Getting Married at Viceroy Los Cabos: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Dreaming of a wedding venue that is architecturally stunning, undeniably modern, and feels like stepping into a cinematic dreamscape? Welcome to Viceroy Los Cabos, an icon of contemporary design located in the vibrant Zona Hotelera near San José del Cabo. With its striking white structures, mesmerizing water features mirroring the sky, and sophisticated lifestyle focus, this resort offers a unique and visually captivating setting for couples seeking a truly modern luxury wedding.

Known for its dramatic architecture by Miguel Angel Aragonés, the unique “Nido” ceviche bar structure, multiple pools seamlessly integrated into the design, chic rooftop bar (Cielomar), and luxurious rooms with state-of-the-art technology, Viceroy Los Cabos provides a distinctively stylish experience. From ceremonies seemingly floating on water to sleek receptions on terraces or minimalist beachfront setups, every event here makes a bold statement.

Hosting a wedding at Viceroy Los Cabos places you in a realm of high design and luxury lifestyle. Costs typically reflect this, potentially ranging from $30,000 to $80,000+ USD, depending on guest count, venue choices, bespoke menus, and desired level of customization. With a focus on curated experiences and visually stunning settings, your wedding at Viceroy Los Cabos promises an unforgettable celebration of modern love in a truly unique environment.

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?

 

Viceroy Los Cabos is celebrated for its groundbreaking, minimalist architecture and its seamless integration of water throughout the property, creating a visually stunning and unique atmosphere. Ideal for design-conscious couples seeking a chic, modern, and highly photogenic backdrop for their wedding, the resort offers dramatic settings unlike any other in Los Cabos. If you envision a sophisticated, stylish celebration that makes a strong visual statement and embraces a contemporary luxury lifestyle, Viceroy Los Cabos is an exceptional choice.

The resort’s bold design, reflective water elements, and focus on curated experiences appeal strongly to couples looking for a venue that is both luxurious and distinctively modern. It’s perfect for those who prioritize aesthetics and a vibrant, sophisticated ambiance.

 

How Does a Wedding at Viceroy Los Cabos Work?

 

Planning a wedding at Viceroy Los Cabos involves working with their experienced events team to create a customized celebration. They typically focus on bespoke proposals rather than fixed packages, allowing for greater personalization. The process involves selecting from their unique venues (often utilizing the water features or architectural elements), crafting menus with their culinary team (known for restaurants like Nido and Cielomar), arranging guest accommodations, and coordinating all event logistics. The emphasis is on creating a seamless, stylish, and memorable event that reflects the couple’s taste and the resort’s unique character.

 

Best Months to Get Married

 

While Los Cabos enjoys sunshine most of the year, the prime months for a wedding at Viceroy Los Cabos are November through May. This period offers the most pleasant weather with warm, sunny days, low humidity, and minimal chance of rain, allowing optimal enjoyment of the resort’s striking outdoor spaces and water features. The clear skies also enhance the dramatic visual impact of the architecture against the blue backdrop of the Sea of Cortez.

 

The Basics of Wedding Planning (Custom Approach)

 

Viceroy Los Cabos generally focuses on custom-tailored wedding experiences. The planning typically involves:

  • Consultation & Vision: Discussing your style, guest count, and desired atmosphere with the events team.
  • Venue Selection: Choosing from unique locations like the water walkway (“mirror pool”), beach areas, restaurant terraces (Nido, Cielomar), or indoor event spaces, each with specific fees or minimum spends.
  • Menu Curation: Working with the culinary team to design menus featuring fresh, local ingredients and the resort’s signature dining concepts.
  • Beverage Selection: Choosing from premium bar packages, curated wine lists, and signature cocktails.
  • Vendor Integration: Coordinating with preferred or approved external vendors for florals, décor, entertainment, and photography that complement the resort’s aesthetic.
  • Detailed Proposal: A comprehensive quote outlining venue costs, food & beverage minimums, staffing, rentals, and other anticipated expenses.

The approach allows for high levels of personalization within the resort’s modern framework.

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

 

For a luxury destination wedding at Viceroy Los Cabos:

  • The couple/hosts are responsible for all wedding event costs: This includes venue fees or minimum spends, customized food and beverage, décor, entertainment, planning assistance, vendor fees, taxes, and service charges.
  • Guests typically cover their own travel and accommodation costs. Viceroy offers luxurious rooms and suites, and group rates may be available through the events team.
  • Additional events like welcome parties or brunches are usually hosted and paid for by the couple/hosts.
  • Gift registries are standard practice.

 

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

 

Viceroy Los Cabos offers architecturally distinct venues:

Water Venues: Platforms or walkways over the signature reflecting pools, ideal for dramatic ceremonies or cocktail hours (capacity varies, often suited for smaller to medium groups).

Beachfront: Direct beach access allows for ceremonies or casual receptions on the sand.

Terraces (e.g., Cielomar Rooftop, Nido surroundings): Offer chic settings with views for cocktails or dining (capacities vary, potentially 50-150).

