Getting Married at Casa Aramara, Punta Mita: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Imagine exchanging vows with the vast Pacific Ocean as your witness, surrounded by the unparalleled elegance and bespoke charm of Casa Aramara. Nestled on the exclusive shores of Punta Mita, Casa Aramara is more than just a venue; it’s a private sanctuary designed for unforgettable celebrations. This magnificent oceanfront estate offers a romantic escape, blending sophisticated luxury with the laid-back allure of Mexican Riviera living. From its manicured gardens and stunning ocean-view terraces to its private beach access and exquisite architectural details, Casa Aramara provides a breathtakingly beautiful and intimately luxurious setting for your dream wedding.

Renowned for its exclusive atmosphere and exceptional service, Casa Aramara promises a wedding experience that is both grand and deeply personal. Whether you envision a vibrant fiesta on the beach or an elegant affair under the stars, this stunning villa estate sets the stage for a truly magical and bespoke wedding celebration.

Planning your perfect wedding in Punta Mita? Explore some of the best wedding photography in Punta Mita in this stunning destination, showcasing breathtaking moments captured in paradise. 

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Is Casa Aramara Right for Your Wedding?

 

Casa Aramara is the ultimate choice for couples seeking an exclusive, intimate, and luxuriously private wedding experience in Punta Mita. This magnificent oceanfront villa offers unparalleled beauty, from its sprawling manicured lawns and private beach access to its beautifully appointed suites and stunning architectural details. It’s perfect for those who desire a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance, with the entire estate serving as your personal celebration space. If you dream of a destination wedding where every detail is curated to perfection, your closest friends and family can stay together on-site, and the breathtaking Pacific serves as your backdrop, Casa Aramara is your dream destination.

The increasing trend towards private estate weddings for a more intimate and controlled guest experience perfectly aligns with what Casa Aramara offers. It provides a level of exclusivity and personalization that larger resorts cannot match, making it ideal for discerning couples prioritizing privacy and a bespoke celebration.

 

How Does a Wedding at Casa Aramara Work?

 

A wedding at Casa Aramara is orchestrated with a blend of your personal vision and the villa’s inherent elegance. You essentially rent the entire estate, creating a private world for your celebration. The villa’s experienced in-house staff, including a dedicated villa manager and gourmet chef, work seamlessly with your chosen wedding planner to bring your dreams to life. You have the freedom to customize every aspect, from the ceremony setup on the beach or in the gardens to the reception dining experience and entertainment. The villa provides luxurious accommodations for your wedding party and close family, fostering an intimate and connected celebration throughout the wedding weekend.

The villa’s team excels at creating bespoke culinary experiences and ensuring a high level of personalized service, allowing you to relax and immerse yourselves in the joy of your wedding day.

 

Best Months to Get Married at Casa Aramara

 

Punta Mita offers beautiful weather year-round, but for the ideal wedding experience at Casa Aramara, the best months are typically November through May. During this period, the weather is dry, sunny, and consistently pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and low humidity. These conditions are perfect for outdoor ceremonies on the beach or in the gardens and al fresco receptions. The natural light is also exceptional for photography during these months.

While the shoulder months like late October or early June can also be lovely, they carry a slightly higher chance of occasional rain showers. The peak summer and early fall months (June-October) can be humid and experience more frequent, though usually brief, afternoon rainstorms, which require robust contingency planning.

 

What’s Included in a Casa Aramara Wedding Package?

 

Casa Aramara operates on a villa rental basis, which is different from traditional venue packages. When you book Casa Aramara for your wedding, the rental typically includes:

  • Exclusive use of the entire estate: This includes all rooms, common areas, gardens, and private beach access for the duration of your stay (usually a minimum of 3-7 nights for weddings).
  • Accommodations: Luxurious sleeping arrangements for up to 20-24 guests in beautifully appointed suites and rooms.
  • Dedicated Staff: A professional team, including a villa manager, housekeepers, and gourmet chefs/kitchen staff, to cater to your needs.
  • Gourmet Catering: The services of an on-site chef who will prepare all meals, including your wedding feast, based on your customized menu preferences. This includes all food preparation and service for the wedding day.
  • Daily Housekeeping & Maintenance: Ensuring the villa remains pristine throughout your stay.
  • Basic Concierge Services: Assistance with booking local transportation, spa appointments, and local excursions.

Note: While catering is provided, the cost of food and beverages is typically an additional expense on top of the villa rental. Wedding decor, entertainment, photography, and other vendor services will also be separate costs, typically managed by your hired wedding planner.

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding at Casa Aramara?

