Getting Married at Cuixmala Careyes: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Dreaming of a wedding on a sprawling private estate where dramatic cliffs meet the turquoise Pacific, and vibrant, unique architecture sets a fantastical scene? Welcome to Cuixmala Careyes—an iconic, ultra-luxurious retreat in the heart of Costalegre that offers an unparalleled blend of exotic design, untouched nature, and world-class exclusivity for your special day. With its private beaches, breathtaking ocean vistas, and a vast ecological reserve teeming with wildlife, Cuixmala provides an extraordinary backdrop for your celebration. Whether you envision an opulent ceremony at a Moorish-inspired palace or an intimate gathering on a secluded cove, this legendary estate promises a wedding experience as magical as its legendary sunsets.

Renowned for its visionary architecture, complete privacy, and commitment to conservation, Cuixmala Careyes offers an experience beyond compare. Its spectacular and diverse venues—from grand hilltop casitas and palatial residences to private beaches and lush gardens—are designed to host the most discerning celebrations, all while immersing you in the captivating and wild beauty of Costalegre. Let the extraordinary artistry and natural majesty of this estate set the stage for your unforgettable wedding.

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

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Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

 

Cuixmala Careyes in Costalegre stands out for its magnificent private setting, an ecological reserve where dramatic landscapes meet pristine Pacific beaches. The estate’s iconic, vibrant architecture, sprawling villas, private coves, and commitment to luxury and conservation create an unparalleled atmosphere for exclusive destination weddings. Couples who seek extraordinary privacy, breathtaking natural beauty, unique artistic vision, and a truly bespoke experience will find Cuixmala offers a majestic and unforgettable setting.

Industry trends show **couples increasingly prioritize unique, exclusive settings and highly personalized guest experiences**. With its vast private reserve, distinct architectural marvels, and impeccable, discreet service, Cuixmala offers an exceptionally rare backdrop for your wedding photos and a once-in-a-lifetime escape for your guests.

 

How Does a Wedding at Cuixmala Careyes Work?

 

Planning your wedding at Cuixmala Careyes is an immersive journey into bespoke luxury. Their dedicated events team, accustomed to orchestrating world-class celebrations, guides you through every detail, ensuring your vision is realized with flawless execution. The estate offers a collection of spectacular venues and highly tailored experiences, often involving full buyouts, encompassing everything from unique ceremony settings and bespoke culinary creations to comprehensive event management and access to exclusive activities.

This unparalleled level of support ensures you can fully immerse yourselves in the magic of Cuixmala, while the estate’s team meticulously handles all logistics, allowing you to celebrate your love in an extraordinary, serene, and utterly private environment.

 

Best Months to Get Married

 

Costalegre enjoys a wonderful climate, with the best months for a wedding typically from November to May. This period offers sun-drenched days, pleasant temperatures, low humidity, and minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for spectacular outdoor ceremonies and receptions. The dry season also provides consistently beautiful natural light, perfect for capturing the vibrant colors and dramatic landscapes of Cuixmala.

Marrying during these months ensures optimal weather. The summer/fall season (June to October) is greener and more lush but can be more humid with a higher chance of rain, which may influence venue choices within the estate. Given Cuixmala’s exclusivity, cost savings are less of a factor than ensuring the desired experience.

 

The Basics of Wedding Experiences

 

Cuixmala Careyes specializes in highly customized, often all-inclusive buyout experiences rather than standard packages. A bespoke wedding proposal would typically encompass:

  • Ceremony Setup: Exclusive use of iconic locations like Casa Cuixmala, private beaches, or clifftop palapas, with bespoke design and styling.
  • Reception Venues: Access to grand dining rooms, expansive terraces, beachfront setups, or starlit courtyards, all with breathtaking views and unique architectural character.
  • Catering: Bespoke gourmet menus crafted by world-class chefs, often featuring organic estate-grown produce and locally sourced ingredients, tailored to your preferences, from multi-course tasting menus to lavish themed dinners.
  • Decor and Floral Arrangements: Full-scale event design and styling, including custom floral installations and thematic decor, curated to reflect your vision.
  • Entertainment & Production: Comprehensive coordination of world-class entertainment, lighting, sound, and staging to create immersive experiences.

Every celebration at Cuixmala is unique, with all elements meticulously tailored to create an unparalleled experience.

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding?

