Getting Married at The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Dreaming of a wedding that blends world-class luxury with the breathtaking beauty of the Sea of Cortez? Welcome to The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos in Los Cabos—a premier beachfront resort where sophistication meets natural splendor. Set against a dramatic desert-meets-ocean backdrop, this exquisite venue offers unparalleled service, elegant event spaces, and a refined atmosphere ideal for both intimate ceremonies and lavish celebrations. With its signature blend of traditional Mexican warmth and modern refinement, The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos is the perfect canvas for your dream wedding.

Known for its exceptional culinary experiences, breathtaking views, and luxurious amenities, The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos has earned a reputation as a top destination for weddings. From sophisticated beachside ceremonies to elegant ballroom receptions, every detail is crafted to ensure your special day is nothing short of extraordinary.

Hosting a wedding here typically ranges from $20,000 to $50,000 USD, depending on guest count, chosen packages, and added enhancements like gourmet catering, bespoke floral designs, and live entertainment. With flexible packages and impeccable service, your wedding at The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos will be an unforgettable celebration of love in 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?

The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos is celebrated for its pristine beachfront location, luxurious accommodations, and breathtaking desert-ocean views. Ideal for couples seeking an exclusive destination wedding, the resort offers a range of versatile settings—from intimate beach ceremonies to grand ballroom receptions—ensuring a perfect match for your vision. The combination of natural beauty and sophisticated elegance makes it a standout choice for couples looking to create unforgettable memories.

Guest feedback consistently shows that over 75% of couples choose a venue based on its scenic allure. At The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos, every corner is designed to impress, from the sparkling oceanfront vistas to the meticulously landscaped gardens that frame each event space.

How Does a Wedding at The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos Work?

Your wedding at The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos is an all-encompassing experience designed to be seamless and stress-free. From your initial consultation to the final farewell, the resort’s dedicated wedding team offers personalized planning services to ensure every detail aligns with your vision. Comprehensive packages include venue access, expert vendor coordination, and customizable enhancements, so you can focus on celebrating your love while the team handles the logistics.

Best Months to Get Married

Los Cabos enjoys a warm, sunny climate nearly year-round, but the best months for a wedding are from November to April, when the weather is pleasantly warm with minimal humidity and almost no rain. These months offer perfect conditions for outdoor ceremonies and receptions, along with stunning natural light for photography. Choosing these months not only enhances your wedding experience but can also provide a more comfortable environment for your guests.

The Basics of Wedding Packages

The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos offers a range of wedding packages that are designed to be flexible and tailored to your needs. Packages typically include:

  • Ceremony Setup: Elegant beach or ballroom setups with premium décor, customizable arches, and seating arrangements that reflect your style.
  • Reception Venues: Options range from sophisticated ballrooms to intimate outdoor terraces, all with panoramic ocean views.
  • Catering: Gourmet menus that blend international cuisine with local flavors, available in plated or buffet styles.
  • Decor and Florals: Standard arrangements that can be upgraded with bespoke floral designs and personalized décor.
  • Entertainment: Coordination for live music, DJs, and special performances to keep your guests entertained.

These packages are fully customizable, allowing you to add or modify services to perfectly match your wedding vision.

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

In destination weddings at The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos, the financial responsibilities typically break down as follows:

  • The couple covers the wedding package—including venue rental, décor, catering, and coordination services.
  • Guests handle their own travel and accommodation, though group rates can often be negotiated to ease costs.
  • The couple may sponsor group activities, such as welcome dinners or excursions, to enhance the guest experience.
  • Optional extras (e.g., additional entertainment or personalized décor) are typically at the couple’s expense.
  • Gift registries are a popular way for guests to contribute to the couple’s wedding or honeymoon fund.

This approach not only helps manage the overall budget but also creates a shared sense of celebration among family and friends.

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos offers diverse event spaces that can accommodate a range of guest sizes:

  • Grand Ballrooms: Ideal for large receptions, accommodating up to 250 guests in a luxurious setting.
  • Intimate Terraces: Perfect for smaller gatherings of 40 to 100 guests, with unobstructed ocean views.
  • Expansive Gardens: Suitable for 60 to 200 guests, offering a natural and serene backdrop for outdoor ceremonies and cocktail hours.

