Getting Married at Casa Velas: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Dreaming of a sophisticated and intimate wedding where lush botanical gardens meet refined luxury, all within an adults-only, boutique setting? Welcome to Casa Velas—a serene, all-inclusive luxury resort nestled in the exclusive Marina Vallarta area, offering a stunning blend of natural beauty, sophisticated design, and world-class service for your special day. With its tranquil ambiance, private beach club access, and exquisite gourmet dining, Casa Velas provides an unparalleled backdrop for your celebration. Whether you envision an intimate ceremony by the Koi pond or a chic reception amidst tropical greenery, this exquisite resort promises a wedding experience as unforgettable as its personalized service.

Renowned for its attentive service, gourmet culinary experiences, and tranquil atmosphere, Casa Velas seamlessly blends contemporary luxury with authentic Mexican charm. Its exquisite venues—from a romantic Koi pond terrace to lush garden nooks and elegant indoor spaces—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 boutique resort set the stage for your dream wedding.

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

Index

 

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

 

Casa Velas stands out as an exclusive, adults-only, boutique luxury resort in Puerto Vallarta. Its tranquil atmosphere, lush botanical gardens, and gourmet all-inclusive concept create an intimate and serene setting, perfect for couples seeking a refined and private wedding experience. While not directly on the beach, it offers convenient, complimentary access to the exclusive Táu Beach Club on Banderas Bay, combining garden elegance with ocean views.

Recent guest surveys indicate that **couples increasingly prioritize intimate settings, exceptional personalized service, and gourmet culinary experiences**. With its emphasis on privacy, sophisticated design, and world-class dining, Casa Velas offers a truly distinctive and elegant backdrop for your wedding photos and a memorable, indulgent escape for your guests.

 

How Does a Wedding at Casa Velas Work?

 

Planning your wedding at Casa Velas is designed to be a highly personalized and effortless process. Their expert wedding team specializes in intimate and bespoke celebrations, guiding you through every step to ensure your vision is brought to life with meticulous attention to detail. The resort offers a range of elegant garden venues and customizable packages that include everything from ceremony setup and gourmet catering to professional coordination and vendor management.

This dedicated support means you can relax and savor the moments while the resort handles the logistics, allowing you to focus on celebrating your love in a beautiful, stress-free, and exclusive environment.

 

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. 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 stronger backup plans.

 

The Basics of Wedding Packages

 

Casa Velas offers thoughtfully designed wedding packages tailored to intimate and luxurious celebrations. Each package typically includes:

  • Ceremony Setup: Options for charming garden settings, by the tranquil Koi pond, or at the exclusive Táu Beach Club, with elegant seating and romantic décor elements.
  • Reception Venues: Access to sophisticated spaces like garden terraces, the pool area, or private dining rooms for an elegant celebration.
  • Catering: Exquisite gourmet menus featuring a fusion of international and Mexican cuisine, often customized by a renowned chef, offered in various formats from plated dinners to elevated buffets.
  • Decor and Floral Arrangements: Standard decorative elements and floral basics, with opportunities for personalization and upgrades to match your refined theme.
  • Entertainment: Assistance with coordinating sophisticated music (e.g., string quartets, jazz trios, or elegant DJs) to create the perfect intimate atmosphere.

These packages serve as a foundation and can be extensively customized to perfectly align with your dream wedding, emphasizing privacy and gourmet experiences.

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

 

In destination weddings at Casa Velas, typically:

  • The couple covers the primary wedding event costs, such as the specific wedding package, venue rental fees (if applicable beyond the package), and dedicated coordination services for the event.
  • Guests are usually responsible for their luxury all-inclusive suite and travel costs. Casa Velas often provides group rates or block bookings, simplifying their budgeting for a premium, adults-only stay with fine dining and drinks included.
  • The couple might choose to host additional private events, like a sophisticated welcome dinner or a personalized rehearsal lunch, beyond the standard all-inclusive offerings, covering those specific costs for their guests.
  • Extra expenses for highly personalized decor, enhanced entertainment, or unique pre/post-wedding activities (e.g., a private cooking class, golf outings) are typically the couple’s responsibility.
  • Gift registries or contributions towards travel/experiences are common, allowing guests to contribute in meaningful ways to this exclusive experience.

This all-inclusive, adults-only structure allows the couple to tailor the main event while guests enjoy a comprehensive and highly indulgent vacation.

