Getting Married at Casa Sol de Oriente Careyes: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Careyes Weddings, Wedding Venue Guides

Dreaming of a wedding where iconic, vibrant architecture meets the dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters of the Pacific? Welcome to Casa Sol de Oriente in the exclusive enclave of Careyes—an unparalleled private villa offering a breathtaking blend of artistic design, ultimate privacy, and world-class service for your special day. With its stunning oceanfront location, bold colors, and unique, flowing spaces, Casa Sol de Oriente provides an extraordinary backdrop for your celebration. Whether you envision an intimate ceremony by its famous circular pool or a lavish reception under the stars overlooking the Pacific, this exquisite villa promises a wedding experience as unforgettable as its magical sunsets.

Renowned for its breathtaking design and atmosphere of secluded luxury, Casa Sol de Oriente embodies a unique artistic vision, offering an escape into a world of fantasy and elegance. Its iconic spaces—from the stunning clifftop pool terrace to intimate courtyards and grand open-air living areas—are designed to host a truly bespoke celebration, reflecting your unique love story while showcasing the dramatic beauty of Costa Careyes. Let the architectural wonder and exclusive allure of this villa set the stage for your dream wedding.

Planning your perfect wedding in Costa Careyes? Explore some of the best wedding photos in Careyes in this stunning destination, showcasing breathtaking moments captured in paradise. 

Index

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

 

Casa Sol de Oriente in Costa Careyes stands out for its jaw-dropping architectural design and dramatic clifftop location, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The villa’s iconic, vibrant style, its famous circular infinity pool, and uniquely designed spaces create an atmosphere of unparalleled exclusivity and artistic flair, perfect for highly personalized destination weddings. Couples seeking a truly unique, luxurious, and private setting that makes a bold statement will find Casa Sol de Oriente provides an extraordinary and unforgettable backdrop.

Recent trends in luxury weddings show that **couples increasingly prioritize one-of-a-kind experiences and highly photogenic, statement venues**. With its unique artistic vision and exceptional privacy, Casa Sol de Oriente offers a truly distinctive backdrop for your wedding photos and a memorable, immersive escape for your guests.

 

How Does a Wedding at Casa Sol de Oriente Work?

 

Planning your wedding at Casa Sol de Oriente is an entirely bespoke experience, focusing on exclusivity and personalization. You’ll typically work with a dedicated villa manager and/or a high-end wedding planner who specializes in Careyes. They will guide you through crafting every detail, from curating world-class chefs and designers to coordinating unique entertainment. The emphasis is on creating a one-of-a-kind event tailored to your vision, rather than selecting from pre-set packages.

This dedicated, high-touch support means you can fully immerse yourself in the creative process, knowing that every element will be executed to the highest standard, allowing you to focus on celebrating your love in a truly magical, stress-free environment.

 

Best Months to Get Married

 

Costa Careyes enjoys a fabulous climate 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. The drier season also provides consistent, beautiful natural light for photography.

Marrying during these months ensures optimal weather for enjoying the villa’s stunning outdoor spaces, while the summer/fall season (June-October) can be more humid and prone to afternoon showers, potentially offering more venue availability but requiring robust backup plans.

 

The Basics of Villa Rentals & Inclusions

 

Casa Sol de Oriente operates differently from a resort; rather than offering set ‘packages,’ a wedding here is built around the exclusive rental of the villa. The rental fee typically grants you:

  • Exclusive Use: Full private access to Casa Sol de Oriente, its suites, pools, and grounds for your contracted period.
  • Villa Staff: Services of the villa’s dedicated staff (e.g., chef, housekeepers, butler, maintenance), whose scope will be defined in your rental agreement.
  • Stunning Backdrops: Use of its iconic architectural spaces for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.

All other elements—such as catering (often by the in-house chef or a chosen external caterer), decor, floral arrangements, music, and detailed planning—are then curated and sourced separately, often with the help of your wedding planner, to create a completely personalized event.

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

 

In destination weddings at Casa Sol de Oriente, typically:

  • The couple covers the primary wedding costs, such as the villa rental, catering, planner fees, decor, and entertainment.
  • Guests are usually responsible for their own travel and accommodation in nearby Careyes villas or casitas, though the couple might assist with coordinating options or securing preferred rates where possible.
  • The couple might choose to host additional events, like a welcome dinner or farewell brunch at the villa or another Careyes location, covering those costs.
  • Extra expenses for highly personalized elements, extensive guest activities, or luxury upgrades are 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 design an incredibly bespoke main event while guests manage their personal travel for this exclusive destination.