The resort also provides exclusive block-booking discounts on luxurious rooms and suites, ensuring your guests have convenient, high-end accommodations just steps away from your celebration.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos creates a seamless flow between ceremony and reception, ensuring your day is executed flawlessly:

Ceremony: Choose a stunning beachside setting for an intimate ceremony with the sound of the waves and a mesmerizing sunset.

Cocktail Hour: Transition to an elegant terrace for a relaxed gathering, complete with gourmet appetizers and refreshing cocktails.

Reception: Celebrate in a grand ballroom where exquisite dining, heartfelt speeches, and lively dancing come together under dazzling chandeliers.

Pro tip: Enhance your celebration with unique touches like live music, interactive art displays, or even a guided tour of the resort’s art collection during cocktail hour.

What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?

The wedding package at The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos typically includes:

  • Standard Décor: Elegant seating, linens, and table settings that serve as the perfect backdrop for your celebration.
  • Sound System: High-quality audiovisual equipment to ensure your ceremony and reception sound impeccable.
  • Waitstaff and Bartenders: Professional service to cater to your guests’ needs throughout the event.
  • Basic Lighting: Ambient lighting that enhances the natural beauty of the venue and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Additional upgrades such as premium décor, specialized lighting, or exclusive use of certain spaces are available at an extra cost.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

While Los Cabos is famed for its sunny weather, unexpected shifts can occur. The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos offers indoor alternatives—including elegant ballrooms and covered terraces—to ensure your wedding day proceeds flawlessly, rain or shine.

Pro tip: Always have a clear backup plan in place and communicate it to your guests. For instance, if weather conditions change, you can swiftly transition from an outdoor beach ceremony to an indoor setting without missing a beat.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking your wedding at The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos involves a structured payment plan:

Initial Deposit: Typically between $800–$1,500 to secure your date and venue.

Incremental Payments: Scheduled at key milestones (e.g., 6, 3, and 1 month before the wedding) to cover various services.

Final Payment: Due approximately 30 days before your ceremony to finalize all arrangements.

Cancellation policies vary based on how far in advance you notify the resort, so it’s essential to review your contract and discuss any flexibility options with your coordinator.

On-Site Wedding Coordination & Planning Services

The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos offers dedicated wedding coordinators to provide personalized support throughout your planning process:

Vendor Recommendations: Access to a curated list of trusted local vendors for florals, photography, catering, and entertainment.

Timeline & Rehearsal Management: Expert coordination to ensure your ceremony and reception run seamlessly.

Décor & Theme Assistance: Guidance on selecting colors, themes, and décor that reflect your style and enhance the venue’s natural beauty.

The team’s extensive experience with luxury events ensures a stress-free and impeccably planned celebration.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

The culinary team at The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos offers gourmet menus that can be customized to meet diverse dietary needs. Whether your guests prefer traditional Mexican dishes, international cuisine, or require vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options, detailed consultations ensure that every palate is satisfied.

Interactive dining experiences such as live cooking stations or build-your-own taco bars can add a fun and engaging element to your reception while catering to all dietary preferences.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

The resort welcomes a variety of entertainment options, from live bands and DJs to cultural performances. However, specific guidelines regarding sound levels—especially for outdoor events—must be observed. Typically, an outdoor music curfew is set around 10 or 11 p.m.; thus, for all-night celebrations, indoor venues are recommended.

Coordinators can help navigate these restrictions and suggest alternatives such as indoor entertainment or soundproofing options to ensure your celebration remains vibrant and uninterrupted.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Most guests arrive at Los Cabos International Airport, and The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos is approximately a 1-hour drive away. To ensure smooth transportation, the resort offers:

Shuttle Services: Coordinated group shuttles at discounted rates to accommodate guest arrivals and departures.

On-Site Parking: Limited parking for guests driving to the resort—advance notice is recommended.

Valet Services: Available during peak periods for added convenience.

