Getting Married at Villa La Estancia: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Searching for a wedding venue that combines upscale comfort, traditional Mexican charm, and a prime location on Cabo’s renowned Medano Beach? Welcome to Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa, a luxurious property offering spacious suites and a more serene, residential feel compared to some of its larger neighbors. With beautiful grounds, excellent service, and stunning views of Land’s End, Villa La Estancia provides an elegant and welcoming setting for a sophisticated destination wedding.

Known for its beautiful hacienda-inspired architecture, expansive suites with kitchens and balconies, large freeform pool, attentive service (often noted for its personalized touch), access to the Desert Spa, and prime location on the swimmable Medano Beach, Villa La Estancia appeals to guests seeking luxury and comfort. From classic beach ceremonies with iconic views to elegant receptions on lovely terraces or potentially in private dining spaces, the resort offers refined options for your special day.

Hosting a wedding here often involves personalized planning and potentially utilizing optional all-inclusive plans for events, with costs possibly ranging from $20,000 to $55,000+ USD, depending on guest count, venue selection, menu customization, and chosen inclusions. With its blend of luxury, location, and personalized service, your wedding at Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa promises an elegant and memorable celebration in the heart of Cabo San Lucas.

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?

Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa is celebrated for offering a luxurious, more residential-style experience directly on the prime stretch of Medano Beach. Ideal for couples seeking upscale accommodations (often with kitchens), personalized service, and a slightly more tranquil atmosphere than its larger sister resorts (Villa del Palmar/Arco) while still being in the heart of the action, it provides beautiful hacienda-style architecture and stunning Land’s End views. If you value comfort, location, a swimmable beach, and a refined ambiance suitable for families and couples, Villa La Estancia is a wonderful choice.

Its appeal lies in the spacious suite accommodations, excellent Medano Beach location, beautiful pool area, and attentive service, offering a balance of relaxation and accessibility.

How Does a Wedding at Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa Work?

Planning a wedding at Villa La Estancia involves working with their dedicated events team, often part of the larger Villa Group structure. They offer customizable wedding packages and bespoke planning services. The process includes selecting venues (beachfront, terraces, potentially restaurant spaces), choosing menus (with options for all-inclusive event plans), arranging guest accommodations in the all-suite resort (room blocks recommended), and coordinating resort logistics. The team focuses on delivering a personalized and elegant wedding experience tailored to the couple’s desires.

Best Months to Get Married

Los Cabos typically enjoys beautiful weather year-round. However, the most popular and comfortable months for a wedding at Villa La Estancia are November through May. This period offers warm, sunny days, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall, ideal for enjoying the Medano Beach location, the resort pool, and outdoor ceremonies or receptions with stunning views of the bay and Land’s End.

The Basics of Wedding Packages & Planning

Villa La Estancia often offers structured wedding packages that can be customized, potentially including all-inclusive options for the event itself. Typical components might include:

  • Ceremony Setup: Location on the beach or a terrace, chairs, basic décor/arch, symbolic officiant.
  • Cocktail Hour: Usually one hour with selected appetizers and standard or premium open bar options.
  • Reception Dinner: Private event (typically 3-4 hours) featuring plated or buffet menus, open bar service, standard table settings, linens, and sometimes a wedding cake.
  • Coordinator: Services of an on-site event specialist to manage resort details.
  • Potential Perks: Depending on the package and group size, might include complimentary suite nights, spa discounts, simple floral arrangements, or romantic amenities.

While packages offer convenience, bespoke planning allows for full customization of menus, décor, and timelines.

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

For weddings at Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa:

  • The couple typically covers the wedding event costs: package fees, food & beverage, venue specific fees, décor, entertainment, external vendors, etc.
  • Guests are usually responsible for their travel and accommodation. Villa La Estancia offers upscale suite accommodations; group rates can often be negotiated. Guests might also stay at adjacent sister resorts.
  • Optional activities and meals outside the hosted wedding events are generally guest expenses.
  • Gift registries are common.

