Cabo Wedding Cost in 2023: Tips for Budgeting Your Cabo Dream Destination Wedding
If you're considering a destination wedding, you're not alone. According to WeddingWire's 2022 Newlywed Report, more than half of couples who got married last year had a destination wedding. The sun-drenched paradise of Los Cabos, located on the southern tip of Mexico's Baja Peninsula, is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world.
Cabo's beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets, and luxurious accommodations make it an ideal place to say "I do." But before you start planning your Cabo wedding, it's important to have a realistic idea of how much it will cost. Here are some tips for budgeting your dream destination wedding in Cabo.
Consider the Location
One of the biggest factors in the cost of a Cabo wedding is the location or the Cabo Venue. There are a variety of venues to choose from, ranging from beachfront resorts to private villas to restaurants with panoramic views. Depending on the venue you choose, you may have to pay a location fee. This fee can range from $5,000 to $50,000 USD, depending on the guest count and location.
Flora Farms Wedding Venue
VERY IMPORTANT
If you're at the beginning of your search for a wedding venue in Baja Sur, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Before booking with a hotel, check if you're allowed to bring in your preferred vendors. Often, hotels may charge high fees for external vendors, and even if you opt for their in-house services, it doesn't necessarily mean they're the best, but rather the ones that bring in the highest commissions for the hotel. As a wedding photographer based in Cabo San Lucas, I understand the importance of choosing vendors that align with your vision and budget. Don't hesitate to inquire about vendor policies before finalizing any contracts, as this can significantly impact your wedding planning experience.
Food and Beverage
Food and beverage costs are another major expense for any wedding, and a destination wedding in Cabo is no exception. Your wedding bill will include all the food and beverage needs for your event such as passed appetizers for cocktail hour, wedding dinner menu (plated, buffet, or family style), open bar (at least 5 hours), and a late snack. Depending on the type of venue you choose, you can expect to pay between $280 to $375 USD + tax + service charge per person for European plan hotels or breathtaking restaurants. However, if you're considering an all-inclusive hotel, then you can expect to pay about $185 to $250 USD per person. Keep in mind that food and beverage is less expensive on the wedding day at an all-inclusive hotel.
Bride and Groom drinking a beer with a donkey
Music
Kilometro music band playing at Sunset Monalisa´s wedding
The cost of music for your wedding can vary greatly depending on the type of entertainment you choose. DJs are a popular choice for weddings and charge approximately $300 to $400 per hour. If you prefer live music, the cost can range from a soloist at around $500 to a full band for $6,000 to $15,000 for a show.
Photography and Video
Choosing a photographer and videographer is a critical decision for your Cabo wedding. When selecting a photographer, you need to make sure you like their style and ensure that they can capture the essence of your special day. A good coverage will be 6 to 8 hours, and that coverage, depending on the photographer, could be between $3,500 to $7,000 USD.
And remembera: after your wedding day passes, the only tangible memory you will have left are your wedding photos
Video services are not what they used to be, you don't get 5 hours of footage like in the old days. Instead, you get a highlights video (maybe 5 to 12 min) and sometimes, if requested, the full ceremony. Keep in mind that video teams and photo teams are separate entities, and their pricing is separate as well.
Decorations, Flowers, and Lighting
Creating the perfect ambiance for your Cabo wedding may include decorations, flowers, and lighting. Achieving the look and feel that you want can be pricey, and the design aspect of a wedding goes beyond flowers. Your overall cost for decor will be determined by various factors such as whether your wedding location has lighting, whether they provide tables and chairs, and whether that furniture suits your style. For florals, be aware that we are not only talking about table centerpieces, but also personal flowers, ceremony structure, aisle flowers, cocktail table mini centerpieces, seating chart touches of flor
Bride walking down the aisle at Sunset Monalisa
So, when accounting for rentals, you should consider all the equipment and furniture that you need for your wedding, such as tables, chairs, linens, dinnerware, glassware, flatware, and more. The rental prices will vary based on the type and quality of the items you select, as well as the quantity needed for your guest count.
Wedding Planner
A wedding planner is highly recommended for any wedding, but it's especially important for destination weddings where you may not be familiar with the local vendors and logistics. A good wedding planner can help you navigate the process, find the best vendors, and manage the details on the day of the wedding. In Cabo, a wedding planner may charge anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the level of service and experience.
Other Expenses
In addition to the above-mentioned expenses, there are other miscellaneous expenses that can add up quickly, such as transportation, hair and makeup, favors, invitations, and more. You should account for these expenses in your overall wedding budget as well.
Now, let's talk about how to create a wedding budget. The first step is to determine your overall budget for the wedding. This will depend on your financial situation and priorities. Once you have a total budget in mind, you can start allocating funds to the different categories mentioned above.
It's important to prioritize what's most important to you and allocate more funds to those areas. For example, if having a live band is a must-have for you, then you may need to allocate more funds to that category and cut back in other areas.
It's also important to leave some wiggle room in your budget for unexpected expenses or last-minute changes. A good rule of thumb is to allocate about 10% of your total budget to contingency expenses.
When it comes to selecting vendors, it's important to do your research and get multiple quotes. Don't just go with the first vendor you find, as you may be able to find a better deal or better fit with another vendor.
Finally, it's important to communicate with your vendors and be clear about your budget from the beginning. This will help avoid any surprises or misunderstandings later on.
In conclusion, the cost of a Cabo wedding will depend on a variety of factors, including the location, guest count, vendors selected, and more. However, by doing your research, prioritizing what's important to you, and communicating clearly with your vendors, you can create a budget that works for you and have the wedding of your dreams in beautiful Cabo.
Bride and groom having fun during their photo session the day after their wedding
BONUS: Did those wedding photos look dreamy? You can have yours taken too!
Gonzalo Verdeja is a destination wedding photographer based in Cabo, Mexico. He is passionate about photography and would love to capture every golden moment of your big day. From engagement to wedding photography services, Gonzalo Verdeja delivers quality professional work. Check out more of his craft at www.gvphotographer.com
