Getting Married at Quinta del Sol Oaxaca: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Dreaming of a welcoming, spacious, and comfortable wedding celebration in Oaxaca City, set within a well-established hotel featuring inviting gardens, a refreshing pool area, and versatile event spaces capable of hosting larger groups? Explore Quinta del Sol Oaxaca, Oaxaca City, a recognized hotel known for its generous grounds, ample event facilities, comfortable accommodations, and the convenience of integrated services, popular for weddings with larger guest lists seeking a relaxed atmosphere.

Located slightly outside the historic center for easier access and parking, Quinta del Sol provides a practical and inviting venue with sprawling gardens, a large pool area, covered terraces, and significant indoor salons, alongside numerous guest rooms. Functioning as a mid-range to upper-mid-range hotel with dedicated event infrastructure, it provides venue, accommodations, and mandatory in-house catering. While the hotel handles logistics, an external planner is highly recommended for overall design and vendor coordination. Costs reflect the scale and integrated services, with typical wedding costs potentially ranging from $40,000 to $120,000+ USD for 100-200+ guests, depending on options.

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Index 

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

 

Quinta del Sol is an excellent venue for couples seeking a spacious, comfortable, and convenient wedding experience within a well-established hotel that offers ample event space, pleasant outdoor areas including a pool, and readily available on-site accommodations for a larger number of guests, while being easily accessible from Oaxaca City’s center. If you value having the majority of wedding logistics (venue, catering, accommodations) handled by one entity, desire a venue with capacity for bigger guest lists, appreciate amenities like a pool, and prefer a hotel setting for guest convenience, Quinta del Sol is a strong contender. It’s ideal for couples who envision a wedding with relaxed vibes, utilizing the hotel’s full facilities, and ensuring guests are comfortably housed in a single location.

The hotel’s key highlights include its large property with gardens and pool area, extensive event facilities (salons, patios), significant on-site guest room capacity, and integrated hotel services (catering, staffing, coordination). Perfect for a comfortable, spacious, and guest-convenient Oaxaca City wedding experience.

 

How Does a Wedding at Quinta del Sol Work?

 

Planning a wedding at Quinta del Sol typically involves:

Contacting the Hotel Events Team: Reaching out to Quinta del Sol’s dedicated events team to inquire about availability and discuss options for booking event spaces and a block of guest rooms.

Understanding Packages & Minimums: Reviewing their wedding packages, which typically bundle venue space, in-house catering, and staffing, and clarifying minimum spend requirements or minimum guest counts. Packages often offer different tiers based on menu and beverage selections.

Working with the Hotel Event Coordinator: Collaborating with the hotel’s internal event coordinator on all hotel-provided services: selecting menus from their in-house kitchen, choosing beverage packages, planning room blocks and guest accommodations, assigning event spaces, and managing on-site logistics provided by the hotel.

Hiring an External Planner (Recommended for Destination): While the hotel provides significant coordination, an external planner is recommended, especially for destination weddings. They help with overall event design vision, sourcing and coordinating *all* external vendors not provided by the hotel, creating detailed timelines that integrate hotel services and external elements, and managing guest logistics beyond the hotel (e.g., welcome events elsewhere, transportation to/from the city center for the wedding and other activities).

Vendor Selection & Coordination: The couple and their external planner will select and contract external vendors for elements *not* typically included by the hotel, such as decorative elements beyond standard hotel setup, specialized florals, advanced lighting/sound, specific rentals (like unique chairs or lounge furniture), music/entertainment, photography, videography, etc.

Guest Accommodation: Guests can book rooms within the provided room block at Quinta del Sol or arrange their own accommodations elsewhere in Oaxaca City. The hotel has significant room capacity, making it easy for most guests to stay together.

The process is largely integrated with the hotel’s comprehensive event and accommodation services, with external vendors and a planner adding personalization and detailed coordination of all elements.

