Getting Married at Villas Carrizalillo: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Villas Carrizalillo in Puerto Escondido offers a stunning destination for couples dreaming of a wedding with breathtaking cliffside and bay views. Located on a clifftop overlooking Carrizalillo Bay, this popular hotel provides a relaxed, boutique atmosphere with comfortable private villas for guests. Renowned for its picturesque views, direct access (via stairs) to one of Puerto Escondido’s most beautiful and swimmable beaches, and a laid-back, friendly ambiance, it’s a wonderful choice for couples seeking a destination wedding that feels intimate, naturally beautiful, and authentically coastal. It features multiple pools and dining areas, often with panoramic views, ensuring a memorable setting.

Operating primarily as a hotel with dedicated event capabilities, Villas Carrizalillo is not an all-inclusive resort but functions on a venue rental basis for weddings. It typically operates on a venue rental basis for events, often requiring the use of its in-house catering and bar services, while allowing personalization through external vendors for design and entertainment, reflecting its focus on hotel-based events rather than a full all-inclusive resort experience. Planning a wedding here involves coordinating venue and guest room bookings (usually paid individually), working with the hotel’s team for core services like catering, and heavily relying on an external planner to manage the overall design vision, secure specialized vendors, and handle logistics, including navigating the property’s hillside layout and beach access.

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Index

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

 

Villas Carrizalillo is an excellent venue for couples seeking a charming, view-focused, intimate, and customizable wedding experience within a comfortable boutique hotel setting in Puerto Escondido, offering direct access to a beautiful bay. If you are drawn to hotels with character and stunning coastal views, appreciate a more relaxed hotel model (not necessarily all-inclusive) that offers privacy in individual villas/bungalows, value being close to one of the area’s best swimming beaches and a short taxi ride from town, desire the freedom to curate many event details through external vendors (while using hotel catering), and envision a celebration that feels welcoming and features memorable bay vistas, Villas Carrizalillo is a strong contender. It’s ideal for couples who want their wedding to feel personal, naturally beautiful, and authentically coastal, suitable for smaller to medium guest lists who appreciate a great location, beautiful views, and comfortable accommodation.

The hotel’s key highlights include its clifftop location offering panoramic views of Carrizalillo Bay, direct access (via stairs) to the beach below, charming villas/bungalows for accommodation (EP options), in-house catering/bar for events, and a convenient location near the Santa Cruz/Carrizalillo area and a short taxi ride from the main town beaches. Perfect for a charming, view-focused, beach-accessible, and guest-convenient destination wedding experience in Puerto Escondido.

 

How Does a Wedding at Villas Carrizalillo Work?

 

Planning a wedding at Villas Carrizalillo typically involves:

Contacting the Hotel Events Team: Reaching out to Villas Carrizalillo’s dedicated events team to inquire about venue availability and discuss options for booking event spaces (terraces with views, poolside areas, potentially indoor spaces) and arranging guest accommodations in the villas/bungalows.

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 Villas Carrizalillo 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 (clifftop terrace, 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 & Logistics): 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 or managing events outside the hotel. They help with overall event design vision (crucial for transforming spaces and enhancing the charm/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, advising on navigating the property/stairs). 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, 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 individual villas or bungalows directly at Villas Carrizalillo, typically on a European Plan (room only) or breakfast package. They pay for their accommodation and other meals/drinks separately. Couples can arrange a block of these units for convenience. Staying on-site provides guests with comfortable private lodging with easy access to wedding events and the beach (via stairs).

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 spaces, villas, and stunning bay views.

 

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 the clifftop terraces with views or the beach below. 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 Villas Carrizalillo will have covered terraces or indoor spaces to serve as reliable backup options for event components, maintaining comfort and views where possible.

 

The Basics of Wedding Planning (Boutique Hotel Venue Model)

 

Villas Carrizalillo 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 (terraces, 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, 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 villas and bungalows. Guests book and pay for their accommodation directly, usually on a European Plan (room only) or breakfast package. Couples can arrange a block of these units 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 available), personalized favors, officiant, legal fees.

This structure provides a base of hotel services and stunning event spaces with views, 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) in private villas.

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding (Villas Carrizalillo Event)?