 

In destination weddings at Cuixmala Careyes, typically:

  • The couple covers the primary wedding costs, such as the estate buyout, catering, and event production.
  • Guests are usually responsible for their own travel, though accommodation may be included or arranged by the couple as part of the estate rental.
  • The couple might choose to host additional events, like a welcome dinner or farewell brunch, covering those costs for their guests.
  • Extra expenses for highly personalized elements, specific international performers, or off-site excursions are typically the couple’s responsibility.
  • Gift registries are less common for such high-end events; often, the focus is on the shared experience.

This structure allows the couple to curate an extraordinary event while guests manage their personal travel to this exclusive destination.

 

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations

 

Cuixmala Careyes is designed for exclusive buyouts, accommodating varying guest counts depending on the combination of villas and casitas utilized:

  • Casa Cuixmala & Main Estate Buildings: Can host grand celebrations for 100-200+ guests for receptions, with various ceremony spots.
  • Private Villas (e.g., Casa La Loma, Casa Alborada): Ideal for more intimate gatherings or as part of a larger estate buyout, offering unique settings for 20-60 guests.
  • Secluded Beaches & Ecological Reserve Settings: Perfect for unique, smaller ceremonies, elopements, or pre/post-wedding events.

The estate offers a collection of exceptionally luxurious and unique accommodations, including the iconic main palace, private villas, and charming casitas. Guest accommodation is typically part of an exclusive estate rental, ensuring privacy and seamless integration with the wedding festivities.

Ceremony and Reception Logistics

Cuixmala’s event team expertly orchestrates the flow of your day, transforming dreams into reality. A typical sequence at this extraordinary estate might look like this:

Sunset Ceremony at Casa Cuixmala: Exchange vows on the iconic steps or a panoramic terrace overlooking the Pacific, as the sky paints a masterpiece.

Cocktail Hour in a Lush Courtyard or Beach Club: Guests mingle with bespoke cocktails and canapés in one of Cuixmala’s stunningly designed spaces, perhaps serenaded by live music.

Grand Reception under the Stars or in a Palatial Dining Room: Transition to an unforgettable dinner experience, whether a starlit beachfront banquet, an elegant affair within one of the estate’s grand salons, or a vibrant party by a dramatically lit pool.

Pro tip: Leverage Cuixmala’s vast and diverse estate. Consider a progressive event, moving guests between distinct, breathtaking locations for different parts of your celebration – perhaps a clifftop ceremony, garden cocktails, and a beachfront dinner party, maximizing the visual and experiential journey Cuixmala offers.

What’s Included in the Estate Buyout?

Given Cuixmala’s bespoke buyout model, the ‘rental fee’ is typically part of a comprehensive proposal. This generally includes:

  • Exclusive Use of Designated Estate Areas: Full access to selected villas, residences, and event spaces for the agreed duration.
  • Luxury Accommodations: Lodging for a specified number of guests within the estate’s unique villas and casitas.
  • Dedicated Staffing: A full complement of highly trained staff, including butlers, chefs, housekeepers, and event support, ensuring impeccable service.
  • Estate Amenities: Access to private beaches, pools, stables, turtle sanctuary, and other recreational facilities as agreed.

While a base level of exquisite furnishings and amenities is standard, highly customized production elements (e.g., elaborate floral designs, specific staging, international entertainment) are planned and budgeted separately as part of the bespoke event design.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

While Costalegre boasts excellent weather, particularly from November to May, Cuixmala’s event team always prepares for contingencies. The estate features magnificent indoor spaces and covered terraces within its villas and main buildings that can serve as equally stunning alternatives for ceremonies or receptions, ensuring your celebration continues flawlessly regardless of weather.

Pro tip: Discuss the backup options during your site visit or initial consultation with the Cuixmala team. Understand where the alternative spaces are located and ensure they align with your vision, even if it’s just a contingency plan.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

Booking your wedding at Cuixmala Careyes, typically an exclusive estate buyout, involves a significant investment and a tailored payment structure:

Initial Deposit: A substantial non-refundable deposit, often **25-50% of the total estimated buyout cost**, is required to reserve your dates and the estate.

Scheduled Payments: Further payments are typically due at specific milestones leading up to the event (e.g., 6 months, 3 months prior) to cover ongoing planning and commitments.

Final Payment: The remaining balance is usually due approximately 60-90 days before the wedding date.

Cancellation policies are very strict and tailored to each buyout contract, reflecting the exclusive nature of the booking. Review your contract meticulously and always consider comprehensive wedding insurance to protect your substantial investment against unforeseen circumstances.

On-Site Wedding Coordination and Planning Services

Cuixmala Careyes provides an exceptional in-house events team, or works seamlessly with world-class independent wedding planners, to orchestrate your celebration. Their services typically encompass:

Dedicated Event Manager/Liaison: Your primary contact for all estate-related planning and execution, ensuring a cohesive experience.

