Discover the average cost of a destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas, based on real weddings and insights from local wedding planners.
In this article:
- The average cost of a destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas
- All-inclusive vs. non-inclusive weddings
- Budget breakdown from a real Cabo San Lucas wedding
- Vendor costs: breakdown from Cabo wedding planners
- Key takeaway: what can you expect to spend?
Helpful resources:
- Want a quick comparison of wedding venue costs? Download our free cost comparison chart for Cabo’s top wedding venues.
Cabo San Lucas has become one of the best wedding destinations in Mexico, and for good reason. Known for its stunning ocean views, luxury resorts, and reliable year-round weather, it offers the perfect backdrop for a destination wedding. With a combination of breathtaking beaches, dramatic desert landscapes, and world-class venues, Cabo provides endless options for both intimate ceremonies and grand celebrations. Plus, its convenient location makes it easily accessible for guests flying in from the U.S. and Canada, with major international airports just a short drive away. Whether you’re dreaming of a beachfront wedding or a private villa event, Cabo San Lucas delivers a blend of romance, elegance, and convenience that few other destinations can match.
The average cost of a destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas
When planning a destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas, it’s important to understand the range of costs involved, which can vary significantly based on the venue, services, and guest count. On average, a wedding in Cabo typically falls between $35,000 and $50,000 for 50 guests, though depending on your choices, it can be much higher or much lower.
With all-inclusive resorts starting at around $5,500 USD and luxury venues stretching up to $50,000 USD or more, there’s plenty of flexibility to tailor your wedding to fit your vision and budget. For a detailed look at Cabo’s best wedding venues and pricing, read the Top 12 Cabo Wedding Venues & Packages for 2025.
All-inclusive vs. non-inclusive weddings
The venue you choose plays a significant role in determining your overall wedding costs in Cabo. All-inclusive resorts, such as Grand Velas Los Cabos, offer wedding packages that start at $5,500 USD for 50 guests. This package typically includes basic decor, a buffet-style dinner, and a 4-hour open bar. The key benefit of all-inclusive resorts is their ability to lower costs by requiring that 80% of your guests stay on the property, which substantially reduces food and beverage expenses. These bundled packages allow for more cost-effective weddings, as hotels offer discounted rates for meals and drinks when your guests are staying on-site.
On the other hand, non-inclusive venues tend to be more expensive. For example, venues like Flora Farms charge $15,400 USD for 50 guests, requiring you to bring in external vendors for services like catering and decor. This can increase per-person costs. While non-inclusive venues, such as Esperanza Resort ($25,500 USD for 50 guests), offer greater flexibility and personalization, they come with a higher price tag. Food and beverage costs at non-inclusive venues generally range from $377 to $450 per person, easily totaling $22,500 for a 50-guest wedding, not including tax and service fees.
If you’re aiming for a luxurious wedding with full personalization, a venue like Waldorf Astoria ($48,200 USD for 50 guests) offers an immersive experience with cliffside views, personalized menus, and extravagant decor. However, for those seeking a more budget-friendly option, all-inclusive resorts such as Grand Fiesta Americana ($11,194 USD for 50 guests) offer great value with bundled packages that cover food, drinks, decor, and entertainment.
For more information on Cabo’s top all-inclusive and non-inclusive wedding Venus, read Top 12 Cabo Wedding Venues for 2025-2026. For more information on all-inclusive vs non-inclusive wedding venues, read All-Inclusive vs Non-Inclusive Wedding: Which Is Right For You?
Budget breakdown from a real Cabo San Lucas wedding
A common way to think about your wedding budget is to break it down into key categories. For a typical destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas, here’s a percentage-based allocation of costs, based on this real Cabo San Lucas wedding.
- Food, Drinks + Staffing: 26% of your total budget
- Photography + Videography: 10% of your budget
- Planning: 9% of your total budget
- Flowers + Decor: 9% of the total budget
- Apparel, Shoes, Accessories: 8% of the budget
- Venue Rental/Location Fee: 7% of the budget
- Rehearsal Dinner: 4.5% of the budget
- Welcome Party + Gifts: 4% of the budget
- Music: 4% of the budget
- Wedding Bands: 4% of the budget
- Guest Transportation: 3% of the budget
- Thank You Gifts for the Wedding Party: 3% of the budget
- Invitations, Menus, Paper Products: 2% of the budget
- Other Costs (Officiant, Hair + Makeup, Tips, etc.): 6.5% of the budget
Vendor costs: breakdown from Cabo wedding planners
Many wedding planners quote significantly higher prices for destination weddings, citing $750–$1,000 per guest, with a total ranging between $35K and $50K for a 50-guest wedding. The reason for this price gap often comes down to the level of luxury, customization, and whether you opt for DIY alternatives.
