Getting Married at RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Planning a fun-filled destination wedding on Cabo’s famous Medano Beach with lots of energy and activities for your guests? Welcome to RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas, a large, vibrant all-inclusive resort known for its lively atmosphere, extensive facilities, and prime location offering stunning views of Land’s End. Perfect for couples seeking a comprehensive resort experience where guests of all ages can enjoy non-stop entertainment, dining, and beachfront access.

Known for its distinctive architecture with signature RIU towers, multiple swimming pools (often with swim-up bars), wide range of buffet and specialty restaurants included in the 24-hour all-inclusive plan, daily entertainment programs, RiuLand kids’ club, and proximity to downtown Cabo San Lucas, RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas caters to those looking for an active and social vacation alongside their wedding. From ceremonies directly on the expansive beach to receptions on terraces or in dedicated event spaces, the resort offers numerous options for a lively celebration.

Hosting a wedding here typically involves selecting from structured all-inclusive wedding packages designed for ease and value, with costs potentially ranging from $10,000 to $30,000+ USD. This varies depending on the chosen package, guest count, and any desired customizations. With on-site coordinators and the convenience of the RIU all-inclusive system, your wedding at RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas promises a fun, straightforward, and action-packed 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?

RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas is celebrated for its prime location on Medano Beach, offering direct access to Cabo’s most famous swimmable beach and iconic views of Land’s End. Ideal for couples seeking a large-scale, energetic, family-friendly all-inclusive resort experience with abundant activities, dining options, and entertainment, this property provides a classic Cabo vacation vibe. If you want a wedding where guests have plenty to do on-site, enjoy a lively pool scene, and are steps from the beach and close to town, the RIU Palace is a very popular and convenient choice.

The resort’s strengths are its fantastic location, extensive all-inclusive offerings, family-friendly amenities, and value proposition within the Cabo market, making it suitable for large wedding groups with diverse budgets and interests.

How Does a Wedding at RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas Work?

Weddings at RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas are primarily planned using their structured wedding packages, coordinated by the RIU weddings department (often centralized initially, then managed by an on-site coordinator). These packages are designed for efficiency and cover essential elements. The process involves selecting a package tier (often with names like “Classic,” “Royal,” “Caprice”), confirming the included ceremony location (beach, gazebo), basic reception components (cake, toast, sometimes a semi-private dinner reservation), and arranging guest accommodations within the all-inclusive resort using group booking codes. Customization might be limited compared to bespoke venues, but the packages offer a clear and straightforward planning path.

Best Months to Get Married

Los Cabos offers sunshine most of the year. The most popular months for a wedding at RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas are November through May. This period provides the most pleasant weather with warm temperatures and low humidity, perfect for enjoying the Medano Beach location, the resort’s large pool areas, and outdoor ceremonies. This timeframe also aligns with Cabo’s peak season, ensuring a lively atmosphere.

The Basics of Wedding Packages

RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas offers several tiered wedding packages focusing on their all-inclusive model. Common components usually include:

  • Symbolic Ceremony: Includes a decorated ceremony location (beach, gazebo), recorded music, symbolic officiant. Legal ceremonies involve extra costs and procedures.
  • Basic Flowers: Often a bouquet for the bride and a boutonniere for the groom are included.
  • Post-Ceremony Toast: Sparkling wine for a toast after the ceremony.
  • Wedding Cake: A small cake for the couple and guests at the ceremony or reception.
  • Reception Dinner: Packages might include a reservation for the wedding group at one of the resort’s à la carte restaurants (often semi-private) or credits towards a private reception event (which involves additional costs for venue, setup, F&B).
  • Coordinator: On-site RIU coordinator for package execution.
  • Perks: May include room upgrades (subject to availability), spa discounts, or special amenities.

It’s crucial to understand exactly what level of reception is included in the base package versus what needs to be added on (private venue, extended bar, full dinner service).

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

For weddings at the all-inclusive RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas:

  • The couple typically pays for the selected wedding package and any additional costs for private reception functions, upgrades (décor, flowers), external vendors (photography is almost always external), etc.
  • Guests pay for their travel and their all-inclusive stay at the resort. RIU often offers competitive pricing for all-inclusive stays, and group rates can usually be arranged.
  • Excursions, spa treatments, and off-resort activities are typically guest expenses.
  • Gift registries are common.

