Getting Married at Finca El Retiro: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Dreaming of a wedding immersed in natural beauty and tranquility? Explore Finca El Retiro, a beautiful private estate located in the serene Etla Area just outside Oaxaca City. Known for its lovely gardens, expansive grounds perfect for large outdoor setups, and peaceful setting, this venue provides a true retreat setting for a destination wedding with natural charm and ample space.

Functioning primarily as an event venue on a rental basis, Finca El Retiro offers a distinct, private alternative to urban venues, providing the scenic backdrop of the Etla Valley with charming garden spaces, large lawns, and patio areas. This structure allows for significant flexibility to customize your event by working with external vendors. Planning a wedding here benefits greatly from the exclusive use of the property and the freedom to design a highly personalized celebration.

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Index

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

 

Finca El Retiro is an excellent venue for couples seeking a private, naturally beautiful, expansive, and customizable wedding experience within a charming estate setting near Oaxaca City, offering a sense of retreat and tranquility. If you are drawn to outdoor celebrations surrounded by nature, value privacy and exclusive use of a large property, desire the freedom to curate every detail through external vendors, and envision a celebration with ample space for guests to mingle and enjoy the surroundings, Finca El Retiro is a strong contender. It’s ideal for couples who want their wedding to feel relaxed, organic, and deeply connected to the Oaxacan countryside, suitable for medium to larger guest lists seeking a memorable escape.

The Finca’s key highlights include its charming gardens, expansive outdoor grounds perfect for flexible layouts, a private and peaceful atmosphere, and flexibility regarding vendor selection (verify specific policies). Perfect for a relaxed, garden-focused, spacious, and unique Oaxacan destination wedding experience.

 

How Does a Wedding at Finca El Retiro Work?

 

Planning a wedding at Finca El Retiro typically involves:

Contacting the Finca Management: Reaching out to Finca El Retiro’s management to inquire about venue availability and discuss options for exclusive rental of the property or specific event areas like gardens, patios, or salons.

Understanding Venue Rental & Structure: Reviewing their venue rental agreement, which outlines the exclusive use of the property for a specific timeframe (often a set block of hours for the event or potentially overnight), available spaces (gardens, patios, indoor areas), and any associated venue fees. Clarify their policy on catering – private venues often have a preferred list or an open vendor policy.

Working with the Finca Manager: Collaborating with the Finca’s internal contact (manager or coordinator) primarily on *venue-specific* logistics: ensuring access for vendors, layout possibilities within the grounds, power sources, restroom facilities, adherence to Finca rules, and potentially coordinating their own staff if included (e.g., security, basic cleaning). Their role is focused on the physical property itself.

Hiring an External Planner (Highly Recommended, Often Essential): An external planner is *highly recommended*, often essential, for a private estate wedding, especially for destination events. They manage the overall event design vision (which is crucial for transforming the spaces and enhancing the natural beauty), detailed budget management across numerous vendor contracts, sourcing and coordinating *all* external vendors (which are typically extensive for a private venue – catering, florals, rentals, lighting, sound, entertainment, etc.), creating detailed timelines integrating all vendors and activities across the property’s different areas, managing guest logistics (accommodation off-site, welcome bags, crucial transportation), handling vendor contracts, and serves as the primary point person for everyone on the wedding day, troubleshooting issues and ensuring seamless execution from start to finish.

Vendor Selection & Coordination: The couple and their external planner will source and contract *most* or *all* vendors required for the wedding: catering (unless mandatory/exclusive in-house), all decor and specialized installations (lighting the gardens and outdoor spaces is key), all florals, all lighting and sound, all rentals (tables, chairs, linens, tableware *unless included in catering or Finca rental*), music/entertainment, wedding cake, photography, videography, etc. This provides significant creative control but requires expert coordination.

Guest Accommodation: Finca El Retiro likely has *limited or no* on-site guest rooms. Guests will typically need to arrange their own accommodations off-site, primarily in Oaxaca City or potentially smaller hotels/rentals in the Etla area, requiring careful planning for guest transportation to and from the Finca for wedding events.

The process is primarily venue-centric, with couples building their charming event through external vendors managed by a skilled planner, centered around the Finca’s expansive grounds and natural beauty, and requiring separate meticulous planning for guest accommodation and transport.