 

At an exclusive villa like Casa Aramara:

  • The couple is responsible for the villa rental fee, which is substantial given the exclusivity and amenities provided.
  • All vendor costs are also typically covered by the couple, including catering (food and beverage), photography, videography, entertainment, decor, florals, wedding planner fees, and any transportation for guests.
  • Guests are generally responsible for their own travel expenses (flights, airport transfers) and any additional accommodation outside of the villa if they choose. Some couples may opt to cover specific pre- or post-wedding events or provide welcome amenities for their guests.
  • The villa rental often includes significant staff, but any specific gratuities for exceptional service beyond the standard would be at the couple’s discretion.

This model allows the couple to curate every element of their wedding from a private and luxurious base.

 

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations at Casa Aramara

 

Casa Aramara is an exclusive private estate, making it ideal for intimate to medium-sized weddings where you want your closest guests to stay together:

  • Guest Capacity for Events: The estate can comfortably host wedding receptions for up to 150-200 guests, depending on the setup and desired flow. The expansive grounds, terraces, and lawn areas offer versatile spaces for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and dining.
  • Accommodation Capacity: The villa itself offers luxurious accommodation for approximately 20-24 guests in its beautifully appointed suites and bedrooms. This makes it perfect for hosting the wedding party and immediate family on-site for the duration of the wedding festivities.

For larger guest lists exceeding the on-site accommodation, there are several other luxurious hotels and rental properties in the Punta Mita area that your guests can book, ensuring everyone can be accommodated nearby for your special event.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics at Casa Aramara

Casa Aramara provides a stunning canvas for a seamlessly flowing wedding day:

Ceremony: Many couples opt for an intimate ceremony directly on the private beach, with the Pacific Ocean providing a breathtaking backdrop. Alternatively, the lush gardens or elegant ocean-view terraces offer equally beautiful settings.

Cocktail Hour: Guests can mingle and enjoy handcrafted cocktails and delectable appetizers on the villa’s various terraces or garden patios, often accompanied by live music, soaking in the spectacular ocean views and the villa’s ambiance.

Reception: The main lawn or a beautifully decorated terrace area are popular choices for the reception dinner and dancing. Under the stars, with the sound of the waves as your soundtrack, a Casa Aramara reception is truly magical.

Pro tip: Utilize the estate’s diverse spaces for different parts of your day. A sunset ceremony on the beach followed by cocktails on a spacious terrace and a grand reception dinner on the lawn offers a dynamic and visually stunning experience for your guests.

What’s Included in the Estate Rental Fee?

The estate rental fee for Casa Aramara is comprehensive, focusing on providing a luxurious and functional private villa for your wedding event. Typically, this fee covers:

  • Exclusive use of the entire property: This includes all rooms, common areas, event spaces (gardens, terraces, beach access), and amenities for the booked duration (usually a minimum of 3-7 nights for wedding bookings).
  • Accommodation: Luxurious lodging for up to 20-24 guests within the villa’s well-appointed suites and bedrooms.
  • Full Staffing: A dedicated team of professionals, including a villa manager, chefs, kitchen staff, bartenders, housekeepers, and groundskeepers, ensuring smooth operation and impeccable service throughout your stay and event.
  • Gourmet Catering Services: The villa’s chefs will prepare all your wedding meals, including your reception dinner, following custom menu designs and dietary requirements. This covers food preparation and service.
  • On-site Maintenance and Housekeeping: Daily cleaning and upkeep of the villa and grounds to maintain the highest standards of luxury.

Please note that external vendor costs (decor, florals, entertainment, photography, wedding planner, additional guest catering if applicable) are separate and managed by the wedding couple or their planner.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies at Casa Aramara

While Punta Mita is known for its beautiful weather, the possibility of rain exists, especially during the summer and early fall. Casa Aramara, being a private estate, offers incredible flexibility for backup plans. The villa has several stunning indoor and covered outdoor spaces that can be transformed into a beautiful ceremony area. These might include the elegant living areas, a spacious covered terrace, or a specially decorated area within the main villa structure. These spaces are designed with the same luxurious aesthetic as the rest of the estate, ensuring your ceremony remains beautiful and intimate, regardless of the weather.

Pro tip: Discuss your backup plan options thoroughly with your wedding planner and the villa management during the planning phase. Ensure the indoor/covered space aligns with your aesthetic and can comfortably accommodate your guest count.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Securing an exclusive property like Casa Aramara for a wedding involves specific payment structures:

Villa Rental Deposit: A substantial non-refundable deposit, often ranging from 30-50% of the total villa rental fee, is required to book and secure your dates. This deposit is crucial for blocking the villa.

Installment Payments: Further payments are typically scheduled, with significant portions often due 6-12 months in advance of the event, reflecting the commitment to reserving such a high-demand property.

Final Payment: The balance of the villa rental, along with any estimated catering and beverage costs, is usually due 60-90 days prior to your arrival date.