 

Best Months to Get Married

 

Quinta del Sol offers spacious outdoor areas like gardens and the pool area, which are best enjoyed during the dry season, from late October/early November through April/early May. These months typically offer the most stable and pleasant weather for outdoor ceremonies, cocktail hours, or using outdoor spaces throughout the event. The rainy season (May-September) is manageable due to the hotel’s ample and well-equipped indoor salons and covered patios, which serve as reliable backup options.

 

The Basics of Wedding Planning (Hotel Event Model)

 

Quinta del Sol operates on a Hotel Event Package model:

Venue & Catering Packages: Wedding bookings are typically structured around packages that combine the use of specific hotel event spaces (salons, patios, gardens) with in-house catering (food and beverage). Pricing is usually presented as a per-person cost, often with associated minimum spend requirements or minimum guest counts, especially for exclusive use of certain areas.

In-House Services: The hotel provides the core event services: venue space, all food and beverage preparation and service, full staffing (servers, kitchen, bartenders, hotel event staff), basic banquet furniture (tables, chairs), and standard hotel linens and tableware.

Building the Event: While the hotel provides the operational foundation, couples (via their planner) are responsible for bringing in *all* personalized decorative elements, specialized florals, advanced lighting and sound (beyond basic hotel systems), specialized rentals (like unique chair styles or premium linens if not included), music/entertainment, photography, videography, etc.

Accommodation Option: The hotel offers a large number of on-site guest rooms, making it very convenient to arrange a room block for a significant portion or all of your guests. Booking a room block is often part of the wedding package or contract terms.

Additional Costs: Per-person package cost (potentially exceeding minimums), potential additional venue/site fees for specific areas, external planner fees (recommended), costs for *all* contracted external vendors, potential upgrades to in-house menu/beverage, room block costs (paid by guests unless hosted), permits, insurance (if required), guest transportation to/from the hotel (especially from city center), personalized favors, officiant, legal fees.

This structure provides a comprehensive base of services and ample space, allowing couples to personalize their event through external design and entertainment while simplifying core logistics via the hotel.

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding (Hotel Event)?

 

Cost allocation follows the hotel event package booking structure:

  • The couple typically pays for:
    • The Quinta del Sol wedding package cost (covering venue space, in-house food & beverage, staffing, basic hotel provisions), based on a per-person rate and potential minimums.
    • External Wedding Planner fees (recommended).
    • Costs for *all* contracted external vendors (decor, florals, music, photography, videography, specialized rentals).
    • Any upgrades to the in-house menu or beverage selection.
    • Their own travel and accommodation (including potentially their suite).
    • Optional hosted events (welcome party, brunch – can be at the hotel).
    • Guest transportation to/from the hotel for the wedding events *if* guests are not staying on-site or for group activities.
    • Personal items.
  • Guests typically pay for:
    • Their flights to Oaxaca (OAX).
    • Their accommodation at Quinta del Sol (if booking within the block) or elsewhere in Oaxaca City.
    • Airport transfers to their lodging.
    • Transportation from their lodging to the wedding events *unless* shuttles are provided by the couple.
    • Any food & beverage outside of the hosted wedding events.
    • Optional extras (tours, shopping).
    • Wedding gifts.

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations (Hotel)

 

Quinta del Sol offers extensive space suitable for medium to large-sized weddings:

Event Capacity: Comfortably hosts medium to large-sized weddings (e.g., 100 – 250+ guests), utilizing its large event salons, covered patios, and garden/pool areas. The venue’s scale is a key feature for higher guest counts.

Event Locations: Spacious and versatile options include:

Gardens (Jardines): Expansive outdoor areas ideal for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or adding ambiance.

Pool Area (Area de Alberca): The large pool area and surrounding terraces/patios offer a relaxed setting for welcome parties or cocktail hours.

Covered Patios & Terraces: Generous semi-outdoor spaces, great for cocktail hour, dining, or dancing, providing flexibility.

Event Salons (Salones): Large, dedicated indoor rooms capable of hosting dinner and dancing for significant numbers of guests, providing a solid backup and reception space.