 

Best Months to Get Married

 

Finca El Retiro features beautiful outdoor gardens, lawns, and patio spaces. These areas are best enjoyed during the dry season, from late October/early November through April/early May, offering the most consistently pleasant weather for outdoor celebrations and maximizing the use of the beautiful grounds. The rainy season (May-September) is still viable, and the Finca will have covered or indoor areas within the main buildings for backup, but the primary charm and usability are outdoors, making the dry season preferable for a full garden and outdoor experience.

 

The Basics of Wedding Planning (Finca Venue Model)

 

Finca El Retiro often operates on a Finca Venue Rental + External Vendors/Catering model (verify specific Finca’s policies):

Venue Rental Fee: A primary cost is the exclusive rental fee for using the Finca’s property and designated event spaces (gardens, lawns, patios, salons) for a specific timeframe (often a set block of hours for the event or a 24-hour period). This fee covers the use of the grounds and basic facilities but typically does *not* include catering, staffing, or all rentals.

Catering: This is a major separate component. Finca venues typically allow couples to bring in an external caterer from a preferred list or entirely open. Catering costs are usually per-person and cover food, beverage, and *their* catering staff.

External Vendors: Couples contract and manage *almost all other services* externally: ALL decor and design elements (crucial for transforming the spaces and enhancing the natural setting), ALL florals, ALL lighting and sound (often requires specialized planning for expansive outdoor areas), ALL entertainment (bands, DJs), ALL specialty rentals (tables, chairs, linens, tableware *unless included in catering or Finca rental*), wedding cake, photography, videography, and an external planner.

Accommodation: Limited or no on-site guest rooms available. Guests arrange their own accommodations off-site, primarily in Oaxaca City or nearby towns.

Additional Costs: Venue rental fee, Catering costs (per person), External Wedding Planner fees (essential), Costs for *all* contracted external vendors (often the majority of your budget), All rentals (tables, chairs, linens, etc., if not included in catering/venue package), Guest transportation to/from the Finca (essential), Potential fees for extending hours or specific usage, Permits, Insurance (if required), Personalized favors, Officiant, legal fees, Travel/accommodation for couple and vendors.

This structure provides a beautiful, private, and spacious setting but requires couples (via their planner) to build the entire event piece-by-piece by coordinating numerous external contracts, with guest logistics significantly impacted by off-site accommodation.

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding (Finca Event)?

 

Cost allocation follows the venue rental + external vendor booking structure:

  • The couple typically pays for:
    • The Finca El Retiro venue rental fee.
    • Catering costs (external), based on a per-person rate.
    • External Wedding Planner fees (essential).
    • Costs for *all* contracted external vendors (decor, florals, music, photography, videography, all rentals, lighting, sound).
    • Any upgrades to catering menu or beverage selection.
    • Their own travel and accommodation (including potentially any limited on-site rooms if used).
    • Optional hosted events (welcome party, brunch – likely off-site or at the Finca if space/time allows).
    • Guest transportation *to and from* the Finca (essential).
    • Personal items.
  • Guests typically pay for:
    • Their flights to Oaxaca (OAX).
    • Their accommodation in Oaxaca City or nearby towns (as Finca has limited on-site rooms).
    • Airport transfers to their lodging in the city/area.
    • Transportation from their lodging to the wedding events *unless* shuttles are provided by the couple (highly recommended/essential due to location).
    • Any food & beverage outside of the hosted wedding events.
    • Optional extras (tours, shopping).
    • Wedding gifts.

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations (Finca Venue)

 

Finca El Retiro offers extensive space suitable for medium to large-sized weddings:

Event Capacity: Comfortably hosts medium to large-sized weddings (e.g., 80 – 250+ guests), utilizing its expansive gardens, lawns, outdoor patios, and potentially indoor/covered areas. The spacious outdoor areas are well-suited for creating distinct areas for ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing, offering excellent flexibility in layout and design.

Event Locations: Beautiful and versatile options typically include:

Gardens / Lawns: Extensive outdoor spaces perfect for ceremonies, large tented receptions, or guest activities.

Patios / Terraces: Charming outdoor or semi-covered areas suitable for cocktail receptions or parts of the dinner/party.

Main House Areas / Salons: Indoor or covered areas within the main building, potentially usable for smaller events, getting ready, or backup space.

Accommodations: Finca El Retiro typically has limited or no on-site guest rooms. This means the vast majority of guests will need to secure accommodation off-site, primarily in Oaxaca City or potentially smaller hotels/rentals in the Etla area, requiring careful planning for guest transportation to and from the Finca.