 

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

 

Casa Velas specializes in intimate to medium-sized luxury weddings:

  • Lush Gardens & Terraces: Ideal for ceremonies and receptions, typically accommodating up to 80-100 guests for private events. The Koi pond area is perfect for smaller, romantic ceremonies.
  • Private Dining Rooms & Restaurants: Offer elegant indoor options for intimate receptions or rehearsal dinners, suitable for smaller groups.
  • Táu Beach Club: Provides an oceanfront alternative for ceremonies or sunset cocktail hours, with capacity varying based on setup, typically 50-80 guests for a private event.

The resort offers 80 spacious, luxurious suites, each featuring upscale amenities and often a private plunge pool or jacuzzi. As an adults-only property, it provides a serene escape for guests. Group rates and special blocks can often be arranged, making it convenient for your guests to stay on-site and fully enjoy the exclusive all-inclusive experience.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

Casa Velas’ wedding team expertly manages the flow of your day, ensuring a seamless transition between moments. A typical sequence might look like this:

Ceremony in the Botanical Gardens or by the Koi Pond: Exchange vows surrounded by lush tropical flora, a cascading waterfall, or the serene beauty of the Koi pond, creating a truly romantic and intimate atmosphere.

Cocktail Hour on a Garden Terrace: Guests enjoy gourmet appetizers and premium drinks on a beautifully landscaped terrace, soaking in the tranquil ambiance.

Reception in an Elegant Setting: Move to a dedicated reception area, such as a sophisticated private dining room, an illuminated garden space, or the stunning Táu Beach Club for dinner, toasts, and dancing under the stars (with shuttle service provided to the beach club).

Pro tip: Casa Velas excels at creating distinct, magical spaces. Consider a serene garden ceremony, followed by a vibrant cocktail hour, and then transport your guests to the Táu Beach Club for a breathtaking sunset reception by the ocean. This maximizes the diverse beauty of the resort.

What’s Included in the Venue Rental Fee?

While specific inclusions vary by package, the core wedding package cost at Casa Velas typically includes:

  • Access to Chosen Wedding Venue Spaces: Exclusive use of your selected ceremony and reception areas for the allocated time, often including lush gardens or the Táu Beach Club.
  • Basic Setup: Elegant chairs, tables, linens, and some basic sophisticated décor for the ceremony and reception.
  • Staffing: Professional waitstaff, skilled bartenders, and essential resort personnel dedicated to servicing your exclusive event.
  • Basic Audio-Visual: A sound system for the ceremony and background music during cocktail hour/dinner, suitable for an intimate setting.
  • Gourmet Catering & Beverage: Includes a dedicated gourmet meal and premium open bar service for the wedding event, separate from guests’ all-inclusive resort stay, depending on the package.

Remember that highly personalized floral arrangements, specialized lighting designs, premium entertainment, or upgraded decor are usually additional costs, allowing for complete customization.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

Puerto Vallarta can experience tropical rain, especially during the wet season (June-October). Casa Velas, despite its boutique size, has elegant and functional indoor options available as a backup. These spaces, such as sophisticated private dining rooms or covered terraces, are designed to seamlessly accommodate your celebration, ensuring it remains beautiful and uninterrupted regardless of unexpected weather.

Pro tip: During your planning discussions, ensure you understand the indoor alternative, its location, and how it aligns with your vision. While the desire for an outdoor wedding is strong, having a well-defined contingency plan offers peace of mind.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking your wedding at Casa Velas involves a standard payment structure typical for luxury boutique resorts:

Initial Deposit: A non-refundable deposit, often ranging from $2,000–$5,000 USD (depending on package size and exclusivity), is required to reserve your date and venues.

Scheduled Payments: Further payments are typically scheduled at intervals (e.g., 12, 6, and 3 months prior) to cover estimated costs based on your package and guest count.

Final Payment: The remaining balance is usually due approximately 30-45 days before the wedding date.

Cancellation policies are strict and vary depending on the timing of the cancellation relative to your wedding date. Review your contract carefully and consider wedding insurance to protect your investment against unforeseen circumstances, especially for a high-value, intimate event.

On-Site Wedding Coordination and Planning Services

Casa Velas boasts a professional on-site wedding planning team dedicated to making your journey seamless and highly personalized. Their services typically include:

Dedicated Wedding Planner: A main point of contact who will provide bespoke guidance through every decision, from intimate venue selection and gourmet menu tasting to managing all-inclusive guest group bookings.

Vendor Liaison: Assistance with selecting and coordinating trusted local vendors for photography, sophisticated music, unique floral arrangements, and more, ensuring they align with the resort’s exclusive standards.