Accommodations: As a large hotel, Quinta del Sol offers a significant number of on-site guest rooms. Couples can easily reserve a large room block, making it very convenient for most guests to stay together at the wedding venue, simplifying logistics for the wedding party and attendees.

 

Ceremony and Reception Logistics (Hotel Layout)

 

Logistics involve coordinating flow within the hotel’s spacious and multi-area layout:

Venue Navigation: Quinta del Sol’s layout spreads across gardens, the pool area, and various buildings housing event spaces. Planning guest movement between ceremony (e.g., garden or patio), cocktail hour (e.g., pool area or different patio), and reception (e.g., salon or large covered terrace) is managed by the hotel event coordinator and your external planner. The spaciousness offers flexibility but requires clear signage or guidance, especially for larger groups.

Vendor Access: Coordinated by the hotel event coordinator and your external planner. Hotels designed for events typically offer standard setup times before the event. Ample space is generally available for vendor setups and load-in/out compared to smaller venues.

Setup: Hotel staff handle setup of hotel-provided items (tables, chairs, linens, tableware). External vendors manage their specific setups (decor, sound systems, specialty rentals). The hotel event coordinator and external planner work together for cohesive setup across the property.

Transportation: Convenient for guests staying on-site. For guests staying in the city center, transport (taxis, ride-shares, or pre-arranged shuttles) is required as it’s not walking distance. Airport transfers (OAX) to the hotel are standard (approx. 20-35 minutes). Shuttles from downtown are a common consideration for guests not staying at the hotel, especially at the end of the night.

Proximity to Airport: Convenient access to Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) via taxi or private transfer (approx. 20-35 minutes, depending on city traffic).

 

What’s Included in Hotel Event Booking?

 

Inclusions with a Quinta del Sol wedding package are typically comprehensive due to the integrated hotel services:

  • Exclusive use of contracted event areas within the hotel (e.g., specific Gardens, Patios, Salons) for the agreed-upon time.
  • In-house catering: the chosen food menu and beverage package (alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks).
  • Full hotel event staffing: servers, kitchen staff, bartenders, banquet captain, hotel event coordinator.
  • Basic hotel banquet table settings: standard plates, silverware, glassware, standard hotel linens, standard banquet chairs and tables available for events.
  • Setup and cleanup of all hotel-provided items and contracted event spaces.
  • Use of basic hotel facilities (restrooms, potentially some common areas).
  • Support from the Hotel Event Coordinator for all hotel-related wedding logistics.
  • Option for guests to book a significant number of on-site accommodations via a room block.
  • Potential inclusion of a complimentary suite for the couple or other perks as part of a package or minimum spend.

Common exclusions (meaning you need to rent/contract these externally): ALL custom/elaborate decor (beyond basic table settings), ALL specialized florals, ALL advanced lighting and sound systems (beyond basic hotel background), ALL music/entertainment (bands, DJs) – although the hotel facilitates these, you contract them externally, wedding cake (typically external), photography, videography, external wedding planner (recommended, separate hire), any rentals *beyond* the standard hotel banquet stock (e.g., specialty chair styles, premium colored linens, lounge furniture, specific dance floor), permits, insurance (if required), guest transportation to/from the hotel (if not staying on-site), personalized favors, officiant, legal fees.

Obtain a detailed hotel wedding package contract specifying exactly what is included, per-person costs, minimum spends, timing restrictions, and rules for external vendors.

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies (Spacious Indoor/Covered Options)

 

Quinta del Sol offers excellent and spacious indoor/covered spaces as a backup plan:

Event Salons: The hotel’s large, dedicated indoor event salons are perfectly equipped to host the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception in case of rain or unfavorable weather, comfortably accommodating large guest counts.

Covered Patios & Terraces: Various covered patios and terraces provide additional shelter and can be utilized for parts of the event or transitions during unexpected showers.