 

Ceremony and Reception Logistics (Finca Layout)

 

Logistics involve coordinating guest flow through the Finca’s expansive grounds and managing external vendor setups in a private estate setting:

Venue Navigation: Finca El Retiro’s layout typically involves guests moving between various garden areas, lawns, patios, and indoor spaces via pathways. Coordinating flow between distinct areas (e.g., Ceremony on a lawn, Cocktail on a patio, Dinner in a garden area, Dancing in a covered space) is managed by the planner for guest guidance, accessibility, and vendor setup flow. Clear signage helps, especially in the dark.

Vendor Access: Coordinated by the external planner with the Finca manager. Access might involve navigating pathways or specific service entrances. Timelines for setup are crucial and must occur within the rental timeframe. Requires careful planning due to the scale and multiple setup areas.

Setup: External vendors handle setup of *all* their contracted items (decor, florals, catering stations, rentals, lighting, sound, entertainment stages, potentially tents). The Finca staff might handle basic items if included in the rental. High reliance on the planner for supervising and coordinating numerous vendor setups across the expansive property.

Transportation: *Crucial and Essential*. As it’s located in the Etla area outside the city center, guests require dedicated transportation. Taxis and ride-shares are not a reliable or cost-effective option from this location, especially late at night and for groups. Pre-arranged shuttle services from central locations in Oaxaca City (or guest hotels) to Finca El Retiro are *essential* for guest convenience and safety for both arrival and departure. This is a significant logistical component and budget item for a wedding at a private venue outside the city.

Proximity to Airport: Further from Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) than city venues (approx. 45-60 minutes depending on traffic and specific Finca location).

 

What’s Included in Finca Event Booking?

 

Inclusions with a Finca El Retiro wedding booking are typically focused on the venue itself and its spaces, with most services being external:

  • Exclusive use of the contracted areas of Finca El Retiro (e.g., specific Gardens, Lawns, Patios, Salons) for the agreed-upon timeframe (often a set block of hours for the event or a longer rental).
  • Use of basic Finca facilities (restrooms, pathways).
  • Potentially use of limited existing furniture in certain areas.
  • Basic support from the Finca Manager for property access and rules.

Major Exclusions (meaning you *must* rent/contract these externally, often the majority of your budget): ALL catering (food and beverage, unless mandatory/exclusive in-house), ALL staffing (service, kitchen, bartenders – typically provided by the caterer, plus security beyond basic Finca staff, clean-up crew), ALL table settings (plates, silverware, glassware, linens), ALL additional rentals (specialty chairs, lounge furniture, full dinner tables, dance floor, tents, any items beyond minimal existing Finca furniture), ALL custom/elaborate decor, ALL specialized florals, ALL lighting and sound systems (often requires specialized planning for expansive outdoor areas), ALL music/entertainment (bands, DJs), wedding cake, photography, videography, external wedding planner (*highly recommended/essential*, separate hire), guest transportation *to and from* the Finca (essential), guest accommodations (off-site), permits, insurance (if required), personalized favors, officiant, legal fees.

Obtain a detailed Finca El Retiro venue rental contract specifying exactly what is included, the rental timeframe, access times for vendors, rules for external vendors, power availability, and any mandatory services (like specific caterer).

 

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies (Covered Areas/Salons)

 

Finca El Retiro will have designated covered or indoor spaces as backup plans for outdoor elements:

Covered Patios / Indoor Salons: The Finca likely features one or more covered patios or indoor salon areas within its main building that can serve as beautiful and functional backup locations for the ceremony and/or parts of the reception in case of rain or unfavorable weather. These spaces are part of the Finca’s charm and should comfortably fit your expected guest count.

Backup options utilize the Finca’s existing architecture, providing necessary shelter and maintaining the charm.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies (Venue Fees)

 

Payment terms involve separate contracts for Finca rental and catering/vendors:

Venue Deposit: Required to secure Finca El Retiro for your date and exclusive use. The size of the deposit can be a percentage of the rental fee or a fixed amount.

Venue Payment Schedule: Phased payments for the venue rental leading up to the event date, as specified in the contract.

Catering & Vendor Payments: Each caterer and external vendor will have their own separate payment schedule and deposit requirements, agreed upon directly with the couple/planner via individual contracts. Catering final payment is typically based on the guaranteed guest count.

Final Payment: Due shortly before the event (e.g., 30 days out) for the venue and potentially for catering based on final counts. Other vendors have their final payment terms.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation policies for venues like Fincas and individual vendor contracts are usually strict. Expect loss of deposits and potentially escalating penalties closer to the date. Comprehensive wedding insurance is *highly recommended* to protect against unforeseen cancellations.