Curated Vendor Network: Recommendations and coordination of elite local and international vendors for all event needs, from florists to entertainers.

Logistical & Event Flow Management: Meticulous planning of timelines, guest movements within the vast estate, and on-the-day execution.

Full Event Production Oversight: If desired, managing all aspects from design conception through to flawless delivery, transforming visions into reality.

Their expertise in executing ultra-luxury, often complex, events within a unique private estate setting is unparalleled for a seamless and extraordinary experience.

Dietary and Menu Restrictions

Cuixmala’s world-class culinary team is dedicated to creating exceptional gastronomic experiences, fully accommodating all dietary needs and preferences. They specialize in bespoke menus, often highlighting organic produce from the estate’s own farms and the freshest local seafood. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, halal, and any allergy-specific requirements are handled with utmost care and creativity.

Direct consultations with the chefs ensure menus are perfectly tailored. Unique culinary experiences, such as private chef dinners, elaborate tasting menus, artisanal spirit pairings, or themed food markets reflecting local culture, can be curated to enhance your celebration.

Music and Entertainment Restrictions

Cuixmala Careyes can accommodate a wide array of sophisticated entertainment, from intimate acoustic performances to larger bands and DJ sets. Due to its exclusive and private nature, noise restrictions are generally more flexible than at a traditional resort, particularly with a full estate buyout. However, any specific guidelines will be discussed based on the chosen locations within the estate and the nature of the event. Late-night celebrations can often be accommodated in designated areas to ensure a memorable party while respecting the tranquility of the reserve.

Parking and Guest Logistics

Most guests will arrive via Manzanillo-Costalegre International Airport (ZLO), which is approximately a 1 to 1.5-hour scenic drive to Cuixmala. Private jet arrivals can also be accommodated at ZLO or nearby airstrips. To facilitate guest transportation:

Airport Transfers: Cuixmala can arrange private, luxury transfers from ZLO or other arrival points, ensuring a seamless start to the experience.

On-Site Transportation: Given the vastness of the estate, dedicated vehicles and drivers are often part of the buyout for moving guests comfortably between villas, beaches, and event locations.

Parking: Ample discreet parking is available on the estate for guests who may choose to drive or for vendor vehicles.

Providing guests with clear instructions on airport arrival, transfer arrangements, and on-estate mobility well in advance is highly recommended for a smooth experience.

Total Cost Breakdown for a Wedding at Cuixmala Careyes

For a highly exclusive wedding of about 50 guests at Cuixmala Careyes, involving a partial or full buyout of specific areas/villas, a very rough estimate for your budget might start significantly higher:

  • Estate Buyout/Venue Fee (partial or full, including accommodation for a core group): $50,000 – $250,000+ USD (highly variable based on villas selected, duration, and season).
  • Food and Beverage (per person, bespoke high-end catering): $300–$750+ USD per person. For 50 guests, budget $15,000–$37,500+.
  • World-Class Entertainment & Production: $10,000–$50,000+ USD (DJs, live bands, custom lighting, sound).
  • Photography/Videography (top-tier destination specialists): $8,000–$20,000+ USD.
  • High-End Florals and Bespoke Decor: $10,000–$50,000+ USD (custom design and installations).
  • Planning & Design Fees (if using an external top-tier planner): 15-20% of total budget.
  • Taxes and Service Fees: Typically adds 16% VAT plus a 15-20% service charge. Budget at least 30-36% of total costs for this.

Total estimated costs for an exclusive 50-guest wedding at Cuixmala could easily range from $100,000 to $500,000+ USD, and significantly more for larger events or more elaborate multi-day productions. Cuixmala caters to an ultra-high-net-worth clientele seeking ultimate privacy and bespoke experiences.

*Please note: These are very broad estimates. Always engage directly with Cuixmala’s events team or a specialized luxury wedding planner for a customized proposal.*

Splurge vs. Save (in an Ultra-Luxury Context)

To manage costs at Cuixmala (while still embracing its ultra-luxury essence): Consider a shorter buyout duration, select a smaller collection of villas if your guest count allows, or focus on the estate’s inherent dramatic beauty to minimize the need for overly elaborate external decor. Opting for seasonal, locally sourced menus, often featuring produce from Cuixmala’s own organic farms, can also be impactful and authentic. To truly splurge at Cuixmala: Arrange a private polo match for guests, host a multi-day themed event series across different estate locations, fly in internationally renowned chefs or entertainers, create bespoke welcome gifts with local artisan crafts, or organize exclusive wildlife safaris within the reserve. A spectacular fireworks display over the private coastline is also a popular choice for an unforgettable finale.