Timeline Creation & Management: Developing a detailed and carefully orchestrated schedule for the wedding day and ensuring every element runs precisely on time.

Rehearsal Coordination: Guiding your wedding party through the ceremony rehearsal, ensuring a smooth and elegant flow for the main event.

Their expertise in executing luxury, intimate events in a refined tropical setting is invaluable for a stress-free and highly tailored planning experience.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

Casa Velas’ renowned culinary team excels in providing a truly gourmet dining experience, and they are highly capable of accommodating a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. They specialize in crafting customizable menus featuring sophisticated options, from fresh, locally sourced seafood and traditional Mexican delicacies elevated to fine dining, to international favorites. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher-style, halal, and allergy-specific meals can all be expertly prepared and served with creativity and precision.

Personalized consultations with the chef are often a highlight, allowing you to tailor the menu precisely to your tastes and your guests’ needs. Unique interactive elements like private tequila or wine tastings, or bespoke culinary stations, can add a distinctive touch to your reception.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

Casa Velas, with its focus on tranquility and sophisticated luxury, welcomes entertainment options that complement its intimate ambiance. This could range from romantic mariachis and classical string quartets to smooth jazz trios or tasteful DJs. The resort does have regulations regarding noise levels, particularly for outdoor venues, to maintain the serene experience for all guests.

Typically, outdoor music may have a curfew, often around 10:00 or 11:00 p.m. If your celebration is planned to extend late into the night, the wedding team can advise on suitable indoor spaces or alternative arrangements to continue the party while respecting resort policies and ensuring a harmonious environment for other guests.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Most guests will arrive via Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), which is conveniently located in the Marina Vallarta area, approximately 5-10 minutes drive from Casa Velas. To facilitate guest transportation:

Airport Transfers: Casa Velas often provides complimentary or easily arranged private airport transfers for its guests, ensuring a seamless and luxurious arrival experience right from the moment they land.

On-Site Transportation: The resort is compact and easily walkable. For access to the beach, complimentary shuttle service is provided to the exclusive Táu Beach Club (a short 5-minute ride).

Parking: On-site parking is available for guests who choose to rent cars, or for local vendors.

Casa Velas’ prime location near the airport and Marina Vallarta, combined with its dedicated guest services, simplifies logistics, making it exceptionally convenient for both local and international guests to reach and enjoy the property and its exclusive beach club.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Casa Velas

For an average intimate wedding of about 40-60 guests at Casa Velas, a rough estimate for your budget might be:

  • Wedding Package/Venue Fee: $7,000–$18,000 USD (includes ceremony setup, private reception space, some decor, and gourmet F&B for the event). This fee covers the exclusive event space and services, separate from guest room rates.
  • Guest All-Inclusive Suite Stays: Guests are responsible for their own luxury all-inclusive suite. Rates can range from $350-$600+ USD per person per night, depending on season and suite category. This is typically booked directly by guests or through a travel agent coordinating the group block.
  • Additional Private Event Food and Beverage: If your package doesn’t fully cover every aspect of the event’s F&B or if you opt for enhanced gourmet experiences, additional costs might be $70–$150+ USD per person. For 50 guests, budget $3,500–$7,500+.
  • Entertainment: $1,800–$5,000 USD (live musician, DJ, or band, potentially including specialty acts like a mariachi band).
  • Photography/Videography: $3,500–$8,000 USD (depends on hours, photographers, and deliverables, often premium for this caliber of venue).
  • Florals and Enhanced Decor: $1,500–$5,000 USD (basic to highly customized, emphasizing lush, elegant arrangements).
  • Taxes and Service Fees: Typically adds 16% VAT plus a 10-15% service charge on top of wedding event services. Budget at least 26% of total wedding event costs for this.

Total estimated *wedding event* costs (excluding guest room costs) could range from $20,000 to $55,000+ USD for a 50-guest wedding, highly dependent on specific package choices, bespoke menu selections, and added luxuries. Prioritizing what matters most to you can help manage the budget effectively, noting that guests cover their own high-end all-inclusive stay.

*Please note: These are estimates. Always obtain a customized quote directly from Casa Velas’ wedding team.*

Splurge vs. Save

To save costs, consider an intimate weekday wedding, optimizing your guest count, or simplifying floral and décor elements to focus on the natural beauty of the gardens. Utilize the existing elegant ambiance. To splurge, consider adding a private, personalized cooking class for your guests, a pre-wedding golf outing for the wedding party on the adjacent golf course, a bespoke tasting menu crafted by the executive chef, or an exclusive post-reception cigar and liquor bar. Upgrading to the most luxurious suites for the couple and key guests can also enhance the experience.