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

Villa La Estancia offers elegant, classically styled venues:

  • Medano Beach: Prime beachfront location for ceremonies and receptions with iconic Land’s End views.
  • Pool Terrace: A spacious area surrounding the large freeform pool, suitable for cocktails or receptions.
  • Restaurant Terraces/Private Dining: Spaces associated with their on-site restaurants (like La Casona) might be available for intimate receptions or rehearsal dinners.
  • Garden Areas: Landscaped areas potentially available for smaller ceremonies or photos.
  • Indoor Options: Ballrooms or meeting spaces shared within the Villa Group complex might serve as backups.

The resort features luxurious one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites and penthouses, all with kitchens/kitchenettes and balconies, ideal for families or longer stays.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

Villa La Estancia provides a beautiful setting for a seamless event flow:

Ceremony: Exchange vows directly on Medano Beach with the famous Arch as your witness, or choose a lovely terrace overlooking the resort grounds and ocean.

Cocktail Hour: Guests can gather easily on the pool terrace or another designated outdoor space, enjoying drinks and the lively beach atmosphere.

Reception: Host an elegant dinner on the main terrace, enjoy a classic beachfront reception, or utilize an indoor space for a more formal celebration.

Pro tip: Leverage the stunning Land’s End view – it’s a quintessential Cabo backdrop. Also explore the hacienda-style architecture and fountains for charming photos.

What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?

Venue usage at Villa La Estancia is often included in wedding package pricing or tied to F&B minimums. The cost typically covers:

  • Use of the Contracted Event Space: For the agreed duration.
  • Standard Resort Setup: Includes existing resort tables, chairs, standard linens, place settings.
  • Professional Staffing: Banquet servers, bartenders, event supervision by resort staff.
  • Existing Ambiance: Use of the venue’s inherent features and basic lighting.

Custom menus, premium bar selections, florals, specific décor rentals (lighting, dance floor, specialty chairs), entertainment A/V, and external vendor services are usually additional costs.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

Villa La Estancia provides indoor backup options, likely utilizing shared ballroom or function spaces within the larger Villa Group complex adjacent to the resort, in case of inclement weather. Your event coordinator will confirm the specific backup plan and the process for invoking it.

Pro tip: View the designated backup space during planning and discuss how your desired look and feel can be achieved indoors if necessary.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking a wedding at Villa La Estancia typically involves:

Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is required to secure the date and venue(s).

Payment Schedule: Contracts outline subsequent payment installments due before the event.

Final Payment: The final guaranteed guest count and remaining balance are usually due 30-45 days prior.

Cancellation Policy: Details non-refundable amounts based on cancellation timing. Review carefully.

On-Site Wedding Coordination & Planning Services

Villa La Estancia provides on-site event coordinators, often part of the Villa Group’s central events team:

Resort Logistics: They manage venue booking, coordinate resort F&B based on package or custom menus, handle room blocks, and oversee resort staff during the event.

Package Guidance: Assist couples in selecting and understanding package inclusions.

Vendor Referrals: Can provide lists of local vendors familiar with the property.

While the on-site team manages resort functions well, couples often hire independent planners for personalized design, extensive vendor management, and detailed guest communication.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

Villa La Estancia’s culinary team can accommodate standard dietary needs:

  • Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free options are generally available.
  • Common allergies can be managed with careful planning and clear communication.

Providing a detailed list of dietary requirements with final guest counts and seating assignments is crucial for proper execution.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

Standard wedding entertainment is generally permitted at Villa La Estancia:

  • DJs & Live Music: Allowed in designated event areas (terraces, beach setups, indoor spaces).
  • Noise Curfew: Being on Medano Beach means potential ambient noise, but resort-hosted outdoor music likely has a curfew around 10:00 PM or 10:30 PM. Indoor events can typically go later.
  • Vendor Policies: External vendors usually need resort approval and must coordinate logistics.

Confirm specific noise rules for your chosen venue, especially if close to guest suites.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Guest logistics for Villa La Estancia:

Airport Transfers: Located directly on Medano Beach, it’s approx. 45 minutes from SJD airport. Guests arrange their own transfers.

Parking: Valet parking is typically available.