 

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

  • The couple typically pays for:
    • The Villas Carrizalillo 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 Villas Carrizalillo (if booking within the block) or elsewhere in Puerto Escondido. Their room/villa 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 Villas Carrizalillo).
    • 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)

 

Villas Carrizalillo offers charming space suitable for smaller to medium-sized weddings:

Event Capacity: Comfortably hosts smaller to medium-sized weddings (e.g., 50 – 100 guests), utilizing its clifftop terraces with views, poolside areas, and potentially indoor/covered spaces. The hotel offers potential locations for each wedding event (ceremony, cocktail hour, reception) to accommodate guest counts while leveraging the stunning bay views.

Event Locations: Beautiful and versatile options typically include:

Clifftop Terraces with Views: Outdoor or semi-outdoor areas overlooking Carrizalillo Bay, perfect for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or smaller receptions.

Poolside Areas: Terraces around the hotel pools with views can be used for events, offering a relaxed hotel atmosphere.

Restaurant Area: Covered or indoor space potentially used for reception dining or dancing.

Accommodations: Villas Carrizalillo offers on-site guest villas and bungalows, typically available on a European Plan (EP). Couples can arrange a block of these units for convenience. Guests pay for their accommodation separately from wedding events. Staying on-site provides guests with private and comfortable lodging, often with kitchenettes, and easy access to the hotel amenities and the beach via the stairs.

 

Ceremony and Reception Logistics (Hotel Layout)

 

Logistics at Villas Carrizalillo involve coordinating guest flow through the hotel’s clifftop property and managing transitions between different event areas, particularly considering the stairs to the beach:

Venue Navigation: Villas Carrizalillo’s layout is on a clifftop, with villas, pools, terraces, and the restaurant area spread out, and stairs leading down to Carrizalillo beach. Planning guest movement between event locations (e.g., ceremony on a view terrace, cocktail hour by a pool, reception at the restaurant terrace) is managed by the hotel event coordinator and your external planner. The layout involves significant stairs to access the beach; clarify accessibility and alternatives for guests with mobility issues. Clear signage and guest guidance are important due to the multi-level nature and beach access path.

Vendor Access: Coordinated by the hotel event coordinator and your external planner. Access may involve using service paths or potentially the stairs, requiring careful timing for setups, especially for beach-related elements. Hotels designed for events typically offer standard loading docks and designated setup times, but the unique layout requires specific planning.

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, including potentially down on the beach. The hotel coordinator and external planner work together for cohesive setup across the property’s distinct locations, coordinating logistics of moving items between levels/areas and to the beach.

Transportation: Convenient once guests arrive in Puerto Escondido. Guests arrange standard airport transfers (PXM) to Villas Carrizalillo (approx. 10-20 minutes). The hotel’s location is a short taxi/ride-share ride to other areas of Puerto Escondido like La Punta or Zicatela, and very close to the amenities around Carrizalillo beach (accessed via stairs). Pre-arranged shuttles for wedding events within the hotel are generally not necessary unless guests are staying elsewhere, or assistance is needed for mobility on the hillside.

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 Villas Carrizalillo 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 Terrace, Poolside area, Restaurant, access to Beach via stairs) 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, including coordinating beach access via stairs.
  • On-site guest accommodation options in private villas/bungalows (via room block – guests pay for units/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, potential tenting for rain/sun), permits (typically handled by hotel), insurance (if required), guest travel & airport transfers, guest accommodation costs (paid by guests), guest transportation within Puerto Escondido (optional), managing guest access down the beach stairs (clarify hotel policy on assistance), 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 Villas Carrizalillo 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), rules for external vendors, and crucially, clear policies regarding beach access via stairs and any provided assistance.

 

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies (Covered Areas/Salons)

 

Villas Carrizalillo offers convenient indoor or covered spaces as backup plans for outdoor terrace or poolside elements:

Covered Terraces / Indoor Areas: The hotel features beautiful covered terraces overlooking the bay or designated indoor restaurant/salon areas 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-air clifftop or 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 boutique hotel and event bookings, involving separate contracts for venue/catering and accommodation:

Deposit: Required to secure Villas Carrizalillo for your wedding date and event spaces. This typically includes a venue deposit and a catering deposit. Accommodation deposits for booked villas/bungalows also apply and are handled separately by guests booking their units. The size of deposits can be substantial, reflecting the property size and exclusivity for events.

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. Accommodation payments are handled individually by guests booking their units 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 boutique hotel like Villas Carrizalillo 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 boutique hotel:

Villas Carrizalillo Hotel Event Coordinator: Your primary contact at the hotel for *all things related to hotel event services*. They manage: booking event spaces on the property (terraces, poolside, salon, coordinating beach access), 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*, including logistical aspects like beach access via stairs. 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 multi-level property (crucially factoring in the stairs and beach access), managing guest logistics (accommodation booking communication, welcome bags, coordinating activities and transportation within Puerto Escondido, advising guests on property navigation), 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 the hillside layout and external vendors.