 

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

 

Casa Sol de Oriente offers an incredibly unique setting for intimate to moderately sized luxury weddings:

  • Event Capacity: The villa’s expansive terraces and grounds can typically accommodate events from 20 to 150 guests, depending on the desired setup for ceremony, cocktails, and dining. Larger numbers might be possible with specific configurations and planner expertise.
  • On-Site Accommodations: Casa Sol de Oriente itself features a number of luxurious suites (e.g., typically 5-6 suites, sleeping 10-12 guests). This is perfect for the wedding couple and their immediate family or bridal party.
  • Guest Accommodations Nearby: For additional guests, accommodations can be arranged in other private villas, casitas, or bungalows within the exclusive Careyes community. Your planner can assist with coordinating these.

The focus is on an intimate, residential-style experience for those staying at the villa, with a curated selection of beautiful options nearby for the wider guest list, ensuring everyone enjoys the unique Careyes lifestyle.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

Your wedding planner, in coordination with Casa Sol de Oriente’s villa manager, will masterfully orchestrate the flow of your day. A typical sequence might be:

Iconic Poolside Ceremony: Exchange vows on the breathtaking terrace surrounding the famous circular infinity pool, with the Pacific Ocean as your unparalleled backdrop.

Cliffside Sunset Cocktails: Guests enjoy exquisite cocktails and canapés in one of the villa’s stunning open-air living areas or terraces as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant hues.

Starlit Reception Dinner: Move to a beautifully arranged dining area, perhaps on another grand terrace or within a dramatic, open-sided salon, for a gourmet dinner, heartfelt toasts, and dancing under the vast expanse of the starlit Careyes sky.

Pro tip: Utilize the villa’s unique architectural elements and multiple levels. Each space offers a different ambiance. Consider a progressive event that moves guests through different parts of this magical property, creating a journey of discovery and constant visual delight.

What’s Included in the Villa Rental Fee?

The venue rental fee for Casa Sol de Oriente typically includes:

  • Exclusive Use of the Villa: Your private domain for the duration of the rental, including all its architectural spaces, pools, and meticulously maintained gardens.
  • Dedicated Villa Staff: Service from the in-house team (e.g., villa manager, highly skilled chef for residential meals, butlers, housekeeping), as specified in your rental contract. Their primary role is the upkeep of the villa and exceptional service to resident guests; event-specific staffing (waiters, bar staff for larger numbers) is usually an additional arrangement.
  • Use of Existing Villa Furnishings & Amenities: Access to the villa’s high-end furniture, luxurious linens, and state-of-the-art amenities for residential use. Event-specific rentals (e.g., additional tables, chairs for larger guest counts, dance floors, specialized lighting) are usually sourced externally by your planner.

Remember that premium event furniture, elaborate floral installations, specialized A/V equipment, external catering for large events, and decor beyond the villa’s inherent beauty are typically additional costs, seamlessly integrated by your wedding planner.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

While Costa Careyes typically enjoys excellent weather during the prime wedding season (November-May), it’s always wise to have a sophisticated contingency plan. Casa Sol de Oriente features some expansive covered living areas, loggias, and grand salons that can be beautifully adapted for ceremonies or receptions if needed. For larger groups or to ensure uninterrupted ocean views, elegant tenting on one of the terraces is often the preferred backup strategy.

Pro tip: Discuss backup options in detail with your wedding planner. Given the villa’s unique and powerful architecture, any covered alternative or tenting should be meticulously planned to complement its style, maximize views, and ensure guest comfort without compromising the aesthetic.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking your wedding at Casa Sol de Oriente, an exclusive private villa, involves a significant investment and specific terms:

Initial Deposit: A substantial non-refundable deposit, often 25-50% of the total rental fee, is required to secure your dates. This could range from $10,000–$25,000+ USD or more, depending on the length of stay, season, and specific villa policies.

Scheduled Payments: Further payments are typically due in installments leading up to your arrival (e.g., 6 months prior, 3 months prior, 60 days prior).

Final Payment & Security Deposit: The remaining balance, plus often a considerable security deposit (to cover any potential damages or extraordinary expenses), is usually due 30-60 days before the event.

