View from the Grand Velas lobby.
By our third day in Cabo, I still couldn’t distinguish whether I was experiencing reality or a remarkably vivid fever dream. The endless open skies, rolling turquoise waves, and engulfing sense of serenity can do that to you. I was lucky enough to travel with Lexi–Junebug Wedding’s Marketing Director–to two neighboring properties outside the San Jose del Cabo area to experience their wedding packages first-hand. Upon arrival, it was immediately evident that Mar del Cabo and Grand Velas would be idyllic locations for a destination wedding. To get married at either is to get married in paradise.
Our luxurious experience began from the moment we landed. The following four days were full of sun, cocktails, and exquisite food. And most notably, the employees and staff were unbeliveably friendly, thoughtful, and supremely dedicated—the kind of people you trust to bring your wedding vision to life. While the scenery was picturesque and the food delicious, it was truly the hospitality that made our stay unforgettable.
After experiencing everything these hotels had to offer, Lexi and I designed the ideal destination wedding itineraries for each property. Mar del Cabo is a stunning boutique hotel with a more intimate vibe, while Grand Velas is a large, luxurious resort perfect for big celebrations. So whatever you envision, we hope these schedules can be a stepping stone to planning your dream Cabo wedding.
Intimate Destination Wedding at Mar del Cabo
Mar del Cabo is a quaint boutique hotel with immeasurable charm. The property feels like a beautiful mesh of coastal Mexico and Santorini with its bright white walls, blue doorways, terracotta tile roofs, and endless bougainvillea. The property is for ages 16 and up–though if you rent out the hotel for your wedding, children of all ages can join. There are 46 suites and two penthouses, a restaurant, a large pool, an upstairs terrace, private beach access, and a garden overlooking the ocean. It’s one of the most magical settings for an intimate destination wedding we’ve witnessed.
Mar del Cabo walkway.
Day One: Check-in and Welcome Party
Have your guests arrive in San Jose del Cabo mid-day and settle into their cozy suites at their own pace. They can explore the property, lounge on the beach, and grab lunch at Encanto before the welcome party at 7:30 pm. The pool bar is the perfect space to host the event. Just add hightop tables, a DJ, and a few extra lights. Kick off a fun weekend by mingling with your loved ones while the sun sets.
Encanto–Mar del Cabo’s restaurant providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Mar del Cabo’s pool.
Day Two: Pool Party and Rehearsal Dinner
Your guests can start their day with breakfast at Encanto before a 1 pm pool party. And, if you can make it happen, we highly recommend catching the sunrise at least one of the mornings you’re there. You won’t regret it. Guests can order lunch and drinks while swimming–that’s right, staff will serve you on floating trays in the pool.
Have brunch served at Mar del Cabo’s pool.
Hold the wedding rehearsal at 6 pm with a rehearsal dinner on the Encanto Terrace at 8 pm. Live music would be a great addition to this gorgeous space. And for dinner, you can’t go wrong with serving Encanto’s tasty taco and cocktail pairings.
View from the Encanto Terrace.
Day Three: It’s Wedding Day!
On the big day, keep the schedule light and flexible. Guests can even venture off into the city while you relax at the property. One of the two Mar del Cabo penthouses is an ideal wedding suite for the bride and her bridesmaids. Set the ceremony for 5 pm on the Sun Terrace, a beautiful elevated grassy area that overlooks the Sea of Cortez. Cocktail hour can follow on the Patio del Mar, then the reception on the beach. You’ll dance the night away on a private beach underneath the stars.
Junebug Tip: Don’t forget to sneak away with your photographer for some golden hour portraits throughout the property during the reception!
Ceremony on Mar del Cabo’s Sun Terrace. Photo provided by Velas Resorts.
Reception on the beach. Photo provided by Velas Resorts.
Day Four: Brunch & Check-out
Have a final brunch at Encanto before checkout.
Elegant Destination Wedding at Grand Velas Los Cabos
If you envision a bigger–and dare I say grander–event, Grand Velas Los Cabos may be the venue for you. Grand Velas is the only 5-star all-inclusive resort in all of Los Cabos. And don’t let preconceived notions of ‘all-inclusive’ fool you. This resort is the epitome of modern luxury, filled with contemporary art, beautiful architecture, and premium amenities. With seven restaurants, three pools, an enormous spa, and fun, daily activities, every day at Grand Velas will bring something new. And with professional nannies and childcare available, the whole family can join the party.
Balcony–including plunge pool–of a Grand Velas Ambassador Suite.
Day One: Check-in and a Beach Party
Grand Velas offers the ultimate check-in experience for wedding parties. You can skip the public–but exquisite–lobby and get escorted to a private bar for a welcome drink with your guests. Have the wedding rehearsal start at 4 pm and then head to the Velas 10 Beach for an elevated picnic experience at 6 pm. After the beach picnic, guests can head to one of the resort’s bars for a nightcap, such as Koi Bar or Sky Bar.
Impressive lobby of Grand Velas.
Day Two: The Wedding Day!
We suggest holding the ceremony on Friday, which leaves you a stress-free weekend to have fun and let loose! You undoubtedly have to begin your wedding day at the SE Spa, absorbing the serene atmosphere in the spa’s bridal suite. This 35,000 sq. ft. spa is a treat you can’t skip. Get a therapeutic massage or facial, then experience the water journey with your girls. You won’t regret it.
Water Ceremony pool–access included with every spa treatment.
Set your ceremony in the Azul Garden for 6 pm. Next, we suggest you hold your reception upstairs at the Terrazza del Mar (the largest oceanfront terrace in all of Los Cabos). Both of these spots offer plenty of space and breathtaking views.
Grand Velas wedding ceremony. Photo provided by Velas Resorts.
Reception on the Terrazza del Mar.
Day Three: Yacht Excursion
If you still aren’t convinced of Grand Velas’s extravagance, maybe the property’s private yacht will do the trick. You and your guests can take the Bella Yacht onto the Sea of Cortez for the ultimate post-wedding celebration. This day is all about letting go of the stress and enjoying yourself! Once your sea excursion is over, check out one of Grand Velas’ five gourmet dinner restaurants. You can’t go wrong with any choice, but we recommend Lucca or Cocina de Artur as great farewell dinner spots.
The Bella Yacht. Photo provided by Velas Resorts.
Day Four: Beach Brunch & Goodbyes
For your last morning in Cabo, have a group brunch on Azul Beach. Soak up the sun, sand, and waves a final time before heading home.
We can’t thank the teams at Mar del Cabo and Grand Velas enough for opening their doors to us. Lexi and I haven’t stopped raving about our trip since getting home.
Remember, the two itineraries above are just our suggestions, and any wedding plan is possible at either hotel. The properties’ dedicated wedding staff have the utmost skill, experience, and passion; you could not be in better hands. Cheers to planning your unforgettable wedding celebration!
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