Ballroom/Indoor Spaces: Modern, adaptable indoor venues for receptions or weather backups (can accommodate larger groups).

Event Lawn: A dedicated outdoor space often used for larger ceremonies or tented receptions.

The resort features stylish rooms, suites, and multi-bedroom residences, all with a contemporary design aesthetic and advanced technology. Room blocks can be arranged for wedding guests.

 

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

 

Viceroy Los Cabos excels at creating visually stunning event flows:

Ceremony: Imagine exchanging vows on a platform seemingly floating on water, or a minimalist setup on the beach framing the ocean, or on the expansive event lawn.

Cocktail Hour: Guests could gather around the iconic Nido structure, on the Cielomar rooftop terrace for sunset views, or another sleek space, enjoying innovative cocktails and bites.

Reception: Host a sophisticated dinner on an outdoor terrace, a stylish celebration on the event lawn under custom lighting, or utilize the modern ballroom for a high-energy party.

Pro tip: The entire resort is a photographer’s dream. Utilize the unique angles, reflections, and interplay of light and shadow offered by the architecture and water features throughout the day.

 

Understanding Venue Fees & Minimum Spends

 

Wedding costs at Viceroy Los Cabos are typically based on venue fees and/or substantial Food & Beverage minimum spends, rather than simple package prices. These generally cover:

    • Exclusive Use of the Venue: Ensuring privacy for your selected space(s) during event hours.
    • Basic Resort Infrastructure: Including existing ambient lighting, power access, and the inherent design elements of the space.
    • Standard Furniture (May be limited): Use of some existing resort furniture; however, specific event rentals (chairs, tables, linens, dance floor) are usually required and budgeted separately to match the desired aesthetic.
    • Core Staffing: Includes banquet managers, servers, bartenders based on guest count; additional specialized staff may be extra.
    • Setup/Teardown: Standard setup and breakdown of resort-provided items.

Custom menus, premium bar service, décor, florals, entertainment, A/V, and specialty rentals are the primary drivers of the overall cost beyond the base venue fee/minimum.

 

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

 

Viceroy Los Cabos provides sophisticated indoor backup options:

    • Ballroom/Function Spaces: Modern, well-appointed indoor rooms that can be transformed with décor to fit the wedding’s style.
    • Covered Terraces: Some partially covered outdoor areas might serve as backups for smaller gatherings depending on the weather.

The events team works with couples/planners to define the backup plan and decision timeline, ensuring a seamless transition if needed.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

 

Booking a wedding at Viceroy Los Cabos requires adherence to their payment schedule and cancellation terms:

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

Payment Schedule: The contract details a schedule of subsequent non-refundable deposits, often due several months in advance.

Final Payment: The final estimated balance is typically required 30-45 days prior to the event date, with post-event settlement for any consumption-based charges.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation terms are strict, usually involving forfeiture of all payments made, especially within several months of the wedding date. Review the contract thoroughly; event insurance is highly recommended.

 

On-Site Event Coordination & Planning Services

 

Viceroy Los Cabos provides professional event managers to oversee resort aspects:

Resort Logistics Expert: Your primary contact for venue booking, menu planning, beverage arrangements, floor plans, room blocks, and internal resort coordination.

Day-Of Management (Resort): They ensure resort services (catering, bar, venue readiness) are executed according to plan.

Vendor Liaison (On-Site): They manage vendor access, setup, and operations while on resort property.

Due to the high-design potential and custom nature of weddings at Viceroy, couples frequently engage full-service independent wedding planners to manage the overall vision, design, external vendor sourcing, and detailed execution alongside the resort’s team.

 

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

 

Viceroy’s culinary team prides itself on quality and creativity, readily accommodating dietary needs:

  • All common allergies (gluten, dairy, nuts, shellfish, etc.) are handled with care and attention.
  • Vegetarian, Vegan, Pescatarian, and other dietary preferences are catered to with appealing, well-crafted dishes.
  • Custom menu planning allows for seamless integration of diverse requirements.

Providing detailed dietary information for each guest well in advance is crucial for flawless execution by the culinary and banquet teams.

 

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

 

Entertainment at Viceroy Los Cabos should align with the resort’s sophisticated atmosphere:

  • Style: Chic lounge DJs, stylish live bands (jazz, contemporary), acoustic musicians often fit well.
  • Noise Curfew: Amplified music outdoors generally has a curfew around 10:00 PM or 10:30 PM. Indoor events may go later. Confirm specifics based on your venue location within the resort.
  • Vendor Approval: External entertainment vendors must be approved and coordinate logistics (power, setup, sound checks) with the resort team.

Discuss your entertainment ideas early to ensure they fit the venue and resort policies.

 

Parking and Guest Logistics

 

Guest logistics for Viceroy Los Cabos:

Airport Transfers: The resort is located in the Zona Hotelera near San José del Cabo, roughly 20-25 minutes from SJD airport. Guests arrange their own transfers (shuttles, taxis, private cars). Concierge can assist with booking transportation.