Backup options utilize the hotel’s designed event infrastructure, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for guests regardless of weather, even for larger events.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies

 

Payment terms align with standard hotel event bookings:

Deposit: Required to secure Quinta del Sol for your date and confirm the event booking and guest room block.

Payment Schedule: Phased payments for the wedding package costs leading up to the event date, based on guest count estimates and contractual milestones. Room block deposits may also apply and are often handled individually by guests booking in the block.

Final Payment: Typically due shortly before the event (e.g., 30 days out), based on the final guaranteed guest count for catering and confirmed package inclusions.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation policies are standard for hotel events, with escalating penalties closer to the date. Deposit amounts are often non-refundable. Comprehensive wedding insurance is highly recommended.

Vendor Payments: Each external vendor has their own separate payment schedule and contract with the couple/planner.

 

Coordination: Hotel Event Coordinator vs. External Planner

 

Understanding the support system:

Quinta del Sol Hotel Event Coordinator: Your primary contact at the hotel. They manage all *hotel-provided* services: booking event spaces within the property, planning and executing the in-house menu and beverage service, overseeing hotel banquet staffing (servers, kitchen, bar), arranging basic hotel settings (tables, chairs, linens, tableware), coordinating guest room blocks and check-in/out logistics for staying guests, and managing on-site logistics *within the hotel’s operations* for the wedding day. They ensure the hospitality, culinary, and on-site service aspects are handled by the hotel team. They do *not* manage your overall event design vision, your external vendor team (florist, musician, photographer, rentals beyond hotel stock), or guest logistics outside the hotel property (e.g., transportation from city center for guests).

External Wedding Planner: Provides personalized, comprehensive planning for the *entire event*, integrating seamlessly with the hotel’s services. This includes overall design vision, budget management, sourcing and coordinating *all* external vendors, creating detailed timelines that coordinate hotel services and external vendors across the potentially large property, managing guest logistics (welcome bags, transportation to/from hotel for those not staying on-site, activity planning), handling contracts for external vendors, and serves as the primary point person for everyone on the wedding day, troubleshooting issues and ensuring seamless execution from start to finish. Recommended, especially for destination weddings and larger guest counts coordinating vendors across multiple spaces.

 

Dietary and Menu Restrictions (In-House Hotel Catering)

 

Handled by Quinta del Sol’s in-house culinary team:

Catering: Provided exclusively by Quinta del Sol’s in-house kitchen and bar as a central element of the wedding package. This offers convenience and the ability to work directly with the hotel team on menu selection and service. They typically offer various package options and can provide traditional Oaxacan dishes alongside international cuisine. Menu tastings are usually available.

Dietary Needs: Handled directly by the Quinta del Sol kitchen. As a hotel used to hosting diverse groups, they are equipped to accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies, etc.) with advance notice. Communicate all specific needs and guest counts clearly to the hotel event coordinator during the menu planning process.

 

Music and Entertainment Restrictions (Hotel Policies)

 

Entertainment policies for a larger hotel balance providing a lively event with respecting other guests and potential neighbors:

Style: Accommodating to various forms of entertainment suitable for larger events. Live bands (Mariachi for arrival/cocktail, Cumbia or cover bands for dancing) and DJs are common and can utilize the larger event spaces or salons.

Curfews/Noise: As a hotel with many guests, there will be noise limitations, particularly in areas near guest rooms or the pool late at night. Amplified music will likely need to transition to designated indoor salons for dancing later in the evening and cease by a specific hour (e.g., midnight or 1 AM). Discuss specific policies and desired music types/times with the hotel event coordinator and your planner early on.

Vendor Policies: External entertainment vendors must comply with Quinta del Sol’s rules regarding setup, sound levels, timing, power requirements, and space usage. Your planner must coordinate this closely with the hotel.

 

Parking and Guest Logistics (Hotel Location)

 

Logistics for a hotel venue outside the city center include ample on-site facilities and planning transport for off-site guests:

Airport Transfers: Guests arrange standard transport from OAX (approx. 20-35 minutes) directly to Quinta del Sol. The hotel may assist or offer options.

