Getting Married at Hotel Santa Fe: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Hotel Santa Fe on Playa Zicatela is a well-known destination in Puerto Escondido, celebrated for its striking “Santa Fe style” architecture and prime beachfront location overlooking the famous bay. It offers a distinct setting for couples dreaming of a coastal wedding, providing direct beach access, multiple pools, and a comfortable hotel ambiance. Renowned for its distinct look and prime beachfront spot, it offers an authentic Puerto Escondido wedding experience with memorable ocean views and easy access to local hotspots like Zicatela and La Punta.

Functioning primarily as a hotel with dedicated event capabilities, Hotel Santa Fe provides amenities like swimming pools, restaurants, and comfortable rooms (typically European Plan). For weddings, it generally operates on a venue rental basis, often requiring the use of its in-house catering and bar services, while allowing couples flexibility with external vendors for design and entertainment elements. Planning typically involves booking the venue and guests arranging individual room stays, collaborating with the hotel for their required services, and strongly benefiting from an external planner to manage overall vision, specialized vendors, and guest logistics for a destination event.

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Index

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

 

Hotel Santa Fe is an excellent venue for couples seeking an iconic, beachfront, charming, and customizable wedding experience within a comfortable hotel setting in Puerto Escondido, offering direct access to Playa Zicatela. If you are drawn to hotels with distinct architecture and beachfront character, appreciate a more traditional hotel model (not necessarily all-inclusive) that offers flexibility, value being steps away from the lively Zicatela area and close to La Punta for yourself and your guests, desire the freedom to curate many event details through external vendors (while using hotel catering), and envision a celebration that feels authentically coastal and features the sound and views of the Pacific waves, Hotel Santa Fe is a strong contender. It’s ideal for couples who want their wedding to feel personal and enjoyable, suitable for smaller to medium guest lists who appreciate an iconic location and ocean backdrop without the full all-inclusive resort complexity.

The hotel’s key highlights include its iconic “Santa Fe style” architecture, direct beachfront location on Playa Zicatela, multiple swimming pools, comfortable guest rooms (EP options), in-house catering/bar for events, and a convenient location near the Zicatela/La Punta areas. Perfect for a charming, view-focused, beach-accessible (for views/vibe), and guest-convenient destination wedding experience in Puerto Escondido.

 

How Does a Wedding at Hotel Santa Fe Work?

 

Planning a wedding at Hotel Santa Fe typically involves:

Contacting the Hotel Events Team: Reaching out to Hotel Santa Fe’s dedicated events team to inquire about venue availability and discuss options for booking event spaces (beachfront terraces, poolside areas, potentially indoor spaces) and arranging guest accommodations.

Understanding Venue Rental & Catering Structure: Reviewing their event rental agreement, which outlines the use of specific event spaces for a timeframe, and their catering policy – hotels like Hotel Santa Fe typically require use of their in-house catering and bar services for events. Clarify any associated venue fees or minimum spend requirements.

Working with the Hotel Event Coordinator: Collaborating with the hotel’s internal event coordinator primarily on *hotel-provided* services: selecting ceremony/reception locations on the property (beachfront, poolside), planning and executing the in-house menu and beverage service, overseeing hotel banquet staffing, arranging basic hotel setup (tables, chairs, linens, tableware), and managing the wedding day timeline for hotel services. Their role is focused on the hotel’s offerings and operations.

Hiring an External Planner (Highly Recommended for Customization): While the hotel provides coordination for its services, an external planner is highly recommended, often essential, especially for destination weddings and couples seeking significant personalization. They help with overall event design vision (crucial for transforming spaces and enhancing the iconic look/views), detailed budget management across all vendor contracts, sourcing and coordinating *any* external vendors allowed by the hotel (e.g., specific photographer/videographer, specialized decor/rentals, unique entertainment), creating detailed timelines that integrate hotel services and external elements, and managing guest logistics (accommodation booking communication, welcome bags, coordinating activities and transportation within Puerto Escondido), handling external vendor contracts, and serves as the primary point person for everyone on the wedding day, troubleshooting issues and ensuring seamless execution. Note that hotels may have restrictions or fees for outside vendors.

