Destination Confusion…

Let me say that this forum has been a life saver!! You all are very, very helpful!! I’ve taken the time to research and I’ve spoken with some coordinators and have been told of some venues and I wanted to get your opinions.

BUT first I should tell you what my FI and I are looking for (briefly). We have between 35 and 45 guests and would like a beach ceremony followed by a Mexican-style reception (either palapa or semi-outdoor). My BIGGEST FEAR is getting married on a super crowed beach, I would like it to be as private as possible (I know that a completely private beach is impossible). Oh yeah…..to make things even more complicated, we are on a budget of under $10K and I do not think we can reserve enough rooms to benefit from an AI (many of our guest have timeshares) so we will be paying a location fee.

There now that you know what we are looking for, do you know if any of the flowing will be suitable for us…

FIESTA AMERICANA WHALES TERRACE & BEACH

MARBELLA SUITES & BEACH

CABO SURF & BEACH

FIESTA AMERICANA CASA DEL MAR & BEACH

PUEBLO BONITO ROSE & BEACH

VILLA DEL ARCO & BEACH

Or having the ceremony at Pedregal with the reception at THE JOCKEY CLUB, CABO DEL SURF or renting a private villa (we are considering Villa Los Flores)

OR do you have any suggestions? At this point I am completely open minded and you are the experts!!

THANK YOU!!!

Amber, I completely understand your concern. I think picking the place is the hardest thing. Especially when us crazy DW brides are tackling this from a long distance!

We stayed at the Pueblo Bonito Rose and it was beautiful.... but on a really busy beach. The pool and beach areas stay busy until the sun goes down. So keep that in mind when picking a place.

I'm getting married in Cancun and have never been to cabo, but since I'm getting married in the Fiesta Americana I think the prices and stuff will be kinda similar.. I got quoted $9,000 for 100 people (3 course menu, DJ, ceremony set up, tables, waiters, and non-alcoholic drinks.. I can bring my own bottles)

for half the people maybe you'll spend less than $6,000, leaving you enough budget for flowers, invitations, and other stuff you need.. hope this helps

Amber I am sorry I can't help you b/c I am not familiar with the prices in those locations that you mentioned. I am also getting married in Cabo but I have never been there so I can't speak from experience. It is my understanding though that Cabo is pretty pricey. Are you willing to look at other places in Mexico or do you have your heart set on cabo? B/c PV has nice areas that are pretty affordable and places such as Las Caletas seem pretty private. I think the Fiesta Americanas in Cabo are pretty pricey but don't quote me on that. I'm sorry that I am not much help but hopefully someone can help you with this b/c I know some girls got married at some of the places you mentioned.

-Glenda

Villa Del Arco, IMO is going to have a very crowded beach as it's the only beach you can swim in. So if you want private stay away from that area.

Pedregal beach is very pretty, but kind of off in the middle of no where, it will be a PITA for all your guests to find it.. On time.. again IMO

Were getting married at the Sheraton on the beach but staying at Villa Del Palmar or Villa Del Arco, again the reason were not having a beach wedding at VDP is because the beach is WAY to crowded where as the sheraton is pretty quiet..

If you are open to other areas, I am getting married as Las Caletas in PV - it's a private beach/cove area - and it's only accessible by boat so you definitely don't have strangers wandering around - this is what we wanted as well. Their "deluxe" package is roughly $5000, plus a per person fee (I think $40/person, less for kids). This includes the ceremony, dinner, and reception (appetizers, food, drinks, etc.). It is extra for photography and music, etc - but you can spend as much on that as you want really. Here's a link for more information ... Puerto Vallarta Wedding Planner for Mexico Destination Weddings The downside is that you're on your own for lodging since it's not affiliated with any hotel or resort. But that means that you can choose a location that meets your needs and budget.

You may have already read up on this, so I could be repeating myself! I forget who I've told about Las Caletas already! Let me know if you'd like more info.

Amber,

In terms of uncrowded beach - you are best to look at location in the corridor & San Jose del Cabo, like Marbella & Cabo Surf. I'm getting married at Cabo Surf & I believe the site fee is only $10 per person if you do not have a minimum # of rooms booked. Really not bad.

To Anny, Ann & Glenda,

Thanks sooo very much for the suggestions. Unfortunately we are stuck on Cabo (even though it is very pricy compared to other areas). We’ve been a few times and it has a special place in our hearts and has been a huge part of our relationship.

Good luck with your planning. Let me know if I can help in any way!!!