Wedding Packages and What’s Included

Casa Velas offers a range of sophisticated wedding packages designed for an intimate luxury experience. While details vary, common inclusions are:

  • Ceremony Site Fee: Use of a designated area (e.g., botanical gardens, Koi pond, Táu Beach Club).
  • Basic Ceremony Setup: Elegant chairs, tasteful altar/arch options.
  • Minister/Officiant: Arrangement of services (symbolic or legal, with legal requiring separate paperwork/fees).
  • Cocktail Hour: Premium open bar and selection of gourmet tray-passed appetizers, specific to your private event.
  • Reception Dinner: Choice of refined plated, buffet, or station-style dinner from a pre-selected gourmet menu.
  • Drinks Package: Premium open bar options (top-shelf international brands, duration), specific to your private event.
  • Wedding Cake: A multi-tiered wedding cake in exquisite flavors and designs.
  • Wedding Coordinator: Services of a dedicated on-site planner to assist with all resort arrangements and personalized event execution.

Pro tip: Casa Velas packages often include significant value-added benefits like complimentary suite nights for the couple, spa treatments, or romantic dinners, especially with minimum guest room bookings, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

Activities for Other Days

Keep your guests entertained throughout their stay at this unique property and in Puerto Vallarta:

  • Organize a group round of golf at the adjacent Marina Vallarta Golf Club.
  • Arrange a private wellness session or group spa treatment at the Apuane Spa.
  • Host a pre-wedding “Chef’s Table” dinner at one of the resort’s gourmet restaurants for your closest guests.
  • Enjoy complimentary access and shuttle service to the exclusive Táu Beach Club for sunbathing, swimming, and oceanfront dining.
  • Explore the nearby Marina Vallarta boardwalk with its shops, restaurants, and yachts.
  • Book a private boat tour to explore Banderas Bay, snorkel at Los Arcos, or look for whales (in season).
  • Arrange adventurous excursions like jungle canopy tours or explore downtown Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón and art galleries.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Embrace the Garden Oasis: While it’s not oceanfront, Casa Velas’ strength is its lush, meticulously maintained gardens. Leverage these natural backdrops for stunning photos and intimate moments, particularly around the Koi pond.

2) Prioritize Gourmet Experiences: Casa Velas is known for its exceptional food and beverage. Work closely with the culinary team to create a truly bespoke menu that highlights local flavors and caters to your guests’ preferences, making dining a central part of your celebration.

3) Utilize the Táu Beach Club: Plan at least one event at the exclusive Táu Beach Club (e.g., a welcome cocktail, sunset ceremony, or rehearsal dinner). It offers a stunning oceanfront contrast to the resort’s garden tranquility and is easily accessible via complimentary shuttle.

Two Bride Reviews

“Our wedding at Casa Velas was absolutely perfect. We wanted something intimate and luxurious, and this adults-only gem delivered beyond our expectations. The botanical gardens were a dream for our ceremony, and the personalized service from their wedding team made us feel so special. Our guests were blown away by the gourmet food and the tranquil atmosphere. And the beach club was an incredible bonus!” – Sophia L.

“Choosing Casa Velas for our special day was the best decision we made. It’s truly a hidden oasis. The attention to detail from the wedding planner was flawless, and the chef created a custom menu that was the highlight for many of our guests. We loved the sophisticated, serene vibe, and the fact that it’s adults-only made it a truly relaxing escape for everyone. Highly recommend for a truly refined and personal wedding.” – Isabella C.

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

Having photographed weddings across Mexico, Casa Velas offers a distinct and refreshing photographic canvas. Its strength lies in its incredible botanical gardens, charming Koi pond, and elegant, intimate atmosphere. These elements provide a myriad of soft, romantic, and beautifully composed backdrops that are a joy to capture. Unlike typical beachfront resorts, Casa Velas offers a unique blend of sophisticated garden tranquility with access to a stunning private beach club, allowing for diverse photographic styles in one location. The resort’s attention to detail, impeccable service, and focus on gourmet experiences truly shine through, translating into a refined visual story. If you’re looking for a luxury boutique destination wedding venue that prioritizes intimacy, bespoke experiences, and unparalleled beauty away from the crowds, Casa Velas is an outstanding choice that photographs with a timeless elegance.

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