Getting Married at Finca 18, Puerto Vallarta: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Dreaming of a wedding that combines authentic Mexican charm with the tranquility of a private estate? Welcome to Finca 18 in Puerto Vallarta—an enchanting haven that offers a stunning blend of traditional architecture, lush tropical gardens, and personalized service for your special day. With its intimate courtyards, vibrant flora, and serene atmosphere, Finca 18 provides an unparalleled backdrop for your celebration. Whether you envision a romantic garden ceremony or an elegant reception under the stars, this exquisite venue promises a wedding experience as unforgettable as Puerto Vallarta itself.

Renowned for its unique character and intimate setting, Finca 18 seamlessly blends rustic elegance with warm Mexican hospitality. Its beautiful spaces—from secluded garden nooks and charming patios to elegant indoor salons—are designed to reflect your unique love story, all while showcasing the captivating beauty of Puerto Vallarta. Let the natural splendor and exclusive charm of this estate set the stage for your dream wedding.

Planning your perfect wedding in Puerto Vallarta? Explore some of the best wedding venues in Puerto Vallarta in this stunning destination, showcasing breathtaking moments captured in paradise. 

Index

 

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

 

Finca 18 in Puerto Vallarta stands out for its charming colonial-inspired architecture, lush tropical gardens, and an intimate, exclusive atmosphere. The estate’s beautifully manicured grounds, picturesque courtyards, and elegant interior spaces create a serene and romantic setting perfect for destination weddings. Couples who appreciate authentic Mexican character, privacy, and natural beauty combined with a touch of rustic sophistication will find Finca 18 provides a uniquely picturesque and memorable setting.

Recent wedding trends indicate that **couples increasingly prioritize unique, private venues that offer a personalized experience**. With its blend of historic charm, verdant landscapes, and dedicated attention, Finca 18 offers a truly distinctive backdrop for your wedding photos and an enchanting escape for your guests.

 

How Does a Wedding at Finca 18 Work?

 

Planning your wedding at Finca 18 is designed to be a personalized and collaborative experience. While Finca 18 provides the stunning venue, they typically work closely with your chosen wedding planner to bring your vision to life. The venue offers a range of beautiful settings and flexibility in vendor selection, allowing for highly customizable celebrations. This often includes everything from ceremony setup in the gardens to reception arrangements in a courtyard or salon, with options for gourmet catering through preferred partners.

This collaborative approach means you can tailor every detail to your liking, ensuring your wedding day is a true reflection of your style, all while enjoying the intimate and exclusive ambiance of Finca 18.

 

Best Months to Get Married

 

Puerto Vallarta enjoys warm weather year-round, but the best months for a wedding are typically from November to May. This period offers pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for outdoor ceremonies and receptions in Finca 18’s gardens and courtyards. The drier season also provides consistent, beautiful natural light for photography.

Marrying during these months ensures optimal weather, while the summer/fall season (June-October) can be more humid and prone to afternoon showers, potentially offering cost savings but requiring robust backup plans for outdoor elements.

 

The Basics of Wedding Packages

 

Finca 18 typically offers a venue rental fee that grants exclusive access to its grounds and facilities. Wedding packages are often built custom with your wedding planner and selected vendors. A typical arrangement might include:

  • Ceremony Setup: Options for garden, courtyard, or intimate indoor ceremonies with basic seating and altar setup.
  • Reception Venues: Access to charming spaces like open-air courtyards, elegant salons, or poolside terraces.
  • Catering: Flexibility to work with preferred high-quality caterers offering exquisite menus featuring local and international cuisine.
  • Decor and Floral Arrangements: The venue provides a beautiful canvas; decor and florals are typically customized and brought in by your chosen vendors.
  • Coordination: Finca 18’s on-site manager liaises with your wedding planner for seamless execution.

This approach allows for a highly personalized wedding, perfectly tailored to your dream event at this unique estate.