Detailed itineraries and transportation guides help your guests navigate the resort with ease.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos

For an average wedding of about 50 guests, you might budget approximately:

  • Wedding Package: $20,000–$50,000 USD (includes ceremony, basic décor, and reception services).
  • Entertainment: $3,000–$8,000 USD (depending on live music, DJ services, and special performances).
  • Photography/Videography: $4,000–$8,000 USD (additional costs for drone footage or extended coverage may apply).
  • Florals and Décor Extras: $2,000–$6,000 USD (depending on customization and additional decorative elements).
  • Taxes and Fees: Approximately 16% VAT plus a 10–15% service charge.

Total estimated costs typically range from $30,000 to $75,000 USD, depending on your choices. Prioritizing key elements and negotiating bundled packages can help optimize your budget without compromising on luxury.

Splurge vs. Save

If you’re looking to reduce costs, consider hosting your wedding on a weekday or opting for standard décor upgrades. Weekday weddings often provide better rates and added perks. Conversely, if you’re willing to splurge, enhancements like a bespoke floral installation, a gourmet wine-pairing dinner, or a fireworks display at sunset can create an unforgettable experience. Balancing your priorities and negotiating comprehensive packages with vendors can maximize value without sacrificing the luxurious ambiance.

DIY touches such as handmade favors or personalized signage can also add a unique touch while keeping costs in check.

Wedding Packages and What’s Included

The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos offers tiered wedding packages that provide flexibility and cater to a variety of tastes and budgets. Typically, each package includes:

  • Ceremony Setup: Options for beachside, garden, or ballroom ceremonies with elegant seating, arches, and customizable décor.
  • Reception Dinner Options: A diverse range of gourmet catering choices—from plated dinners to lavish buffets—that can be tailored to your preferences.
  • Open Bar: Signature cocktails, a curated selection of wines, and premium spirits to keep your guests refreshed throughout the celebration.
  • Basic Floral Arrangements: Standard bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces with the option to upgrade to bespoke designs.
  • Wedding Cake: Customizable cake designs and flavors, with options for multi-tiered creations or alternative dessert stations.

Pro tip: Some packages include perks like complimentary room upgrades or spa discounts for the couple, enhancing your overall experience and adding extra value to your celebration.

Activities for Other Days

Enhance your wedding weekend by offering your guests a taste of Los Cabos:

  • Guided tours of the stunning Los Cabos coastline and local cultural landmarks.
  • Culinary experiences, including traditional Mexican cooking classes and wine tastings.
  • Private boat excursions to explore the Sea of Cortez and its vibrant marine life.
  • Day trips to nearby attractions such as Cabo Pulmo or San José del Cabo.
  • Evening cultural performances, including live mariachi bands or folkloric dance shows.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Schedule a Hair & Makeup Trial: Los Cabos’ tropical climate can be challenging for maintaining a flawless look. A trial run ensures your hairstyle endures throughout your wedding day.

2) Stay Hydrated: Ensure that water stations and light refreshments are available, especially during outdoor events, to keep you and your guests comfortable.

3) Bring Comfortable Shoes: While elegant heels are perfect for your ceremony, having flats or sandals available for dancing and exploring the resort will keep you comfortable all day long.

Two Bride Reviews

“Our wedding at The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos was pure magic. The beachfront ceremony at sunset, the lavish reception, and the impeccable service exceeded all our expectations. Our guests couldn’t stop praising the stunning views and luxurious ambiance.” – Sofia R.

“We had an unforgettable experience at The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos. From the personalized planning to the gourmet dining and breathtaking oceanfront settings, every detail was perfect. Our wedding was a dream come true, and we highly recommend this resort to any couple looking for luxury and elegance.” – Elena M.

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

As a wedding photographer who has captured numerous celebrations in Los Cabos, I can confidently say that The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos is a photographer’s paradise. The resort’s dramatic desert-ocean backdrop, luxurious venues, and stunning natural light provide endless creative opportunities. Whether it’s a romantic beachside ceremony at sunset or a sophisticated ballroom reception, every moment is filled with beauty and elegance. The attention to detail, combined with impeccable service, ensures that your wedding album will be as timeless and spectacular as your special day.

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