Cancellation Policies: Due to the nature of private villa rentals, cancellation policies are generally very strict. Deposits and advance payments are typically forfeited if you cancel within a certain period before your reservation. It is highly recommended to secure comprehensive wedding insurance to protect your investment.

Coordination & Planning Services for Casa Aramara Weddings

While Casa Aramara provides an exceptional on-site team for the villa’s operation, the coordination and execution of the wedding itself are typically managed by a professional wedding planner hired by the couple. This planner acts as your main point of contact and works closely with the villa staff.

Your wedding planner will:

  • Oversee all aspects of wedding planning and design, from conceptualization to execution.
  • Source and manage all external vendors: florists, caterers (if you opt for a service beyond the villa’s chef), entertainment, photographers, videographers, lighting, rentals, etc.
  • Create and manage the wedding budget and timeline.
  • Coordinate with the Casa Aramara staff to ensure seamless execution on the wedding day.
  • Handle vendor contracts and payments.
  • Be present on the wedding day to manage all logistics and ensure everything runs perfectly.

Choosing a planner experienced with Punta Mita and private villa weddings is highly recommended for a stress-free and successful event at Casa Aramara.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

Casa Aramara’s in-house culinary team is adept at crafting exquisite menus tailored to your specific tastes and any dietary requirements. They pride themselves on using fresh, local ingredients to create a truly memorable dining experience for your wedding. Whether you envision traditional Mexican cuisine with a gourmet twist, fresh seafood, or international flavors, they can accommodate various preferences.

They are well-equipped to handle dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, allergies, and more. It’s essential to communicate these needs clearly to your wedding planner and the villa’s catering team well in advance so they can design a bespoke menu that delights all your guests.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

As a private estate, Casa Aramara offers considerable flexibility for music and entertainment. You have the freedom to select your preferred bands, DJs, or musicians to create the perfect atmosphere for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.

However, as with most residential properties and luxury estates, there may be considerations regarding amplified music and noise levels, especially late at night, to ensure respect for neighboring properties and the serene environment. Your wedding planner will coordinate with the villa management to ensure all entertainment adheres to any applicable regulations or curfews, typically around 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM for outdoor amplified music. If you wish for the celebration to continue later, arrangements can often be made for acoustic sets or music within the villa’s main living spaces.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Guests arriving at Casa Aramara will likely fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), which is approximately a 45-60 minute scenic drive away. For seamless guest logistics:

Airport Transfers: Your wedding planner can arrange private luxury transportation from PVR directly to Casa Aramara. This is highly recommended for guests staying at the villa and can be offered to other guests as well.

On-Site Parking: While the villa estate has space, it’s typically for immediate family and wedding party members staying on-site. For larger events, your planner will arrange for valet parking or designated parking areas nearby, potentially with shuttle services, to manage guest vehicles efficiently and ensure a smooth arrival.

Guest Accommodation: Since Casa Aramara accommodates a limited number of guests on-site, advise your guests well in advance to book their accommodations at nearby luxury hotels or rental properties in Punta Mita. Your planner can often assist with providing recommended options.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Casa Aramara Wedding

A wedding at Casa Aramara is a significant investment, reflecting its exclusivity and luxurious private estate setting. Here’s a general cost breakdown for a wedding of approximately 75-100 guests:

  • Villa Rental Fee: Expect this to range from $25,000 – $60,000+ USD for a 3-7 night wedding stay, depending on the season and specific dates.
  • Catering (Food & Beverage): This is a major variable. Budget anywhere from $150 – $350+ USD per person for gourmet catering, premium open bar, and professional service staff. For 100 guests, this could be $15,000 – $35,000+.
  • Wedding Planner Fees: A full-service planner is essential and typically costs 15-20% of your total wedding budget or a flat fee, ranging from $10,000 – $25,000+ USD.
  • Photography & Videography: High-end destination wedding packages can range from $6,000 – $15,000+ USD.
  • Florals & Decor: Customizing the estate with florals and decor can range from $5,000 – $20,000+ USD, depending on the scale.
  • Entertainment: Live bands or DJs can cost $3,000 – $10,000+ USD.
  • Rentals (additional): Though the villa is well-appointed, you might need specialty linens, furniture, or lighting, budgeting $3,000 – $10,000+ USD.
  • Taxes and Service Fees: Factor in approximately 16% VAT and a 10-15% service charge on many services, potentially adding 25-30% to your total.

A rough total estimate for a wedding at Casa Aramara for 100 guests could range from $70,000 to $175,000+ USD, depending heavily on your choices for catering, decor, and entertainment.