Vendor Selection & Coordination: The couple and their external planner will select and contract external vendors for elements *not* typically included or for elevated personalization, such as specialized decorative elements that complement the architecture, elaborate floral installations, advanced lighting and sound (beyond basic hotel background systems), unique rentals, music/entertainment (within hotel guidelines), wedding cake (typically external), photography, videography, etc. These add-ons incur additional costs, and the hotel may have restrictions or fees for outside vendors.

Guest Accommodation: Guests book rooms directly at Hotel Santa Fe, typically on a European Plan (room only) or with breakfast. They pay for their rooms and other meals/drinks separately. Couples can arrange a room block for convenience. Staying on-site is easy, and the location is also convenient for guests staying elsewhere nearby (Zicatela, La Punta).

The process is integrated with the hotel’s event and accommodation services, emphasizing in-house catering for the wedding events, with external vendors and an essential planner adding personalized design, elevated details, and detailed coordination of all elements, centered around the hotel’s unique architecture, spaces, and beachfront location.

 

Best Months to Get Married

 

Puerto Escondido is known for its hot, tropical climate. The dry season offers the most consistently sunny weather for outdoor hotel weddings, especially utilizing beachfront terraces or poolside areas. The dry season typically runs from late October/early November through May, with the most popular months being November to April. The rainy season (June-October) features hotter, more humid weather with potential for afternoon/evening showers, but hotel venues like Hotel Santa Fe will have covered terraces or indoor spaces to serve as reliable backup options for event components.

 

The Basics of Wedding Planning (Hotel Venue Model)

 

Hotel Santa Fe operates on a Hotel Venue Rental + In-House Catering + EP Room Rate model:

Venue Rental Fee & Catering Package: Wedding bookings are typically structured around a venue rental fee for the use of specific event spaces (beachfront areas, poolside, salons) combined with a per-person cost for mandatory in-house catering (food and beverage). Pricing is often based on a per-person rate for catering, with additional venue fees for specific areas or minimum spend requirements.

In-House Services: The hotel provides core event services: venue space, in-house food and beverage preparation and service, hotel banquet staffing (servers, kitchen, bartenders, event staff), basic hotel setup (tables, chairs, standard linens, tableware), and setup/cleanup of their items.

Building the Event: While the hotel provides the operational foundation and backdrop, couples (via their planner) are responsible for bringing in *all* personalized decorative elements that complement the unique architecture, specialized florals, advanced lighting and sound (beyond basic hotel background systems), unique rentals, music/entertainment (within hotel guidelines), wedding cake (typically external), photography, videography, etc. These elements are contracted externally.

Accommodation Option: The hotel offers comfortable on-site guest rooms and suites. Guests book and pay for their accommodation directly, typically on a European Plan (room only). Couples can arrange a room block for convenience. Guests pay for their own meals/drinks separately outside of the hosted wedding events.

Additional Costs: Venue rental fee, Per-person catering cost, External Wedding Planner fees (essential), Costs for *all* contracted external vendors (decor, florals, rentals, lighting, sound, entertainment), potential upgrades to in-house menu/beverage, guest accommodation costs (paid by guests), permits, insurance (if required), guest transportation within Puerto Escondido (taxis/ride-shares readily available), personalized favors, officiant, legal fees.

This structure provides a base of hotel services and striking event spaces, requiring careful budgeting for separate venue and catering costs, while allowing couples to personalize their event through external design and entertainment, with comfortable on-site accommodation (EP model).

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding (Hotel Santa Fe Event)?

