Los Cabos is one of Mexico’s most exclusive destinations, known for its breathtaking ocean views, world-class resorts, and beautiful year-round weather. It’s a place where natural beauty, sophistication, and impeccable service come together to create truly unforgettable weddings.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding in Los Cabos, one of the first questions you may ask is: How much does a Cabo destination wedding cost?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Destination weddings in Los Cabos are highly customized, and the total investment depends on several factors, such as the venue, guest count, level of personalization, and the type of experience you want to create for your guests.
Based on our experience planning high-end weddings in Los Cabos, a well-produced destination wedding typically starts around USD $1,450 per guest and increases depending on the details and priorities of each couple.
The real weddings we share on our website and social media reflect this level of production and investment.
What Shapes the Cost of a Cabo Destination Wedding?
In Los Cabos, wedding budgets are shaped by the experience each couple wants to create.
Several elements influence the overall investment:
- Level of production
- Overall look and feel
- Number of events during the wedding weekend
- Guest count
- Timeline and flow of the celebration
Some couples choose smaller gatherings with a higher level of production, while others plan larger weddings with a more defined scope. Both approaches are valid, and both can result in a beautiful and meaningful celebration.
How Wedding Costs Are Typically Structured
In our experience, destination wedding budgets in Los Cabos are built around two main components:
- Wedding-Based Services
- Guest-Related Elements
Understanding this structure helps couples approach planning with clarity and avoid unnecessary stress.
Wedding-Based Services: The Foundation of the Wedding
Every wedding includes a base level of professional services that support the celebration as a whole.
Many key vendors involved in destination weddings in Los Cabos do not charge per guest. Instead, they charge by coverage, hours, or event. These services typically include:
- DJs and live musicians (additional equipment may be required for larger weddings)
- Photographers
- Videographers
- Wedding content creators
- Ceremony officiants
Because these services are based on time, preparation, and expertise, their pricing remains consistent whether the wedding has 20 guests or 150 guests. This creates a fixed production base within the overall budget.
Guest-Related Elements: Where Numbers Come Into Play
Guest-related elements scale according to the number of attendees and help shape the final budget. These typically include:
- Food and beverage
- Rentals (tables, chairs, linens, tableware)
- Floral quantities
- TransportationStationary Lighting
- Guest flow and on-site logistics
- Planning, design, and coordination services
As the guest count increases, these elements adjust to ensure comfort, service quality, and a seamless experience.
Why an Estimated Cost Per Person Is Used as a Reference
For couples at an early planning stage, an estimated cost per person provides a helpful orientation.
In our experience, the weddings couples are most inspired by when browsing online often begin around $1,450 USD per person. This estimate reflects a certain level of production, design, and guest experience commonly seen in the weddings couples save and reference.
It’s important to note:
- This number is meant as a planning reference, not a final budget.
- Smaller weddings may have a higher per-person average due to fixed production costs.
This estimate focuses on the cost of producing the wedding in Los Cabos. It does not include:
- Hotel accommodations
- Wedding attire
- Invitations
- Airfare
- Rings
Food & Beverage: The Largest Wedding Expense
Food and beverage is often the highest cost when planning a destination wedding in Los Cabos, with the bar typically being the largest component.
Estimated ranges:
- European Plan venues (private villas, standalone venues): $300 – $500+ USD per person
- All-Inclusive resorts: $190 – $280 +USD per person
While food and beverage represent a large portion of the budget, it is just one part of the overall wedding experience.
Key Factors That Contribute to the Total Wedding Budget
Venue Selection: $4,000 – $15,000+ USD, depending on the venue type and exclusivity.
Flowers: Los Cabos does not have local flower production. Florals are shipped from Mexico City or imported from Holland, which affects both cost and availability.
Furniture & Décor Rentals: Some venues include standard furniture, while others require rentals. Many couples add statement pieces such as specialty chairs, sweetheart tables, or lounge areas.
Stationery & Signage: Menus, table numbers, ceremony programs, and welcome signage contribute to the guest experience and overall aesthetic.
Ceremony Officiant: Typically ranges from $400 – $600 + USD.
Entertainment
- DJ: $400 – $500 USD per hour.
