The Cabo Beach Weddings Guide

You’ve said “Yes!” to your now partner-for-life, and now it’s time to say “I do” to a Mexico beach wedding; and there’s truly no better place to get married on the beach than in Cabo.

Why Cabo? Because it has something for everyone: white sand beaches, incredible rock formations, charming towns, friendly people, exquisite food, exotic excursions, pampering experiences and a complete escape from home. It’s impossible not to make incredible memories here.

With so many couples choosing to have destination weddings, we wanted to put together an ultimate guide to planning a beach wedding in Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo. This guide will take you through everything from the best beach wedding locations and ideal seasons to how to dress for a beach wedding. Plus, you’ll learn ways to give your guests a unique and exceptional beach wedding experience.

Consider this your ultimate go-to guide to dream up your ideal Cabo beach wedding guide. And when you’re ready to get into the fine details of planning it all out...from venue selection and guest travel to decor styling and event coordination - call us! Vivid Occasions is your full service Cabo wedding planner and concierge to make your destination wedding just as perfect as you’ve been envisioning it would be.

TYPES OF CABO BEACH WEDDING LOCATIONS & RESORTS

CABO PRIVATE BEACHES

If it’s seclusion you want, then a private beach will be your best bet. You won’t have to worry about onlookers, loud music, or vendors photobombing your family formals. In general, you’ll have access to private beaches through resorts, hotels, and private communities. Vivid Occasions can help you find secluded areas where you can host your nuptials, as well as sort out any permit fees, container laws, and clean-up charges.

Cabo beach resorts and wedding venues like restaurants, hotels, and clubs give you direct beach access where your ceremony can be held, spectacular views, and unique spaces to host your reception. This option is like a one-stop-shop for all your Cabo beach wedding needs.

CABO PUBLIC BEACHES

There are plenty of beautiful public beaches in Los Cabos to choose from. You may be able to reserve a section of beach for your wedding, but you’ll also need to accept the fact that other people are allowed in the area, so you may have onlookers and background noise.

Lover’s Beach - Aptly named, Lover’s Beach is located on the Sea of Cortez side of Land’s End. It features stunning rock formations and an up-close view of El Arco (a distinctive rock formation that divides the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of California). The easiest way to get to Lover’s Beach is by water taxi.

Things to consider:

• This is a top tourist spot, so it’s far from secluded.

• You are likely to get wet when unloading from the water taxi.

IDEAL SEASONS FOR A CABO BEACH WEDDING

Generally, any time is a good time for a Cabo San Lucas beach wedding, as the area provides plenty of sunny days and warm weather. But there are some things to consider when you’re choosing a season or time of day for your wedding ceremony on the beach.

You may want to schedule your ceremony during the morning or at sunset to avoid the sometimes brutal afternoon heat and to keep your guests as cool and comfortable as possible. If you need to schedule your wedding ceremony during afternoon hours, find or create a shaded area that will maximize breezes and block heat.

Don’t stress about this. Cabo Wedding Planning team, we will help you sort through all the timing details. We can help you become aware of local festivities and seasonal wedding factors to consider before settling on a date.

MAY - JUNE

As for seasons, the ideal time to have a Cabo beach wedding is May through June. During this time you will experience clear skies and comfortable temperatures hovering around the mid 80s. This is also the best time for discounted prices, as peak season is over and summer is just around the corner.

DECEMBER - APRIL

Average temperatures range from the mid 70s to the mid 80s. There is little rain during these months, but half of the days may be overcast or partly cloudy. Planning a wedding during this time means you’ll deal with heavier crowds, especially in March and April when spring breakers fill the resorts, hotels, and beaches

JULY - SEPTEMBER

During this time of year, expect hot temperatures and muggy conditions (temps are frequently above 90). August kicks off the rainy season, as well as the hurricane season, but big storms are rare (hurricane season ends in late September). The heaviest rainfall happens in September, so have a rainy-day backup plan.

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER

During October and November temperatures remain warm, there is less humidity, and rain showers begin to decline. Couples planning a wedding during this season will want to book several months in advance to avoid higher rates, as the area starts preparing for its peak time starting in December.

HOW TO DRESS FOR A BEACH WEDDING IN CABO

A seaside ceremony calls for attire that’s both lightweight and airy, with no-fuss makeup and hair.

DRESSES & GOWNS

Whether it’s a formal gown or simple sundress, opt for breathable fabrics that won’t weigh you down or make you hot. Organza, chiffon, charmeuse, cotton, crepe and even linen are good choices for a beach wedding.