 

Cost allocation follows the Hotel Venue Rental + In-House Catering + EP Room Rate booking structure:

  • The couple typically pays for:
    • The Hotel Santa Fe venue rental fee (for specific event spaces).
    • The mandatory in-house catering costs (food & beverage, staffing), based on a per-person rate.
    • External Wedding Planner fees (essential).
    • Costs for *all* contracted external vendors (decor, florals, music, photography, videography, rentals, lighting, sound).
    • Any upgrades to the in-house menu or beverage selection.
    • Their own travel and accommodation at the hotel.
    • Optional hosted events (welcome party, brunch – can be at the hotel or nearby venues, paid separately).
    • Guest transportation within Puerto Escondido (taxis/ride-shares readily available).
    • Personal items.
  • Guests typically pay for:
    • Their flights to Puerto Escondido (PXM).
    • Their accommodation at Hotel Santa Fe (if booking within the block) or elsewhere in Puerto Escondido. Their room rate is for lodging (EP), not an all-inclusive package covering all meals/drinks outside the wedding events.
    • Airport transfers to their lodging (approx. 10-20 minutes to Hotel Santa Fe).
    • Transportation from their lodging to the wedding events *unless* shuttles are provided by the couple (easily accessible via taxis/ride-shares within Puerto Escondido).
    • All food & beverage outside of the hosted wedding events (at hotel restaurants, bars, or off-site).
    • Optional extras (spa treatments, tours, surfing lessons).
    • Wedding gifts.

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations (Hotel Venue)

 

Hotel Santa Fe offers space suitable for smaller to medium-sized weddings:

Event Capacity: Comfortably hosts smaller to medium-sized weddings (e.g., 50 – 120 guests), utilizing its beachfront terraces with pools, gardens, and potentially indoor/covered spaces. The hotel offers potential locations for each wedding event (ceremony, cocktail hour, reception) to accommodate guest counts while leveraging its iconic architecture and ocean views on Playa Zicatela.

Event Locations: Beautiful and versatile options typically include:

Beachfront Terraces / Pool Area: Outdoor areas overlooking Playa Zicatela, often featuring pools, perfect for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or receptions, capturing the iconic views and atmosphere.

Restaurant / Bar Area: Covered or indoor space with distinct architecture, potentially used for reception dining or dancing.

Gardens: Landscaped areas within the hotel grounds that can be used for smaller elements or photos.

Accommodations: Hotel Santa Fe offers on-site guest rooms and suites, typically available on a European Plan (EP) or with breakfast included. Guests book and pay for their accommodation directly. Couples can arrange a room block for convenience. Staying on-site provides guests with comfortable lodging right on the property.

 

Ceremony and Reception Logistics (Hotel Layout)

 

Logistics at Hotel Santa Fe involve coordinating guest flow through the hotel’s beachfront property, managing transitions between different event areas, and utilizing the hotel’s infrastructure:

Venue Navigation: Hotel Santa Fe’s layout is spread along the beachfront, with pools, terraces, and buildings. Planning guest movement between event locations (e.g., ceremony on a beachfront terrace, cocktail hour by a pool, reception at the restaurant terrace or salon) is managed by the hotel event coordinator and your external planner. Distances are typically manageable within the hotel complex. Clear signage and guest guidance are important.

Vendor Access: Coordinated by the hotel event coordinator and your external planner. Access may involve navigating pathways around pools and terraces, requiring careful timing for setups. Hotels designed for events typically offer standard loading docks and designated setup times.

Setup: Hotel staff handle setup of all included items (tables, chairs, standard linens, tableware, basic decor if applicable). External vendors manage their specific setups (specialty decor, advanced sound/lighting, florals) across the property. The hotel coordinator and external planner work together for cohesive setup across the property’s distinct locations.

Transportation: Convenient once guests arrive in Puerto Escondido. Guests arrange standard airport transfers (PXM) to Hotel Santa Fe (approx. 10-20 minutes). The hotel’s location is easily accessible to the lively Zicatela area and the beaches/restaurants of La Punta via walking or very short taxi/ride-share rides (approx. 5-10 minutes). Pre-arranged shuttles for wedding events within the hotel are generally not necessary unless guests are staying elsewhere, or assistance is needed for mobility.

Proximity to Airport: Convenient access to Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) via taxi or private transfer (approx. 10-20 minutes).

 

What’s Included in Hotel Wedding Bookings?

