What to Know Before Hosting a Destination Wedding in Los Cabos

At Palms Weddings and Events, we have the pleasure of helping couples plan their dream destination weddings in one of the most beautiful locations in Mexico—Los Cabos. From its stunning beaches to its world-class resorts, Los Cabos offers a breathtaking backdrop for your big day. But before you dive into planning your destination wedding, there are a few key things you should consider to ensure a seamless, stress-free experience. Here’s what we recommend knowing before you make the exciting decision to tie the knot in Los Cabos.

1. The Weather: Know When to Say “I Do”

One of the biggest appeals of Los Cabos is its year-round warm and sunny weather. However, not all months are created equal. While the climate is generally pleasant, there are a few factors to consider:

• Low Rainfall: Los Cabos is one of the driest regions in Mexico, with an average of only 5-8 days of rain annually. So, you’re more likely to enjoy sunny weather throughout the year, but it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan for outdoor events just in case.

• High Summer Temperatures: August to September can get particularly hot, with temperatures often soaring into the high 90s or even 100°F (around 37-38°C). If you're planning to have an outdoor ceremony or reception, it’s essential to think about how the heat will impact your guests and wedding attire.

• Hurricane Season (September): Los Cabos is generally sheltered from major hurricanes, but September is still part of the official hurricane season, which means there’s a higher chance of rain and storms. While the rain is usually short-lived, it's something to keep in mind when choosing a date.

If you're planning a beachside ceremony or reception, we recommend having a clear idea of the season you’re traveling during, and working with your wedding planner to prepare for any potential weather-related challenges.

2. Choosing the Right Location: What’s Your Vibe?

Los Cabos offers a variety of venue options to fit different wedding styles, so it’s important to think about the kind of experience you want to create for your big day. Here are some factors to consider:

• Beachside Ceremony or Resort Wedding? Do you want to exchange vows with the Sea or the Ocean as your backdrop, or would you prefer the elegance of a luxury resort? Whether you’re imagining an intimate beach ceremony or a grand celebration at an all-inclusive resort, the location will significantly impact the atmosphere of your wedding.

• Tropical or Modern? Do you envision a tropical vibe with palm trees, sand beneath your toes on a secluded beach, or are you more drawn to a sleek, contemporary venue with modern architecture? Los Cabos offers countless types of settings, so think about what best reflects your personal style.

• Curfews and Late-Night Celebrations: Some venues and resorts may have a curfew for music or events, especially if they are located in residential areas or near quiet neighborhoods. If you plan to dance the night away, be sure to inform our planners so we can recommend you the late party location in town. 

3. Guest Count: Plan Your Budget Wisely

Your guest list is one of the most important factors when planning a destination wedding in Los Cabos. While it’s impossible to know exactly how many people will be able to attend, having a rough idea will directly impact your budget.

The size of your wedding will influence several elements of your event, such as:

• Venue Size: A large guest count may require a bigger venue.

• Food & Beverage: Catering is a significant part of your wedding budget, so the guests count will automatically affect your overall wedding budget.

• Accommodations: If you’re hosting guests who will need accommodations, the overall travel costs will need to be factored in.

As destination wedding planners, we create detailed budgets for all our couples. We can help you narrow down your choices for venues and vendors that align with your financial plan, ensuring that you stay within your budget without sacrificing the elements that matter most to you.

4. Discussing Your Wedding Budget: Love and Money Go Hand-in-Hand

Talking about money can be awkward, but having a candid conversation with your partner about your wedding budget is crucial. While love is at the heart of the celebration, money is a very real factor when planning a wedding—especially a destination wedding.

Start by:

Setting Priorities: What are the most important elements of your wedding (e.g., location, food, photography, entertainment)? Understanding where you’re willing to splurge versus areas where you can save will help create a clearer budget.

Setting Realistic Expectations: While Los Cabos offers a wide range of venues, services, and options, it’s essential to be realistic about what can be achieved within your budget.

As your wedding planners, we’ll work closely with you to help prioritize your wedding day essentials, recommend vendors within your budget, and find a venue that meets your needs.

5. Kids at the Wedding: Should You Include Them?

While some couples love the idea of having children at their destination wedding, others prefer a child-free event to maintain a more relaxed, adult atmosphere. 

Here are a few things to consider:

Venue Selection: If you’re planning a child-free wedding, it’s important for your wedding planner to know so we can recommend the best venues that cater to adults-only events. On the flip side, if you do want to have kids present, we can suggest kid-friendly resorts or venues with activities for little ones.

Communication with Guests: If you choose a child-free event, make sure to clearly communicate this on your invitations. You can phrase it delicately to ensure guests understand your wishes while still being respectful.

6. Interfaith Weddings: Celebrating Both Traditions

If you and your partner come from different cultural or religious backgrounds, you may be considering how to incorporate both traditions into your wedding ceremony. Los Cabos is home to many interfaith wedding experts who can guide you through blending different customs in a meaningful way.

Multiple Ceremonies or One Ceremony? Some couples opt for hosting two separate ceremonies—one for each tradition—while others choose to combine elements of both faiths into a single ceremony. The choice is entirely up to you, and we can help guide you through the logistics and help find the right officiant who can honor both religions.

Final Thoughts

Planning a destination wedding in Los Cabos can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it requires careful consideration of key details—from weather and location to budget and guest count. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, so you can relax and enjoy the beautiful moments leading up to your big day.

Ready to start planning your dream wedding in Los Cabos? Contact us today, and let’s make your vision a reality!