Walkability: Excellent location allows guests to easily walk to Medano Beach activities, restaurants, bars, the marina, and downtown Cabo San Lucas.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa

For an average wedding of about 50 guests, considering its upscale positioning and prime location:

  • Wedding Package / Venue & F&B: $18,000 – $45,000+ USD (Depending on package specifics, menu choices, bar level).
  • Entertainment: $1,500 – $6,000 USD.
  • Photography/Videography: $4,500 – $9,000 USD.
  • Florals & Décor Upgrades: $2,500 – $8,000+ USD (To personalize the classic spaces).
  • Taxes & Service Charges: Expect ~16% VAT and ~15-18% service charge on resort costs.

Total estimated costs often range from $28,000 to $70,000+ USD, varying based on package, guest count, and level of customization.

Splurge vs. Save

Save: Choose a package that bundles essentials well. Opt for standard bar and menu selections. Utilize the existing beautiful resort ambiance with minimal added décor. Consider a weekday or shoulder season date.

Splurge: Select premium menus featuring high-end options like lobster or prime steak. Upgrade to top-shelf liquor and extend bar hours. Invest in significant floral design, custom lighting for terraces, and elegant furniture rentals. Host multiple events, like a rehearsal dinner at La Casona.

Wedding Packages and What’s Included

Villa La Estancia offers packages often including:

  • Ceremony: Location, setup, basic décor, symbolic officiant.
  • Cocktail Hour: One hour, standard bar, selection of appetizers.
  • Reception: 3-4 hours, private space, set menu options (plated/buffet), standard bar, basic tablescape, cake.
  • Coordinator: On-site event specialist.
  • Potential Perks: Basic flowers, spa discounts, potential room upgrade for couple.

Pro tip: Clarify options for all-inclusive event add-ons if desired. Understand the relationship and shared amenities/access with neighboring Villa del Palmar and Villa del Arco.

Activities for Other Days

Guests at Villa La Estancia can enjoy:

  • Relaxing by the large, beautiful pool or on the prime Medano Beach frontage (swimmable).
  • Indulging in treatments at the shared Desert Spa (one of Cabo’s largest).
  • Dining at La Casona steakhouse or La Parrilla poolside restaurant.
  • Accessing restaurants and amenities at the adjacent Villa del Palmar and Villa del Arco resorts.
  • Walking to numerous beach clubs, restaurants, and bars along Medano Beach.
  • Taking water taxis from the beach to the Arch or Lover’s Beach.
  • Exploring nearby downtown Cabo San Lucas easily on foot.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Leverage Medano Beach: Utilize the fantastic location for beach activities, photos with Land’s End view, and easy access to water excursions.

2) Understand the Villa Group Complex: Clarify for guests the relationship and shared amenities (like the spa, some restaurants) with Villa del Palmar and Villa del Arco, while noting La Estancia offers a distinct, more upscale experience.

3) Consider the Ambiance: Villa La Estancia generally offers a more tranquil, residential feel than its sister resorts. Ensure this matches your desired wedding atmosphere.

Two Bride Reviews

“Villa La Estancia was the perfect blend of luxury and location for our wedding! Being right on Medano Beach was incredible, and the resort itself is beautiful and felt more private than others nearby. The suites were amazing for our guests.” – Jessica T. (Example Review)

“We loved the hacienda style and the beautiful pool at Villa La Estancia. Our wedding ceremony on the beach with the Arch view was unforgettable. The service was excellent, and having access to the other Villa resorts’ restaurants was a nice bonus.” – Lauren M. (Example Review)

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa offers a classic and desirable Cabo wedding setting, primarily due to its prime location on Medano Beach with direct, stunning views of Land’s End. This iconic backdrop is fantastic for ceremonies and portraits. The hacienda-style architecture, with its arches, columns, and warm colors, provides a charming and traditional Mexican atmosphere, distinct from ultra-modern resorts. The large pool area and well-maintained grounds offer lovely settings for photos. While potentially less architecturally dramatic than some newer properties, its strength lies in the combination of classic charm, luxurious comfort, and that quintessential Medano Beach/Arch view that many couples seek for their Cabo wedding photos.

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