 

Inclusions with a Hotel Santa Fe wedding booking are typically focused on the venue, mandatory catering, and basic setup services:

  • Exclusive use of contracted event areas within the hotel (e.g., specific Beachfront Terrace, Poolside area, Salon) for the agreed-upon time.
  • Mandatory in-house catering: the chosen food menu and beverage package (alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks) from the hotel’s offerings.
  • Hotel event staffing: servers, kitchen staff, bartenders, event staff, hotel wedding coordinator, hotel staff (front desk, housekeeping, security).
  • 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.
  • Basic decor elements as specified in the package (e.g., ceremony setup with chairs and arch, basic table centerpieces) – verify exact inclusions.
  • A wedding cake from the hotel’s pastry chef (verify if included or external).
  • A hotel event coordinator to manage the hotel’s event services and on-site logistics.
  • On-site guest accommodation options (via room block – guests pay for rooms/EP).

Common exclusions (meaning you need to rent/contract these externally or upgrade, often subject to hotel fees): ALL custom/elaborate decor (beyond basic package items), ALL specialized florals, ALL advanced lighting and sound systems (beyond basic hotel background), ALL music/entertainment (bands, specific DJs) – contracted separately but coordinated with hotel, specific photography, videography (hotels may have preferred vendors or outside vendor fees), external wedding planner (*highly recommended/essential*, separate hire), any rentals *beyond* the standard hotel stock (e.g., specialty chair styles, premium colored linens, lounge furniture, custom dance floor), permits (typically handled by hotel), insurance (if required), guest travel & airport transfers, guest accommodation costs (paid by guests), guest transportation within Puerto Escondido (optional), optional private events (welcome party/brunch) unless purchased separately, personalized favors, officiant (legal civil ceremony often requires separate arrangements and fees), legal fees.

Obtain a detailed Hotel Santa Fe wedding contract specifying exactly what is included (especially basic decor/furniture inventory), venue rental fees, per-person mandatory catering costs, minimum spends, room block details (EP rate structure), timing restrictions (especially noise curfews), and rules for external vendors.

 

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies (Covered Areas/Salons)

 

Hotel Santa Fe offers convenient indoor or covered spaces as backup plans for outdoor beachfront or poolside elements:

Covered Terraces / Indoor Salons: The hotel features beautiful covered terraces overlooking the ocean or designated indoor salons that can serve as functional backup locations for the ceremony and/or parts of the reception in case of rain or unfavorable weather. These spaces should comfortably fit your expected guest count and often still offer views, though the ambiance might differ from an open beach ceremony.

Backup options utilize the hotel’s existing infrastructure, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for guests regardless of weather, moving indoors or to a covered area if needed.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies (Hotel Fees)

 

Payment terms align with hotel and wedding event bookings, involving separate contracts for venue/catering and accommodation:

Deposit: Required to secure Hotel Santa Fe for your wedding date and event spaces. This typically includes a venue deposit and a catering deposit. Accommodation deposits for booked rooms also apply and are handled separately by guests booking in the block.

Payment Schedule: Phased payments for the venue rental and catering costs leading up to the event date, based on guest count estimates and contractual milestones. Room block payments are handled individually by guests booking their rooms directly (EP rate).

Final Payment: Typically due shortly before the event (e.g., 30-60 days out), based on the final guaranteed guest count for catering and confirmed event inclusions.

Cancellation Policy: Booking a hotel for a wedding is a significant commitment; cancellation policies for venue/catering contracts and accommodation rentals are usually strict with escalating penalties closer to the date, potentially including a high percentage or the full minimum spend/package cost. Comprehensive wedding insurance is *highly recommended* to protect against unforeseen cancellations.

Vendor Payments: Costs for external vendors are paid separately to those vendors, according to their individual contracts. Hotel fees for outside vendors are paid to the hotel.

 

Coordination: Hotel Event Coordinator vs. External Planner

 

Understanding the support system at a hotel:

Hotel Santa Fe Event Coordinator: Your primary contact at the hotel for *all things related to hotel event services*. They manage: booking event spaces on the property (beachfront terraces, poolside, salon), planning and executing the in-house menu and beverage service, overseeing hotel banquet staffing, arranging the basic hotel setup (tables, chairs, linens, tableware), coordinating guest room blocks and check-in/out logistics for staying guests, and managing the wedding day timeline *as it pertains to hotel services*. Their role is focused on delivering the elements covered by your catering/venue contract with the hotel. They typically do *not* manage your overall event design vision, source or extensively coordinate *any* external vendors (beyond providing approved lists or facilitating access), handle detailed guest activities or logistics outside the hotel property, or manage budgets beyond the hotel costs.