 

Dietary and Menu Restrictions (In-House Hotel Catering)

 

Handled by Villas Carrizalillo’s in-house culinary team and restaurants:

Catering: Provided exclusively by Villas Carrizalillo’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 Villas Carrizalillo kitchen. As a boutique 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 boutique hotel balance providing a lively event with respecting the ambiance and guests in nearby villas:

Style: Accommodating to various forms of entertainment suitable for an intimate, coastal setting. Live music (acoustic, jazz, tropical sounds) and DJs are common and can utilize designated outdoor (terraces, poolside, or beach area with coordination) or indoor event spaces.

Curfews/Noise: As a boutique property with private villas and a focus on tranquility, there will likely be strict noise limitations, particularly in outdoor areas late at night to respect guests staying on property. 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), depending on the hotel’s specific policies and layout relative to the private accommodations. 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 Villas Carrizalillo’s rules regarding setup, sound levels in different areas, timing, power requirements, and use of space, especially considering guest privacy and navigating the property. Hotels may have fees for outside vendors. Your planner must coordinate this closely with the hotel management.

 

Parking and Guest Logistics (Hotel Location)

 

Logistics for Villas Carrizalillo are convenient due to its accessible location near Santa Cruz/Carrizalillo beach, but require attention to the clifftop layout and beach access:

Airport Transfers: Guests arrange standard transport from Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) directly to Villas Carrizalillo (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/villas directly at Villas Carrizalillo (EP) or elsewhere in Puerto Escondido. The hotel is a convenient base for guests, located on the clifftop near Carrizalillo beach and a short taxi ride from the main town beaches/areas.

Transport to Villas Carrizalillo: Easily accessible from other parts of Puerto Escondido via taxi or ride-share (approx. 5-10 minutes from La Punta or Zicatela, 5 minutes from Santa Cruz marina). The hotel’s clifftop location is a short walk or quick drive/taxi from the top of the stairs leading down to Carrizalillo beach itself.

Internal Transport / Beach Access: Moving between different event locations (terraces, pool, restaurant) within the hotel property involves walking on a hillside, potentially with stairs. Accessing Carrizalillo beach directly from the hotel property requires navigating a series of stairs down the cliffside – this is a key logistical element that *must* be communicated clearly to guests, and alternatives/assistance should be considered for those with mobility issues.

Parking: Villas Carrizalillo typically has on-site parking for guests and vendors. This is convenient, but providing guidance on accessing the hotel on the clifftop 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 navigating the hillside/stair access if needed for setup on the beach.

 

Total Cost Breakdown (Villas Carrizalillo Wedding)

 

For an estimated wedding of 60 guests at Villas Carrizalillo:

Venue Fee: $2,000 – $8,000+ USD (Variable based on season, day of week, chosen areas). Reflects boutique size and desirable location/views.

In-House Catering (Food, Beverage, Staffing): $90 – $200+ USD per person ($5,400 – $12,000+) – Variable based on chosen menu and beverage package.

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

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

Decor & Florals: $3,000 – $10,000+ (Especially for custom design leveraging views).

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

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 – $80,000+ USD for 60 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 at a boutique property with stunning views.

 

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 on a view terrace. Select talented local musicians or a DJ within hotel noise limits/curfews. Encourage guests to book standard room/villa types and utilize readily available taxis/ride-shares within Puerto Escondido. Clearly communicate the beach access stairs but don’t overcommit to providing assistance unless guests have specific confirmed needs. Skip optional private events.

Splurge: Secure a prime date and location (best view 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’s restaurant or a private villa area. Upgrade entertainment (live band). Secure preferred villas for the couple and wedding party. Add personalized touches. Ensure ease of beach access for all guests by confirming any assistance the hotel offers or planning for supplementary support if needed.

 

Villas Carrizalillo Event Inclusions (Summary)

 

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

Villas Carrizalillo Booking includes: Use of contracted event areas (terrace, poolside, restaurant), 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 in villas/bungalows (via room block – guests pay for units/EP), use of hotel amenities for staying guests, access to Carrizalillo beach via stairs.

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, *guaranteed guest assistance for beach stairs* (clarify policy).

Verify details based on your specific Villas Carrizalillo wedding contract and room block agreement, particularly regarding beach access logistics and accommodation terms.