 

Coordination: Finca Manager vs. External Planner

 

Understanding the support system at a Finca venue:

Finca El Retiro Manager/Coordinator: Your primary contact at the Finca. They manage all *venue-specific* aspects: ensuring access to the property during contracted hours, overseeing basic venue setup (if applicable), managing any included Finca staff (like basic cleaning during the event), addressing property-related issues (power, water, restrooms), and ensuring adherence to Finca rules (noise, hours, vendor policies). Their focus is the physical property itself and its basic functionality. They do *not* manage your overall event design, catering execution (unless mandatory in-house/exclusive), coordination of *any* external vendors, detailed timeline, guest logistics, or off-site planning.

External Wedding Planner: Provides personalized, comprehensive planning for the *entire event*, integrating seamlessly with the Finca’s spaces. This includes overall event design vision and execution (often critical for transforming the spaces and enhancing the natural beauty), detailed budget management across numerous vendor contracts, sourcing and coordinating *all* external vendors (catering, florals, rentals, lighting, sound, music – which is a major task at a private venue), creating detailed timelines that coordinate all vendors and activities across the property’s different areas, managing crucial guest logistics (especially transport), handling vendor contracts, and serves as the primary point person for everyone on the wedding day, troubleshooting issues and ensuring seamless execution from start to finish. *Highly recommended, often essential*, especially for destination weddings due to the complexity of managing multiple external elements at a private venue outside the city.

 

Dietary and Menu Restrictions (Catering Model)

 

Handled based on the Finca’s catering policy:

Catering: The catering policy at Finca El Retiro dictates how food and beverage are handled. They typically allow couples to bring in an external caterer from a preferred list or entirely open. This caterer is responsible for all food preparation, service, and typically bar service and required staffing (servers, bartenders, kitchen crew) on-site at the Finca. Menu options and pricing are handled through the caterer’s contract. Choosing a caterer that complements the Finca’s charm and location is key.

Dietary Needs: Accommodating dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies) is handled by the caterer you contract. Experienced wedding caterers are well-equipped to handle a variety of needs for groups with advance notice. Communicate all specific requirements and guest counts clearly to your caterer during the menu planning process.

 

Music and Entertainment Restrictions (Finca Policies)

 

Entertainment policies at a Finca venue typically balance creating a lively atmosphere with respecting the natural setting and rural neighbors:

Style: Accommodating to various forms of entertainment suitable for an outdoor setting. Traditional Oaxacan music (like a Calenda band or Mariachi for procession/cocktail hour), live bands, and DJs are common. Garden or patio areas can be used for earlier parts of the evening, with dancing often moving to a designated area later.

Curfews/Noise: As a private venue in the Etla area, Finca El Retiro will likely have noise restrictions or a required curfew (e.g., 12 AM or 1 AM) due to local regulations or proximity to neighboring properties. Amplified music might need to be contained within designated areas or cease by a specific hour. Discuss specific policies and desired music types/times with the Finca manager and your planner early on.

Vendor Policies: External entertainment vendors must comply with Finca El Retiro’s rules regarding setup, sound levels in different areas, timing, power requirements, and use of space, especially considering the potentially sensitive nature of the property and neighbors. Your planner must coordinate this closely with the Finca.

 

Parking and Guest Logistics (Finca Location)

 

Logistics for a Finca venue in the Etla area require careful and essential planning, particularly regarding guest transportation, as it’s outside Oaxaca City:

Airport Transfers: Guests arrange standard transport from OAX (approx. 45-60 minutes depending on traffic and specific Finca location) directly to their accommodation in Oaxaca City or the Etla area.

Accommodation: Guests stay off-site, primarily in hotels or rentals in Oaxaca City, or potentially smaller options closer to Etla. The very limited or no on-site accommodation at the Finca is a key factor influencing logistics.

Transport to Finca El Retiro: *Essential and Non-Negotiable*. For guests not staying on-site, transport is required from their lodging to the Finca. Taxis and ride-shares are not a reliable or cost-effective option from this location, especially late at night and for groups. Pre-arranged shuttle services from central locations in Oaxaca City (or guest hotels) to Finca El Retiro are *essential* for guest convenience and safety for both arrival and departure. This is a significant logistical component and budget item that requires meticulous planning by your planner.

Internal Transport: Navigating within Finca El Retiro involves moving through gardens, lawns, patios, and indoor spaces. The layout is typically manageable but coordinating guest flow between distinct areas needs planning.

