Why Cabo San Lucas Tops Wedding Destination Lists

I still remember the first time I flew into Cabo. Looking down from the plane window, the contrast between the rugged desert and that impossibly blue ocean took my breath away. Hundreds of weddings later, that view still gets me every time. As a destination wedding photographer, I've shot in locations all over, but there's something magical about Cabo that keeps drawing couples (and me) back.

Finding Your Perfect Spot to Say "I Do"

One question I get asked all the time is "Where exactly should we get married in Cabo?" The answer depends entirely on what you're dreaming of. Some of my favorite shots have come from cliffside ceremonies where the waves crash dramatically below. The great thing about these spots is that I hardly have to do anything to make your photos look epic.

But Cabo offers so much variety. Whether you're thinking barefoot on the beach or ballroom glamour, Cabo has a venue that fits. And as someone who's photographed at most of them, I can tell you they each have their own personality and magic.

Let's Talk Money (Because We All Need To)

I won't sugarcoat it—getting married anywhere can add up quickly, and Cabo is no exception. But here's the thing most wedding sites won't tell you: there are ways to have your dream Cabo wedding without taking out a second mortgage. The biggest factors affecting your budget will be timing, guest count, and venue choice.

Want to save serious cash? Consider a May or November wedding, right before or after high season. You'll still get gorgeous weather but often at 30-40% off peak season prices. Midweek weddings can also slash costs. And remember—you're already in paradise, so your honeymoon is essentially built in, saving you another travel expense.

Navigating the Legal Stuff

Can I be honest? Mexican marriage requirements can be a bit of a headache if not done properly. You'll need blood tests done locally, various documents translated and authenticated, and several days on the ground before your ceremony to handle paperwork. This is why about 75% of my couples opt for a symbolic ceremony in Cabo followed by a quick legal one back home.

If having the legally binding ceremony in Cabo matters to you, please, please hire a good local coordinator. I've seen too many couples spend precious pre-wedding days running between government offices instead of enjoying beach time. A good coordinator might seem like an extra expense, but they're worth their weight in gold tequila when it comes to navigating local bureaucracy. They'll handle translations, schedule your blood tests, and make sure everything is filed correctly. Plus, they usually have relationships with local officials that can smooth the process considerably.

Making It Amazing for Your Guests

One of the coolest things about getting married in Cabo is that you're not just giving your guests a party—you're giving them a vacation. Most of my couples plan a 3-4 day celebration with welcome drinks, maybe a group activity, the wedding day itself, and often a casual next-day brunch. These multi-day celebrations create opportunities for incredible photos and even better memories.

I also recommend arranging group transportation from the airport—after a flight, the last thing guests want to deal with is navigating local taxis or rental cars. Consider creating a simple website or welcome letter with local recommendations too. My couples often share their favorite taco spots, the best places to snorkel, and practical info like which areas use dollars vs. pesos. These small touches make guests feel taken care of and turn your wedding into an unforgettable group adventure.

Adding Mexican Flavor to Your Celebration

Some of my favorite Cabo weddings have been ones where couples embraced local traditions rather than trying to recreate exactly what they would have done back home. Even small touches like incorporating papel picado (colorful paper banners), serving local cuisine, or bringing in a mariachi band for cocktail hour can transform your wedding.

Food deserves special mention here. Skip the generic wedding chicken and work with your venue to showcase local specialties. Fresh seafood, street taco stations, and local tropical fruits make for not only delicious eating but beautiful, colorful photos.

The Photography Magic That Happens Here

I'm biased, but I truly believe Cabo creates some of the most spectacular wedding photos anywhere on earth. Where else can you capture desert, beach, mountains, and architectural elements all in one wedding day? The dramatic landscapes create natural frames that make even simple portraits look like magazine covers.

The quality of light here is something I can't emphasize enough. That golden Baja sunshine has a warmth to it that's impossible to replicate elsewhere. It makes skin glow and creates this dreamy atmosphere in photos without any special filters or heavy editing. Add in the whitewater from ocean waves, the texture of ancient cacti, the weathered mission churches, and colorful local architecture—suddenly every direction you point your camera becomes an opportunity for a breathtaking image. I've had couples tell me they chose Cabo specifically because they fell in love with the photos they saw from weddings here, and I completely understand why.

Ready to Start Planning Your Cabo Wedding?

After photographing hundreds of Cabo weddings, I've watched couples transform what could have been a standard one-day celebration into an unforgettable multi-day experience. There's something about bringing your favorite people to this beautiful place that changes the energy of a wedding. Everyone—including you—gets to truly be present rather than rushing through a packed schedule.

If you're considering Cabo for your wedding, I'd love to chat about how we can create not just beautiful photos but a visual story of your celebration that captures everything from the epic landscapes to the intimate moments. At Arch Wedding Studio, I specialize in documentation that feels as natural and authentic as Cabo itself. I know all the secret spots for photos, the best times of day for that perfect light, and how to work with the unique elements Cabo presents. Reach out through my contact page, and let's talk about turning your Cabo wedding dreams into images you'll treasure forever. Your paradise wedding deserves photography that's just as extraordinary as the location you've chosen.