Bespoke Wedding Experiences and What’s Included

Cuixmala Careyes focuses on bespoke, all-encompassing buyout experiences rather than tiered packages. A comprehensive proposal will be tailored to your specific desires, but core elements typically include:

  • Exclusive Use of Prime Ceremony Locations: Access to iconic spots like Casa Cuixmala’s steps, private beaches, or clifftop palapas.
  • Custom Ceremony Design & Setup: Tailored decor, seating, and ambiance creation.
  • Arrangement of Symbolic or Legal Officiant Services: Assistance with all necessary arrangements.
  • Bespoke Cocktail Hour: Premium beverages and gourmet canapés in a stunning setting.
  • Custom-Designed Multi-Course Reception Dinner or Themed Culinary Experience: Menus crafted by world-class chefs.
  • Full Premium Open Bar Service: Throughout all scheduled events.
  • Artisan Wedding Cake: Designed to your specifications by master bakers.
  • Dedicated Cuixmala Event Manager & On-Site Coordination Team: Ensuring flawless execution.

Pro tip: Buyout proposals often include exclusive access to estate amenities like private pools, stables, and beach clubs, dedicated staff for each villa, and the possibility of arranging unique experiences such as private dinners for the couple, personalized spa treatments, or equestrian activities, adding immense value and exclusivity to your celebration.

Activities for Other Days

Keep your guests enchanted throughout their stay at Cuixmala and in Costalegre:

  • Organize private polo lessons or a thrilling exhibition match at Cuixmala’s renowned polo fields.
  • Book guided eco-tours or wildlife safaris within Cuixmala’s vast nature reserve to observe zebras, elands, coatimundis, and diverse birdlife.
  • Arrange a welcome fiesta on a private beach with bonfires, live mariachi music, and authentic local cuisine.
  • Guests can enjoy the estate’s pristine private beaches, swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and horseback riding along the dramatic coastline.
  • Plan a day trip to the charming nearby artistic enclave of Careyes or explore the marine life of Chamela Bay.
  • Indulge in private yoga sessions overlooking the ocean, rejuvenating spa treatments within your villa, or immersive cooking classes focused on estate-grown organic ingredients and traditional Mexican culinary arts.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

1) Embrace the Pacific Breezes & Sunshine: Costalegre can be gloriously sunny and breezy. Discuss hairstyles and makeup with your stylist that will look beautiful and hold up in the ocean air and warm climate.

2) Plan for Golden Hour & Sunset Magic: The sunsets over the Pacific Ocean at Cuixmala are legendary. Time your ceremony or couple’s portraits to coincide with this magical golden hour for truly breathtaking photos against the vibrant architecture and coastline.

3) Hydrate and Protect: The tropical sun and celebratory atmosphere mean staying hydrated is key for everyone. Ensure ample water is available, and remind guests (and yourselves!) about sun protection for daytime activities.

Two Bride Reviews

“Cuixmala Careyes was beyond anything we could have ever imagined for our wedding. The sheer beauty of the estate, the incredible architecture, and the feeling of complete privacy made it truly magical. Our event manager was phenomenal, and every detail, from the estate-grown food to the seamless logistics for our guests staying in the casitas and villas, was perfection. It was an otherworldly experience.” – Olivia W.

“Choosing Cuixmala for our wedding was the best decision. The estate is a universe unto itself – so unique and breathtaking. Our guests were mesmerized by the wildlife, the private beaches, and the stunning Casa Cuixmala. The team catered to our every whim, creating a multi-day celebration that felt both incredibly grand and intimately personal. An unforgettable chapter in our lives.” – Alexander G.

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Photographer

Having photographed weddings at the most exclusive locations worldwide, Cuixmala Careyes is in a league of its own. The estate’s fantastical architecture, vibrant colors, and vast, wild landscapes offer a visual feast unlike any other. From the iconic Moorish-inspired palace against the Pacific sunset to intimate moments on secluded beaches or amidst the exotic wildlife reserve, the photographic opportunities are endless and truly extraordinary. The interplay of light on the unique structures, the raw beauty of the Costalegre coastline, and the inherent exclusivity create a canvas for images that are both deeply romantic and powerfully dramatic. If you are seeking a wedding venue that is not just luxurious but legendary, offering unparalleled privacy, artistry, and a deep connection to nature, Cuixmala Careyes is an incomparable choice that promises iconic, breathtaking imagery.

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