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas, being a large resort, offers various spaces:

  • Medano Beach: Ample space on the wide beach for ceremonies of different sizes, with fantastic Arch views.
  • Gazebos: Located within the resort grounds, offering garden or ocean-view settings for ceremonies.
  • Terraces: Outdoor terraces near pools or restaurants suitable for cocktail hours or smaller receptions.
  • Conference Rooms/Salons: Indoor spaces available for private receptions, especially larger ones or as weather backups.
  • Restaurant Reservations: Semi-private areas in specialty restaurants might be included in some packages for the reception dinner.

The resort has a large number of rooms and junior suites, many with balconies and partial or full ocean views, accommodating large wedding groups effectively.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas facilitates a classic Cabo wedding flow:

Ceremony: Exchange vows directly on the popular Medano Beach with the iconic Land’s End visible across the bay, or choose a resort gazebo for a slightly more structured setting.

Cocktail Hour: Guests can gather on a designated terrace or potentially a poolside bar area for post-ceremony drinks and included appetizers.

Reception: Depending on the package/budget, this could be a semi-private dinner at a specialty restaurant, a private buffet or plated dinner on a terrace, or a larger party in an indoor salon/ballroom.

Pro tip: Medano Beach is very public and active. Discuss with the RIU coordinator how they manage crowd control and define the “private” space for your beach ceremony.

What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?

Venue usage at RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas is typically bundled into the wedding package price, especially for standard locations like gazebos or basic beach setups. There usually isn’t a separate venue rental fee unless booking a premium space or requiring extensive private setup beyond package norms. The package cost covers:

  • Use of the Designated Ceremony Location: For the scheduled time.
  • Standard Package Setup: Chairs, included décor elements from the chosen package.
  • Included F&B: Sparkling wine toast, cake, potentially a semi-private dinner reservation or basic cocktail hour snacks/drinks as per package.
  • Staffing: On-site coordinator for package execution, staff for included F&B components.

Private receptions with dedicated venues, full open bars, extensive menus, custom décor, florals, entertainment, and external vendor services require additional package upgrades or separate banquet contracting and costs.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas provides indoor backup locations, typically their conference rooms or salons, for outdoor ceremonies affected by inclement weather. Your RIU wedding coordinator will confirm the designated backup space and the decision process during planning.

Pro tip: The indoor spaces are functional; discuss with your coordinator (and potentially an external decorator if hired) how to best personalize the backup space should it be necessary.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking a RIU wedding package typically requires:

Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is needed to confirm the date and package.

Payment Schedule: Contracts usually specify subsequent payment deadlines, often tied to finalizing guest counts or occurring a few months prior.

Final Payment: The final balance is generally due 30-60 days before the wedding.

Cancellation Policy: Outlines the non-refundable amounts based on the cancellation date. Ensure you understand these terms.

On-Site Wedding Coordination & Planning Services

RIU Palace provides on-site wedding coordinators focused on executing their packages:

Package Management: They assist with choosing packages, confirming included elements, booking resort venues for the package events, and coordinating resort staff (banquet, F&B).

Resort Logistics: Handle internal processes related to the wedding package components.

Basic Vendor Contact: Can provide lists of commonly used local vendors.

The on-site coordinator’s primary role is ensuring the contracted RIU package elements are delivered. Couples seeking significant personalization, unique design, or extensive vendor management often hire independent planners.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

RIU’s large all-inclusive buffets and specialty restaurants can generally handle common dietary needs:

  • Vegetarian options are typically available at buffets and potentially à la carte restaurants.
  • Gluten-Free and other common allergy requests should be communicated in advance for banquet events or specialty restaurant reservations included in packages.

For private, plated reception dinners (if added on), provide a detailed list of all dietary needs with final guest confirmations.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

RIU Palace has a lively atmosphere and allows typical wedding entertainment:

  • DJs & Live Music: Permitted in designated event spaces (salons, terraces).
  • Noise Curfew: Being on busy Medano Beach and a large resort, outdoor amplified music will have curfews (likely 10:00 PM or 10:30 PM). Indoor events can generally go later.
  • Resort Entertainment: The hotel has its own entertainment team and schedule, which might run concurrently with parts of your event unless a fully private venue is secured.
  • Vendor Policies: External vendors need approval and coordination.

Confirm specific venue restrictions and timings with your coordinator.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Guest logistics for RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas:

Airport Transfers: Located near downtown Cabo San Lucas on Medano Beach, approx. 45 minutes from SJD airport. Guests arrange their own transfers.