Ideal beach dress silhouettes and length styles include A-line, shift, short dress lengths, lace bodices, skirts with slits, strapless, halter, and backless.

Dress styles to avoid for beach weddings: gowns with lace trim (can pick up sand and tear the fabric), mermaid (restricted movement when balancing on uneven sand), and ball gowns (so heavy!).

SUITS, JUMPSUITS & ROMPERS

Whether it’s a traditional pantsuit, long jumpsuit or cute romper, go for lightweight fabrics or linen. Again, breathable cloth that allows easy movement.

The suit is all dependent upon how fancy or casual you want things to be. Some couples encourage guests and wedding party members to wear low key khaki pants with a loose button down shirt or short sleeved collared polo. Others want full formal attire and, in this case, choosing the right airy fabric will be important for comfort.

HAIR & ACCESSORIES

Updos and veils in shorter lengths are good choices, as long veils and hair kept down can get blown into your face and tangled. Makeup should have a less is more vibe, natural, and lightweight to avoid streaks and stains from wind and ocean spray.

SHOES

For on-the-beach ceremonies, heels should be saved for the reception. If your ceremony is being held on a dock or patio that is simply overlooking the beach, guests can likely wear whatever shoes they desire. But sand ceremonies really call for sandals or a pair of loafers. Sand can be uneasy to walk on and can cause injury if not walked on with a fairly flat foot.

GUEST ATTIRE

Guests should check your wedding website and/or invitation for weather and attire information. Is the wedding beach casual, as in sandals and jeans, or should they kick it up a notch with sundresses and button down shirts? Whatever the case, guests will feel most comfortable in lightweight, free-flowing fabrics. Just remember that, as the couple, you set the tone for the attire. Be very clear in your invitations and website about what is expected of guests at the wedding so they know how to pack. And be considerate of their comfort when establishing the dress code.

CABO BEACH CEREMONY TIPS

A beach ceremony, and especially a destination beach wedding ceremony, has unique challenges and isn’t always a breeze to plan and pull off. Luckily, you are not alone when it comes to making your wedding day dreams come true. We have put together some tips that will help you plan a seaside ceremony in Cabo with as little stress as possible.

HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER

Wedding planners and coordinators who specialize in beach weddings can truly make all the difference when it comes to your personal stress level - both before and during the event. For instance, a team like ours that speaks Spanish and is located in Cabo itself is going to make the entire research and planning process so much smoother for you because we know the language, have the relationships and already know first-hand the best resources in the area.

We’ll be the one supervising your vendor team and taking care of guests when you’re sipping mimosas and digging your toes in the sand.

RESEARCH PERMITS

Public beaches don’t always require permits for wedding ceremonies, but if you’re inviting guests or want to reserve a specific area for a set amount of time, you may need to get one. A wedding planner can help you sort through the details of obtaining permits, but if you’re going at it alone, you’ll need to consider things like how much of the area the permit covers, what the cost is, what the max number of guests allowed is, and how the permit is structured.

LOOK INTO SCHEDULED EVENTS

You may not be the only wedding/special event/activity happening on your ideal day, so you will want to consult with your wedding planner or look into any scheduled events happening around the time of your ceremony. This might include cleanups, construction, public activities, meetings, other weddings, local festivities etc. Sometimes only a local planner is going to know about these happenings, so again, this is where having one on your side can be a godsend.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT MOTHER NATURE

Any outdoor wedding comes with weather challenges. Don’t forget to consider these for your beach ceremony:

• High and low tide times

• Forecast (Check out the section about the best seasons and weather times in Cabo.)

• Wind factor (Will decor need to be weighted down?)

• Heat (Are there shaded areas?)

• Bugs

CABO BEACH WEDDING DECOR IDEAS

Whether you are walking down a sandy aisle, exchanging vows on more steady ground, or hosting a reception at a venue with an ocean view, you’ll want to consider what kinds of decorations work well for your beach wedding.

You’ll also want to find out if your chosen beach has any rules when it comes to decorating. For example, public beaches often restrict things like streamers, confetti, glass, and styrofoam in order to keep the area clean and environmentally friendly. Don’t worry, if you work with Vivid Occasions, we will help guide you through all of these beach wedding decor restrictions.

BEACH CEREMONY DECOR IDEAS

Beach couples love using the beauty of the ocean and other natural elements as ceremony decor.

• Keep it simple with a canopy or arch adorned with flowers.

• Put up cute ignage like chalkboards or wooden arrows that direct guests.

• Line the aisle and/or frame the arch with items that complement your beach wedding: shells, driftwood, lanterns, lifesavers, anchors, starfish, greenery, sea glass, boats, etc.