Parking: Finca venues often have dedicated on-site parking for guests and vendors. However, providing shuttles is generally the preferred and most practical method for destination weddings for ease and safety, particularly given the location and late-night returns.

Vendor Access: Coordinated load-in/out plan required for all external vendors with the Finca manager and planner, strictly within the venue rental timeframe. Access points need clear communication.

 

Total Cost Breakdown (Finca El Retiro Etla Wedding)

 

For an estimated wedding of 120 guests at Finca El Retiro, Etla:

Venue Rental Fee: $4,000 – $15,000+ USD (Variable based on season, day of week, exclusivity, hours of use, specific areas rented).

Catering (Food, Beverage, Staffing): $100 – $250+ USD per person ($12,000 – $30,000+) – Variable based on menu, beverage package, and chosen caterer.

External Wedding Planner: $6,000 – $16,000+ (Highly recommended, often essential, reflecting external vendor coordination).

Rentals (Tables, Chairs, Linens, Tableware, Lounge, etc.): $6,000 – $25,000+ (Often a major cost as minimal is included).

Decor & Florals: $5,000 – $20,000+ (Design is key in enhancing the natural setting).

Lighting & Sound (External): $4,000 – $15,000+ (Crucial for creating ambiance in expansive outdoor areas).

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

Photography/Videography: $3,000 – $10,000+.

Guest Transportation (Shuttles to/from Finca): $2,000 – $8,000+ (Essential and variable based on # guests off-site).

Contingency, Service Charges (from vendors), Taxes, Permits: $3,000 – $10,000+.

Total estimated *event* cost (paid by couple) typically ranges from $40,000 – $140,000+ USD for 120 guests, heavily influenced by the chosen caterer, guest count, extent of rentals, complexity of lighting/design, and the necessary guest transportation. The structure requires coordinating numerous external vendors to complement the natural and spacious venue, offering a relaxed, personalized, and beautiful experience.

 

Splurge vs. Save

Save: Choose a date with a lower venue rental fee (e.g., weekday or off-season). Opt for a standard or more budget-friendly caterer. Minimize external rentals by utilizing any existing Finca items if possible, or choosing simpler, cost-effective rental options. Focus decor and florals on a few key impact areas (ceremony spot, main reception space). Select talented local musicians or a DJ within the Finca’s noise limits. Clearly communicate transport options but provide minimal shuttle trips.

Splurge: Secure a prime date for exclusive use. Choose a premium caterer with an elevated menu and service. Invest significantly in rentals to create a luxurious and custom look that complements the Finca’s charm (high-end furniture, specialty linens, unique tableware, perhaps a tent for the reception). Bring in extensive and skilled lighting production to highlight the gardens and create dramatic ambiance. Commission elaborate floral and decor installations throughout the event spaces, particularly utilizing the expansive gardens/lawns. Hire high-demand live music or a DJ for extended performance (within curfew). Provide seamless, frequent, and comfortable shuttle services for all guests to/from multiple convenient points in Oaxaca City throughout the evening.

 

Finca El Retiro Etla Event Inclusions (Summary)

 

Key components based on the Finca Venue + External Vendors model:

Finca El Retiro Venue Rental typically includes: Exclusive use of contracted event areas on the property for a set timeframe, use of basic Finca facilities (restrooms, pathways), potentially limited existing furniture, basic support from the Finca Manager for property access and rules.

Major Exclusions (requiring separate, numerous contracts): ALL catering (food & beverage, unless mandatory/exclusive), ALL staffing (service, kitchen, bartenders, security, cleanup), ALL rentals (tables, chairs, linens, tableware, specialty items, tents), ALL custom/elaborate decor, ALL specialized florals, ALL lighting and sound systems, ALL music/entertainment, wedding cake, external wedding planner (essential), guest transportation *to and from* the Finca, guest accommodations (off-site), personalized details, officiant, legal fees, permits, insurance.

Verify details based on your specific Finca El Retiro venue rental contract and chosen caterer/vendor agreements.

Activities for Other Days (Estate Focus & Etla/City Access)

 

Guests attending a wedding at Finca El Retiro enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the estate itself and have access (requiring transportation) to both the Etla area’s local charm and Oaxaca City’s attractions:

On-Site (Finca Atmosphere): Guests can enjoy the serene and beautiful environment of the Finca grounds during pre-wedding events (like a welcome party or rehearsal dinner held on the property, if permitted and arranged) or if arriving early. This provides a peaceful and unique escape from the city bustle and a chance to appreciate the expansive natural surroundings. The primary “on-site” activity is soaking in the beauty, privacy, and tranquil atmosphere of the Finca itself.