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

 

Guests attending a wedding at Villas Carrizalillo benefit from the hotel’s amenities, comfortable villa accommodations, and its prime clifftop location offering both seclusion and access to Puerto Escondido’s attractions:

On-Site (Hotel Amenities): Guests staying at the hotel can enjoy the hotel facilities throughout their stay. This typically includes multiple swimming pools (often with stunning views), on-site restaurant(s) and bar(s) (where guests pay per consumption), and the unique access down to Carrizalillo beach via the stairs. This provides a comfortable base with beautiful views and direct access to a popular beach.

Carrizalillo Beach Access: The direct stairs from the hotel down to Carrizalillo beach are a key feature. Guests can easily spend time on this popular, swimmable beach with its calm waters, palapa restaurants, and relaxed vibe. Note that the return journey involves climbing the stairs back up to the hotel/clifftop.

Off-Site (Puerto Escondido Exploration): The hotel’s location is very convenient. Guests are a short taxi or ride-share ride away from other areas of Puerto Escondido like Zicatela (surfing beach with nightlife), La Punta (relaxed, bohemian vibe), or the main town/marina area with its markets, shops, and restaurants. Boat tours, surfing lessons, or visits to nearby lagoons are easily accessible via taxi or tours from the marina area.

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 (like a view terrace), paid separately. Alternatively, they can host these events off-site in Puerto Escondido, requiring external coordination.

 

Three Practical Tips for Brides

 

Embrace the Views and Carrizalillo Charm: Villas Carrizalillo’s clifftop location overlooking the bay is spectacular. Work with your planner and photographer to utilize these terraces with views for photos and key event moments like the ceremony or cocktail hour. Highlight the beauty and accessibility (via stairs) of Carrizalillo beach for guest enjoyment and photos.

Plan for the Beach Access Stairs: The stairs down to Carrizalillo beach are a significant feature but can be a challenge for some guests. Communicate this clearly to your guests in advance. Clarify if the hotel offers any assistance (like porters) for guests using the stairs, or plan for supplementary support if needed for those with mobility issues. This is crucial for ensuring all guests can enjoy the beach access.

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, beach stair access process). An external planner is your advocate for *your overall vision* (design, vendor sourcing/management beyond the hotel, detailed timeline, guest experience, managing logistics on the hillside property). They work in tandem to ensure your event is executed smoothly, integrating any external elements and managing guest movement effectively across the multi-level property and to the beach.

 

Two Bride Reviews 

 

“Villas Carrizalillo was the most stunning location for our wedding! The views of the bay from the clifftop terraces are absolutely incredible, and the direct stairs down to the beach were amazing for guests who wanted to swim. We loved the private villa accommodations for our friends and family. The hotel staff were friendly and the in-house catering was delicious. Our planner was essential in helping us customize the decor and coordinating all our outside vendors, and they did a fantastic job managing the logistics on the hillside property and ensuring guests could access the beach. It was a perfect, intimate wedding with breathtaking views!” – Laura S.

“We chose Villas Carrizalillo because we fell in love with Carrizalillo Bay and wanted a hotel right there with great views. Princess Mayev offered exactly that. We weren’t looking for all-inclusive, and the private villas were perfect for our group. The ceremony on the terrace overlooking the water was unforgettable. Our planner was key to coordinating our design, rentals, and entertainment, and they were great at communicating with the hotel about navigating the different levels and beach access. Our guests loved being so close to such a beautiful beach and exploring the area easily by taxi.” – Mariana P.

 

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro 

 

Photographing a wedding at Villas Carrizalillo offers stunning visual opportunities thanks to its prime clifftop location overlooking Carrizalillo Bay. My focus would be on leveraging these panoramic views from the terraces for creative portraits and ceremony shots, documenting the descent/ascent via the charming stairs to the beach, capturing the relaxed ambiance by the pool and hotel areas, and documenting the personal energy of the couple and their guests enjoying this beautiful setting. The multi-level layout and beach access provide unique compositional possibilities. Challenges include managing varied lighting across different levels and areas throughout the day, navigating photography around hotel guests, ensuring efficient movement (with gear) between event areas on the hillside and potentially down to the beach (factoring in stairs), and coordinating coverage with the event timeline managed by the hotel and external planner. Villas Carrizalillo is ideal for couples who prioritize a convenient, guest-friendly, charming, and intimate destination wedding experience with truly spectacular bay views and direct access to a beloved beach, offering photos that feel personal, naturally beautiful, and dynamically capture the unique character of this Puerto Escondido gem.

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