• Work closely with us to incorporate personally significant traditions or religious rituals into your decor set up; it’s inclusive of our wedding styling and decor services.

BEACH RECEPTION DECOR IDEAS

As with most weddings, you’ll want to consider your venue space, how it’s already decorated, and how it’s set up. With that in mind, some of our favorite beach reception decor includes:

• Long, wooden tables decorated with colorful flowers and candlesticks

• Hand-painted maracas placed on each dinner plate

• Votive candles and twinkling lights

• Mexican-inspired design

• Painted rocks and driftwood

• Linen tablecloths

FLOWERS FOR A BEACH WEDDING

When choosing your beach wedding flowers, keep in mind that direct sunlight and heat can affect your beautiful blooms. Consider hardy flowers and plants like succulents, orchids, king protea, peonies, calla lilies, and plumeria. You might even consider carrying a seaside-inspired bouquet made of shells and starfish.

THE BEACH WEDDING EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR GUESTS

We know you want to plan a Cabo beach wedding that will be just as magical for your guests as it will be for you, and that spectacular experience starts before they even set foot on the sand.

BEACH WEDDING INVITATIONS

Prep your guests by sending save-the-dates and invitations that set the vibe and outline all the important information. But don’t let all the info confuse or bog down the recipients. Instead, consider sending a multi-page booklet that excites, inspires, and informs. In this kind of invite you can include the basic info, like date/time/venue, as well as reception information, accomodations, RSVP, and a link to your wedding website.

A wedding website is a great way to highlight extra details about your wedding day or weekend. On your site you can include info about the dress code, whether your ceremony will be on the beach and what kinds of shoes guests should wear, the weather forecast, and if you recommend guests bring any additional items (sunglasses, sunblock, layers, etc.).

MAKING A BEACH WEDDING EASY FOR GUESTS

Make sure your guests can easily access the beach ceremony site and any venues you’ve chosen for the reception, cocktail hour, etc. Think about the friends and family you’ve invited and whether anyone needs special accommodation (disabled and elderly, for example). If the terrain is not easily accessible, ask your wedding planners or venue about alternative transport, like golf carts.

IDEAS FOR A GREAT BEACH WEDDING EXPERIENCE

• Welcome bags filled with convenience goodies like sunscreen, sunglasses, flip flops, bottled water, hand fans, etc.

• A welcome table at your ceremony site that contains items to make guests more comfortable. Think bug spray, sunscreen, umbrellas, and beach blankets.

• Set out a basket or crate where guests can deposit their shoes so they can go barefoot in the sand (depending on how casual your ceremony is).

• Set up a table with refreshments, ice water, and lemonade to keep guests cool and hydrated.

• For our clients, we set up a feet & shoe cleaning station with wet and dry towels, brushes, shoe polish and wipes to get the sand off. It’s an extra touch that make guests feel pampered

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS TO A CABO BEACH WEDDING

If getting married on the beach is not an option, but you still want the benefits of Cabo’s luscious waterfront atmosphere, there are plenty of alternative ideas to choose from. Some of our favorite ideas:

1. VENUES WITH AN OCEAN VIEW

There is no shortage of Cabo venues with an ocean view, so even if you choose to have your ceremony on solid ground, you and your guests will still be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

2. PHOTO SHOOT ON THE BEACH

Some venues may not allow weddings on the beach, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of the seaside in other ways. A photo shoot on the beach, for example, is a great way to include the scenery in your wedding activities. Discuss what kinds of photos you would like and which are doable with your photographer, such as daybreak, post ceremony or sunset photo shoots.

3. BEACH HONEYMOON

The great thing about having a destination wedding is that you are already in a prime spot for your honeymoon. Even if you host your ceremony and reception in the city or somewhere that doesn’t have an ocean view, you can head straight to a beach resort after the big day and settle in for a few days of complete rest and relaxation with your partner.

4. BEACH BARS & RESTAURANTS

Cabo San Lucas beach bars and restaurants give you and your guests a space to dine, mingle, and sip cocktails amidst the sound of crashing waves. So if you want the beach experience, without a sand ceremony, consider hosting a wedding-related event at one of these locations before the wedding (ie: rehearsal dinner), at the reception (ie: cocktail hour or post-elopement reception), or after the big day (ie: farewell brunch).