We consulted with several top wedding planners in Cabo San Lucas to gather a cost breakdown for a 50-guest wedding. Hiring a wedding planner in Cabo typically ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 USD, which is more affordable compared to the $15,000 to $20,000 USD you might pay in the U.S. Many Cabo wedding planners provide quotes on a “per-guest” basis, with costs usually ranging from $750 to $1,000 USD per guest (or more). Below is an average of vendor costs as shared by local wedding planners.
Wedding Planning Services:
Full Wedding Planning: $5,500 USD + tax
Day-of Coordination: $400 USD (tax included)
DJ Services:
Ceremony: $400 USD (+ tax + delivery/setup)
Cocktail Hour: $400 USD (+ tax + delivery/setup)
Reception: $2,000 USD for 5 hours (+ tax + delivery/setup)
Lighting & Decor:
Lighting Package: $900 USD (plus tax and setup fees)
Ceremony Altar: $1,200 USD (plus tax and setup fees)
Table Arrangements: $2,750 USD for 10 tables (plus tax)
Bud Vases: $800 USD for 20 (plus tax)
Tea Light Votives: $350 USD for 10 sets (plus tax)
Cocktail Table Arrangements: $175 USD for 5 (plus tax)
Plates, Napkins, Linens, Chairs, Tables: $2,000 USD depending on selection (plus tax)
*Total $8,175 USD
Hair & Makeup:
Trial: $300 USD (tax included)
Wedding Day Hair & Makeup: $320 USD (+ tax)
Photography & Videography:
Photography: $5,000 USD for 6-7 hours (+ tax)
Videography: $5,500 USD for 6-7 hours (+ tax)
Food & Beverage:
All-Inclusive Resorts: $200 USD per person (Total: $10,000 USD for 50 guests)
Non-Inclusive Venues: $400 USD per person (Total: $20,000 USD for 50 guests)
All-inclusive total with full wedding planning: $37,595 USD
Non-inclusive total with full wedding planning: $47,595 USD
*These totals do not include the optional Welcome Party, which normally runs $150 – $200 USD per person for a taco station and open bar, which would run up your bill an extra $7,500 – $10,000 USD for 50 guests.
Key takeaway: what can you expect to spend?
Given the wide range of options available, a destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas can range from $35,000 to $50,000 USD for a 50-guest wedding, depending on the level of luxury and customization you desire. All-inclusive venues can significantly reduce costs, while non-inclusive venues offer more personalization but tend to be more expensive. By working with local vendors and wedding planners who know the area well, you can find the perfect balance between budget and experience.
FAQs
1. What is the average cost of a destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas?
The average cost of a destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas ranges between $35,000 and $50,000 for 50 guests, depending on the venue and level of customization.
2. Are all-inclusive wedding packages cheaper in Cabo San Lucas?
All-inclusive wedding packages in Cabo can be more affordable, starting around $5,500 and rising to $30,000 USD for 50 guests, though costs can rise quickly when you start adding on customizations that make a wedding truly special.
3. How much does a luxury wedding in Cabo San Lucas cost?
A luxury wedding at a top-tier venue in Cabo San Lucas can range between $80,000 and $200,000 USD, depending on the venue and level of customization.
4. What factors affect the cost of a destination wedding in Cabo?
The two factors that affect the cost the most are the wedding venue and guest count.
5. How much does it cost to hire a wedding planner in Cabo San Lucas?
Wedding planner fees in Cabo typically range from $5,000 to $10,000, which is more affordable than in the U.S., where costs can range between $15,000 and $20,000.
6. What is included in an all-inclusive wedding package in Cabo San Lucas?
All-inclusive wedding packages generally include basic decor, food, drinks, entertainment, and staff services. Some packages also require that 80% of your guests stay at the resort.
7. What’s usually not included in Los Cabos all-inclusive wedding packages?
Photography, videography, more elaborate decor items, and off-site events are often excluded from standard packages.
8. How much do food and drinks cost for a wedding in Cabo San Lucas?
Food and beverage costs at all-inclusive resorts are around $200 per guest, while non-inclusive venues charge between $377 and $450 per guest, not including taxes and service fees.
9. Is Cabo San Lucas a good destination for budget-friendly weddings?
No, Cabo San Lucas is known as a luxury wedding destination, with costs reflecting those in the United States. We recommend looking at Puerto Vallarta wedding venues for a more budget-friendly wedding.
10. How can I reduce costs for my Los Cabos wedding?
To keep costs down without compromising the overall experience, choose off-peak dates, reduce the guest list, and opt for simpler décor or seasonal flowers.