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

 

In destination weddings at Finca 18, Puerto Vallarta, typically:

  • The couple covers the primary wedding costs, such as the venue rental fee, catering, decor, planner, and other vendor services.
  • Guests are usually responsible for their own travel and accommodation. Puerto Vallarta offers a wide range of lodging options to suit various budgets.
  • The couple might choose to host additional events, like a welcome cocktail party or a farewell brunch, covering those costs for their guests.
  • Extra expenses for highly personalized decor, specialized entertainment, or pre/post-wedding activities are typically the couple’s responsibility.
  • Gift registries or contributions towards honeymoon experiences are common, allowing guests to contribute in meaningful ways.

This structure allows the couple to create their bespoke event while guests manage their personal travel arrangements.

 

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

 

Finca 18 is well-suited for intimate to medium-sized weddings, offering a charming and exclusive atmosphere:

  • Garden & Courtyard Areas: Can typically accommodate ceremonies and receptions for 50-150 guests, depending on the setup.
  • Indoor Salons: Ideal for smaller gatherings, cocktail hours, or as elegant backup spaces, often suitable for up to 80-100 guests.
  • Exclusive Use: Renting Finca 18 usually grants you exclusive use of the property, ensuring privacy for your event.

Finca 18 may offer limited on-site accommodations (e.g., a few suites for the wedding party or close family). For the majority of guests, numerous hotels and rental properties are available throughout Puerto Vallarta, and your wedding planner can assist with recommendations or group blocks.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

Your wedding planner, in coordination with Finca 18’s team, will expertly manage the flow of your day. A typical sequence at Finca 18 might look like this:

Ceremony in a Lush Garden: Exchange vows surrounded by tropical flowers and the estate’s charming architecture.

Cocktail Hour in a Picturesque Courtyard: Guests enjoy drinks and appetizers, mingling amidst rustic fountains and ambient lighting.

Reception under the Stars or in an Elegant Salon: Move to a dedicated reception area, perhaps an open-air patio for an al fresco dinner or an indoor space for a more formal affair, followed by toasts and dancing.

Pro tip: Leverage Finca 18’s distinct areas. Consider a serene garden ceremony, a lively courtyard cocktail hour, and an intimate, beautifully lit dinner space, maximizing the unique charm and varied ambiances the estate offers.

What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?

While specific inclusions can vary, the venue rental fee at Finca 18 typically includes:

  • Exclusive Access to Finca 18: Use of designated garden areas, courtyards, salons, and basic facilities for the allocated time.
  • Basic Infrastructure: Existing lighting, restrooms, and perhaps some standard furniture (tables/chairs for a certain number of guests).
  • On-Site Venue Manager: To oversee the property aspects and liaise with your wedding planner and vendors.
  • Basic Cleaning Services: Pre and post-event.

Remember that catering, extensive floral installations, specialized decor, additional furniture rentals, and advanced audio-visual equipment are usually sourced and paid for separately through your chosen vendors.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

Puerto Vallarta can experience tropical rain, especially during the wet season (June-October). Finca 18 typically offers elegant indoor salons or covered patio areas as backup options. These spaces are designed to maintain the charm and sophistication of the venue, ensuring your celebration remains beautiful and uninterrupted regardless of unexpected weather.

Pro tip: Discuss the backup options in detail with Finca 18 and your wedding planner during your site visit or initial consultation. Ensure the indoor alternative aligns with your vision and guest count, even if it’s just a contingency plan.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking your wedding at Finca 18 generally involves a payment structure like this:

Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit, often a percentage of the venue rental fee (e.g., 30-50% or a fixed sum like $2,000–$5,000 USD), is required to reserve your date.

Scheduled Payments: Further payments for the venue rental are typically scheduled, with the final balance due some weeks before the event.

Vendor Payments: Payments for catering, decor, etc., will follow the terms set by each individual vendor.

Final Payment: The remaining balance for the venue is usually due approximately 30-60 days before the wedding date.