- Live Band: $6,500 – $18,000 + USD.
READ: 15 Wedding Entertainment Ideas to Captivate Your Guests
Photography & Videography
- Photography: $5,000 – $12,000 USD.
- Videography: Often higher due to post-production work.
- Wedding Content: $1,000 usd – $2,500 usd +.
Lighting: $2,500 – $10,000+ USD depending on scale and design.
Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Bridal hair and makeup typically range from $450 – $600+ USD.
Transportation & Logistics: Costs vary based on venue location and guest transfers.
Additional Events: Welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, farewell brunches, yacht days, and beach events all add to the total investment.
All prices are estimates and subject to 16% tax (FEDERAL MEXICAN TAX) plus service fees ranging from 15%–30%.
Planning Your Destination Wedding with a Realistic and an Ideal Budget
One of the most valuable steps in the planning process is reviewing both a realistic budget and an ideal budget.
This approach allows couples to:
- Understand what fits comfortably.
- Identify priorities.
- Make informed decisions.
It creates clarity, alignment, and confidence throughout the planning process.
Where Can You Optimize Your Budget?
- Reducing guest count.
- Choosing a curated bar menu instead of a premium open bar.
- Investing in statement floral installations rather than excessive table arrangements.
- Using venue-provided furniture creatively.
- Hosting the wedding at an all-inclusive resort to reduce food and beverage costs.
Now that we are getting closer to answering the question “How much does a Cabo destination wedding cost?” consider these cost-saving tips to be strategic with your budget while still creating a high-end experience:
- Guest Count: A smaller guest list significantly reduces costs for food, drinks, rentals, and transportation.
- Bar Selection: Opt for a curated drink menu (featuring selected wines, beers, and signature cocktails) or a national open bar instead of a full premium open bar.
- Floral & Decor Choices: Investing in statement floral pieces instead of excessive table arrangements.
- Venue Furniture: Many venues provide standard furniture that can be styled with linens, accents, or a few unique rental pieces instead of replacing everything.
- Hosting at an All-Inclusive Resort: Some all-inclusive hotels can reduce food & beverage costs by 20-30%, allowing you to invest more in decor, entertainment, or guest experiences.
What Couples Truly Want from a Destination Wedding
At its heart, a destination wedding is about connection, spending quality time with loved ones in a beautiful location.
Many couples choose venues where guests can stay together or provide both luxury and budget-friendly accommodation options. We guide couples and guests through the entire process, ensuring the experience feels seamless, thoughtful, and truly worth the journey.
READ: Guide: The 20 Best Wedding Venues in Los Cabos for 2025
Begin the Planning Conversation
As experienced wedding planners, we work with couples who value thoughtful design, intentional planning, and a refined guest experience. A destination wedding is more than just one day —it’s an experience, a weekend of celebration.
If Los Cabos feels like the right destination and you’re ready to explore next steps, we invite you to get in touch and begin the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should we realistically budget for a destination wedding in Los Cabos?
In our experience, couples who are inspired by the weddings they see online often begin with an estimated investment of around $1,450 USD per person as a planning reference.
Is a smaller guest count always more affordable?
Not necessarily. While guest-related costs decrease, many production-based services are not priced per person, which means smaller weddings can still reflect a higher per-person investment depending on the level of production.
What does the estimated cost per person include?
It reflects the cost of producing the wedding in Los Cabos, including production-based services and guest-related elements. It does not include accommodations, airfare, wedding attire, invitations, or rings.
Can we stay within a budget and still have a beautiful wedding?
Yes. Clear priorities and thoughtful planning allow couples to create meaningful, well-produced weddings that align with their comfort level.
Are weekday weddings more cost-effective in Los Cabos?
In some venues, yes—it depends on the venue’s policies. Certain locations offer more flexibility or lower minimums on weekdays. Vendor pricing is often similar regardless of the day, but weekend weddings are more commonly tied to minimum hours or minimum spending requirements.
If we book a wedding more than 12 months in advance, will prices be lower?
It depends. Booking early can sometimes secure current pricing before increases take effect. However, some vendors include clauses that allow for updated pricing closer to the event date. Early planning is valuable for availability and options.
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