Destination Weddings: Los Cabos
Los Cabos has become one of the most iconic places in Mexico for destination weddings — beautiful beaches, stunning architecture, high-end hospitality, and easy access for guests coming from the US and Canada.
But here’s what most blogs don’t tell you: Los Cabos is not one single area. It’s a collection of micro-zones, all with different vibes, beach conditions, traffic patterns, distances, and guest experiences.
1. Airport Distances (SJD)
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is located in San José del Cabo and serves most major US and Canadian cities.
Here are real drive times from the airport — extremely important for groups, seniors, kids, or staggered arrivals:
San José del Cabo (La Playita / Marina / Downtown): 15–25 minutes
Tourist Corridor: 25–35 minutes
Cabo San Lucas Marina: 35–45 minutes
Pacific Side (Diamante, Nobu, Hard Rock): 45–55+ minutes
These numbers matter more than people expect. A 15-minute ride vs. almost an hour can set the tone for how relaxed your guests feel.
2. San José del Cabo (3 Sub-Areas)
San José is the quieter, more artistic, more culinary-focused side of Los Cabos.
If you want elegance, authenticity, and easy access to the airport, this is the best place to start your search.
2.1 La Playita / Puerto Los Cabos Marina Area
Distance from airport: 15–20 minutes
Vibe: calm, modern, creative, boutique, with a marina and partially swimmable beaches.
Local insight: because of the marina, the sand isn’t the whitest — but the atmosphere is relaxed, safe, and beautifully designed.
Best for: intimate weddings, foodie groups, couples wanting privacy and design.
Hotels:
Hotel El Ganzo (artsy, boutique, rooftop pool, DJ nights)
JW Marriott Casa Maat
Puerto Los Cabos luxury villas/resorts
Secrets Puerto los Cabos
Zadun by Ritz Carlton
Acre Baja (boutique, jungle vibes, not beachfront)
Local tip: For a welcome party or night out, Crania (right across from El Ganzo) is one of the coolest restaurant/bars in all of Los Cabos.
2.2 Downtown San José del Cabo
Distance from airport: 20–25 minutes
Vibe: romantic, walkable, galleries, artisan boutiques, great local restaurants, Art Walk Thursdays.
Local insight: This is one of the few walkable areas in all of Los Cabos — a huge plus for guests.
Hotels / Venues:
Viceroy Los Cabos
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos
Cabo Azul
Vidanta
Best for: couples who want food, culture, and design over nightlife.
2.3 Highway Hotels (San José / Road Access)
Distance from airport: ~20 minutes
Vibe: accessible, convenient, luxury without being isolated.
Local insight: Great for large groups who need smooth logistics.
Hotels:
Ventanas al Paraiso a Rosewood Resort
One and Only Palmilla
Cabo Surf
Dreams Los Cabos
Marquis
Best for: families, groups with kids, guests arriving at different times.
3. The Tourist Corridor
Distance from airport: 25–35 minutes
The Corridor is the stretch of coastline between San José and Cabo San Lucas.
Here you’ll find some of the most luxurious properties in Mexico — perfect for mid-size and large weddings.
Local insight: gorgeous for ceremonies, but not walkable at all. Expect taxis and Uber.
Hotels:
Montage
Chileno Bay (swimmable beach)
Grand Velas
Grand Fiesta Americana
Hilton
The Cape
Solaz
Best for: couples wanting luxury, ocean views, big capacity, and resort consistency.
4.1 Cabo San Lucas Marina Area
Distance from airport: 35–45 minutes
Vibe: fun, walkable, nightlife, beach clubs, boat tours.
Local insight: great for groups who want activities and a social atmosphere.
Hotels:
Breathless
Me Cabo
Playa Grande
Solmar
Pueblo Bonito
Villas del Palmar
Pedregal
Waldorf Astoria
Best for: lively weddings, young groups, and couples who want nightlife close by.
4.2 Pacific Side (Diamante, Nobu, Hard Rock, Rancho San Lucas)
Distance from airport: 45–55+ minutes
Vibe: quiet luxury, desert-meets-ocean, dramatic sunsets, stunning architecture.
Local insight: beaches here are not swimmable, but the views and privacy are unmatched.
Hotels:
Nobu
Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos
Rancho San Lucas
Diamante
Best for: intimate weddings, privacy, world-class photography, quiet honeymoon vibes.
5. Boutique Hotels & Restaurant Venues
Perfect for micro-weddings, rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, or couples wanting something non-resort.
San José / Puerto Los Cabos:
Acre
Flora Farms
Tamarindos
Cranía
El Ganzo Rooftop & Beach Club
Cabo San Lucas / Pacific:
Sunset Monalisa
Marea at The Cape
Sur Beach House
Waldorf Astoria venues
Local insight: these book out 8–14 months in advance — secure early.
Understanding the zones, the airport distances, and the local reality of each area will help you choose a location that truly matches your personality, your guests, and your dream vision.
If you want help comparing resorts, negotiating room blocks, or choosing the right zone for your wedding, I’m happy to share local insight anytime.