5. RECEPTION VENUES WITH A VIEW

If the beach isn’t your destination for your ceremony, you can still soak up the mesmerizing Cabo landscape at a reception with breathtaking views. Vivid Occasions can help you find the perfect reception space, as well as work out the logistics around time and transportation. Some venues to consider include:

Esperanza Resort - Offers indoor and outdoor spaces that can accommodate up to 400 guests.

• Upper and Middle Pool Terraces - where the stunning Sea of Cortez serves as your backdrop.

• Land’s End Square Room and Terrace - a climatized indoor space with floor to ceiling windows and views of the sea.

• La Terraza Americana - a casual outdoor spot located just steps from the infinity pool.

• Land’s End Terrace - a private terrace perched on a cliff with dramatic views of the ocean

Chileno Bay Resort - Provides a stunning oceanside setting, 92 guest rooms and villas, an array of wedding venues to choose from, and exceptional service.

• Chileno Gallery - A contemporary room that holds up to 125 people and features an ocean view terrace and stylish outdoor pergola.

• Chileno Terrace - An ocean view terrace and pergola just along the edge of the Sea of Cortez.

• Galleria Uno & Dos - The Chileno Galleria can be separated into two smaller event venues, and each lead onto an expansive terrace.

• Vista Room & Terrace - A large contemporary room with floor to ceiling doors that open onto a terrace overlooking the pool and ocean.

The Cape - The Cape is a unique mix of mid-century modern and traditional Mexican craft set against a natural landscape of ocean and craggy rock. Couples can easily find their wedding vibe at The Cape.

• The Rooftop - Dazzling nights begin at The Rooftop, Cabo San Lucas’ only rooftop bar and lounge. Relax into the communal vibe where lush greenery meets flowing waters and sip on handcrafted cocktails and local, artisanal beers.

• The Ledge Terrace - Another hot spot for wedding receptions, this patio style restaurant has a cool beach vibe and delicious locally sourced seafood.

• Lobby Bar - For an unobstructed view and open-air refreshments, The Cape’s hotel lobby bar and lounge is the place to be. Linger over cocktails in the sunken lounge while taking in the dramatic views or play a game of pool with friends before having dinner at the adjoining Manta restaurant.

• Glass Box Lounge - Glass Box Lounge, an indoor, climate-controlled venue, is the perfect place for an intimate cocktail reception (up to 45 guests).

Resort at Pedregal - The Resort at Pedregal has pristine settings, stunning backdrops, and romantic venues to complement your big day.

• El Farallon - Before or after dinner, cozy up at the Champagne Terrace and work your way through a selection of over 15 different champagnes. Wine experts will help you through the process while you nibble on artisan cheeses and salts.

Sunset MonaLisa - This is one of the most sought after locations in all of Los Cabos, and every dish is created from fresh ingredients brought in daily to ensure the richest flavors.

• Enjoy fine Mediterranean dining like salted baked chicken, lamb and vegetables, and beef filet cooked on a lava stone right at your table at the Sunset MonaLisa’s signature restaurant.

• Head to Tattinger Terrace for fresh oysters, lobster, and flutes of champagne. This outdoor terrace space includes a champagne bar and plenty of cozy places for couples.

• For a more relaxed atmosphere, there is the indoor/outdoor Sunset Point, which serves up Italian classics like lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, and a range of gourmet pizzas. Relax on the terrace and admire the views from a plush couch or head inside where wall-to-wall windows give guests the same view with the added comfort of a covered space.

Sheraton Grand - Surrounded by 28 seaside acres, this Mexican Colonial resort hotel is the ideal place to relax and unwind after you’ve said your I do’s.

• De Cortez Grill and Restaurant - With the Sea of Cortez as its backdrop, guests will find it easy to relax into the moment and enjoy delicious food. Start the meal with a delectable seafood appetizer and a glass of wine, then move on to the Chef’s Special or specialty from the grill. And don’t forget dessert and a nightcap while watching the sunset.

• Tomatoes Restaurant - Where seasonal ingredients and Mediterranean-inspired flavors come together.

• Tequila and Sushi Bar - Here’s where you can find over 100 brands of tequila for classic cocktails like margaritas and tequila sunrises, which you can then pair with one of the many sushi options.

IT’S TIME TO SET SAIL

Now that you have all the information you need to start planning a Cabo beach wedding, it’s time to put your knowledge into action.

Start by contacting a Mexico wedding planner like Vivid Occasions to make things as simple, easy, and stress-free as possible. Then start thinking about what kind of beach or venue you’d like for your ceremony, reception, and any other wedding-related activities you have in mind (farewell brunch, welcome reception, local excursions?).

Work your way down the Cabo beach weddings guide and get ready to set sail to your dream wedding by the sea.