer of exclusivity.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos

For an average wedding of about 50 guests, reflecting the high-luxury positioning, budget estimations are significant:

  • Venue Fees & F&B Minimums: $35,000 – $90,000+ USD (Highly variable based on venue, date, and especially if involving Nobu restaurant catering).
  • Custom Catering & Premium Bar: Expect very high per-person costs ($450 – $900+ pp) reflecting Nobu quality and premium ingredients/beverages.
  • High-End Entertainment: $4,000 – $15,000+ USD.
  • Luxury Photography/Videography: $7,000 – $18,000+ USD.
  • Sophisticated Floral & Decor Rentals: $8,000 – $30,000+ USD (Often minimalist but using premium materials).
  • Planner Fees: $8,000 – $20,000+ USD (External planner often essential).
  • Taxes & Service Charges: Apply ~16% VAT and a significant service charge (potentially 20%+) to resort costs.

Total estimated costs typically start around $70,000 – $80,000 USD and can readily exceed $150,000 – $250,000+ USD depending on scale and choices.

Splurge vs. Save

Save: Opt for a smaller, more intimate guest count. Choose less prime venue spaces or dates (weekdays). Select curated menus rather than fully bespoke ones. Focus décor on enhancing the existing minimalist aesthetic.

Splurge: Buyout sections of the Nobu restaurant or exclusive terraces. Feature extensive signature Nobu dishes and ultra-premium sake/wine pairings. Invest in high-concept floral design and custom lighting. Hire internationally recognized DJs or musicians. Offer guests stays in top-tier suites.

Wedding Planning Inclusions

As planning is bespoke, the detailed contract/proposal specifies what base fees and minimums include:

  • Dedicated Nobu Event Manager: Liaison for resort services.
  • Venue Exclusivity: Use of contracted spaces for set times.
  • Culinary & Beverage Service: Based on the custom plan.
  • Highly Trained Staff: Servers, bartenders reflecting Nobu standards.
  • Standard Luxury Place Settings: High-quality tableware, glassware.
  • Collaboration with External Planner: Assumed partnership for overall execution.

Pro tip: Ensure absolute clarity in the contract regarding what is included versus excluded, especially concerning rentals (furniture, lighting, dance floor), staffing levels beyond the base, specific menu item costs, premium beverage inclusions, service charges, and taxes. Your external planner is vital here.

Activities for Other Days

Enhance the wedding weekend with Nobu’s sophisticated offerings:

  • World-Class Dining: Enjoy meals at the signature Nobu Restaurant or other resort dining outlets like Malibu Farm.
  • Relax by Serene Pools: Unwind at the multiple infinity pools offering Pacific views.
  • Esencia Wellness: Indulge in treatments at the luxurious spa.
  • Cocktail Culture: Experience the refined atmosphere and craft cocktails at the hotel bars.
  • Golf: Arrange tee times at the nearby championship courses within the Diamante complex (e.g., Dunes Course, El Cardonal).
  • Beach Walks: Enjoy the expansive (non-swimmable) Pacific beach for walks and sunset views.
  • Concierge Services: Arrange bespoke excursions or local experiences.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Embrace Minimalism: Work with the hotel’s inherent design aesthetic. Often, less is more when it comes to décor at Nobu; focus on quality and curated details.

2) Prioritize the Culinary Experience: If choosing Nobu, the food is likely a major draw. Collaborate closely on the menu to showcase their signature style.

3) Manage Guest Expectations: Ensure guests understand the resort’s location (Pacific side, non-swimmable beach), its sophisticated and tranquil vibe (less of a party resort), and the luxury price point for accommodations.

Two Bride Reviews

“Nobu Hotel Los Cabos was the perfect backdrop for our chic, modern wedding. The design is incredible, the service was flawless, and having Nobu cater our reception was a dream come true for us foodies. An absolutely unforgettable experience.” – Alexandra K. (Example Review)

“We wanted understated luxury and sophistication, and Nobu delivered beyond expectations. Our ceremony on the terrace overlooking the Pacific was serene and stunning. The entire weekend felt exclusive and incredibly special. Our guests were amazed.” – Isabelle T. (Example Review)

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos is a masterclass in minimalist luxury and offers a unique photographic canvas. The Japanese-inspired architecture, with its clean lines, natural wood tones, stone accents, and integration with water features, creates incredibly sophisticated and serene backdrops. The focus is on capturing the elegance of simplicity, the quality of light interacting with the textures, and the expansive Pacific Ocean views. Unlike more colorful or ornate resorts, Nobu demands an eye for composition, negative space, and capturing refined emotion within a tranquil setting. The results are typically high-fashion, editorial-style images that emphasize design, luxury, and the couple’s connection within this chic, exclusive environment.

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