Cancellation policies for the venue rental are strict and will be outlined in your contract. Review these carefully, and also review policies for all your external vendors. Consider wedding insurance to protect your investment.

Coordination and Planning Services

Finca 18 typically provides an on-site venue manager who is responsible for the property and its operations, ensuring everything related to the venue itself runs smoothly on the day. However, for comprehensive wedding planning, couples usually hire an independent wedding planner who specializes in Puerto Vallarta weddings. This planner will:

Guide You Through All Decisions: From vendor selection (caterer, florist, photographer, entertainment) to design and decor.

Vendor Liaison & Management: Coordinate all chosen vendors, manage contracts, and ensure they adhere to Finca 18’s guidelines.

Timeline Creation & Management: Develop a detailed schedule for the wedding day and oversee its execution.

Rehearsal Coordination: Guide your wedding party through the ceremony rehearsal.

The Finca 18 venue manager will work in tandem with your planner for a seamless event.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

Since Finca 18 often works with external or preferred caterers, you have great flexibility in menu design. Reputable Puerto Vallarta caterers are highly capable of accommodating a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. They can create customizable menus featuring fresh local ingredients, traditional Mexican cuisine, international dishes, and more. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, halal, and allergy-specific meals can all be expertly prepared.

You will typically have consultations and tastings with your chosen caterer to tailor the menu perfectly. This also allows for creative food presentations, such as interactive food stations or themed cocktail bites that complement Finca 18’s charm.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

Finca 18, being a private estate, often allows for a good range of entertainment options, from romantic string trios and mariachis to lively DJs and bands. However, as it may be located near residential areas or other properties, there will likely be regulations regarding noise levels and curfews.

Typically, outdoor music may have a curfew, often around 10:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m. If your celebration is planned to extend later, discuss options with Finca 18 and your planner. This might involve moving the party to an indoor salon (if suitable and available) or ensuring music levels are adjusted to comply with local ordinances.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Most guests will arrive via Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). Finca 18’s location within Puerto Vallarta will determine its accessibility.

Airport Transfers: Your wedding planner can help arrange private or shared shuttle services from PVR to guest accommodations and to Finca 18 for the wedding day.

Transportation to Finca 18: Depending on its specific location and parking availability, arranging group transportation (buses or vans) for guests from their hotels to Finca 18 is often recommended for convenience and to manage arrivals smoothly.

Parking: On-site parking at Finca 18 might be limited. Valet services could be an option to arrange if needed. Clarify parking capacity with the venue.

Providing guests with clear instructions on transportation options and directions to Finca 18 well in advance is crucial.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Finca 18, Puerto Vallarta

For an average wedding of about 50 guests at Finca 18, a rough estimate for your budget might be:

  • Venue Rental Fee: $4,000–$10,000 USD (for exclusive use of the estate).
  • Wedding Planner: $3,000–$7,000 USD (essential for a finca wedding).
  • Food and Beverage (catering per person): $100–$180+ USD per person. For 50 guests, budget $5,000–$9,000+.
  • Bar Services & Drinks: $2,000 – $5,000 (depending on open bar duration and selections).
  • Entertainment: $1,500–$4,000 USD (musician, DJ, or band).
  • Photography/Videography: $3,000–$7,000 USD.
  • Florals and Decor (including rentals like tables, chairs, lighting): $3,000–$8,000+ USD (fincas often require more items to be brought in).
  • Taxes and Service Fees: Catering and some vendors will add 16% VAT plus a 10-15% service charge. Budget at least 26% on applicable items.

Total estimated costs could range from $25,000 to $55,000+ USD for a 50-guest wedding, highly dependent on vendor choices, level of decor, and menu selections. Finca weddings offer high personalization but require careful budgeting for each element.

