San Miguel de Allende has become one of Mexico’s most popular places to get married – for both foreigners and nationals. This means that it can be hard (and a little boring) to book the regular old places. Here are a few places that might be off your radar but would make for great wedding venues – some for intimate gatherings, and some for rowdy, raucous crowds!
Standing in the middle of the octogan-domed observatory, looking up at the foilage while butterflies float around you is a little bit like getting married in a dream. The incredible landscaping of Luna Escondida gives the happy couple all kinds of options for indoor and outdoor festivities. The property is equipped with 3 guest houses (Villa Alexandria, Villa Andrea & Villa Valentina) that can accommodate up to 24 of your closest friends and family. Whether an intimate occasion or an event of close to 800 guests, Luna Escondida is a very unique and versatile option.
For a small celebration, the new luxury boutique Casa Blanca hotel in the heart of San Miguel’s downtown should definitely be on the short list. With extravagant but elegant design features (their massive Moroccan chandelier globe, the antique glass fountain), the new hotel provides the feeling of a desert oasis and serves some incredible Mediterranean food to boot. With stunning views of the San Francisco church next door, the rooftop restaurant is a great place for an intimate reception.
The Dos Buhos vineyard and facilities are a great setting for a bohemian-style country wedding with wild flowers and vows under the trees. They have an event space for up to 200 people and a chapel that will hold 60 (40 sitting, 20 standing). However, their most precious asset is the outdoor space and gardens, a green oasis in the middle of the central Mexico desert. They don’t offer catering or bar service but have a fully-equipped kitchen bar for you to run on your own.
A large outdoor platform looks out over the budding grape vines of the San Lucas winery and residential project. It’s the peak of romance at sunset with a glass of delicious wine in your hand. San Lucas has indoor and outdoor wedding facilities, a chapel and parking. They have a capacity of 600 people and offer a full-service kitchen and bathrooms. In order to reserve for a wedding you must rent at least 14 rooms at their hotel for 2 nights each and a third of your wine selection must be the San Lucas brand.
The Tres Raices Winery and Hotel is opening this year to grand fanfare and we are sure they will soon be booked solid for weddings. They have a beautiful set of modern-style bungalows that look out over the misty Guanajuato hills as the morning fog rolls in and offers the entire package – catering, winery visits and a full-service hotel and spa. Just minutes from San Miguel de Allende, the winery is a perfect place to shoot in and out of town when you want, while being assured of maximum privacy and relaxation.
For a medium-sized affair, think about Hotel Nena right in the heart of downtown San Miguel. They have an outdoor bar under the canopy of a giant mesquite tree in the front patio or a hacienda-style patio, complete with surrounding archways in the back. The grace and elegance of the building’s architecture lends itself to some real old-fashioned romance while the rooftop bar and swimming pool means it is perfect for a drink and incredible views.
San Miguel’s premium tequila, Casa Dragones, owns an intimate space on recreo right in the heart of downtown. For a private event you must purchase a minimum of 15 bottles of their Casa Dragones Joven tequila and they provide crystal tequila glasses for you to use. They don’t directly offer catering or other services, but are happy to make suggestions for you of local providers.