Parking: Valet parking is typically available for guests.

Location: Its location offers easy access to San José del Cabo’s art galleries, restaurants, and historic downtown, providing off-site activity options for guests.

 

Total Cost Breakdown at Viceroy Los Cabos

 

For an average wedding of about 50 guests, considering the luxury lifestyle positioning, budget considerations are significant:

  • Venue Fees & F&B Minimums: $25,000 – $70,000+ USD (Highly dependent on specific venue choices like water platforms, rooftop, or ballroom).
  • Custom Catering & Premium Bar: Expect per-person costs to be high, easily $400 – $800+ per person for the reception, contributing to the minimum spend.
  • Stylish Entertainment: $3,000 – $10,000+ USD (DJ, contemporary band).
  • Photography/Videography: $5,000 – $12,000+ USD (Vendors skilled in capturing modern architecture).
  • Modern Floral & Decor Rentals: $5,000 – $20,000+ USD (Often minimalist but high-impact designs).
  • Planning Fees: $5,000 – $15,000+ USD (External planner often recommended).
  • Taxes & Service Charges: Expect ~16% VAT and ~15-20% service charge on resort costs.

Total estimated costs typically range from $50,000 to $120,000+ USD, heavily influenced by venue choice, guest count, and the level of design customization.

 

Splurge vs. Save

Save: Choose less iconic (though still beautiful) venue spaces within the resort. Opt for simpler, modern décor that complements the existing architecture. Select curated menus over highly customized ones. Host on a weekday or during a slightly less busy period.

Splurge: Utilize the most dramatic venues like the water ceremony platform or buyout the Cielomar rooftop. Invest in custom lighting design to highlight the architecture at night. Hire high-profile DJs or performers. Create elaborate multi-course tasting menus with premium wine pairings. Host exclusive pre- and post-wedding events.

 

Wedding Planning Inclusions

 

As planning is primarily custom, the detailed proposal outlines what’s included for the quoted fees and minimums:

  • Dedicated Event Manager: Your liaison for all resort services.
  • Venue Access: Exclusive use of contracted spaces for set times.
  • Menu & Beverage Planning Support: Guidance from culinary and beverage teams.
  • Vendor Coordination (On-Site): Managing approved vendors while on property.
  • Event Execution Staff: Professional servers, bartenders, banquet captains.
  • Basic Furniture/Tableware: Standard resort inventory (specific rentals often needed for desired look).

Pro tip: Given the resort’s strong architectural identity, discuss how vendor choices (florals, rentals, lighting) will harmonize with the space. Ensure the proposal clearly specifies all inclusions and exclusions related to setup, rentals, staffing, taxes, and service charges.

Activities for Other Days

Enhance the wedding weekend with Viceroy’s stylish offerings:

  • Relax by the stunning, interconnected pools or on the beachfront loungers.
  • Enjoy treatments at the holistic spa.
  • Dine at the unique Nido ceviche bar or the ocean-view Casero Restaurant.
  • Enjoy sunset cocktails and music at the Cielomar rooftop lounge.
  • Utilize the state-of-the-art fitness center curated by celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak.
  • Explore the nearby San José del Cabo Art District, just a short drive away.
  • Arrange surfing lessons, golf outings, or yacht excursions through the concierge.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Embrace the Architecture: Let the resort’s dramatic design be a key element of your wedding aesthetic. Choose décor and attire that complements the modern, minimalist vibe.

2) Plan Photography Carefully: Work with your photographer to utilize the unique architectural lines, reflections, and lighting opportunities the resort offers at different times of day.

3) Consider the Vibe: Viceroy has a chic, sophisticated, and sometimes lively “scene.” Ensure this aligns with the atmosphere you envision for your wedding celebration and guests.

Two Bride Reviews

“Viceroy Los Cabos was the most visually stunning place imaginable for our wedding. The architecture is incredible! Our ceremony over the water was breathtaking, and the reception on the rooftop was so chic. The service was excellent, and the food was delicious.” – Jennifer W. (Example Review)

“We wanted a modern, non-traditional wedding, and Viceroy was perfect. It felt like we were celebrating inside a piece of art. The event team helped us create a unique experience, and our photos are absolutely epic. Our guests loved the cool vibe and beautiful rooms.” – Ashley G. (Example Review)

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

Viceroy Los Cabos is a playground for a photographer who loves modern architecture, dramatic lines, and creative compositions. The interplay of stark white structures, expansive water mirrors, and the vibrant blue sky creates unparalleled visual opportunities. Capturing reflections, geometric patterns, and the scale of the design is key. Venues like the water walkway ceremony space or the nest-like Nido bar are instantly iconic. The challenge lies in balancing the architectural boldness with the intimacy of the couple’s moments. The light play throughout the day is fantastic, offering harsh contrasts for edgy shots and soft, reflected light near the water features. It’s a venue that guarantees a unique, high-fashion, and visually unforgettable wedding gallery.

Want to get in touch?

Click here!