*Please note: These are estimates. Always obtain customized quotes from Finca 18 and your chosen vendors.*

Splurge vs. Save

To save costs at Finca 18, consider a weekday wedding (if venue offers different rates), choose seasonal local flowers, simplify menu choices, or opt for a DJ over a live band. Carefully selecting rental items for decor can also manage expenses. To splurge, consider elaborate floral installations transforming the gardens, bespoke lighting design to highlight the architecture, hiring a top-tier chef for a unique culinary experience, live music throughout the event, or a stunning fireworks display (if permitted).

Wedding Packages and What’s Included

Finca 18 generally offers a venue rental rather than all-inclusive packages. The rental typically includes:

  • Exclusive use of the property: Designated areas for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception for an agreed-upon timeframe.
  • Basic existing amenities: Restrooms, some ambient lighting, possibly some basic furniture.
  • Access for vendor setup and teardown.
  • On-site venue coordinator/manager: To oversee venue-related aspects.

All other services (catering, decor, flowers, music, planning, photography, etc.) are typically contracted separately with external vendors. This à la carte approach allows for maximum customization to create a truly unique wedding reflecting your style and preferences within the charming setting of Finca 18.

Pro tip: Thoroughly discuss with Finca 18 what is included in the rental (e.g., number of hours, access times, any included furniture or staff) to understand the baseline for your planning.

Activities for Other Days

Keep your guests entertained throughout their stay in Puerto Vallarta:

  • Organize a welcome dinner at a local restaurant with authentic Mexican cuisine in downtown Puerto Vallarta.
  • Book a private boat tour on Banderas Bay for snorkeling, visiting secluded beaches, or whale watching (in season).
  • Arrange a tequila or mezcal tasting experience.
  • Guests can explore the Malecón boardwalk, art galleries, and shops in Puerto Vallarta.
  • Plan a day trip to nearby surf towns like Sayulita or San Pancho.
  • Offer a group cooking class focusing on Mexican specialties.
  • Suggest relaxing beach days or spa treatments at nearby facilities.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Embrace the Setting: Finca 18’s charm lies in its architecture and gardens. Work with your planner to enhance its natural beauty rather than overwhelm it. Consider lighting to highlight features at night.

2) Guest Comfort is Key: Especially for outdoor elements in Puerto Vallarta’s climate, consider fans, shaded areas, and hydration stations. Comfortable guest transportation is also important if Finca 18 is not within walking distance of most accommodations.

3) Hire a Great Planner: For a venue like Finca 18, where you bring in most vendors, an experienced local wedding planner is invaluable. They will manage logistics, vendor coordination, and ensure your vision comes to life seamlessly.

Two Bride Reviews

“Our wedding at Finca 18 was an absolute dream! The moment we saw the gardens and the beautiful old building, we knew it was perfect. It felt so private and magical. Our planner helped us bring in the most amazing caterer and florist, and our guests are still talking about how unique and beautiful our wedding was. Truly an enchanting Puerto Vallarta experience!” – Emily R.

“Choosing Finca 18 for our wedding was the best decision. We wanted something intimate and authentically Mexican, not a big resort feel. The Finca provided the most stunning backdrop. The courtyards were perfect for our cocktail hour and reception under the stars. The venue manager was helpful, and with our planner, everything went off without a hitch. It was pure romance!” – David L.

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

Having photographed weddings across Puerto Vallarta, Finca 18 offers a truly special and intimate atmosphere. The charm of its colonial-inspired architecture, combined with the vibrant colors of its lush gardens and rustic courtyards, provides a wealth of unique backdrops for photography. It’s a departure from the typical beach resort, offering a sense of history, privacy, and old-world romance. The interplay of light and shadow within its spaces, the textures of aged walls, and the natural beauty of the flora create incredible opportunities for artistic and emotive wedding photos. If you’re seeking a venue with character, exclusivity, and a deeply romantic Mexican soul, Finca 18 in Puerto Vallarta is an exceptional choice that photographs with a distinctive, timeless elegance.

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