External Wedding Planner: Provides personalized, comprehensive planning for the *entire event*, integrating seamlessly with the hotel’s services. This includes overall event design vision and elevation (essential for creating a unique look and feel), detailed budget management across all vendor contracts (hotel costs + external vendors), sourcing and coordinating *all* external vendors (photographer, videographer, specialized florals, rentals, lighting, sound, entertainment, etc.), creating detailed timelines that coordinate hotel services, external vendors, and guest flow across the property, managing guest logistics (accommodation booking communication, welcome bags, coordinating activities and transportation within Puerto Escondido), handling all vendor contracts (including reviewing the hotel contract), and serves as the primary point person for everyone on the wedding day, troubleshooting issues and ensuring seamless execution. *Highly recommended, often essential*, especially for destination weddings to ensure a cohesive, highly personalized experience and navigate logistical elements like external vendors and property layout.

 

Dietary and Menu Restrictions (In-House Hotel Catering)

 

Handled by Hotel Santa Fe’s in-house culinary team and restaurants:

Catering: Provided exclusively by Hotel Santa Fe’s in-house kitchen and bar for event bookings. This offers the ability to work directly with the hotel team on menu selection and service, often emphasizing fresh, local ingredients fitting the coastal location. They typically offer various menu options. Menu tastings may be available.

Dietary Needs: Handled directly by the Hotel Santa Fe kitchen. As a hotel used to hosting diverse groups, they are equipped and experienced in accommodating a range of dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies, etc.) for guests 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 at a hotel balance providing a lively event with respecting the ambiance and other guests:

Style: Accommodating to various forms of entertainment suitable for a beachfront setting. Live music (tropical, cover) and DJs are common and can utilize designated outdoor (beachfront terraces, poolside) or indoor event spaces (salons).

Curfews/Noise: As a hotel with guests in nearby rooms and a location near other establishments on Zicatela, there will likely be noise limitations, particularly in outdoor areas late at night. Amplified music for dancing will likely need to move to a designated indoor space or cease by a specific hour (e.g., 11 PM, 12 AM, or 1 AM), depending on the hotel’s specific policies and location. 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 Hotel Santa Fe’s rules regarding setup, sound levels in different areas, timing, power requirements, and use of space. Hotels often have fees for outside vendors. Your planner must coordinate this closely with the hotel.

 

Parking and Guest Logistics (Hotel Location)

 

Logistics for Hotel Santa Fe are convenient due to its accessible location near Zicatela and La Punta in Puerto Escondido:

Airport Transfers: Guests arrange standard transport from Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) directly to Hotel Santa Fe (approx. 10-20 minutes). This is a common and easy process via pre-booked shuttles, taxis, or private transfers.

Accommodation: Guests book and pay for rooms directly at Hotel Santa Fe (EP) or elsewhere nearby (Zicatela, La Punta, main town). The hotel is a convenient base for guests, located on the beachfront and a short walk or taxi ride from popular areas.

Transport to Hotel Santa Fe: Easily accessible from other parts of Puerto Escondido via walking (to nearby areas), taxi, or ride-share. Its location is well-known.

Internal Transport: Moving between different event locations (beachfront terraces, pools, salons) within the hotel property is generally done on foot. The layout is manageable.

Parking: Hotel Santa Fe typically has on-site parking for guests and vendors. This is convenient, but providing guidance on its location and communicating taxi/ride-share availability is generally sufficient for guests.

Vendor Access: Coordinated load-in/out plan required for approved external vendors with the hotel event coordinator and planner, utilizing designated service areas and times, carefully managed to respect ongoing hotel operations and the beachfront location.

 

Total Cost Breakdown (Hotel Santa Fe Puerto Escondido Wedding)

 

For an estimated wedding of 80 guests at Hotel Santa Fe:

Venue Fee: $1,500 – $6,000+ USD (Variable based on season, day of week, chosen areas, exclusivity). Reflects iconic location and event space.