Accommodation: Guests can stay at Quinta del Sol via the room block or in other hotels/rentals in Oaxaca City. The hotel’s large capacity makes on-site stays a convenient option for many guests.

Transport to Quinta del Sol: For guests not staying on-site, transport is required as it’s outside the immediate city center. Taxis, ride-shares, or pre-arranged shuttle services from central locations in Oaxaca City are common. Shuttles are often recommended for convenience and safety, coordinated by the couple/planner.

Internal Transport: Navigating within Quinta del Sol involves moving between gardens, pool area, patios, and indoor salons. The layout is spacious. Consider accessibility for guests with mobility issues and discuss with the hotel.

Parking: Quinta del Sol has significant dedicated on-site parking for guests and vendors, which is a major advantage over city-center venues. This is convenient for guests who rent cars or drive.

Vendor Access: Coordinated load-in/out plan required for external vendors with the hotel event coordinator and planner, adhering to hotel policies and dedicated setup times. Ample space and access points are usually available.

 

Total Cost Breakdown (Quinta del Sol Wedding)

 

For an estimated wedding of 150 guests (reflecting typical larger hotel capacity) at Quinta del Sol:

Hotel Wedding Package (Venue, F&B, Staffing): $120 – $280+ USD per person ($18,000 – $42,000+) – Variable based on chosen menu, beverages, package inclusions, and date. Often tied to minimum spend.

Venue Fee / Minimum Spend: $3,000 – $15,000+ USD (Variable based on date, season, day of week, chosen spaces, and negotiation. Often a F&B minimum).

External Wedding Planner: $5,000 – $12,000+ (Recommended for larger events).

Rentals (Specialty Items, Decor Base, etc.): $4,000 – $15,000+ (Beyond standard hotel items).

Decor & Florals: $5,000 – $25,000+.

Music & Entertainment: $3,000 – $10,000+.

Photography/Videography: $4,000 – $12,000+.

Guest Transportation (Shuttles if needed): $1,000 – $5,000+ (Depending on number of guests off-site).

Contingency, Service Charges (often added), Taxes, Permits: $4,000 – $10,000+.

Total estimated *event* cost (paid by couple) typically ranges from $40,000 – $120,000+ USD for 150 guests, heavily influenced by the per-person package cost, guest count, chosen event spaces, and external vendor selections, reflecting the scale and integrated services of the hotel.

 

Splurge vs. Save

Save: Select a standard wedding package from the hotel’s offerings, utilize the hotel’s included banquet furniture and linens, minimize specialized external rentals, choose a date or package with lower minimum spend, opt for talented local musicians or a DJ suitable for the space, focus floral/decor on key focal points like the ceremony backdrop and main reception area. Encourage guests to book rooms within the block for simplified logistics.

Splurge: Upgrade to a premium wedding package with enhanced menu and beverage selections, invest in extensive external rentals (specialty furniture, luxury linens, advanced lighting/sound), bring in elaborate and custom decor/floral installations across multiple event areas, hire a high-demand band or DJ for a lively party (within hotel noise guidelines), commission high-end photography and videography to capture the scale and energy, provide comprehensive shuttle services for all guests to/from the city center.

 

Quinta del Sol Hotel Event Inclusions (Summary)

 

Key components based on the Hotel Event Package model:

Quinta del Sol Package includes: Use of contracted event spaces, in-house catering (food & beverage), full hotel event staffing, basic hotel banquet settings/furniture, setup/cleanup of included items, Hotel Event Coordinator support, option for significant on-site guest accommodation.

Common Exclusions (requiring external vendors): ALL custom/elaborate decor, ALL specialized florals, ALL advanced lighting/sound, ALL music/entertainment (contracted separately but coordinated), wedding cake, external wedding planner (recommended), specialized rentals (beyond hotel stock), guest transportation to/from hotel (if not staying on-site), personalized details, officiant, legal fees.

