Whether you crave luxe surroundings, all-inclusive ease or an intimate fiesta setting, this oasis at the tip of the Baja peninsula offers plenty of options. Here are three resorts that are perfect wedding settings.
Photo Credit: Samir Benyettou
OneOnly Palmilla
The attitude at this 172-room oceanfront property is barefoot posh, with large accommodations boasting a modern-day hacienda design — think hand-carved headboards and vibrantly hued textiles. OneOnly Palmilla exudes sunny Baja warmth. Get hitched here and you can choose from a variety of locations. Arguably the most picturesque is the romantic whitewashed hilltop chapel set on the property’s garden-filled high point. The chapel, which seats 44, makes a perfect backdrop for wedding photos (you can evenarrivebyhorse-drawncarriage),as do the colorful gardens and rock-fringed beach. Reception options include intimate dinners for two, extravagant gatherings on the beach with fireworks and grand sit-down gatherings next to an enormous colonial-style Bahia Fire-place. Whatever you choose, a wedding here celebrates the romance of Mexico (wedding packages start at $6,132 and include an on-site wedding coordinator, the ceremony, four nights’ accommodation for the couple, some meals and romantic extras; oneandonlypalmilla.com).
Photo Credit: Samir Benyettou
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort Spa
For couples seeking contemporary décor and a relaxing, adults-only ambience for their big day, this 154-room property fits the bill. In addition to offering a sleek and sophisticated setting, the fact that the resort is all-inclusive makes pricing a breeze. Another bonus: You and your guests can dine and play at three other Pueblo Bonito properties in the Los Cabos area. You can wed on a scenic golden-sand beach or under a shaded palapa in the Holistic Garden for the ceremony, followed by a reception for up to 300. Before and after your wedding, everyone can relax by the tranquil infinity pool, savor sunset from the private terrace, and enjoy pampering at the spa (wedding packages start at $1,500 for up to 15 guests and include an officiant, on-site wedding coordinator, a bouquet and boutonniere, a champagne toast, a cake and dinner at an à la carte restaurant; pueblobonitopacifica.com).
Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort Spa
Casa Natalia
You’ll be humming We are family at this 19-room boutique hotel. The intimate property has a whimsical, artisan vibe and feels warm and welcoming. Reserve the entire hotel and comfortably host up to 85 people. The ceremony venue is a garden terrace with a pool and waterfall (or a nearby 17th-century church or even a local beach) and the European-Mexican fusion cuisine by the on-site restaurant Mi Cocina customizes every event menu. Set just off the zocalo (main plaza) of quaint Casa Natalia. San Jose del Cabo, the smaller and less touristy of the famous towns, Casa Natalia makes up in romatic ambience what it lacks in beach access (wedding packages start at $3,000 for 30 guests and include a cocktail hour with canapes, a four-course meal and an open bar for one hour; casanatalia.com).
Photo Credit: Samir Benyettou
Legally Wedded
Most resorts can assist with paperwork to marry in Mexico and inform you of the rules in specific areas, since marriage requirements vary by city. All couples must be 18 or older and not currently married. You’ll also need to present a valid passport, tourist card (typically issued upon arrival at the airport), birth certificate, blood test results (done in Mexico), completed marriage application forms from local registry and four witnesses. All foreign documents, with the exception of your passport, will need to be translated, apostilized and notarized. The bride and groom, plus their witnesses, will also need to arrive in Mexico four business days before the wedding day for legal ceremonies.
Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort Spa