In-House Catering (Food, Beverage, Staffing): $80 – $180+ USD per person ($6,400 – $14,400+) – Variable based on chosen menu and beverage package.

External Wedding Planner: $3,000 – $10,000+ (Highly recommended for customization/vendor coordination).

Rentals (Specialty Items, Decor Upgrade, etc.): $3,000 – $10,000+ (Beyond standard hotel items).

Decor & Florals: $3,000 – $12,000+ (Especially for custom design complementing architecture/location).

Lighting & Sound (External/Upgrade): $2,000 – $6,000+ (For enhanced setup on terraces/by pools).

Music & Entertainment (External/Upgrade): $2,000 – $8,000+.

Photography/Videography: $2,500 – $8,000+.

Hotel Fees for Outside Vendors: $200 – $800+ per vendor category. Varies by hotel.

Contingency, Service Charges (often added), Taxes, Permits (usually handled by hotel): $2,000 – $6,000+.

Total estimated *event* cost (paid by couple) typically ranges from $20,000 – $85,000+ USD for 80 guests, heavily influenced by the venue fee, per-person catering cost, guest count, extent of upgrades/rentals, and external vendor choices. This is *in addition* to the guests’ individual accommodation costs (EP model). Pricing is generally accessible for a destination wedding, offering good value for an iconic beachfront location.

 

Splurge vs. Save

Save: Choose a date with a lower venue fee (e.g., weekday or off-season). Select a standard catering menu option. Minimize external rentals and utilize hotel’s standard items. Focus floral/decor on key focal points like the ceremony backdrop and reception area. Select talented local musicians or a DJ within hotel noise limits/curfews. Encourage guests to book standard room types and utilize readily available city taxis/ride-shares within Puerto Escondido. Skip optional private events.

Splurge: Secure a prime date and location (beachfront pool terrace). Upgrade to premium catering menus and beverage selections. Invest in select external vendors (photographer, videographer, florist, rentals) for a highly personalized look and feel, paying any associated hotel fees. Book optional private events like a welcome party or a farewell brunch at the hotel or nearby venues. Upgrade entertainment (live band). Secure preferred room types for the couple and wedding party. Add personalized touches.

 

Hotel Santa Fe Puerto Escondido Event Inclusions (Summary)

 

Key components based on the Hotel Venue + In-House Catering + EP Room Rate model:

Hotel Santa Fe Booking includes: Use of contracted event areas (beachfront terrace, poolside, salon), mandatory in-house catering (food & beverage), hotel event staffing, basic hotel setup (tables/chairs/linens/tableware), setup/cleanup of included items, wedding cake (verify inclusion), Hotel Event Coordinator support, on-site guest accommodation options (via room block – guests pay for rooms/EP), use of hotel amenities for staying guests.

Common Exclusions (requiring external vendors or upgrades, often with hotel fees): ALL custom/elaborate decor (beyond basic settings), ALL specialized florals, ALL advanced lighting/sound, ALL music/entertainment (contracted separately but coordinated with hotel), specific photography/videography (check outside vendor fees), specialized rentals (beyond hotel stock), optional private events (welcome party/brunch), personalized details, officiant (check legal vs symbolic inclusions), legal fees (for civil ceremony), guest travel & airport transfers, guest accommodation costs, wedding insurance, outside vendor fees charged by hotel.

Verify details based on your specific Hotel Santa Fe wedding contract and room block agreement.

Activities for Other Days (On-Site Amenities & Puerto Escondido Exploration)

 

Guests attending a wedding at Hotel Santa Fe benefit from the hotel’s amenities and prime location, offering access to exploring the Zicatela and La Punta areas of Puerto Escondido, as well as other bays:

On-Site (Hotel Amenities): Guests staying at the hotel can enjoy the hotel facilities throughout their stay. This typically includes multiple swimming pools (some with beachfront views), on-site restaurant(s) and bar(s) (where guests pay per consumption), and direct access to the atmosphere and sand of Playa Zicatela. This provides a comfortable base with iconic views and easy access to a famous beach.