Cancellation policies for exclusive villas like Casa Sol de Oriente are generally very strict, with limited or no refunds, especially as the event date approaches. Review your contract meticulously and it is highly recommended to obtain comprehensive wedding and travel insurance to protect your investment.

Coordination & Planning Services

While Casa Sol de Oriente has a dedicated and highly professional villa manager and staff focused on the impeccable operation of the property and service to resident guests, comprehensive wedding planning is typically undertaken by a specialist external wedding planner. These planners are experts in orchestrating high-end events in unique locations like Careyes. Their services generally include:

Full-Service Design & Planning: From initial concept development and aesthetic direction to meticulous vendor selection, budget management, and flawless execution.

Vendor Curation & Management: Sourcing and managing an elite team of local and international vendors for catering, florals, photography, cinematography, entertainment, lighting, rentals, and more.

Complex Logistics Management: Overseeing all timelines, guest accommodation coordination, transportation logistics (including airport transfers and movement within Careyes), and detailed on-the-day event management.

The villa manager will collaborate closely with your chosen wedding planner to ensure a seamless and extraordinary experience, leveraging their intimate knowledge of the property.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

Catering at Casa Sol de Oriente is a highly personalized and sophisticated affair. The villa may have an exceptional in-house chef capable of catering to resident guests and smaller, intimate gatherings with culinary excellence. For larger wedding events, you will likely work with them or select a premier external caterer, often recommended by your wedding planner. This approach offers unparalleled flexibility and quality:

Menus are entirely customizable, ranging from multi-course gourmet tasting dinners and elegant plated meals to sophisticated interactive food stations or themed culinary experiences that reflect your personal taste. All dietary requirements—including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, halal, and specific allergy considerations—can be exquisitely catered to with creativity and precision. In-depth consultations with the chef or catering director are integral to crafting your perfect wedding menu, often highlighting the freshest local Pacific Coast ingredients, sustainable options, and international culinary artistry.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

Casa Sol de Oriente provides a spectacular canvas for a wide array of entertainment options, from sophisticated chill-out lounge DJs setting the mood by the iconic pool to elegant string quartets, renowned live bands for dancing under the stars, or even unique performance artists. However, Casa Sol de Oriente is part of the exclusive and tranquil Careyes community, which has guidelines to maintain its serene ambiance.

Typically, outdoor amplified music may have a curfew, often around 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM, to respect the peace of the surrounding area and other residents. Your wedding planner will be intimately familiar with these specific regulations and can advise on how to best structure your celebration. Some villas may have internal spaces or more secluded areas where festivities can continue later into the night with carefully managed sound levels, or silent disco options could be explored for late-night revelry.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Guests traveling to a wedding at Casa Sol de Oriente in Careyes will typically fly into either Manzanillo-Costalegre International Airport (ZLO), which is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour scenic drive away, or Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), a longer journey of about 3 to 4 hours. To facilitate guest transportation:

Airport Transfers: Arranging private car services, luxury SUVs, or shuttle services is essential. Your wedding planner or the villa concierge can coordinate these transfers for a seamless arrival experience.

On-Site Transportation within Careyes: Golf carts are a popular and charming way to navigate between villas, beaches, and restaurants within the private Careyes estate. Your planner can assist with rentals if needed.

Parking at Casa Sol de Oriente: The villa will have limited private parking, primarily for resident guests or essential vendor vehicles. For wedding events, guest transportation is usually managed via coordinated shuttles or private cars arranged from their respective accommodations within Careyes to the villa.

Providing guests with detailed travel information, including airport recommendations, transfer options, and local Careyes transport, well in advance is crucial for a smooth experience in this exclusive and more remote destination.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Casa Sol de Oriente Careyes

For an ultra-luxury wedding of about 50 guests at Casa Sol de Oriente, the investment is significantly higher, reflecting the exclusivity, bespoke nature of the experience, and world-class setting. A rough estimate for your budget might be:

  • Exclusive Villa Rental (e.g., 3-night minimum): $20,000 – $50,000+ USD (This can vary greatly by season, duration, and specific villa. Event fees might be separate or included).
  • Food and Beverage (per person, high-end catering & premium bar): $250 – $500+ USD. For 50 guests, budget $12,500 – $25,000+.
  • Wedding Planner (Full Service): $10,000 – $25,000+ USD (Essential for this caliber of venue and event).
  • Florals and High-End Decor: $15,000 – $50,000+ USD (Custom design to complement the villa’s grandeur and your vision).
  • Photography/Videography (Top-tier destination specialists): $8,000 – $20,000+ USD.
  • Entertainment (DJ, live band, specialty performers): $5,000 – $15,000+ USD.
  • Event Rentals (additional furniture, lighting, dance floor, etc.): $5,000 – $20,000+ USD.
  • Taxes and Service Fees: Typically 16% VAT plus a 15-20% service charge on many services. Budget at least 30-35% of applicable subtotals for this.