Parking: On-site parking is available.

Location & Walkability: Excellent location allows easy walking access to Medano Beach activities, other beach bars/restaurants, and is a short taxi ride or longer walk to the marina and downtown Cabo San Lucas.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas

For an average wedding of about 50 guests using a mid-level package and potentially adding a private reception component:

  • Wedding Package & Reception Add-on: $8,000 – $25,000+ USD (Base package plus costs for private reception venue/F&B if not fully included).
  • Entertainment: $1,500 – $5,000 USD.
  • Photography/Videography: $4,000 – $8,000 USD (Usually external).
  • Florals & Décor Upgrades: $1,000 – $5,000+ USD (Beyond basic package items).
  • External Vendor Fees (if any): Check current resort policies.
  • Taxes & Service Charges: Often included for core package items; verify for add-ons/banquet services.

Total estimated costs commonly range from $15,000 to $45,000+ USD, depending significantly on whether a fully private reception is added and the level of customization.

Splurge vs. Save

Save: Choose a basic package that includes ceremony, cake, toast, and potentially a semi-private dinner reservation. Rely on included décor. Keep the guest list smaller. Utilize the resort’s standard all-inclusive bars and entertainment.

Splurge: Select the highest package tier. Book a fully private reception in a ballroom or on a terrace with upgraded menus and premium bar service. Invest in custom décor, florals, and lighting. Hire preferred external entertainment. Add extra events like a welcome cocktail party.

Wedding Packages and What’s Included

RIU offers several package levels (Classic, Royal, Caprice, etc.) with increasing inclusions:

  • Ceremony: Location, basic setup, symbolic officiant, recorded music.
  • Flowers: Basic bouquet/boutonniere.
  • Celebration: Cake and sparkling wine toast.
  • Reception: May range from just a dinner reservation at an existing restaurant (semi-private) in basic packages to credits towards or inclusion of a private event with dinner and bar in higher tiers.
  • Coordinator: On-site RIU staff.
  • Perks: Possible room decoration, spa discounts, surprise gifts.

Pro tip: Carefully read what level of “reception” is included in the base package price versus what constitutes an add-on private event cost. Understand the difference between a semi-private restaurant reservation and a truly private reception venue/service.

Activities for Other Days

Guests at RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas have access to extensive all-inclusive activities:

  • Enjoying the multiple large swimming pools, including swim-up bars.
  • Relaxing on Medano Beach (swimmable area).
  • Participating in the RIU entertainment team’s daily activities (sports, games, classes).
  • Utilizing the Renova Spa and fitness center.
  • Dining and drinking at the numerous buffet and specialty restaurants, and various bars available 24/7.
  • Attending nightly shows and entertainment in the resort theater or lounges.
  • Using the RiuLand kids’ club facilities.
  • Walking down Medano Beach to explore other bars and restaurants or taking a short taxi to downtown Cabo San Lucas.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Understand Package Scope: Clarify exactly what level of private reception (if any) is included in your chosen package versus needing to contract a separate private banquet event.

2) Embrace the Energy (and Crowds): RIU Palace is a large, popular, and often busy resort. Be prepared for a lively atmosphere, especially around main pool areas and buffets.

3) Leverage Medano Beach Location: The direct beach access and proximity to town are major advantages for guest enjoyment and convenience.

Two Bride Reviews

“RIU Palace was great for our large wedding group! The all-inclusive made it affordable for everyone, and the location on Medano Beach is perfect. Our beach ceremony was beautiful with the Arch view, and the wedding package was easy to work with.” – Jennifer S. (Example Review)

“We wanted a fun, lively wedding where our guests would have plenty to do, and RIU Palace delivered. The pools are huge, there’s always something going on, and being able to walk into town was great. The wedding itself was well-organized by the resort team.” – Ashley M. (Example Review)

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas provides classic and highly sought-after Cabo wedding photo opportunities due to its prime Medano Beach location directly facing Land’s End. Capturing the ceremony or couple portraits with the Arch in the background is iconic. The resort itself is large-scale, with expansive pool areas and distinctive RIU architecture that offers grand backdrops. The atmosphere is typically energetic and full of activity, leading to vibrant, candid photos of guests enjoying the celebration. While perhaps less focused on unique architectural details or serene intimacy compared to boutique luxury resorts, it excels at providing that quintessential sunny, lively, beachfront Cabo wedding look, especially leveraging the unbeatable view across the bay.

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