*Please note: These are estimates. Obtain a detailed, customized quote from the villa management and your chosen wedding planner.*

Splurge vs. Save at Casa Aramara

To save on costs at Casa Aramara, consider a weekday wedding or an off-peak season. Opting for a more streamlined floral design, a buffet or family-style dinner instead of a plated multi-course meal, or a skilled DJ instead of a live band can also reduce expenses. Limiting the number of rooms booked on-site can also be a saving. To splurge, consider a full weekend buyout with curated events for all guests, a renowned destination band, professional lighting design to transform the estate, custom fireworks over the ocean, or a private chef experience for every meal during your stay. Hiring a top-tier wedding planner is a crucial investment that often pays for itself in stress reduction and vendor negotiation.

Casa Aramara Wedding Packages & Inclusions

Casa Aramara doesn’t offer traditional tiered packages like hotels. Instead, it provides an all-encompassing private villa experience that you then customize with your wedding elements:

  • Villa Rental: This is the core cost and includes exclusive use of the entire estate for your designated stay (minimum nights usually required for weddings).
  • Accommodations: Luxurious lodging for up to 24 guests on-site.
  • Dedicated Staff: A professional team including a villa manager, chefs, kitchen staff, bartenders, and housekeeping.
  • Catering: The villa’s chefs prepare all meals, including a fully customized wedding reception menu, using high-quality ingredients. This typically includes food and often bartending services, though beverage costs are separate.
  • Estate Amenities: Access to all areas of the property, including pools, lounges, private beach access, and well-appointed common spaces.

What’s typically NOT included (and managed by your planner):

  • Wedding Planner Fees
  • Photography & Videography
  • Florals & Decor
  • Entertainment (DJ, Band, Musicians)
  • Rentals (Specialty Linens, Furniture, Lighting)
  • Officiant/Minister
  • Guest Transportation
  • Beverages (often a separate cost based on consumption or pre-selected packages)
  • Taxes and Gratuities

Pro tip: Work closely with your wedding planner to leverage the villa’s existing beauty and integrate rentals and decor that enhance, rather than compete with, the estate’s natural elegance.

Activities for Other Days in Punta Mita

Casa Aramara guests can enjoy numerous activities:

  • Golf: Play on the world-renowned Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses in Punta Mita.
  • Beach Clubs: Visit exclusive beach clubs like Kupuri or El Surf Club for dining and relaxation.
  • Water Sports: Enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing lessons, or private yacht charters.
  • Spa Treatments: Indulge in spa services at the villa or nearby luxury resorts.
  • Local Exploration: Visit the charming town of Sayulita for artisan crafts and a bohemian vibe.
  • Marietas Islands: Take a boat trip to the famous Hidden Beach (requires advance booking and permits).
  • Culinary Experiences: Arrange private cooking classes focusing on regional Mexican cuisine or indulge in high-end tequila/mezcal tastings.

Three Practical Tips for Brides at Casa Aramara

1) Embrace the Villa’s Charm: Casa Aramara is stunningly beautiful on its own. Work with your planner to select decor that complements, rather than overwhelms, the villa’s natural elegance and architecture. Focus on lighting and florals that enhance the existing beauty.

2) Prioritize Guest Experience: Since many guests will stay on-site, consider arranging a welcome cocktail or a farewell brunch to maximize quality time. Ensure clear communication regarding transportation and any villa policies.

3) Leverage the In-House Team: Trust the villa’s experienced staff, especially the chefs and villa manager. They are experts at making the estate function smoothly and can offer invaluable insights into managing an event at Casa Aramara.

Two Bride Reviews of Casa Aramara Weddings

“Our wedding at Casa Aramara was everything we dreamed of and more. The exclusivity and privacy of having the entire villa to ourselves, with all our closest loved ones, was incredibly special. The beauty of the estate, the stunning beach ceremony, and the impeccable service from the villa staff made for a truly unforgettable experience. It felt like a fairytale come true.” – Sophia L.

“Choosing Casa Aramara for our destination wedding was the best decision. The elegance of the villa, the breathtaking ocean views, and the ability to host our nearest and dearest all under one roof created such a warm and intimate atmosphere. Every moment felt luxurious and perfectly curated. The entire team went above and beyond to ensure our day was flawless.” – Isabella M.

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

Casa Aramara in Punta Mita is a photographer’s paradise. Its unique blend of classic elegance, tropical grandeur, and direct access to the Pacific Ocean offers an unparalleled range of backdrops. From the vibrant bougainvillea and manicured gardens to the sweeping ocean vistas, private beach, and the villa’s stunning architecture, every corner of Casa Aramara tells a story of luxury and romance. The natural light here is exceptional, creating breathtaking images during golden hour and twilight. For couples seeking an intimate, exclusive, and visually spectacular wedding, Casa Aramara provides a canvas for capturing timeless, sophisticated, and deeply personal wedding photographs that truly reflect the magic of a Punta Mita celebration.

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