Total estimated costs could range from $80,000 to $200,000+ USD for a 50-guest wedding at Casa Sol de Oriente. This figure can easily escalate based on the intricacy of design, duration of events, number of international vendors, and specific luxury choices (e.g., celebrity chef, headline entertainment, extensive custom builds).

*Please note: These are broad estimates intended for initial orientation. A precise quote requires detailed consultation with Casa Sol de Oriente (or its representatives) and a professional wedding planner.*

Splurge vs. Save

At a venue as inherently luxurious as Casa Sol de Oriente, ‘saving’ is relative, as the experience is premium by nature. However, choices can influence the overall investment:

To manage costs (relatively):

  • Consider a slightly smaller, more intimate guest list.
  • Focus resources on the main wedding day rather than multiple elaborate pre/post-wedding events.
  • Work with your designer to create ‘high-impact’ decor focal points rather than excessive florals everywhere.
  • Opt for a shorter villa rental period if the venue’s policies and your event schedule allow (though minimum stays often apply).

To splurge: The possibilities are virtually limitless at Casa Sol de Oriente.

  • Engage an internationally renowned celebrity chef for a unique culinary experience.
  • Commission bespoke art installations or custom-built ceremony and reception structures.
  • Secure headline entertainment or unique, world-class performers.
  • Plan a multi-day itinerary of curated luxury experiences for your guests (e.g., private yacht excursions along the Costalegre, exclusive polo matches, themed parties at different Careyes locations).
  • Invest in breathtaking, transformative lighting design and opulent floral arrangements throughout the villa.
  • Arrange for spectacular fireworks displays over the Pacific Ocean.

Villa Rental & Customization

Casa Sol de Oriente does not offer ‘wedding packages’ in the traditional resort sense. Instead, the foundation of your wedding is the exclusive villa rental. This rental typically includes:

  • Private and Exclusive Use: Full, uninterrupted access to the entire Casa Sol de Oriente property, its luxurious suites, stunning pools, expansive terraces, and meticulously landscaped grounds for your contracted period.
  • Core Villa Staff: The dedicated services of the villa’s highly trained in-house team, which usually includes a villa manager/concierge, a talented chef (for residential meals and potentially smaller events), butlers, housekeepers, and groundskeepers, as outlined in your rental agreement.
  • Basic Amenities: Use of the villa’s existing high-quality linens, premium toweling, and comprehensive kitchenware for resident guests.

Beyond this, every element of your wedding is typically à la carte and fully customized to your desires, orchestrated by your wedding planner:

  • Event Catering: Tailored menus designed in consultation with the villa chef (for more intimate numbers) or a selected external high-end catering company for larger wedding feasts.
  • Bar Services: Custom-designed bar setups, often featuring premium spirits, signature cocktails, and fine wines.
  • Decor & Florals: Bespoke design concepts, from grand floral arches to intricate tablescapes, created by expert floral designers.
  • Event Rentals: All necessary additional furniture (ceremony chairs, reception tables, lounge areas), specialized lighting, sound systems, dance floors, and tableware required for the wedding events.
  • Entertainment: Curated by your planner to match your style, from solo musicians to full bands or DJs.
  • Wedding Planner Services: Comprehensive planning and coordination are considered essential and are sourced externally.

Pro tip: The villa rental may sometimes include complimentary use of specific recreational equipment (e.g., kayaks, paddleboards) or privileged access to certain Careyes community amenities. Clarify all inclusions and potential additional costs with the villa management and your planner. The beauty of this model is the ability to create a truly unique, non-cookie-cutter wedding.