Off-Site (Etla Area Exploration): The Etla Valley and surrounding areas offer unique cultural experiences. Guests can explore nearby artisan communities (like San Agustín Etla with its paper factory/arts center), visit local markets, or discover smaller archaeological sites in the valley. These are often closer to the Finca than Oaxaca City itself but still require transportation. Mezcal tastings at nearby distilleries are also a popular option in the region.

Off-Site (City Exploration): Oaxaca City’s vibrant historic center is a comfortable drive away (approx. 20-30 minutes by taxi/ride-share/shuttle, depending on specific Finca location and traffic). Guests staying in the city can easily visit Santo Domingo Church, the Ethnobotanical Garden, the Zócalo, museums, galleries, markets, and world-class restaurants downtown. Guests staying closer to Etla will need dedicated transport for city trips.

Off-Site (Day Trips): Day trips to major sites like the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán or the stunning petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua are still very feasible. These trips typically depart from Oaxaca City. Tour operators and taxis/drivers are available in the city center, or transportation can be arranged through your planner, providing convenient access for guests wanting to explore further on non-wedding days, requiring coordination from their base in the city or the Finca (with pre-booked transport).

Three Practical Tips for Brides 

 

Embrace the Expansive Outdoor Spaces: Finca El Retiro offers large garden and lawn areas. Work closely with your planner and design vendors to utilize these spaces creatively for different parts of your event – perhaps the ceremony on a lawn, cocktail hour in a specific garden, and dinner/dancing under the open sky or a beautiful tent. Plan lighting specifically for these large outdoor areas to create atmosphere after dark.

Guest Transportation is Non-Negotiable: Given the Finca’s location outside the city center, providing reliable shuttle services to and from Oaxaca City is *essential* for guest convenience, comfort, and safety. Budget accordingly for multiple trips throughout the evening. Clearly communicate the schedule and pick-up/drop-off points to your guests well in advance. This is one of the most critical logistical elements to get right for a venue like this.

Understand the “Blank Canvas” and Hire a Planner: A private venue like a Finca offers incredible personalization but requires building most elements from scratch (catering, rentals, lighting, etc.). Recognize this is *not* a hotel experience where many things are bundled. Hiring an experienced wedding planner familiar with Oaxaca destination weddings and private venues is *highly recommended*, often essential, to handle the detailed planning, vendor management, timeline creation, guest transportation coordination, and seamless execution on the day, allowing you to relax and enjoy the beautiful, private setting.

 

Two Bride Reviews  

 

“Finca El Retiro was absolutely stunning! The gardens were so spacious and beautifully maintained, perfect for our large outdoor ceremony and reception. We loved having the entire property to ourselves for the day – it felt incredibly private and special. Our planner was amazing and coordinated all the vendors needed to transform the space. While getting our guests to and from Oaxaca City required shuttles, everyone agreed the Finca was well worth the trip. It was a truly picturesque and memorable wedding.” – Daniela S.

“We chose Finca El Retiro because we wanted an outdoor wedding with a lot of space and natural beauty, away from the city noise. The Finca delivered! The grounds are expansive, allowing for a really flexible layout, and the ambiance in the evening with the lighting was magical. We appreciated the freedom to choose our own caterer and vendors, which let us personalize everything. Our planner was indispensable in managing the complexities of a private venue, especially transportation. Our guests loved the serene setting and celebrating with us under the stars.” – Florencia M.

 

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro 

 

Photographing a wedding at Finca El Retiro offers a wonderful opportunity to capture moments within a spacious, natural, and private setting. The focus would be on leveraging the expansive gardens and outdoor areas for creative portraits and documenting the relaxed, personal atmosphere of the celebration. Documenting the interplay of natural light and thoughtful evening lighting across the large outdoor spaces is key to showcasing the ambiance and scale. Challenges include managing varied lighting across different garden and patio areas throughout the day and night, coordinating coverage across the large property to capture all moments, and ensuring efficient movement between ceremony, cocktail, and reception areas within the Finca’s layout. Finca El Retiro is ideal for couples who prioritize a private, spacious, naturally beautiful, and highly curated destination wedding experience, offering photos that feel organic, personal, and deeply connected to the serene Oaxacan countryside.

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