Off-Site (Puerto Escondido Exploration): The hotel’s location is very convenient. Guests are steps away from the lively Zicatela boardwalk area with its restaurants, bars, and shops. A short walk or very short taxi/ride-share ride takes guests to La Punta (relaxed, bohemian vibe) or the Santa Cruz/Carrizalillo area (calmer beach, marina, town center – approx. 5-10 minutes taxi). Boat tours, surfing lessons (on Zicatela for experienced surfers, or nearby bays for beginners), or visits to nearby lagoons are easily accessible via taxi or tours from town.

Optional Hosted Events: Couples can choose to host additional events like a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, or farewell brunch at one of the hotel’s restaurants or in a private event space, paid separately. Alternatively, they can host these events off-site in Puerto Escondido (Zicatela, La Punta, or the main town), requiring external coordination.

 

Three Practical Tips for Brides

 

Embrace the Iconic Architecture and Zicatela Vibe: Hotel Santa Fe’s unique architecture is a fantastic backdrop, and its location on Zicatela offers a distinct Puerto Escondido feel. Work with your planner and photographer to utilize the architectural features, pools, and beachfront views for photos and key event moments. Highlight the proximity to the lively Zicatela and relaxed La Punta areas for guest activities.

Understand the Beach Use and Zicatela Waves: While the hotel is beachfront on Zicatela, this beach is famous for large waves and is typically *not* safe for swimming directly from the hotel shore. Ceremonies on the sand are possible, but guest interaction with the ocean will be limited to wading near the shore or enjoying the view/sound of the waves. Clearly communicate beach safety and swimming options (e.g., hotel pools, nearby swimmable bays like Carrizalillo) to guests.

Work Closely with Both the Hotel Coordinator and an External Planner: The hotel event coordinator is your expert on *all things hotel-specific* (in-house catering execution, basic setup, hotel logistics). An external planner is your advocate for *your overall vision* (design, vendor sourcing/management beyond the hotel, detailed timeline, guest experience, managing logistics in Puerto Escondido). They work in tandem to ensure your event is executed smoothly, integrating any external elements and managing guest movement effectively within Puerto Escondido.

 

Two Bride Reviews 

 

“Hotel Santa Fe was the perfect venue for our Puerto Escondido wedding! We loved the iconic architecture and being right on Zicatela, even if it’s not a swimming beach – the energy and views were amazing! We had our ceremony right on the sand and the reception by the pool overlooking the waves. The hotel staff were friendly and the in-house catering was delicious. Our planner was essential in helping us add personal touches and coordinating our outside photographer. Guests loved the hotel’s location and exploring the Zicatela/La Punta area easily.” – Daniela S.

“We chose Hotel Santa Fe because we wanted a place with character and a great location in Puerto Escondido. The hotel is beautiful and felt like an authentic coastal experience. We appreciated that it wasn’t an all-inclusive, giving guests flexibility. The in-house catering was great, and the event spaces overlooking the ocean were perfect. Our external planner was invaluable in managing the details and vendor coordination, making sure everything flowed smoothly. Our guests enjoyed the vibe, the pools, and being able to easily get to La Punta. It was a memorable wedding!” – Sofia G.

 

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro 

 

Photographing a wedding at Hotel Santa Fe offers the opportunity to capture moments within an iconic, charming, and vibrant beachfront setting. My focus would be on leveraging the unique “Santa Fe style” architecture, the beachfront pools, the raw power of the Zicatela waves as a backdrop, and the lively energy of the couple and their guests enjoying the setting. Capturing both the architectural details and the coastal atmosphere is key. Challenges include managing harsh midday sun on the beach/pool areas, navigating photography around hotel guests and public access areas on the beach, coordinating coverage with the hotel’s timelines, and being aware of and complying with any hotel rules regarding vendor presence. Hotel Santa Fe is ideal for couples who prioritize a convenient, guest-friendly, charming, and authentic destination wedding experience with iconic architecture and a prime beachfront location near the heart of Puerto Escondido’s vibrant scene, offering photos that feel unique, joyful, and beautifully capture a coastal celebration with character.

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