Activities for Other Days

Enrich your guests’ experience by showcasing the unique allure of Costa Careyes throughout their stay:

  • Organize a private boat or yacht excursion along the stunning Careyes coastline, discovering secluded beaches, dramatic cliffs, and opportunities for snorkeling or whale watching (in season).
  • Host a chic welcome cocktail party at another iconic Careyes location, such as a different colorful plaza or a beachfront club, or arrange a relaxed, yet elegant, beach bonfire and BBQ.
  • Guests can enjoy privileged access to the private beaches of Careyes, renowned for their pristine beauty and tranquility. Consider arranging horseback riding along the sand or through the scenic landscape.
  • Careyes is famous for its surreal and vibrant architecture. Arrange a guided tour for your guests to explore other famous casitas, plazas, and art installations within the estate.
  • Indulge in wellness and relaxation. Offer private yoga or meditation sessions at Casa Sol de Oriente, or arrange for spa treatments either at the villa or at a nearby wellness facility.
  • For the adventurous, options like sea kayaking, paddleboarding, or exploring nearby ecological reserves can be arranged.
  • Given Careyes’ strong connection to the art world and its artistic community, consider incorporating an art-focused event, like a visit to a local gallery or a private showing.
  • If seasonally appropriate and of interest, inquire about attending or arranging a private polo match at the Careyes Polo Club.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Embrace the Architecture & Color Palette: Casa Sol de Oriente is a photographer’s and cinematographer’s dream. Its unique lines, bold, sun-drenched colors, and dramatic interplay of light and shadow are integral to its magic. Work closely with your visual team to capture these elements. Let the venue’s distinctive style inspire your wedding aesthetic, from attire to decor, for a harmonious and striking visual story.

2) Sunset is a Sacred Spectacle: The Pacific sunsets viewed from Casa Sol de Oriente’s clifftop perch are legendary and truly breathtaking. Plan your ceremony timing or cocktail hour to coincide with the golden hour and the ensuing vibrant sunset. This natural spectacle will provide an unforgettable backdrop for your vows and celebrations, as well as stunning photographs.

3) Plan Guest Logistics Meticulously and Early: Careyes is an exclusive and somewhat remote paradise. Ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience for your guests requires careful and early planning. This includes clear communication regarding airport choices (ZLO or PVR), coordinated airport transfers, arrangement of accommodations in other Careyes properties, and transportation within the Careyes estate. A top-tier wedding planner with Careyes experience is invaluable for managing these complex logistics.

Two Bride Reviews

“Our wedding at Casa Sol de Oriente was, without exaggeration, a surreal dream come true. The villa itself is a masterpiece of art and architecture, a vibrant sanctuary overlooking the endless Pacific. Every single detail was handled with such grace, precision, and personal care by our incredible planners and the wonderfully attentive villa staff. Our guests are still raving about the otherworldly beauty of the venue, the magical atmosphere of Careyes, and the feeling of being part of something truly extraordinary. It was an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience that transcended all our expectations.” – Olivia M.

“Choosing Casa Sol de Oriente for our wedding celebration was unequivocally the best decision we made. The sheer privacy, the breathtaking, almost impossible beauty of the place, and the feeling of being enveloped in our own vibrant, luxurious paradise was simply incredible. The entire team, guided by our planner, created an event that was so uniquely ‘us,’ set against the most stunning and dramatic backdrop imaginable. If you are seeking a wedding that is exceptionally chic, profoundly memorable, and utterly magical, Casa Sol de Oriente is, quite simply, it. Pure magic.” – Alexander B.

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

Having photographed weddings in some of Mexico’s most exclusive and sought-after locations, Casa Sol de Oriente in Careyes holds a truly singular and revered place. This villa is far more than just a venue; it’s a living, breathing work of art, a testament to visionary design. The dynamic interplay of intense, joyful light on its signature vibrant, curved walls, the iconic circular infinity pool that appears to seamlessly merge with the ocean horizon, and the endless, dramatic panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean offer unparalleled and constantly evolving photographic opportunities. It’s a location where bold architecture and the raw beauty of nature conspire to create moments of pure, unadulterated magic. For couples envisioning a wedding that is as visually breathtaking and artistically expressive as it is deeply personal and exquisitely luxurious, Casa Sol de Oriente provides an extraordinary canvas. The imagery captured here is destined to be bold, romantic, fashion-forward, and utterly unforgettable. It’s an immense privilege and a profound inspiration to photograph celebrations in such a uniquely captivating and inspiring setting.

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