Verify details based on your specific Quinta del Sol wedding package contract.

Activities for Other Days (On-Site Hotel Amenities & City Access)

 

Guests attending a wedding at Quinta del Sol benefit from the hotel’s facilities and easy access to Oaxaca City (requiring transport):

On-Site (Hotel Amenities): Guests staying at the hotel can enjoy its amenities, which include the large swimming pool, restaurant and bar, and spacious common areas. This provides a comfortable and convenient base for guests, especially families, allowing for relaxation and informal gatherings before or after the wedding day.

Off-Site (City Exploration): Oaxaca City’s main attractions are a short drive away (approx. 10-20 minutes by taxi/ride-share/shuttle). Guests can easily visit Santo Domingo Church, the Ethnobotanical Garden, the Zócalo, museums, galleries, markets, and restaurants downtown. Transportation is needed, but readily available.

Off-Site (Day Trips): Day trips to sites outside the city are easily arranged from the hotel or via tour operators/drivers based in the city center. Popular options include Monte Albán, Hierve el Agua, or artisan villages (Teotitlán del Valle, San Bartolo Coyotepec, Arrazola). The hotel concierge or local tour operators can assist with arranging these excursions.

Three Practical Tips for Brides

 

Utilize the Hotel’s Capacity for Guest Convenience: Quinta del Sol’s significant room capacity is a major advantage for destination weddings with larger guest lists. Encourage guests to book rooms within your block to keep everyone together. This simplifies logistics for the wedding party and creates a more connected experience for guests throughout their stay.

Plan Guest Transportation to/from the City: Since the hotel is outside the immediate walking zone of the historic center, arrange clear transportation options for your guests, particularly for the wedding events if not everyone is staying on-site, and potentially for welcome parties or other group activities downtown. Providing shuttle services is a highly appreciated convenience.

Leverage the Spacious Layout for Event Flow: Quinta del Sol has distinct areas (gardens, pool, patios, salons). Work with your planner to design a flow that takes advantage of these spaces for different parts of the wedding (e.g., ceremony in the garden, cocktail hour by the pool, reception/dancing in a salon). Consider how guests will move between these areas and ensure clear guidance and comfortable transitions.

 

Two Bride Reviews 

 

“Quinta del Sol was the perfect venue for our large wedding group. We loved that so many of our guests could stay right at the hotel, and the pool area was a huge hit all weekend! The event spaces were spacious and versatile, and the hotel team made the catering and main logistics easy. Our planner helped us personalize the decor to make it feel like our own. It’s a comfortable and convenient option for a Oaxaca wedding with lots of guests.” – Laura S.

“We chose Quinta del Sol because we had many guests traveling, and the hotel’s capacity and amenities were perfect. It provided a relaxed base for everyone, and the wedding itself flowed beautifully across the different areas. The food was great, the staff were helpful, and while we definitely needed shuttles to get into the city for other activities, having the wedding all in one place at the hotel was incredibly convenient.” – Jessica T.

 

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro

 

Photographing a wedding at Quinta del Sol involves working with a larger, more spread-out property than a boutique hotel or downtown restaurant. The key is to capture the energy of the larger group and the utilization of the different spaces. The gardens, pool area, and salons offer distinct photographic backdrops, requiring adaptability with lighting and angles. My focus would be on documenting the overall atmosphere, the lively interactions across the different zones, portraits in the gardens or patios, and capturing the celebration in the reception space. Challenges include ensuring comprehensive coverage across the expansive property, managing the logistics of a larger wedding party and guest count, coordinating with external vendors and the hotel team across various locations, and capturing the ambiance in diverse lighting conditions (daytime gardens, poolside evening, indoor salon). Quinta del Sol is ideal for couples who want a comfortable, spacious, and guest-friendly wedding experience, offering photos that reflect fun, convenience, and celebration across a hotel setting.

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